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USDA Breaks Ground on New Web Soil Survey, NRCS Soil Data Goes Worldwide
Secretary Johanns announced on August 16 the launch of a USDA Web Soil Survey site that will provide secure public access to the national soils information system. This site is a simple yet powerful way to access and analyze soils data that contributes to every aspect of public and private land use and development. “Posting soil survey information on the internet is one more step in our effort to make information more accessible to the citizens we serve," Johanns said at a Farm Bill listening session in University Park, Penn.

Get the details...
-- USDA NEWS RELEASE -- USDA Announces Web Soil Survey
-- Web Soil Survey
-- NRCS Soils Web site

Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Winner Keeps Conservation Farming a Family Tradition
Hawaii's Whitney Haraguchi is using experience and knowledge he's gained through NRCS' Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Program to bring new conservation stewardship to his fourth generation family farm.  One of five scholarship recipients last year, Whitney, a soil science major, is eager to learn more about conservation and stay focused on academic success.

Get the details...
-- Asian Pacific Islander Organization
 

Connect to NRCS' State News, Newsroom, and News Releases!

USDA NEWS RELEASE -- White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation Set for St. Louis, August 29-31
NRCS and other federal agencies will participate in the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation in St. Louis, Mo., August 29-31.  This historic event, the first of its kind since 1965, brings together a diverse group of leaders to exchange information and identify innovative and effective approaches to promoting cooperative conservation. Secretary Johanns, Under Secretary Rey, and Natural Resources Conservation Service senior officials will discuss how to strengthen shared governance and citizen stewardship. Also at the conference, the unveiling of the next generation of NRCS exhibits spotlighting the benefits, history, and future of cooperative conservation.

Get the details...
-- Read the full USDA news release
-- White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation Web Site
-- About the Conference
-- Conference Agenda

USDA Nationwide Farm Bill Listening Tour Continues
USDA's Farm Bill Listening Tour is making its way across America, this week with stops in Tuskegee, Alabama, Palmer, Alaska, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. "The Farm Bill Forums provide an opportunity for us to hear directly from America's farmers and ranchers. I'm learning a great deal from them," said Secretary Mike Johanns. "I am very pleased that our USDA team will also be hosting additional forums that will focus on conservation, rural development, and nutrition. I encourage as many citizens as possible to participate in these forums as we prepare for the development of a new farm bill."

Get the details...
-- Farm Bill Events Calendar
-- Latest USDA Farm Bill News
-- Farm Bill 2007 Official Comments

For Farm Bill Forum news stories from newspapers and television and radio stations, go to your favorite news search engine, then enter "farm bill." For a focused search on NRCS forum issues, enter "farm bill" "conservation" with each in parentheses.

USDA NEWS RELEASE -- USDA Selects Proposals for Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program: On August 18, Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced that nine partnership proposals will receive nearly $4.2 million through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program to restore, enhance, protect, and manage habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife. This funding, along with almost $15.5 million in matching contributions from partners, will result in wetland restoration, creation, enhancement, and easement management on 29,360 acres. Of the $4.2 million available, $112,484 will fund partnership proposals that address bog turtle habitat in the east and $800,000 for Ivory-billed woodpecker habitat in Arkansas.

Get the details...
-- Read the full USDA news release
-- Latest USDA Farm Bill News
-- Learn about NRCS' Wetlands Reserve Program
 

Grazin' Days Workshops Bring the Benefits of Rotational Grazing to Iowa Farmers
Throughout the summer across Iowa, farmers are learning how to effectively manage rotational grazing systems at a series of workshops called Grazin’ Days – A Pasture Management Workshop. “In 1990 Iowa farmers knew very little about rotational grazing,” said Brian Petersen, Iowa NRCS State Grassland Conservationist. “Landowners have become more interested and aware of rotational grazing. They see more benefits and now have more acceptance of the system.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.