Podcasts about Natural Resources Conservation Service

The agency is working to make customer service more efficient using mobile service technology.

*Wheat disease pressure was light this year.  *The Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications for general and continuous CRP.  *Texas cotton gins saw a lot more business last year compared to the previous two years. *The Texas legislature is once again strengthening the right to farm and ranch.  *Texas Panhandle wheat suffered from a lack of moisture early in the spring.  *The Natural Resources Conservation Service wants employees out in the field.  *The hot summer is near and that can affect turfgrass production.  *Avian Influenza has been found in many mammal species in the Texas Panhandle.  

For the last few months, transgender service members have had to wrestle with the reality that they've been deemed unqualified to serve in the U.S. military. Hear more from an officer stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, who is directly affected. Also, The Natural Resources Conservation Service turns 90 this year. But the agency, which sprung out of the Dust Bowl, has lost employees and could see major funding cuts.

The Dust Bowl led to the creation of what is now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Just as it celebrates a major milestone, the agency is dealing with job losses, massive proposed budget cuts and talk of consolidation.

Don’t jump the gun in putting your cattle out on pasture. It could hurt your forage supply in the long run. This is according to Adam Abel. He’s the State Grazing Land Specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS. He jokes that when he sees animals grazing already this time of year, he’s got to refrain from knocking on doors. He advises new grazers to get involved with grazing networks in their area. You can find them at grassworks.org. Adam says pasture walks with these groups are a valuable chance to learn from other people’s mistakes and ask graziers what worked and what hasn’t in their pasture management. If you’ve got questions, Adam says the NRCS office is here to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, tune in for our on-site coverage of the 2025 Commodity Classic, a trade show and convention bringing together farmers nationwide. From an in-depth interview with Helena representatives on legislative impacts and a newly introduced post-emergence adjuvant to the latest top ag headlines, Ag News Daily has it all. This week's headlines include an update on tariffs, the USDA's decision to close 59 Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices, a newly settled six-year contract agreement between the International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance and a report on how mycotoxins affected last year's crop. Our featured interview this week is with Sean McCarty, director of government affairs for Helena, and Austin Anderson, brand manager of adjuvants and water management at Helena Products Group. Anderson introduces Cohort, a new post-emergence adjuvant, while McCarty explains how he closely monitors and lobbies for legislation that impacts upcoming products designed to serve farmers. He also discusses the effects of the Endangered Species Act and the resulting Herbicide Strategy from the Environmental Protection Agency. Our special Commodity Classic coverage this week includes hearing soundbites from secretary of agriculture Brooks Collins at a press conference earlier in the week. She discussed trade, the secretary of health and human services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. conversations and her plans to support farmers. We also hear what farmers learned from the event and a special weather update from Nutrien Ag Solutions Science Fellow Eric Snodgrass. Follow us daily with agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube in addition to our weekly videos!

The Mancos Conservation District is working to deal with the abrupt pullback of a $630,000 grant it had received from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Pedro Torres, National Tribal Liaison for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. The NRCS is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Brownfield's Larry Lee visited with Jamie Patton from the state's Natural Resources Conservation Service during the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Members of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District met with local landowner Bill Oberg and his wife on Thursday near Lincoln's Nine Mile Prairie. They celebrated the closing of a 75-acre conservation easement of the property. A conservation easement is a way to use other people's land to solve conservation issues. In case, they placed the 75-acres in the hands of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District.

