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 …
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 …
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 …
USDA Accepts More than 2.5 Million Acres in Grassland CRP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they have accepted offers for more than 2.5 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment through this year’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Signup. This is double last year’s enrollment and brings the total acres enrolled across all CRP signups in 2021 to more than 5.3 million acres, surpassing USDA’s …
Georgia Virtual Workshop for Small and Beginning Livestock and Forage Producers
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia invites small and beginning livestock and forage producers to participate in a virtual workshop being held September 23rd. The event, being conducted through Team Agriculture Georgia and USDA in Georgia, will run that day from 9am-11am. The propose of the workshop is to introduce participants to conservation minded practices for all types of livestock and …
Local Working Groups Set Conservation Priorities in Florida
When it comes to solving natural resource problems, local landowners and managers know best. That’s why the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida gives them a seat at the table at local working group meetings. At these meetings, farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, conservation partners and the public discuss natural resource needs and priorities for their county. NRCS and soil and water …
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Helps after Hurricanes
While Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana this past weekend, its effects have been felt this week in many other states, including parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia. And this is a good time to remind landowners that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) may be able to help afterwards through their Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). If your area suffered damage from Ida, or …
Florida NRCS Extends EQIP 2022 Funding Signup
We told you before that Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners had until the first of September to apply for financial and technical assistance through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Well, that date has been extended as you now have until October 1, 2021 to apply. While applications for EQIP are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections …