(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the final rule for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which enables agricultural producers and private landowners to protect farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands with conservation easements. The rule updates ACEP as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and incorporates public comments made on an interim rule. “Conservation easements are a critical conservation tool helping landowners …
Signup for Conservation Easements in Georgia Ends Friday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds producers and landowners that the deadline to sign up for this year’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is Feb. 5, 2021. In order to be considered for the fiscal year 2021 funding pool, applications must be submitted by this upcoming Friday. ACEP is a program with two components; Agricultural Land Easements …
Florida Natural Resource Meeting Web Conference is March 3
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced it will conduct a State Technical Committee meeting on March 3 by web conference. The meeting, slated for 9:30 a.m. to noon, is available to the public. NRCS will solicit recommendations for establishing program criteria and priorities for conservation in Florida. The committee, chaired by NRCS Florida State Conservationist Juan …
Farmer Feedback Needed for Conservation Planning
The National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) is urging landowners to take part in a survey to obtain feedback on ways to strengthen the value of a conservation plan and to improve the delivery of conservation planning assistance to landowners. NCPP is a partnership between USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of RC&D Councils, …
Updated Guide to USDA Programs Opens the Door to Available Funding
Due to the wide range of resources available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), it can be difficult for farmers and ranchers to navigate and stay up to date with program changes after each farm bill. But, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants you to know with the newly updated “Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities”, it’s easy to find …
Adaptation matters – Indiangrass selections for the Deep South
(USDA/NRCS) — Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a native, warm-season perennial grass that occurs across most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is commonly found in several ecosystems, including tallgrass prairie, savannahs, and as an understory component in southeastern pine forests across the South. In pine forests, it provides nesting habitat for game birds and songbirds, cover and …
USDA Investing to Protect Communities in Florida
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be investing more than $46 million this year through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership for projects that mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, and restore healthy forest ecosystems on public and private lands. Through the projects, USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are working hand-in-hand with agricultural producers, forest landowners, and …
Signup for Conservation Easements Underway in Georgia
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia reminds producers and landowners that signup for this year’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is underway. In order to be considered for the fiscal year 2021 funding pool, applications must be submitted by Feb. 5, 2021. Georgia State Conservationist, Terrance O. Rudolph, said, “With ACEP, NRCS can help different types of landowners …
Duval Soil and Water Full Board Meeting via Zoom Coming Up
(USDA/NRCS/FL) — The Duval Soil and Water Conservation District Full Board will meet on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at 3:30 p.m. at the Duval Agricultural Extension Office, 1010 N. McDuff Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32254. This meeting will be held via Zoom teleconference. At this time the Extension Office is open only at limited capacity. Public participation is encouraged, but members …
Alabama in Pilot Project to Control Feral Swine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced this week they are investing $11.65 million in 14 projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine as part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. This investment expands the pilot program to new projects in various states, including Alabama. This program is a joint effort …