Karen Woodrich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service talks about scheduled batching dates for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program applications, as well as potential future dates in Fiscal Year 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Anderson joins Mary and Andrew to discuss her work with National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and government body under the purview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Steeped in Permaculture, with a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management, and time as a Woofer, Rebecca shares what the NRCS provides and what she does in her job to support anyone interested in conserving soil, water, and other natural resources with technical and financial support. As a permaculture practitioner, I recommend listening to this conversation because assistance from NRCS is free and isn't just for farmers and it's easy to start the process. All you need to do is contact your local NRCS office. Resources Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):  Environmental Quality Incentives Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) National Payment Schedules:  Payment Schedules | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov). Recommend navigating to individual states and choosing the EQIP link. Definitely overwhelming regarding choices for each practice, which is why working with a local planner is super key. NRCS Service Center Locator:  Service Center Locator | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) NRCS Solutions for Small-Scale Farms Fact Sheets:  Solutions for Small-Scale Farms | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) Additional National Funding Sources AgWest Farm Credit New Producer Grant:  https://agwestfc.com/about/community-engagement/grants/new-producer-grant American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund: https://farmland.org/brighter-future/ Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/index Farm Service Agency Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-disaster-assistance/index National Young Farmer Coalition Young Farmer Program: https://www.youngfarmers.org/young-farmer-grants/ Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grants: https://cig.sc.egov.usda.gov/ RAFI FOCN Infrastructure Fund Grants: https://www.rafiusa.org/programs/farmers-of-color-network/farmers-of-color-network-infrastructure-fund-grants/ Rodale BIPOC Famer Micro Grants: https://rodaleinstitute.org/education/bipoc-farmer-micro-grants/ Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP):Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov) Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants: https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Partners for Fish and Wildlife | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)         Additional Washington State Funding Sources Tilth Organic & Sustainable Farming Grant:  https://tilthalliance.org/our-work/wa-farming-agriculture/washington-state-organic-sustainable-farming-fund/ Western WA Food Systems Partnership Project Accelerator:  https://wwfsp.org/food-systems-project-accelerator/ Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) Grant Programs:  Grant Programs (wa.gov) Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Farm to School Program:  https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/farm-to-school/wsda-farm-to-school-program WSDA Local Infrastructure Grant:  https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/small-farm/infrastructure-grant. Note: Most states will have a state department of agriculture that funds programs like this whether it's for infrastructure, beginning farmers, etc.

Special thanks to Brooke for suggesting today's episode topic, Mariposa Lilies. Also, “mariposa” and “lily” have ceased to sound like words to me. Music by James Milor from Pixabay Information provided by: https://smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/Mariposa_Lily.php https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calochortus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpentine_soil Butterfly Mariposa Lily Phylogeography and population genetics reveal ring species patterns in a highly polymorphic California lily by Adriana I. Hernández, Jacob B. Landis, & Chelsea D. Specht (2022) [Abstract] https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14313 “Plant Guide: Mariposa Lily” from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, & National Plant Data Center https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/calochortus_venustus.shtml https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calochortus_venustus Catalina Mariposa Lily https://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/plants/Liliaceae/Calochortus%20catalinae.htm https://smmtc.org/plantofthemonth/Catalina_Mariposa_Lily.php https://theodorepayne.org/nativeplantdatabase/index.php?title=Calochortus_catalinae Plummer's Mariposa Lily https://messengermountainnews.com/the-rare-plummers-mariposa-lily/ https://lpfw.org/our-region/wildlife/mariposa-lily/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calochortus_plummerae Causes and correlates of interannual variation in flowering of Calochortus plummerae (Liliaceae) by Kimberlyn Williams, Erica Burck, & Cesar L. Garcia (2021) https://doi.org/10.3120/0024-9637-68.4.360

