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
2015 CTIC Conservation in Action Tour
On August 11-12 the Conservation Technology Information Center’s (CTIC) eighth annual Conservation in Action Tour will visit farms in southeastern Minnesota. The tour will include a close-up exploration of conservation farming practices and will focus on innovative practices and partnerships. The trip is touted as one of the conservation agriculture world’s top idea-sharing opportunities. Executive Director, Karen Scanlon says participants will visit … Read More
Keep MOM in Mind with Nutrient Management
Mother’s Day was last month but Howard Brown tells farmers they should keep MOM in mind on the farm every day. “It’s all about MOM and if we embrace that philosophy, we’d all be better off,” says Dr. Brown, GROWMARK director of nutrient management and environmental stewardship. “Agriculture’s MOM is Minimizing environmental impact by Optimizing harvest yield and Maximizing input … Read More
NRCS Opens Conservation Gateway
Farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners can now do business with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through a new Conservation Client Gateway announced today. NRCS chief Jason Weller says the portal will allow producers will have the ability to work with conservation planners online to access Farm Bill programs, request assistance and track payments for … Read More
Conservation Compliance Deadline June 1
Farmers are being reminded the deadline is near to certify their conservation compliance. This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the new Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2015, in order to remain eligible or to … Read More
California Farmer Honored for Blackbird Protection
A dairy farmer from Tipton, California was recognized for his efforts to protect the Tricolored Blackbird in his state. Frank Mendonsa is the President of Western United Dairymen and the owner of the silage fields that became a temporary nesting grounds for the emergency-listed birds. Mendonsa delayed his harvest to allow the birds to raise their young. “When the … Read More
National Ag Leaders Elected to AFT Board
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) has elected a pair of nationally recognized leaders of agriculture to its board. This news release from the group says Jim Moseley and Greg Watson will join the board this fall. John Hardin, vice chair of the AFT board said, “Jim Moseley and Greg Watson bring a wealth of agriculture and conservation experience, expertise and … Read More
Mosaic to Sponsor CTIC Tour for 5th Year
For the fifth year in a row, The Mosaic Company has signed on as tour leader for the Conservation Technology Information Center’s (CTIC) Conservation in Action Tour. This year’s tour will bring as many as 250 farmers, crop consultants, agribusiness leaders, conservation leaders, researchers and government officials to southeastern Minnesota on August 11 and 12, 2015. “At Mosaic, we work … Read More
USDA Targets Aid to Drought Stricken States
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest an additional $21 million to help farmers and ranchers in eight drought-stricken states. NRCS will provide technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to target areas that are experiencing either exceptional or extreme drought conditions, including parts of California, Kansas, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. The … Read More
USDA Invests in Ogallala Aquifer
Farmers and Ranchers in the Ogallala Aquifer can expect improved water quality and the conservation of billions of gallons with the assistance of the USDA‘s $6.5 million dollar investment. Secretary Vilsack announced that funding will be directed towards seven target areas to support primary water sources and encourage rural economies. “This funding assists conservationists and agricultural producers in planning and implementing … Read More