…farmland through conservation easements but has since expanded its mission. Today, it also advocates for regenerative farming practices, emphasizing soil health, water quality, and climate change mitigation. “We have two…
A View of Farm Irrigation and Water Management
Seedling vegetable beds with drip irrigation system DepositPhotos image USDA’s latest edition of its Irrigation and Water Management Survey offers insights into farm irrigation. Rod Bain has more. A View…
Public Input Needed on How to Improve Conservation Practice Standards
…process, including: Waste Storage Facility; Brush Management; Herbaceous Weed Treatment; Soil Carbon Amendment; Prescribed Burning; Roofs and Covers; Fuel Break; Wildlife Habitat Planting; Drainage Water Management; Nutrient Management; Feed Management;…
USDA Invests $265 Million to Conserve 335,000 Acres of Forestlands
…forestlands. “These forests provide clean water, habitat, recreation, and jobs,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Since 1990, the Forest Legacy Program has conserved 3.1 million acres, with one-sixth of those…
USDA Breaks Ground on Advanced Agricultural Research Facility at UC Davis
…ARS research units under one roof, aiming to address critical challenges in agriculture, including climate change, water scarcity, and pest management. The two-story ARTC will feature specialized labs, greenhouses, and…
Sustainable Vineyards Expand in California
…SIP program ensures that vineyards meet high standards for water conservation, habitat preservation, business management, and more. Among the new members is Foxen Vineyard in Santa Maria, whose estate Tinaquaic…
USDA Announces Investment to Conserve Forestlands Nationwide
…forests provide clean water, habitats, recreation, and jobs, but face threats from development. “This investment is key to keeping the economic, social, and ecological benefits these forests provide,” Vilsack said….
Salton Sea Restoration Project Expands to Protect Air Quality and Wildlife
…project is expanding. Photo taken October 15, 2024. Xavier Mascareñas / California Department of Water Resources A nesting island is seen near the Species Conservation Habitat Project Expansion area at…
Deadline Approaching for California Farmers to Apply for Conservation Assistance
…with cleaner ones, and the WaterSmart projects in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, which support improved water infrastructure on farms. Additional programs offer support for wildlife habitat, wildfire mitigation,…
NRCS Announces $1.5 Billion for Conservation Projects Aimed at Climate Action and Resource Protection
…as a model public-private partnership supporting natural resource protection and climate resilience. Projects include innovative technologies to reduce livestock methane emissions, water conservation initiatives to address drought in the West,…
Sonoma County Votes Down Animal Containment Measure, Early Results Show
…animal welfare, reduce environmental pollution, and promote public health by limiting large-scale animal confinement. They claimed that CAFOs contribute to water contamination and the spread of diseases. The measure faced…
USDA Workshop Sets Research Roadmap for Tackling PFAS Challenges in Agriculture
DepositPhotos image The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently outlined steps toward addressing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in agricultural soils and waters. In collaboration…
Decline in California Farmland Values Raises Economic Concerns
Shutterstock image The California Farm Bureau reports a significant decline in San Joaquin Valley land values, attributed primarily to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). SGMA restricts groundwater pumping, which…
Upcoming Almond Conference Tackles Challenges with Unplanted Lands
The Almond Board of California’s upcoming Almond Conference will bring vital information and practical guidance to growers facing challenging decisions around land use due to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act…