Andrew Lewin delves into the issue of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico caused by runoff from the Mississippi River. Despite efforts to reduce nitrates and phosphates by 20% by 2025, it appears that targets may not be met. Andrew shares his personal and professional connection to this topic, having worked on the hypoxic zone early in his career. Tune in to learn more about the challenges facing the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico and how you can take action to protect our oceans. Link to article: https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-06-24/as-conservation-in-agriculture-lags-so-does-the-progress-in-slashing-the-gulfs-dead-zone Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program.   Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp   Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube The Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone is a critical environmental issue primarily caused by runoff from the Mississippi River. This runoff carries excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from agricultural activities along the river's basin. Upon reaching the Gulf of Mexico, these nutrients fuel the growth of phytoplankton, leading to massive algal blooms. Subsequently, these blooms die and sink to the ocean floor, where bacteria decompose them. This decomposition process consumes oxygen, creating a hypoxic or "dead zone" where oxygen levels are too low to support marine life. The size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico fluctuates annually but has been on an upward trend, indicating a worsening situation. This zone poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems by depriving fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms of the oxygen they need to survive. The expansion of the hypoxic zone is a direct result of human activities, particularly agricultural practices contributing to nutrient runoff into the Mississippi River. Efforts to address the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone include implementing conservation practices to reduce nutrient runoff. These practices, such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and no-till farming methods, aim to minimize the amount of fertilizers and chemicals entering waterways. While some progress has been made in reducing nitrogen loads in the Mississippi River, phosphorus loads have worsened, indicating the need for more comprehensive and effective conservation measures. It is crucial to collaborate with local farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices that protect water quality and reduce nutrient pollution. By investing in conservation programs, providing technical assistance, and incentivizing farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, we can mitigate the harmful effects of nutrient runoff on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Ultimately, addressing the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the protection of marine biodiversity. Efforts to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus in the Mississippi River have been crucial in addressing the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. However, as highlighted in the podcast episode, these efforts have not met the targets set to reduce the nutrient loads entering the river system. Despite some implemented practices showing promise, such as cover crops that help absorb excess nutrients to prevent runoff, there are other practices exacerbating the issue. One concerning practice mentioned in the episode is the over-fertilization of corn acres along the Mississippi River. Farmers, driven by the belief that more fertilizer leads to higher yields, continue to apply excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus to their crops. This over-fertilization contributes to the nutrient loads entering the river, ultimately fueling the growth of phytoplankton in the Gulf of Mexico and leading to the formation of the hypoxic zone. Moreover, the increase in the number of US acres drained with underground tubes, which act as conduits for runoff into streams and rivers, has further exacerbated the problem. The expansion of this infrastructure facilitates the rapid transport of nutrients from agricultural lands into water bodies, including the Mississippi River, intensifying the nutrient pollution issue. These findings underscore the complexity of addressing nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. While some conservation practices have shown positive results in reducing nutrient runoff, the persistence of harmful practices like over-fertilization and the expansion of drainage systems pose challenges to achieving the desired reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus levels. It is evident that a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving farmers, policymakers, and conservationists is essential to effectively tackle the nutrient pollution problem and protect the health of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Collaboration with local farmers is essential for improving water quality in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. The episode highlights the significant impact of agricultural runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, on the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. These nutrients lead to excessive phytoplankton growth, which, when decomposed, depletes oxygen levels in the water, creating a hypoxic environment unsuitable for marine life. Implementing conservation practices, such as cover crops and reduced tillage, can help mitigate nutrient runoff from farms into water bodies. However, the episode also acknowledges the challenges faced by farmers, such as reduced crop yields with certain conservation practices. This highlights the importance of providing support and incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both their livelihoods and the environment. The episode discusses various initiatives and investments by government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, to promote conservation programs and technical assistance for farmers in the Mississippi River basin states. These programs aim to reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality through practices like installing saturated buffers and bioreactors. Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the need for continued collaboration and communication with local farmers to address harmful agricultural practices and promote sustainable solutions. By working together with farmers, researchers, and policymakers, it is possible to implement effective strategies that protect water quality in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico, benefiting both the environment and the communities that rely on these water bodies for their livelihoods.

