desantis

Saving Florida’s Treasured Wetlands

Dan Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

Many living in the state of Florida understand why wetlands are treasures of the state. But according to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly half of 20.3 million wetland acres have been lost since settlers began draining and diking wetlands in the 19th century. And of course the growing population threatens what remains. So USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation service …

agriculture

USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA has announced they are investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through July 29, 2019, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). These are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production …

biobased

Final EPA Rule Exempts Farms From Emissions Reporting

Dan Environment, Industry News Release, Livestock, Pork

The National Pork Producers Council applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for finalizing its rule exempting livestock farmers from reporting to state and local authorities the routine emissions from their farms. “This rule is the final piece in the implementation of the FARM Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support last year and eliminated the need for livestock …

conservation

USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants

Dan Economy, Environment, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Program At A Glance National and State CIG – Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and …

wotus

Court Strikes 2015 Water Rule

Dan Environment, Industry News Release, Irrigation, Water

A federal court on Tuesday invalidated the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ 2015 expansion of federal jurisdiction over small and isolated waters. After years of litigation in suits filed by dozens of state governments and trade groups, this is the first court to reach a final decision on the lawfulness of the 2015 Waters of the United …

Conservation

USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Protect and Restore Critical Wetlands

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants landowners to know they are making available up to $40 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through WREP, states, local units …

PRODUCERS

Continuous Signup Period Coming for Conservation Resource Program

Dan Environment, Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will soon begin signup of eligible lands under its continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Rod Bain has more details. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications beginning June 3 for certain practices under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup and will offer extensions for expiring CRP contracts. The 2018 …

ghg

“Beef Cattle Industry Has Great Story to Tell” On Climate

Dan Cattle, Environment, Industry News Release

Direct Emissions From Beef Cattle Only 2% of Total U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Lyons-Blythe Testifies Testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Kansas cattle producer Debbie Lyons-Blythe delivered a clear message about eCommerce carbon offsets at a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on climate change. “The U.S. cattle industry is proud of its history as stewards of …

producers

Florida NRCS Holding State Technical Committee Meeting

Dan Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will conduct a State Technical Committee Meeting this Tuesday, May 21 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Doyle Conner Agriculture Building Auditorium in Gainesville. The meeting is open to the public and will give an overview of the 2018 Farm Bill programs and conservation easements. NRCS will solicit recommendations …

producers

Conservation Client Gateway Helping Alabama Farmers

Dan Alabama, Environment, USDA-NRCS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind farmers about their secure online portal, Conservation Client Gateway. Alabama State Conservationist, Ben Malone, says this is a great way to take care of business without having to visit your local NRCS office.  Malone notes your local NRCS office can help get you started, or learn more on their website, al.nrcs.usda.gov.