NRCS provides technical and
financial assistance on a voluntary basis to farmers and landowners who want
to address natural resource concerns on their land, such as soil erosion and
water quality issues.
Soil Health - Unlock the Secrets in the Soil
NRCS is developing a national campaign to educate our customers and the public about the positive impact Soil Health Management Systems can have on both productivity and conservation. The campaign will be rolled out this fall to the public, but before it’s fully released externally, you can get a sneak peak here.
As part of this campaign, we’ll be rolling out a series of “Soil Health Lessons in a Minute” video demonstrations. See our latest video, meet "Ray the Soil Guy," and learn how to Unlock the Secrets in the Soil.
Several farm accidents have
recently been reported in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio; farmers are
reporting livestock deaths, people being overcome with gases, stronger than
usual odors and nuisance complaints due to increased odors, all where gypsum was
used as a bedding material. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is strongly recommending that farmers err on the side of caution. Until research is completed, implement additional safety measures prior to agitating manure storages when adding gypsum or any type of sulfur-containing material to manure.
The 2012 IRS 1099 forms issued to farmers and ranchers who received NRCS financial assistance are incorrect and are scheduled to be reissued by USDA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer in March.
The IRS forms issued in January may either be in the wrong amount or no 1099 was issued when one should have been.
Important data to produce correct 1099 information was left out when a system change took place May 1, 2012, and NRCS financial experts are working with the USDA’s Controller Operations Division to help get the thousands of 1099's to the appropriate people as quickly as possible.
At this time there is no guaranteed date by which the 1099’s will be delivered, although they expect to be released March 8. USDA is working to ensure a quick turnaround so that the 1099 mailing is expedited. The Chief Financial Officer will keep NRCS officials informed as this issue is resolved.
USDA opens claims filing
period for Hispanic and Women Farmers Who Claim Past
Discrimination
“Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege
discrimination by the USDA in past decades can file claims
between Sept. 24, 2012, and March 25, 2013 in order to have
a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness,"
said Secretary Vilsack.
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