With the severe weather surprising many communities in Wisconsin, it's important that farmers and land owners know the NRCS is there. Terry Cosby is the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and was in Madison for the Sand County Foundations National Conservation Symposium.  Cosby has been with NRCS for over 4 decades, but continues to try and help people better understand all the functions and programs that they offer. Cosby also noted that from wildfires to flooding, NRCS plays a critical role in immediately responding to needs, as well as supporting rebuilding and reinforcement of infrastructure after weather events.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin agriculture continues to diversify.  Stephanie Hoff investigates a hoop house farming operation in Manitowoc County, operated by a retired veteran.  Sullivan Family Farm in Manitowoc is growing peas among other specialty crops to live a healthy lifestyle and give back to the community. Ryan Sullivan and his wife are the first generation on the farm following Ryan's 26-year career with the U.S. Air Force. Ryan found support for his family's farm through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Marbleseed, and Grassworks, just to name a few. The next step, he says, is to expand the farm's interaction with the public through agri-tourism. Sullivan Family Farm is enrolled in the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association's Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program. Wisconsin's implementing new testing requirements for anyone exhibiting lactating dairy animals at county fairs or exhibitions.  Dr. Darlene Konkle, WI State Veterinarian explains the reason behind the requirement and what exhibitors should expect on testing turn around and costs.Monarch butterflies have led one FFA member from Wausau to the winner's circle at the 95th WI State FFA Convention.  Aubrey Schlimgen visits with Natalie Moran about her interest in the endangered species and gets specifics on how she raises them for her supervised ag experience. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're heading into hoop houses in east central Wisconsin to get acquainted with a farm family that produces, in their words, green magic. We're talking about sugar peas. They are fresh, they are green, they are delicious. Sullivan Family Farm in Manitowoc is growing peas among other specialty crops to live a healthy lifestyle and give back to the community. Ryan Sullivan and his wife are the first generation on the farm following Ryan's 26-year career with the U.S. Air Force. Ryan found support for his family's farm through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Marbleseed, and Grassworks, just to name a few. The next step, he says, is to expand the farm's interaction with the public through agri-tourism. Sullivan Family Farm is enrolled in the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association's Peer-to-Peer Mentorship program. This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I speak with Matt Lohr, Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for agriculture. Matt shares his journey as a fifth-generation farmer from the Shenandoah Valley and how his early experiences on the farm with his grandfather shaped his love for the land and conservation. We dive into his varied career, from local public service roles to leading the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the USDA, and how these experiences have fueled his commitment to supporting the agricultural industry. Matt's stories about preserving his family's farming legacy and the importance of connecting people to the source of their food are truly heartwarming.We also explore Virginia's ambitious goals in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) space, driven by Governor Youngkin's vision to make the state a leader in indoor farming. Matt discusses the strategic advantages Virginia offers, from its geographical location to state investments and educational initiatives. He highlights the exciting developments in CEA, including innovative technologies and partnerships that are transforming the industry. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an urban dweller curious about where your food comes from, or someone interested in the future of agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Join us for a conversation that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming in Virginia.Thanks to Our SponsorsBio520AgTech Weekly Review Key Takeaways00:05:51: Importance of Local Food and Indoor Farming00:09:39: Becoming Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry00:13:35: Virginia's Commitment to Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)00:21:34: Diverse CEA Companies in Virginia00:27:08: Tough Questions and Economic Challenges00:29:37: Energy Demands in CEA00:29:55: Message to CEA Leaders and InnovatorTweetable Quotes"I'm a fifth-generation farmer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, which is one of the breadbaskets of the country when it comes to ag production. Rockingham County is one of the top 30 or 40 counties in the country for ag production. Farming and agriculture have been my life. As a young child, I remember my earliest memories were walking alongside my grandfather on the farm and learning a love of the land and conservation. We have conservation easements on our farm to ensure my kids can be the sixth generation. Agriculture is in my life, and every part of my career over the last 30 years has been directly tied back to supporting the agricultural industry.""I grew up in a family where public service was stressed from day one. My father was very active with church and the Ruittian club, a service club community. My parents were active in the volunteer rescue squad and fire department for their entire career. I grew up around people who served. My first chance to serve was as a state international officer for the FFA organization, Future Farmers of America. I took a year out of college for both the state and then another year out as a national officer, dedicating my time for two years serving the ag industry, speaking in schools and communities, and lobbying for agriculture. I learned pretty early on that I wanted to have a career in advocacy and public service.""We have around 20 CEA companies in Virginia, and I've visited all of them. They all have their own secret sauce, whether it's a vertical farm or a greenhouse, the type of lighting or automation, or the types of products they're producing. The technology is incredible. I'm very excited to travel to Amsterdam for Greentech in June. The...

The Natural Resources Conservation Service recognizes that they are short on staff and trying to rebuild their workforce. NRCS has a 3,000 field-office network that helps farmers and private forest landowners carry out voluntary conservation activities on their operations. But like many other industries, they've felt the competition when recruiting skilled employees. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby says one issue he's running into is not enough graduates are qualified to fill NRCS positions. He says students aren't taking the right agriculture courses in college, such as soil science or agricultural engineering. NRCS is working to engage the next pipeline of workers in high school and college to bolster their staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You can work really hard all day long and enjoy every minute of it.” That is part of the legacy of Fred Woods, a leader in Indiana conservation. He mentored hundreds of conservation professionals as he worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Martin County. After he retired, he continued to serve the community by planting trees.  On this episode, Barry Fisher, independent soil health consultant, and Chris Lee, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, share memories of Fred Woods, a man who heard Hugh Hammond Bennett speak on his North Carolina farm, then went on to influence conservation in Indiana. This episode of the HAT Soil Health Podcast is brought to you by the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative. You can learn more about their efforts and see a schedule of events at ccsin.org.

“You can work really hard all day long and enjoy every minute of it.” That is part of the legacy of Fred Woods, a leader in Indiana conservation. He mentored hundreds of conservation professionals as he worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Martin County. After he retired, he continued to serve the community by planting trees.  On this episode, Barry Fisher, independent soil health consultant, and Chris Lee, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, share memories of Fred Woods, a man who heard Hugh Hammond Bennett speak on his North Carolina farm, then went on to influence conservation in Indiana. This episode of the HAT Soil Health Podcast is brought to you by the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative. You can learn more about their efforts and see a schedule of events at ccsin.org.

The importance of conserving and stewarding natural resources is one thing that everyone can agree on. But where do we even begin? Whether it's planting grass to decrease erosion, cross fencing to better manage grazing or creating wildlife habitat to encourage species diversity, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has programs and educational outlets that can help. On today's episode you'll hear more from our guest, Charles Kneuper, and host Lynsey McAnally on: The history of NRCSConservation Technical AssistanceThe EQIP and CSP programsHow to get startedWhat to expectAnd more!To find you local NRCS Service Center, please visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.  Find more information to make Angus work for you in the Angus Beef Bulletin and ABB EXTRA. Make sure you're subscribed! Sign up here to the print Angus Beef Bulletin and the digital Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA. Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Contact our team at abbeditorial@angus.org.

