Agrible, Inc. is joining with the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and other partners to implement the Precision Conservation Management Program (PCM), which was recently awarded a $5.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Illinois Corn is excited to have Agrible as a partner in the PCM program,” said Laura Gentry, Director of Water Quality Science. “We share … Read More
USDA Invests $720 Million with Conservation Partners
The USDA is launching the second round of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) with $720 million dollars towards water quality, fighting droughts, improving soil health, supporting wildlife habitat and protecting the future viability of agriculture. There are 84 projects and multiple partners across the U.S. that will bring these goals closer to reality. The RCPP was established in the … Read More
ASA Announces Conservation Legacy Awards Winners
The Conservation Legacy Awards Program recognizes outstanding environmental and conservation efforts made by soybean farmers. The American Soybean Association has just announced the 2016 region winners. They are: Winsor Farms (Andy Winsor), Grantville, Kan. (Midwest Region) Cory Atkins, Seaford, Del. (Northeast Region) John Verell, Jackson, Tenn. (South Region) Midwest Region – Andy Winsor of Grantville, Kansas is the third generation to … 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
CTIC Executive Director Moving On
Karen Scanlon, who has served as executive director for the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) since 2006, has accepted a position at Dairy Management, Inc. to help support sustainability and social responsibility for the U.S. dairy industry. “We’re sad to see her leave CTIC, but are delighted that Karen has found an exciting new role in the agricultural sustainability space,” … Read More
Hydroponics Aims To Answer Water Mgmt Challenges
As climates continue to shift and change and regions around the world experience freshwater shortages, Hinoman, Ltd., sought a complete water-management solution for its vegetable protein cultivation system. Hinoman’s proprietary, eco-friendly cultivation process for plant protein enables water savings of up to 90% in comparison with most prominent vegetable protein alternatives, such as soy. “We designed a precise hydroponics cultivation … Read More
USDA Lists 2015 Achievements
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a list of USDA’s top achievements in 2015 in the areas of conservation, energy, research, rural development, and more. “Even with challenges in 2015, including an unprecedented animal disease outbreak and lower commodity prices, America’s rural communities have proven once again that we are a nation of makers, creators and innovators, and our economy … Read More
USDA Begins Second Phase of Data Gathering
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be contacting farmers and ranchers now through February 2016 to collect information of the second phase of the National Resources Inventory-Conservation Effects Assessment Project (NRI-CEAP-2). CEAP is a multi-agency study of the environmental impacts of conservation practices and programs on cultivated and non-cultivated agricultural lands. The survey will gather field management data … Read More
#ASTACSS Taking Cover Crops Mainstream
A diverse panel covered the topic of cover crops at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Tuesday, exploring how the practice is starting to hit the mainstream. David Pearl with the CISCO Companies in Indianapolis, who serves as chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Cover Crops Working Group, says this was the first full cover crops session … Read More
Panel On Taking Cover Crops Mainstream at #ASTACSS
During a session on “Taking Cover Crops Mainstream” at the ASTA CSS/Seed Expo this week,, a panel of representatives from across the industry spoke about their experiences with cover crops, the work they’ve done on either their farm or in their business, and the impact cover crops can have on soil health. Two growers who integrate cover crops on their … Read More