Florida agricultural producers in three watersheds will receive targeted funding to improve water quality through a new National Water Quality Initiative. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will manage the initiative by making $741, 000 available to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners in the selected watersheds. Download Audio
Alabama Signup Underway for Water Quality Initiative
Yesterday USDA announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving impaired watersheds in every U.S. state and territory. I talked with a few folks in Alabama about how funds from EQIP will be used for these practices, as the interview is with NRCS State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett, along with Alex Vaughan, NRCS District Conservationist …
USDA Announces National Water Quality Initiative
May 8, 2012 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving one to seven impaired watersheds in every U.S. state and territory. The 157 selected watersheds were identified with assistance from state agencies, key partners, and NRCS State Technical Committees. Download Audio
NRCS Offering Assistance Available to Organic Farmers and Those Transitioning
USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and the Environment Harris Sherman says NRCS has an initiative to assist organic producers in implementing or maintaining conservation practices. Download Audio
Native Plants are the Premiere Local Locals
Mimi Williams, director of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Center, says one twist to the “buy local” movement is the use of native plants. Download Audio
Education and Outreach One Component of AL NRCS Mission
As part of their outreach efforts, the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama strives to educate the public regarding the need for conservation. Kathy Walker, District Administrative Coordinator for the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, uses a fun activity known as soil babies to address some of the issues farmers deal with every day. Download Audio
Alabama Celebrates Historic Milestone
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is proud to announce the completion of its first generation soil survey that identifies soil conditions in Alabama. To mark this historic event, members of the Alabama Cooperative Soil Survey Partnership gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, as Governor Robert Bentley proclaimed January through July 2012 as the period for celebrating the next generation of the …
Seasonal High Tunnels Initiative Popular with Underserved AL Farmers
Through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Initiative, USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says they have been able to reach many under-served farmers in Alabama. Download Audio
Seasonal High Tunnels 1 of 3 FL NRCS Initiatives with June 1 Batching Date
FL NRCS Program Specialist Kenneth Morgan says Florida farmers interested in cost share funding for the Organic, On-Farm Energy and Seasonal High Tunnel initiatives still have one more chance to apply this year with an upcoming batching date of June 1. Download Audio
Merrigan Speaks on Continued Efforts to Reach Underserved in AL
USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan was in Alabama recently where she continued to spread the word regarding USDA’s outreach efforts towards socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including available assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Download Audio