USDA
Land conservation sign-up runs March 12 to April 6
The U.S. Dept of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program sign-up runs March 12 to April 6. During that period, farmers can offer eligible land for the program through their local Farm Service Agency office. There are currently 325,069 acres enrolled in the conservation program. Full article.
USDA Program recognizes two LA manufacturing firms
Representatives of two LA companies: -- Rogers Manufacturing (West Monroe) and Game Equipment (Napoleonville) are in Washington D.C. as part of a program to recognize rural manufacturers. Both manufacturers received assistance from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture's rural development office. Full article.
Oil spill brings attention to delicate Gulf coast
In December, the USDA announced a three-year, $50 million initiative designed to improve water quality along the coast. The project, named the Gulf of Mexico Initiative, is the first concrete step resulting from meetings by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Full article.
Ranking dates set for USDA programs
The USDA recently announced ranking dates for the On-Farm Energy, Organic, Seasonal High Tunnel and Air Quality conservation initiatives. All four initiatives offer technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Full article.
USDA reverses decision to ban dog deer hunting in Kisatchie
A new ruling, made by USDA Forest Service reinstates the ability for hunters to use dogs to hunt deer during the outlined seasons. The decision to keep dog deer hunting at Kisatchie is final. Kisatchie National Forest is the only public land within LA with a wildlife management mandate where dog-deer hunting was allowed. Full article.
Organic production assistance available
The USDA will provide up to $50 million in funding to help U.S. organic producers and those transitioning to organic production implement resource conservation practices on their agricultural operations. The Farm Bill has provisions for organic farm assistance by funding projects that can help organic farms protect and conserve natural resources on their land. Louisiana has only 12 certified organic producers. Full article.
Debuting in 2012: Nutrition labels for meat
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, the USDA will require nutrition labels on meats. Labels will list calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, protein and vitamins for 40 of the most commonly purchased cuts of beef, poultry, pork and lamb. Full article.
Ag agency announces conservation grant
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the USDA has Conservation Innovation Grants available to stimulate development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. The application deadline is Dec. 28 for eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals. Full article.
Make your land make money!
LA Agric & Forestry Commissioner recently indicated that the first deadline is Jan. 7 to sign up for the USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The program is for eligible forest landowners and managers to receive financial and technical assistance for soil, water, air, and related natural resources conservation and enhancement on their land. Full Article.
LA awarded grant to enhance specialty crops
Agric. & Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the LA Dept of Agric and Forestry awarded more than $350,000 of grant money for research, educational and marketing projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in LA. Funding came from a USDA grant program. Full article.
