While wetlands are some of Florida’s treasures, over the years we’ve seen an acreage decrease of nearly half. According to a U.S Fish and Wildlife Service report, over 20 million wetland acres have been lost since settlers began draining and diking them back in the 19th century. And of course now, population growth continues to threaten what remains. USDA’s Natural Resources …
GCC, UGA Extension Remind Growers About the Importance of Soil Sampling
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and University of Georgia Extension remind growers about the importance of soil sampling this time of year. With fertilizer prices skyrocketing in recent months, producers need to have a plan about what nutrients are needed in their soils, says Glen Harris, University of Georgia (UGA) Professor and Extension Agronomist in Environmental Soil …
Ag Groups Sue EPA Over Chlorpyrifos
A group of U.S. agricultural organizations had filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency over chlorpyrifos. DTN says the 21 groups want the agency’s pending ban on the product to be halted and eventually revoked. The lawsuit was filed as the EPA will finalize its rule revoking the food tolerances for the insecticide on February 28. That will effectively …
Predators that Threaten a Beekeeper’s Hive on the Farm
The common predators that can threaten a beekeeper’s hive on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Wild animals and insects prey on bees. One of the biggest bee predators is a Bear. They can destroy an entire hive by ripping it apart or tipping it on its side to get to the honey. Skunks enjoy eating …
DeSantis Takes Aim at Senate Environmental Proposal
(TALLAHASSEE, FL/NSF/Feb. 10, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday opposed a controversial Senate budget bill that critics say could affect Everglades restoration. But Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, defended the bill as protecting restoration efforts, including a massive reservoir. Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday approved the bill (SB 2508), which drew opposition from environmentalists, charter boat …
Signup Now for Expanded Conservation Program Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering several new and expanded opportunities for climate-smart agriculture in 2022. This includes availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts option and a Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Initiative. These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities across the …
Applications Being Accepted for RCPP Funding
In January, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced up to $225 million will be made available for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). It is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby notes this year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate …
The Initiative to Incentivize Climate Smart Ag and Forestry
A USDA initiative could soon establish its framework for research and testing to help producers and landowners establish incentives for climate smart agriculture and forestry practices. According to a story from Rod Bain, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says current USDA programs have great potential to incentivize producers and landowners to undertake these practices.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signups for 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that agricultural producers and landowners can now sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). USDA calls CRP a key tool in the Biden-Harris Administration’s effort to address climate change and achieve other natural resource benefits. The General CRP signup begins today, January 31, and remains open through March 11. Then the Grassland CRP …
USDA Investing in Partner Driven Conservation in Georgia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced up to $225 million in funding for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is being made available. RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved …