Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young has announced that the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering contract renewal sign-ups for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS made several updates to the program last fall to help producers evaluate the benefits of conservation options on their land. “The changes made to CSP are providing even greater opportunities for stewardship-minded … Read More
NRCS Adds Gypsum to List of Conservation Practices
Earlier this week, director of research for GYPSOIL Division of Beneficial Reuse Management, Ron Chamberlain explained the NRCS program to ag writers and broadcasters at Ag Media Summit. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has added gypsum to the list of conservation practices, making it possible for farmers in a growing number of states to receive financial assistance to amend … Read More
USDA Awards $44.6M For Wetland Projects
The USDA is awarding $44.6 million through its Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership to support 10 projects in 12 states on private tribal agricultural lands. Receipts are providing matching funds totaling more than $4.3 million. In total, the projects will help to protect, restore or enhance 15,000 wetland acres in critical watersheds across the United States. “USDA is committed to protecting … Read More
USDA Puts $20 Million into Conservation
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program is now offering up to $20 million in competitive grants, says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The USDA hopes the grants will increase the development and adoption of the latest technology in conservation methods for farmers, ranchers and landowners. “The Conservation Innovation Grant program has an impressive track record of fostering innovative conservation tools and … Read More
USDA Announces Additional 2016 CRP Funding
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack yesterday afternoon announced $150 million in funding is available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for agricultural producers. During the 2016 fiscal year, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to add an estimated 10 million acres to the rolls of CSP. “The Conservation Stewardship Program is one of our most popular programs with producers … Read More
Survey Collects Farmer Feedback on USDA Programs
The American Farm Bureau Federation has launched an online survey to collect feedback from farmers and ranchers about 10 programs being offered from the Agriculture Department. AFBF plans to use the results to create recommendations for the USDA to make its programs better serve growers. Any farmer or rancher is encouraged to take the survey. The process requires about 10 … Read More
USDA Invests In Improving Water Quality
$30 million will be invested in Mississippi watersheds this year according to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. 33 new projects and 40 existing projects to improve water quality in high priority watersheds are included in the project; these projects affect waters that flow into the Gulf of Mexico. “By targeting small priority watersheds within the Mississippi River basin, we are … Read More
USDA To Invest $30mil To Protect Wetlands
Late last week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will award $30 million to projects in six states to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on private and tribal agricultural lands. The projects are being funded under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), a program authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Through locally led partnerships like … Read More
USDA Makes $17.5 Mil Available for Wetland Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made $17.5 million available for wetland conservation on agricultural grounds. This agency news release says USDA is now looking for voluntary partners who want to protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on the farmland. “USDA has leveraged partnerships to accomplish a great deal on America’s wetlands over the past two decades, [Agriculture Secretary Tom] … Read More
USDA Debuts ‘Hope in Healthy Soil’ Ad
A new 90-second ad on YouTube looks to bring new respect and admiration for the soil beneath our feet. As part of its “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil” campaign, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a new, 90-second public service announcement that encapsulates “The hope in healthy soil.” According to Ron Nichols, the campaign’s communications coordinator, the … Read More