U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind those interested that the deadline to submit applications for the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) is February 25, 2022. Alabama is offering an opportunity for agricultural producers in priority watersheds within the state to apply for financial assistance to install conservation practices that protect water quality through …
ACEP Working to Protect Wetlands in Florida
While wetlands are some of Florida’s treasures, over the years we’ve seen an acreage decrease of nearly half. According to a U.S Fish and Wildlife Service report, over 20 million wetland acres have been lost since settlers began draining and diking them back in the 19th century. And of course now, population growth continues to threaten what remains. USDA’s Natural Resources …
GCC, UGA Extension Remind Growers About the Importance of Soil Sampling
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) and University of Georgia Extension remind growers about the importance of soil sampling this time of year. With fertilizer prices skyrocketing in recent months, producers need to have a plan about what nutrients are needed in their soils, says Glen Harris, University of Georgia (UGA) Professor and Extension Agronomist in Environmental Soil …
Six Georgia Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas by USDA
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 …
GPC Research and Report Day: A Glimpse Into the Industry’s Future
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission’s (GPC) annual Research and Report Day on Wednesday highlighted ongoing projects from researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and U.S. Department of Agriculture. It provided insight into the future of peanut production, says Donald Chase, research chairman at the GPC. “When we make our decisions in March …
Signup Now for Expanded Conservation Program Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering several new and expanded opportunities for climate-smart agriculture in 2022. This includes availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts option and a Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Initiative. These improvements to NRCS’ working lands conservation programs, combined with continued program opportunities across the …
Deadline to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage Extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and the new Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for 2022. ?The new deadline to apply is March 25, 2022. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC and SDMC signup in December 2021 to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and …
GCC Highlights Cotton Trust Protocol During Annual Meeting
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) reminds producers about the importance of enrolling in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. It was one of the topics highlighted during the commission’s annual meeting on Jan. 26. Kent Fountain, chairman of the National Cotton Council, discussed the importance of growers continuing to enroll in the program, now that it is more …
USDA to Invest $1 Billion in Climate Smart Commodities
Monday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will deliver on its promise to expand markets by investing $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, …
Applications Being Accepted for RCPP Funding
In January, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced up to $225 million will be made available for conservation partners through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). It is a partner-driven program that leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby notes this year’s funding announcements include opportunities for projects that address climate …