ai

UF Researchers Use AI Datasets to Track Feral Pigs, Minimize Disease Risk

Dan Conservation, Pork, Research

University of Florida scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) to track feral hogs’ reproduction and how they spread pathogens on Florida’s grazing lands. Feral pigs cost the agriculture industry at least $1.5 billion in damage, disease, and control costs around the United States annually. They run rampant on large swaths of grazing lands. The swine root in the soil and …

conservation

CSP Application Deadline in Florida is Friday

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida

Here’s a reminder from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida that the deadline to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is Friday, March 26. While applications are accepted year-round, those interested in CSP need to submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure they are considered for 2021 funding.  Through CSP, NRCS helps agricultural producers and forest landowners …

desantis

Florida Senate Proposes Money for Everglades, Sea Level Rise

Dan Environment, Florida, Lake Okeechobee, News from Our Sponsors, Water

(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis would get more than he requested for Everglades restoration and water projects in the coming year under an initial Senate budget proposal that also would set up a grant program to address sea-level rise. In addition, the Senate is proposing an increase in money for the state’s springs, a reduction to the Florida Forever conservation …

climate-farm-bureau.png

Florida NRCS Accepting CSP Renewal Applications Set to Close

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind producers they are accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications through March 31 for contracts set to end this year. Those with existing CSP contracts that close Dec. 31, 2021, can benefit from recent program changes by renewing their contracts for an additional five years if they agree to …

partnership

Florida Timber Owner Pleased with CSP

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, Forestry, USDA-NRCS

Florida landowners are being reminded the deadline to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for the fiscal year 2021 funding is Friday, March 26. Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida helps agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of new technologies and management techniques. …

usda

USDA Seeks Innovative Partner-led Projects Delivering Sustainable Agricultural Solutions

Dan Conservation, Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals to fund up to $75 million in new, unique projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). Proposals need to take innovative and non-traditional approaches to conservation solutions at the local, regional, and landscape scales. 15 projects will be funded this year through AFA, where partners have more flexibility …

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

FDACS Looking for Environmental Leaders

Dan Citrus, Climate Change, Conservation, Environment

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is accepting nominations for the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The award recognizes agricultural producers who demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing innovative techniques to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources. Nominations must be submitted to FDACS by April 15, 2021. The nomination form may be downloaded below, and more information about …

nature

Investment in Land and Water Conservation Announced by USDA

Dan Conservation, Environment, Soil, USDA, Water

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will invest more than $218 million to fund Great American Outdoors Act projects. Their objective is to conserve critical forest and wetland habitat, support the economic recovery of rural communities and increase public access to national forests and grasslands. This investment will improve public access by funding strategic land acquisitions. Funds will also …

conservation

New Florida Farmer Pleased with NRCS Program

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for the fiscal year 2021 will be accepted through March 26. Samantha Longster with S&S Micro Farm LLC located in Bartow, Florida is a new and beginning farmer who with her husband, started farming blueberries last year. They just entered into CSP to plant cover crops …

michael regan

New EPA Administrator Michael Regan Confirmed by Senate

Dan Agri-Business, Environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is officially under new leadership. Michael Regan has been confirmed by the Senate as the 15th EPA Administrator through a vote of 66-34. Regan received significant support from the agricultural industry throughout the confirmation process. Ag groups had expressed enthusiasm for working with Regan in finding practical solutions to environmental issues. “Regan’s experience and informed …