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NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

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Paul Ventura, Food Service Director at Greenville Central School, was inspired by the Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation and Development Council's idea to develop a Farm-to-School program. Last year's pilot program met with tremendous support from the students who appreciated the fresh produce choices from farms in "their backyardFarm to School Program Soars in Greene County New York
Thanks to the former Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) program coordinator Mark Grennan and Greenville Central School District Food Service Director Paul Ventura, 1,600 elementary, middle, and high school students now enjoy fresh onions, peppers, corn, beans, fruits, and other produce purchased from farms in Greene County, New York. 
 

Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year award winner Dave King in his role as NRCS soil conservation technicianA Calling to Serve
Indiana NRCS soil conservation technician Dave King reflects, “You search within to see what you are doing with your life and what contributions you are making. Soil conservation work has truly been one way I feel I’ve made a contribution, but serving as a volunteer for the Special Olympics has completed me.”


 

Jimmy Gordon, left, and Randy Phillips ride out in search of the herd to bring it to the feeding area. The dogs are specially trained to work with the cattle and help the ranchers control the herd. The Gordon Ranch has over 800 head of cattle spaced over 900 pastures in White and Independence counties. (photo by Greg Benenati/The Daily Citizen)Pleasant plains and rolling meadows: Gordon Farms: 2005 White County Farm Family of the Year
Jim Gordon watches from the window of his pick-up truck as he points to a group of yearling cattle gathered in a sweeping summer meadow. He talks of the cattle, full of pride like a father, a little quiet, but confident.


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wetlands in western U.S.USDA Releases $5 million to Restore and Protect Wetlands in 20 States
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner today announced the availability of $5 million in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) for restoration activities in 20 states. These funds will restore and protect nearly 40,000 acres of wetlands. 

 

 

as part of a $3.65 million land purchase, the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program will help protect this area of Shackford Point, New Hampshire, seen looking up the Lamprey River

as part of a $3.65 million land purchase, the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program will help protect this area of Shackford Point, New Hampshire, seen looking up the Lamprey River

USDA Reallocates Nearly $12 Million to Protect Agricultural Land in 22 States
NRCS is reallocating nearly $12 million to help agricultural producers in 22 states protect their working lands through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). The reallocation resulted from unused funds previously distributed to NRCS state offices earlier in fiscal year 2005. FRPP funds will help purchase conservation easements in AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, KY, MD, MI, MN, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SD, UT, VA, WA, WI and WY.
 

 

sage grouseNRCS Provides $5 Million for Sage Grouse Conservation in 11 States
NRCS is providing $5 million for special projects to protect and enhance Greater sage grouse habitat in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The funds will be available through the Grassland Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Sutainable Agriculture Research and Education Spotlight Feature header bar

Ray Meismer wanted ideas and assistance to convert to management-intensive grazing for his cow/calf herd, but in a way that would be sensitive to his steep slopes and protect a vigorous natural springSARE Grant, NRCS Know-How Create Unique Grazing, Watering System for Cattle
To improve profits and lessen the impact of his 300-acre central Illinois crop and livestock farm on the Illinois River watershed, Ray Meismer sought help from his local NRCS field office. Meismer wanted ideas and assistance to convert to management-intensive grazing for his cow/calf herd, but in a way that would be sensitive to his steep slopes and protect a vigorous natural spring.
 

tech tip header bar

IKONOS satellite images of the Little Susitna River, a major salmon stream in south central Alaska -- the image shows the transitional zone between the timbered uplands and the inter-tidal wetlands near the mouth of the riverIKONOS Imagery Used for NRCS National Resources Inventory in Alaska
For the first time ever, the NRCS will use a combination of archive and newly tasked IKONOS satellite images to map and apply NRI primary data elements to inventory land use, evaluate loss of farmland to urbanization, measure the effectiveness of conservation practices, and detect changes to the landscape from soil erosion.  NRCS has awarded a contract to Space Imaging to provide high-resolution IKONOS satellite imagery of Alaska for the National Resources Inventory (NRI) program. 

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.