Each year, farmers face a unique set of challenges, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has programs to help in many cases. One of those is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). It provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural and forestry producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits. This includes improved water and air quality, conserved ground …
Longleaf Pine Initiative Developed for Southeast Landowners
Longleaf pine forests once encompassed more than 90 million acres across the Southeast, stretching from eastern Texas to southern Virginia. These forests represent some of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems and are home to nearly 600 plant and animal species. But over the past couple of centuries, development, timbering and fire suppression reduced the ecosystem’s range. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation …
FSA Administrator Explains Details of PLIP
USDA announced late last week that sign-up deadline for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) has been extended to October 12th. PLIP is for swine, chicken and turkey producers who had to depopulate due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux provides some details of the program. For more information, contact your local USDA Farm …
Florida Producers Invited to NRCS Local Working Group Meetings
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida invites local landowners and managers to attend Local Working Group Meetings. During these meetings, farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, conservation partners and the public can discuss natural resource needs and priorities for their county. Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez says these meetings are their major source of information. There are a variety of Local Working Group Meetings being …
What Farmers Need To Know About Disaster Assistance
Natural disasters can devastate family farms, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and affecting crops and livestock. An economist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) said the most significant threats come from hurricanes and their aftereffects. “The nature of their job means that farmers face inherent risks,” said Adam Rabinowitz, who is also an Auburn University assistant professor of agricultural economics. …
Signup Deadline for Pandemic Livestock Program Extended
The original signup deadline for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) was today, September 17. But, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they have extended that deadline until October 12, 2021. This extra time will allow livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing to apply for the PLIP. Producers can still apply for …
Cotton Diseases a Factor for Georgia Producers
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Cotton Commission and University of Georgia Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait caution growers about various diseases that could be problematic over the final weeks of this year’s production season. Kemerait said the excessive rains this summer have sparked three diseases that growers need to be wary of. “With all the moisture we’ve had and with …
Livestock Pandemic Assistance Signup Ends Today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind livestock producers interested in signing up for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) that today, September 17th, is the deadline to do so. PLIP is designed to help livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the Covid-19 pandemic due to insufficient access to processing. You can apply for assistance for those losses …
Be on the Lookout: New Form Required for Some NRCS Customers
If you are a producer or landowner who participates in USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) may be reaching out by mail with information about a form you’ll need to fill out. Starting this year, all producers and landowners participating or applying to participate in certain NRCS conservation programs must complete form CCC-902, Farm Operating …
NRCS Offers Conservation Programs for Ag Producers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind eligible landowners and agricultural producers about the various voluntary programs they offer that provide financial and technical assistance to help manage natural resources in a sustainable manner. Through these programs, NRCS approves contracts to provide financial assistance to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns or opportunities to help …