Agricultural producers in Florida have until March 20 to apply for 2015 financial assistance to make natural resource improvements through several specific initiatives. Danny Johns of Blue Sky Farms in St. Johns County talks about the National Water Quality Initiative he has been able to use on his farm through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida. Download Audio
Alabama Landowners Invited to Comment on New EQIP Rule
Agricultural producers, private forest landowners and stakeholders in Alabama are invited to provide comments on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. And Assistant State Conservationist for Programs with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, Steve Musser, hopes producers will learn more about the technical and financial assistance available through EQIP. Download Audio
UF/IFAS Citizen Science Project Abuzz over Bees and Wasps
From the University of Florida/IFAS: GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Citizen scientists around the world are busy as bees for a University of Florida study. A global movement called “citizen science” is gaining traction, as scientists give lay people protocols so they can collect valid data.
Congress Passes Key Tax Extenders Legislation
From the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: WASHINGTON (Dec. 16, 2014) – Today, the U.S. Senate voted 76 to 16 to pass a tax extenders package that holds key provisions for small businesses such as section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation. The tax extenders package was previously approved in the
Florida Adopts 10-Year Plan to Clean Lake Okeechobee
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: The state Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday announced the adoption of a 10-year restoration plan for Lake Okeechobee that is expected to reduce phosphorous entering the lake by one-third. The $750 million “basin management action plan” identifies a variety of projects intended to lessen the influx of nutrient-rich water into the lake, create
Tim Albritton Receives the Alabama NRCS Jerry L. Johnson Award
From USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama: Auburn, Ala, December 15, 2014 – Tim Albritton, State Staff Forester with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Auburn, Alabama, was presented the Jerry L. Johnson Award during the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) Annual Meeting in Orange Beach, Alabama. NRCS State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett said the award was …
Southeast AgNet This Week: Dairy Deadline; Specialty Crop Protection
Today’s issue of Southeast AgNet This Week includes a reminder on Friday’s dairy program deadline and information on increased protection for specialty crop growers. Want to learn more? Click here to subscribe and view the current issue.
USDA Video: USDA Week In Review December 12
A weekly look at some of the events and activities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this edition of USDA Week In Review, snowy and cold or dry and mild? The International Year of Soils and healthcare coverage in rural America.
USDA Provides Greater Protection for Fruit, Vegetable and Other Specialty Crop Growers
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses when
Florida NRCS Offers New Longleaf Pine Page
Florida is one of nine states included in USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Longleaf Pine Initiative that gives financial and technical assistance for conservation practices that help restore longleaf pine forests and enhance existing stands. And you are invited to check out their new Longleaf Pine Page, where several folks have generously volunteered to write blogs and there will be …