wetands

USDA-NRCS Investing in Wetlands Restoration

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

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced last month it will be investing up to $50 million in fiscal year 2024 through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). WREP allows eligible conservation partners to work with local agriculture producers to protect, restore and enhance high-priority wetlands on agricultural lands.  Until August 16, 2024, NRCS will accept proposals for WREP that enables effective integration …

USDA Proposes FMMO Updates

Will Jordan Cattle, Dairy, Livestock, Livestock News

The USDA has released its proposed updates to the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders. These come on the heels of a lengthy hearing which highlighted the needs of American dairymen. American Farm Bureau’s Chad Smith has more on the mixed results for farmers and ranchers. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers …

insurance options

USDA Expands Insurance Options for Specialty and Organic Growers

Dan Crop Insurance, Economy, Organic, Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers beginning with the 2025 crop year. The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units by organic farming practice, adding enterprise unit eligibility for several crops, and making additional policy updates. This is the first of …

U.S. farmers

USDA Expands Funding Opportunities for Specialty Crop Growers

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Funding, Specialty Crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it is expanding funding opportunities for specialty crop growers. The Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) Program will now include both medium-size and small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.  The program has also been expanded to include …

Healthy Soils Week

USDA Soil Science Proposals are Due July 8

Dan Environment, Soil, Soil, USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing $3 million in partnerships to promote and fund research that informs and improves soil surveys. So, the NRCS encourages institutions of higher education in the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) network to submit proposals by July 8, 2024.  NRCS Chief Terry Cosby said, “Congress recognized that states and other partners need soil …

meat

NCBA Calls USDA Proposed Rule “Direct Attack”

Dan Agri-Business, Cattle, Economy, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new action on the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). It says the Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule would tackle longstanding challenges around interpretations of unfairness and competitive injury for the livestock, meat, and poultry sectors. However, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a statement against the rule …

georgia

USDA in Georgia Hosting FSA Webinar

Dan Agri-Business, Georgia, USDA-FSA

The USDA Farm Service Agency in Georgia (FSA-GA) invites agricultural producers and stakeholders in the state to attend an informational webinar on County Committee nominations and elections.  FSA-GA State Executive Director Arthur Tripp and staff will provide an overview and take questions regarding the FSA’s upcoming County Committee nominations and election cycle.  The virtual meeting, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 1:00 …

missouri

USDA Providing Funds for Conservation and Climate-Smart Ag Solutions

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

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions. The NRCS is accepting project proposals until July 2, 2024 through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). It is designed to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.  The $1.5 billion investment is being made …

USDA Proposes New Rules to Promote Fairer Poultry Markets

Will Jordan Livestock, Livestock News, Poultry

The United States Department of Agriculture announced Monday their proposed plans for addressing complex competition issues in agricultural markets – an effort to level the playing field for poultry growers and farmers. Proposing the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems, USDA hopes to address multiple abuses in relation to grower ranking payment systems (commonly known as “tournament”) and …