The USDA is awarding $44.6 million through its Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership to support 10 projects in 12 states on private tribal agricultural lands. Receipts are providing matching funds totaling more than $4.3 million. In total, the projects will help to protect, restore or enhance 15,000 wetland acres in critical watersheds across the United States. “USDA is committed to protecting … Read More
Cover Crops Council Hires Program Manager
Anna Morrow, a Purdue Extension educator, has joined the Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC) as program manager. In her new role, that began on July 1, 2016 as as staff member in Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy, Morrow will assist MCCC in meeting its goals of facilitating widespread adoption of cover crops across the Midwest for purposes of soil health, … Read More
AFBF Pleased with Supreme Court Ruling
A unanimous Supreme Court ruling was handed down yesterday. The law of the land says landowners may challenge the federal government and the Army Corps of Engineers over improper regulations designed to protect water. Landowners have attempted many times to challenge Corps rulings known as jurisdictional determinations, but the government successfully argued that those determinations were not “final agency actions” … Read More
Land O’Lakes Partners to Improve Water Quaility
Governor Mark Dayton and Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO Chris Policinski are working together in a new public-private partnership on behalf of water quality in Minnesota. The innovative project is the first of its kind, partnering the state with Land O’Lakes, as well as local farmers to improve and protect the water on their farms. “I thank Land O’Lakes … Read More
NCGA Joins Fight for the Nation’s Inland Waterways
The National Corn Growers Association participated in Infrastructure Week, joining many other groups to point out the importance of the nation’s inland waterways. More than 60 percent of U.S. grain exports are moved by barge, making waterways of vital importance to agriculture. Farmers depend on the system to deliver crops to the global marketplace, and businesses rely on the rivers … Read More
Valley Irrigation Earns Recognition
The worldwide leader in precision irrigation, Valley Irrigation, has earn the Groundwater Guardian Green recognition from the Groundwater Foundation. This program honors organizations that implement, measure and document their groundwater-friendly stewardship practices. They focus on company’s water and chemical use, pollution prevention, water quality and environmental stewardship. “The Valley management team worked closely with the Groundwater Foundation to achieve this important … Read More
Thirsty Land Debuts To Positive Response
As a hush came over the theater and the lights went down for the opening scene of the documentary Thirsty Land, the sound of rain pounding on the roof served as background noise. A bit ironic. Especially in light of meeting a community in California that has run out of water. Thirsty Land, directed and produced by Conrad Weaver, focuses … Read More
Celebrating Soil and Water Conservation Week
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is highlighting this week, April 24 through May 1. The state as designed this week as Soil and Water Conservation Week. He is taking this opportunity to recognized the importance of conservation practices to Iowa’s agriculture. “Iowans in our towns and on our farms continue to engage in water quality and soil conservation efforts. … Read More
McCornick Named Executive Director for WFI
The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska has announced a new executive director. Peter G. McCornick, an expert recognized internationally for his research in water, food, and the environment, will be taking the reins for the institute on September 1. Currently McCornick is serving as the deputy director general for the International Water Management … Read More
USDA Looking to Partner for Wetland Protection
The USDA is looking for conservation partners to leverage local investments and provide technical assistance for wetlands protection. They have allocated $15 million for this project through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). This program allows state, local, non-governemtnal organization and Tribal governments to collaborate within the USDA. The goal is to increase the voluntary participation in conservation projects, especially … Read More