Grazing Lands

USDA-NRCS Expanding Grazing Lands Conservation

Dan Cattle, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), Livestock, Pasture, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until May 26, 2024. An investment up to $22 million is being made in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers to …

USDA-NRCS Accepting RCPP Project Proposals

Dan Conservation, Environment, Forestry, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners it is now accepting project proposals through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.  This $1.5 billion investment, being made available through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, is enabling …

America’s Producers Leading the Way with Climate Change Solutions

Dan Climate Change, Environment, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), USDA-NRCS

Earth Day took place this past Monday, an event that was first celebrated some 54 years ago. And over those years, farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have seen the effects of climate change. Producers are uniquely positioned to deliver climate change solutions through programs being offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These are supported by Farm Bill funding and …

Efforts Underway to Improve Soil Surveys

Dan Environment, Soil, USDA-NRCS

Efforts to improve soil surveys is currently underway through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). They plan to invest in partnerships to promote and fund research that informs and improves soil surveys. This is all part of an ongoing effort to continue to provide critical data to the country, and partners are encouraged to prepare proposals. For those interested, 2024 Cooperative Soil …

Inflation Reduction Act in Action: Funding Makes Georgia Farmer’s Dream Come True

Dan Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Georgia, USDA-NRCS

Back in 2017, Zach Hightower bought Shoal Creek Farms, a 250-acre cattle and poultry operation in Madison County, Georgia, after leasing it for several years. And over the past few years, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) he applied for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help address several problems on the farm. Some of these applications were …

Florida NRCS Offers Agricultural Landowners Extended Opportunity to Sign Up for Conservation Easements

Dan Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), Florida, USDA-NRCS

Florida agricultural landowners interested in protecting the integrity of their property have an opportunity to safeguard their land with a conservation easement. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) is accepting applications for the ACEP Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) during an additional signup period that runs through May 31, 2024. While NRCS does accept agricultural conservation easement applications year-round, these applications are for …

First of its Kind Water Saving Pilot Project in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Cattle, Livestock, USDA-NRCS

Watersheds are the natural source of water for every living thing and require ongoing conservation measures to ensure everyone thrives. So, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) continues working with local soil and water conservation districts, local government agencies and land grant research institutions to explore innovative methods that help offset the effects of climate change and build resiliency …

USDA Makes $1.5 Billion Available for Conservation and Climate-Smart Ag

Dan Climate Change, Conservation, Environment, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an historic $1.5 billion was being made available in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting project proposals until July 2, 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies …

Grazing Lands

USDA-NRCS Working to Expand Conservation on Grazing Lands

Dan Cattle, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), Livestock, Pasture, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants livestock producers to know it is working to expand conservation on grazing lands. This involves investing up to $22 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers. “Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, which means we have a tremendous opportunity to address climate …

NACD Sends Letter Requesting Funding for Conservation Programs

Dan Conservation, Environment, National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), USDA-NRCS

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and a coalition of agriculture and conservation organizations recently sent a letter to the leaders of the U.S. House and Senate appropriations committees requesting at least $1.2 billion for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation operations and full authorized funding for farm bill conservation programs in Fiscal Year 2025. More than 85 conservation and agriculture groups signed …