The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA). Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill …
Northey on NRCS Chief Returning to the Farm
It was announced recently that Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Matt Lohr, will be stepping down. USDA Farm Production and Conservation Undersecretary, Bill Northey, told Southeast AgNet that Lohr is headed back to the farm. For more information about NRCS programs that can benefit your operation, contact your local USDA Service Center …
Farmers, Ranchers and Landowners Doing Their Part to Improve Water Quality
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 14, 2020 – Drive across Florida and you will see evidence of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) work on the landscape. Conservation practices such as riparian forest buffers, restored wetlands, contour strips and fields planted with protective cover are just a few visible signs of the agency’s work in our state. NRCS conservationists in Florida work …
NRCS Chief Promotes Programs
In case you missed the story this week, chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Matt Lohr has announced he is leaving NRCS to head back to the farm. But as chief, he’s promoted all of the programs that NRCS offers, including the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Lohr, a Virginia native …
Florida NRCS Announces Natural Resource Meeting
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced it will conduct a State Technical Committee meeting June 18, from 10-11:30 a.m. by web conference. This meeting will be open to the public, and NRCS will solicit recommendations for establishing program criteria and priorities for conservation in Florida. Chaired by NRCS Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez, the committee is …
USDA Announces $15 Million for Conservation Innovation Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $15 million investment to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through June 29, 2020, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving solutions that boost production on farms, ranches and private forests and improve …
USDA Invests to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources
(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $16,508,441 million in Florida for partner-driven conservation projects through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $20,822,664 million in partner contributions. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Florida State Conservationist Rafael Vega (acting). “Through collaboration and aligning …
USDA Invests in Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Alabama
(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $1 in Alabama for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $1,000,235 in partner contributions in Alabama. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Ben Malone, State Conservationist in Alabama. “Through collaboration and …
USDA Invests Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Georgia
(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $2,077,922 in Georgia for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage an additional $2,200,000 in partner contributions from the project lead, the Georgia Conservancy. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Terrance O. …
NRCS Seeking Public Comment on Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is still seeking public comments on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards through a posting in the Federal Register. But, the comment period closes April 23, 2020. The 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: 12 agronomic practices for water quality and erosion control Two aquaculture practices Three forestry practices …