Applications are currently being accepted for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA’s) 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award. The award recognizes the nation’s best cattle and livestock operations and their stewardship and conservation efforts. Winner of the 2019 Award will be named during the 2020 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio in early February. Any individual, group or …
Cabinet Signs Off on DeSoto, Dixie Land Deals
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet agreed Tuesday to spend $8.5 million to help conserve nearly 10,000 acres in DeSoto and Dixie counties. DeSantis and Cabinet members approved spending $6.5 million for a conservation easement on 3,891 acres of ranch land in DeSoto County, with the state hoping to recoup about 42 percent of the money through …
Thanks to Farmers for Voluntary Conservation
In this season of giving thanks, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is grateful to their most important partners in implementing conservation, our farmers. And they are promoting this through #OurFarmers. NRCS is about supporting America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest land managers, both helping them better manage their operations while conserving natural resources. Throughout the year, NRCS highlights stories of …
DeSantis Praised, Criticized on Environmental Spending
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis drew praise as “a true environmental leader” but was also criticized for not putting more money toward the Florida Forever program and failing to adequately prepare the state for climate change as he released a proposed $91.4 billion budget on Monday. DeSantis received the mixed reviews from environmental groups for his spending plan, which included …
DeSantis Touts to Continue “Momentum” on Environmental Issues
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday proposed a $91.4 billion state budget for next year, touting plans to funnel more money to public-school teachers and continue “momentum” on environmental issues. The proposal is an initial step as lawmakers prepare for the January start of the annual legislative session, which will include negotiating a budget for the fiscal year that …
Conservation Funding Fight Goes to Supreme Court
(NSF) — Environmental groups are going to the Florida Supreme Court in a long-running legal battle about whether state lawmakers have properly carried out a 2014 constitutional amendment designed to boost land and water conservation. The groups filed a notice Friday that is a first step in asking the Supreme Court to decide the case. As is common, the notice does not …
NCBA Update on Migratory Birds
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) continues to keep an eye on various issues in Washington D.C., and one of those issues concerns the migratory bird treaty act. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, explains.
USDA Invites Input on CSP Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced it is seeking public comments on its interim final rule for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The program is designed to help farmers have more robust conservation activities. The rule, which is now on the Federal Register, takes effect upon publication and includes changes to the program prescribed by …
Six South Carolina Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available (USDA/FSA) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated six South Carolina counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Bamberg, Calhoun, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Richland counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation …
SFWMD Starts Public Process to Revise Rules for Northern Everglades and Coastal Estuaries Water Quality
Schedule of public workshops and interactive website announced where public can participate and provide input as District works to amend a Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program rule (SFWMD) — The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) initiates a public rule-making process to support water quality improvements in the Northern Everglades, which includes the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and the St. Lucie …