Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reminds farmers and ranchers that enrollment for CRP runs now through February 26, 2016. This month also marks the 30th anniversary for the federally funded program which provides funds for landowners to prevent soil erosion, protect wildlife, and restore habitat. As of September 2015, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP. CRP also is protecting more … Read More
SHP Invites Farmers to Commemorate World Soil Day
World Soil Day is December 5, and the Soil Health Partnership invites all farmers to commemorate the day by taking a look at ways to make their land healthier. “Soil health is critical to the future sustainability of our agricultural industry,” said Nick Goeser, SHP director. “We want to acknowledge this worldwide day by encouraging farmers at a local level … Read More
Grassland Oregon on the GO
With the popularity of cover crops increasing, Grassland Oregon is growing and on the go. The Salem, Oregon-based company is a breeder, producer, and provider of a wide range of seed products and knowledge. “We pride ourselves in offering novel solutions for growing concerns,” said partner and director of research and development Jerry Hall during an interview at the National … Read More
USDA Expands Water Conservation in Ogallala Aquifer
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has made an announcement that the USDA will be putting $8 million in the Ogallala Aquifer Initiative (OAI) in 2016. The purpose of the investment is to help farmers and ranchers conserve water annually while strengthening agricultural operations at the same time. The Ogallala Aquifer expands through eight states, including most all of Nebraska and a large part … Read More
Northey Responds to USDA Work in Iowa
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the USDA will be investing $3 million in Iowa’s wetlands. The funds will be used to purchase and restore wetlands and associated tall grass prairie uplands, nearly doubling the protected wetlands in the state. Secretary Vilsack made the announcement at the Des Moines Botanical Garden as part of an event focusing on USDA conservation work … Read More
How Insurance, Conservation Can Work Together
Crop insurance provides an important risk management tool for farmers, especially in the short term. Conservation practices look to the long term to reduce farmers’ risks. Our friends at Farm Foundation will hold another one of their free forums on Thursday, Oct. 8, to examine how the relationship of crop insurance and conservation practices has evolved over the years, and … Read More
Update on Soil Health Partnership
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is growing. “In 2015 we’ve expanded our network and enrolled another 20 farmers in the program, so we’re up 40 farmers enrolled in the Soil Health Partnership,” said Nick Goeser, National Corn Growers Association manager of soil health and sustainability, during an interview at Farm Progress Show. The SHP is a five year initiative to … Read More
USDA Unveils Strategy for Sage Grouse
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week announced a four-year strategy that will invest approximately $211 million in the next three years to conserve the habitat of the greater sage grouse. The Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0, will continue the conservation efforts that began in 2010 to improve sage grouse habitat. The new plan gives ranchers assistance to make conservation improvements to their land. “The Sage Grouse Initiative … Read More
UF/IFAS Help Unravel Complicated Water Policy
The University of Florida/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education has a new program to help those who need information about water policies. The mobile-friendly website provides people with access to the policies and aids them in deciphering complicated information. In addition to several tools that help residents understand Florida policies, the website also contains ideas for thoughtful conversations about water … Read More
USDA Invests in Western Lake Erie Basin Water Quality
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest an additional $5 million to help Ohio, Michigan and Indiana improve water quality in the western Lake Erie basin. These investments will enable the region’s farmers to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the watershed, one of the sources of disruptive algae blooms. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the targeted funding will … Read More