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
Funding for New USDA Conservation Partnerships
In Colorado today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of up to $235 million to improve conservation efforts through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This will be the second round of projects funded through RCPP, the newest conservation tool of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) included in the 2014 Farm Bil. “This is a new, innovative … Read More
NRCS Funds for Mississippi River Basin
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is investing $10 million this year in 27 new high-priority watersheds and 13 existing projects that will help improve water quality and strengthen agricultural operations. NRCS worked with state agencies, farmers and other partners to identify high-priority watersheds that align with established state priorities and have strong partnerships in place — and where targeted … Read More
Ag Conservation Easement Funding Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Natural Resources Conservation Service chief Jason Weller today announced the availability of $332 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). “Conservation easements are an important tool to help these landowners and partners voluntarily provide long-term protection of our nation’s farmland, ranchland, wetlands and grasslands for future generations,” said Vilsack. … Read More
USDA-NRCS at Soil Health Summit
The deputy chief for science and technology with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services is a strong believer in the value of partnerships, especially when it comes to improving the health of our nation’s soils. “When you look at all of the demands, the production, the breadth of the country, the climatic zones, the different types of cropping systems – it’s … Read More
USDA Offers Conservation Innovation Grants
The federal government is offering up to $20 million in grants to help develop new, innovative markets for carbon credits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it wants applications for the grant money through the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program that will provide new, additional revenue sources for producers, while addressing natural resource conservation challenges. “USDA has been a … Read More
NFU Supports NRCS Conservation Program
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson submitted comments to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on an interim rule regarding the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), commending NRCS for their promotion of conservation in agriculture and offering suggestions to focus the program more heavily on conservation outcomes. “Family farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists,” said Johnson. “NFU members understand … Read More
USDA Invests in Red River Basin Conservation Effort
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson announced targeted conservation funding of up to $50 million over the next five years in the Red River of the North Basin to minimize flooding, boost soil health, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat in the watershed. “The Red River Basin is a mosaic of farmlands, grasslands, … Read More
NACD Welcomes Rollout of USDA’s RCPP
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) looks forward to supporting the USDA in the implementation of the new USDA NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The new RCPP program will promote collaborative projects that improve soil quality, water quality/quantity, and wildlife habitat in a specific area. The eight Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs) are: Great Lakes, the Chesapeake Bay watershed, … Read More