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 …
USDA Investing in Cooperative Agreements for Racial Justice and Equity
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they will be investing up to $50 million in cooperative agreements to support historically underserved farmers and ranchers with climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The Racial Justice and Equity Conservation Cooperative Agreements are available to entities for two year projects that expand the delivery of conservation assistance to farmers who are beginning, limited …
Federal Program Helps Public after Hurricanes, Natural Disasters
With Tropical Storm Fred affecting areas of Florida, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants to remind landowners the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) may be able to help if your area suffers damage from this or any other storms during this hurricane season. The program can relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and hurricanes. Aid may include …
Georgia Longleaf Pine Groundcover Restoration Program
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia invites producers interested in learning more about longleaf pine to take part in a groundcover restoration program. The Virtual Longleaf Groundcover 201 Academy, which starts August 30, is being sponsored by the Chattahoochee Fall Line Conservation Partnership and hosted by the Longleaf Alliance. The program will focus on restoration, as expert instruction will be provided …
Partnership Opportunities for Wetland Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be investing up to $17 million to help protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). And USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind conservation partners the deadline for proposals is August 15, 2021. NRCS Easement Program Division Director Carrie Lindig says this WREP funding will …
Assistance Helps Farmers and Ranchers Conserve Natural Resources
Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until September 1,2021 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2022 funding. Through EQIP, agricultural landowners can receive financial and technical assistance to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other …