The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of the American Climate Corps (ACC) initiative, the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the …
Record Investment in Private Lands Conservation
It was announced Tuesday that the Biden Administration made record investments in private lands conservation in fiscal year 2023. This was all through resources made available by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with the largest investment in climate action. In fiscal year 2023, USDA supported more than 45,000 conservation contracts, more than any year in the 89-year history of USDA’s Natural Resources …
USDA’s Working Lands Climate Corps
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC), an initiative designed to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. Xochitl Torres Small, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, revealed the program at the National Association of Conservation Districts’ (NACD) yearly gathering in San Diego. According to Will McIntee, Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at …
Back to the Basics: UGA Extension Reminds Cotton Growers About Importance of Soil Fertility
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Cotton Team encourage growers to get back to the basics with regards to soil fertility. Glen Harris, UGA Extension soil specialist, discussed that topic with AgNet Media’s Randall Weiseman during the recent GCC annual meeting in Tifton, Georgia. “There are a lot of new things we’re looking at; biologicals, …
Commissioner Simpson Announces Preservation of Three Florida Family Farms Through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of three family farms in the Florida Wildlife Corridor through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The K-Rocker Ranch, a 707-acre ranch in Polk County, the Los Niños Farm, a 998-acre timber and cattle operation in Putnam County, and the Kuder …
NCFC President Responds to Decision to Revoke Approval of Dicamba Products
By C.J. Miller Earlier this week, a federal judge with the U.S. District Court of Arizona has revoked the approval that allows the use of dicamba herbicide products on soybeans. The judge’s decision immediately halts the use of over-the-top applications of Xtendimax® from Bayer, Engenia® from BASF, and Tavium® from Syngenta. “I suspect we are going to be encouraging all …
TFI: Tightening of Air Standards will Hamper Fertilizer Production
This week, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) expressed alarm with the Environmental Protection Agency’s lowering of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter. According to TFI, the change will lead to permitting gridlock across much of the country, negatively impacting economic growth and fertilizer production. TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch says, “At a time when the need …
CSP Sign-up is Underway in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced sign-up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is underway. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year and apply by March 8. “The Conservation Stewardship Program continues to help our customers invest in more …
Sign Up Continues for NRCS Programs in Florida
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) continues to accept applications for two of their flagship programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS Chief Terry Cosby talks about climate smart conservation practices and the partnership between landowners and NRCS technical staff to put these practices into action. Learn more about these and other programs that could benefit your …
Apply Now for RCPP in Alabama
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) wants to remind landowners in eligible watersheds it is accepting applications for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The eligible watersheds are located within Blount, Etowah, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, and St. Clair counties. The Nature Conservancy in Alabama plans to reduce sedimentation, pollution, nutrient runoff, and other stresses within several waterbodies in …