…and Lorrie broke the EPA’s budget and staffing cuts, aiming to return staffing to 1980s levels, and their focus on cybersecurity, emergency responses, and water conservation. The conversation shifts to…
2025 West California Almond Crop Expected to Grow Slightly
Wind rowing almonds at an orchard in California. Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, via Wikimedia Commons The 2025 almond crop in West California is expected to grow…
90 Years of NRCS – Over a Century of Soil Conservation Awareness
Michael McElhiney with soil sample in Stanislaus County, CA. By Lynn Betts / Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service / Wikimedia Commons Even with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation…
American Agriculture History Minute: Crop Insurance, Conservation Techniques Revive Great Plains Agriculture
…American Agriculture History Minute. American Agriculture History Minute: Crop Insurance, Conservation Techniques Revive Great Plains Agriculture Early settlers discovered that the Great Plains were not all that great. They found…
White House Budget Proposal Targets Local FSA, NRCS Offices for Closure
…USDA programs and staff, including plans to shut down or consolidate many local Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices, according to internal budget documents from…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-17-25
…The USDA is considering significant changes to its Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation, and Risk Management Offices, including potential closures and staff consolidation. A proposal from the Office of…
Thousands Accept Trump Buyouts at USDA
…An employee at the Natural Resources Conservation Service who took the buyout offer said the numbers are subject to change if workers clicked on the offer but don’t sign the…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 04-07-25
…wolf reintroduction, including the need for better management and the potential conflict between environmentalists and local communities. Both states are grappling with the balance between conservation and the safety of…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-03-25
…ABC’s Taylor Hillman had an interview on the California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) and its new incentive- linking to the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Michael Roots, Manager of Field…
CASP has New Feature for Growers
…you need to apply for NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) incentive funding. The printout is meant to aid growers when they meet with their local conservationist to apply. CASP has…
NACD Welcomes New NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) applauds the appointment of Aubrey Bettencourt as Chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In her new role, Bettencourt will oversee…
Appointments of FPAC Leadership, Bettencourt in NRCS Role
USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area now had leadership of its three agencies after recent appointments. Aubrey Bettencourt of California will serve as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation…
USDA Expediting Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers
…Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification. SF-3881, Direct Deposit. Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms…
National Farmers Union Launches Farmers Capital Fund
…ag-tech, automation, conservation, efficiency improvements, and value-added food production. Investment decisions will be guided by three key principles: economic sustainability, productivity, and profitability. A particular emphasis will be placed on…