Efforts to streamline and build upon USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and services have been a part of preparations as the new fiscal year is underway. NRCS Chief, Terry Cosby, discusses how his agency has been studying how to build upon traditional conservation programs while serving many who would like to apply. To learn more about how the …
Lauderdale County, Alabama, Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Area
This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of …
Senators Propose Funding Increase for Marketing Programs
A group of Senators recently introduced legislation to increase annual funding for USDA International Marketing Programs, the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD). U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says while MAP and FMD have received steady funding from Congress and the programs have strong, bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, MAP funding has remained static since …
USDA Call Center Available to Assist Agricultural Producers with Hurricane Ian Recovery
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established a call center that is available to assist agricultural producers with Hurricane Ian recovery. Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by the hurricane, so for producers located in counties where the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) local infrastructure has been impacted, the agency has established state-specific toll-free information lines where producers …
Two Major Conservation Program Sign-up Deadlines in Florida is Friday
Here’s a reminder from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida that the deadline to apply for two of its major conservation programs is Friday, October 7. They are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The original September 2 deadline, previously extended to September 30, was extended to this Friday to allow farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forestland …
USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Two Program Sign-Ups
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia has announced that two program sign-ups are underway. NRCS and partner groups have a sign-up for four regionally-focused conservation projects being funded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Each project has unique objectives and boundaries, but the ranking date for all eligible producers in these project areas to apply is November 4, 2022. To learn …
Application Deadline for CIG Classic Program is October 11
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing $15 million in the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. But a reminder, applications are being accepted until October 11, 2022. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart …
GPC Creating Awareness During Annual Restaurant Week
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is collaborating with restaurants across the state this week to promote peanuts with Georgia peanut-inspired dishes for the second annual Georgia Peanut Restaurant Week. Hannah Jones, project coordinator for research and education for GPC, discussed how this week helps bring awareness to peanuts being a viable option at restaurants across Georgia. “The …
Turkeys May Cost More This Thanksgiving
Your Thanksgiving turkey may cost you more this year. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The American Farm Bureau Federation says turkey prices may hit record levels this Thanksgiving. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed turkey and egg costs in their latest Market Intel. The retail price for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast reached a record high of …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Looking for Scholarship Applicants
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors looking to head to college next year, and from students currently enrolled in a 4-year college or university as a freshman, sophomore or junior. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Director of Field Services, Reid McGuire, says the deadline to get those in is November 6th. To see the full list of scholarships available, click …