The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to September 25, 2023. “We understand the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian and the catastrophic and widespread impacts in Florida’s agricultural communities,” said Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive …
New Resources for Working Lands for Wildlife Efforts
USDA’s Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) program recently received new resources in its efforts to improve wildlife habitat through conservation of working farmlands. The expansion includes close alignment of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA), centered around WLFW Frameworks for Conservation Action. USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Robert Bonnie discusses some of the new investments and collaborations under the program. …
USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports by July 17
A deadline reminder for crop producers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their local USDA office before the applicable deadline, which for many places and crops is July 17. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also reminds producers with login access …
USDA Accepts Over One Million Acres in CRP General Signup
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week it is accepting more than 1 million acres in this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General sign-up. This is one of several signups that USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is holding for the program. “This year’s General CRP signup demonstrates the value and continued strength of this voluntary conservation program, which plays an …
A Deadline Extension for Livestock Disaster Programs
Livestock producers suffering loss from weather related disasters last year still have time to apply for the Farm Service Agency’s suite of livestock disaster assistance programs. Rod Bain has more details.
USDA Offers Assistance to Help Organic Dairy Producers
Help for organic dairy producers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced assistance for dairy producers with the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The program helps dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic …
Rodale Institute Applauds USDA Investments in Organic Farmers
The USDA gets a pat on the back for its investments in organic farming. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding opportunities for organic farmers, a welcome investment, according to the Rodale Institute. USDA announced the expanded opportunities last week. Through the newly-established Organic Market Development Grant Program (OMDGP), USDA’s Agricultural Marketing …
Additional Assistance for Farm Loan Borrowers
There’s more assistance on the way for some farm loan borrowers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced, on May 1, 2023 (see below News Release), that nearly $130 million in additional, automatic financial assistance has been obligated for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial …
General CRP Sign-Up is Underway
The latest Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general acreage enrollment is underway, as signup began on Monday. Rod Bain has more details.
USDA Designates Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Feb. 15,2023) — Last week USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced a Secretarial natural disaster designation for 27 counties in Tennessee that also included four counties in Alabama that are contiguous to some of the Tennessee counties. This designation will extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from drought through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various …