by Will Jordan This week Florida Cattlemen’s Association is holding its convention in Marco Island. We caught up with Acting State Conservationist, Nathan Fikkert, for an update on how his office is promoting conservation.
Grower Discusses Conservation Steps
Travis Miller, part owner and manager of the 330-acre DeSoto Grove in DeSoto County, was recently recognized by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation for his natural resource conservation efforts. Miller and 22 other Florida farmers and ranchers received the Farm Bureau’s County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award. Miller reports on the conservation steps taken at DeSoto Grove: “We enrolled into …
USDA Updates Conservation Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently completed and published updates to its set of National Conservation Practice Standards, which include 58 standards that have been updated or revised since August. According to Acting NRCS Chief, Kevin Norton, those standards cover a wide range of practices including irrigation water management. He notes that USDA’s conservation efforts include a …
Coalition Releases Farmers’ Guide to the CSP
(NAFB) — As farmers begin to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program across the country, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition released its updated “Farmers’ Guide to the CSP.” As interest grows in farming practices that protect natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change, it’s a good time for producers to explore the CSP. The coalition says this …
Rehearing Rejected in Conservation Funding Fight
(NSF) — An appeals court has refused to reconsider a decision that backed Florida lawmakers in a battle about conservation funding. With no explanation, the 1st District Court of Appeal on Monday issued an order denying a request by environmental groups for a rehearing in the case. A three-judge panel of the appeals court on Sept. 9 overturned a ruling by …
Florida NRCS to Conduct RCPP Workshop Wednesday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the launch of the updated Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). And Florida NRCS will conduct one more RCPP Workshop. It will be held Wednesday, October 23 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center Auditorium in Sebring. The workshop will cover program requirements, the application process, and project evaluations. Potential …
Conservation Reserve Program Signup Ends Friday
Farmers and ranchers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts may now re-enroll in certain CRP continuous signup practices or, if eligible, select a one-year contract extension. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also is accepting offers from those who want to enroll for the first time in one of the country’s largest conservation programs. But FSA’s 52nd signup for CRP …
DeSantis, Cabinet Back Conservation Land Buys
(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and Cabinet members agreed Thursday to buy and conserve more than 900 acres of land across the state at a combined cost of just over $11 million. The land, which will be acquired with Florida Forever conservation funds, are 717 acres within the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone in Wakulla County, 129 acres in Charlotte County …
Signup Continues for National Conservation Innovation Grants
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service reminds landowners their signup period for National Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) continues. USDA is investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. CIG are competitive grants driving public and private sector innovation in resource conservation, with projects inspiring creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private …
Various Conservation Practices through Georgia NRCS
The 2018 Farm Bill was enacted back in December, and the legislation continues its strong support for conservation efforts of America’s farmers and ranchers through reauthorization and expanded flexibility of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs. NRCS in Georgia wants to remind producers they offer financial and technical assistance through conservation practices, activities and enhancements to help make and …