Findings in the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) 2010 National Resources Inventory (NRI) Report shows a boom in growing certain specialty crops, in agricultural land, stable erosion rates and notable land use changes. The report is designed to show a summary on the status, condition and trends of land, soil, water and related resources on the nation’s private lands … Read More
Deadline Extended for Conservation Stewardship
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for fiscal year 2014. Producers interested in participating in the program can now submit applications to NRCS through Feb. 7, 2014. “Extending the enrollment deadline will make it possible for more farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to … Read More
Thune Watching Farm Bill Conservation
Senator John Thune (R-SD) believes a farm bill is “getting closer to the finish line” but he still has concerns about aspects of it. “Particularly the lack of reform in the commodity title of the bill, I think that’s a real missed opportunity,” said Thune during a press call with reporters this week. The South Dakota senator is also concerned … Read More
Cover Crop Seed Growth
With cover crops becoming increasingly important for farmers to provide nutrients and protect against erosion, different varieties are being developed to address specific needs. At the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS & Seed Expo in Chicago last week, Risa DeMasi with Grassland Oregon, who is second vice chairman of ASTA, enlightened attendees about what they are doing to develop … Read More
Iowa Conservation Action Network Launches
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA) have launched a unique private sector initiative to demonstrate technology-based conservation practice planning, called the Iowa Conservation Action Network (IACAN). “What we currently use in the public sector for conservation technical assistance isn’t keeping up today,” said Roger Zylstra, a farmer … Read More
Former NRCS Chief on Conservation Program Future
A former chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service says both the House and Senate farm bills are similar when it comes to reduced funding and consolidation of conservation programs. Bruce Knight, who served as NRCS chief in the Bush administration, gave a synopsis at a Farm Foundation forum on conservation last week. “The largest difference is whether or not … Read More
Conservation Highlighted on World Soil Day
Hey farmers. The NRCS and FAO are urging you to adopt soil conservation practices like no-till on this World Soil Day. Here’s a message from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on how important healthy soil is and how using conservation practices like no-till can help farmers take better care of their land. When soil is heavily tilled, the stalks from … Read More
Vilsack Announces Report on Benefits of Conservation
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Silver Ridge Farm on Thursday, Dec. 5th to announce the release of a new report that outlines the impact of voluntary incentive-based conservation practices across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The Conservation Effects Assessment Project report demonstrates the need for a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that will invest in conservation partnerships with our … Read More
New Initiative for Soil Health
Farm Foundation, NFP and The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation today announced the launch of a new initiative designed to :bring attention to the critical role of soil health in the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050.” The announcement was made to mark World Soil Day which will be commemorated tomorrow, December 5, and coincides with Farm Foundation’s forum … Read More
‘Farm Portfolio’ Approach to Simplify Conservation
City dwellers as well as farmers need bottom-line returns from over $4 billion invested in federal conservation programs every year. A new “Farm Portfolio” approach shows that the U.S. economy, human health and the environment can benefit in measurable ways from coordinating conservation at all levels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighted the new six-step approach to focusing conservation … Read More