This month we celebrate conservation and sustainability through this intriguing conversation with Dr. Jerry Griffith, Associate Professor in our Department of Geology and Geography. Dr. Griffith shares his experience tracking timber for the U.S. Forest Service through efforts to engage members of the community in conservation. This citizen science work educates and involves the general public with plant and forest health, and assists with efforts to prevent poaching of valuable woods such as black walnut, much prized for its decorative grain and durability. Dr. Griffith shares how he engages students at UNCP, and how, through the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other methods, these efforts keep watch on tree health and development. The conversation showcases how any of us can partner in these activities, which come with the additional benefit of fresh air and exercise.  Born and raised outside Reading, Pennsylvania, Dr. Griffith's academic pedigree includes a B.S. in Earth Science from Pennsylvania State University, a M.S. in Geography from Oregon State University, a Ph.D. in Environmental Geography from the University of Kansas, and a post-doctoral appointment with the U.S. Geological Survey.  Dr. Griffith's work background includes private environmental consulting companies (performing water quality monitoring) and government agencies (such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NASA, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, and USGS) as well as academia.  Dr. Griffith specializes in the area of environmental geography and remote sensing, which is the use of satellite and aerial imagery to study the state and condition of the earth's surface. His master's research included a functional assessment of a large, urban wetland in Oregon and his doctoral dissertation analyzed how satellite imagery could be used to assess river and watershed condition in the U.S. Midwest. He focuses his research on land use and land cover change, and its causes as well as its environmental impacts. This includes the relationship of land cover and land cover change to declining populations of American kestrel, stream water quality, and watershed health. In his spare time, Dr. Griffith enjoys traveling (all 50 states covered!), hiking, movies and riding his all-terrain electric scooter.    To Learn More about Citizen Science and Forestry Efforts: Book Recommendation: “Tree Thieves” https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/lyndsie-bourgon/tree-thieves/9781549156120/?lens=little-brown Adventure Scientists: https://www.adventurescientists.org/index.html   Reach the “Timber Tracking” project page by selecting “For Adventurers”-“Current Volunteer Opportunities”-“Timber Tracking” Citizen science groups in North Carolina: The NC Museum of Natural History:  https://naturalsciences.org/research-collections/citizen-science  Triangle Land Conservancy: https://triangleland.org/explore/citizen-science-projects North Carolina Wetlands: https://www.ncwetlands.org/research/citizen-science/  NC Wildlife Federation:  https://ncwf.org/blog/citizen-science/ US EPA Water Quality Volunteer monitors:  https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/index-18.html Photo Caption: Dr. Griffith taking a tree core sample from a black walnut tree in Pennsylvania   Find the episode transcript here Follow UNCP's College of Arts and Sciences  on Facebook, Twitter/X@uncpcas and Instagram@uncpcas

Last month we met with Isis Howard to talk about western monarch populations and community science. Today, we are going to talk about monarchs east of the Rockies.  From their overwintering sites to their multi-generational migration, and the stops along the way, we will take a deeper look at the journey of the monarch.To lead us on this discussion is Dr.Ray Moranz, Xerces Grazing Lands Pollinator Ecologist, Partner Biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the Central National Technology Support Center. One focus of his work is to assist in the planning and implementation of monarch butterfly conservation efforts in the south central U.S. Ray has also studied the effects of fire and grazing on prairie plants and butterfly communities. Thank you for listening! For more information go to xerces.org/bugbanter.

This week's Open Mic guest is Terry Cosby, chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. After more than 40 years of working with landowners across the country, Cosby has seen a number of policy changes toward preserving the environment and improving soil health. Cosby says he is invigorated to see an emphasis on sustainability in modern agriculture practices and is grateful to have additional funds under the Inflation Reduction Act to serve more applicants for essential programs nationwide. Cosby says conservation policy can never be “one size fits all” but endeavors to employ the best conservation practices on every acre in the nation and ensure that his agency is mindful of diversity, equity and inclusion.

If your farm plans are bigger than your budget and you're not even sure where to start, help is available. Your local USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service office can help you with technical assistance, cost-share programs, and grants.Joshua Hammond, a public affairs specialist with the NRCS, joins us in the podcast to discuss some of the projects the government agency can help you with, including rotational grazing, fencing, and irrigation. For example, a specialist can come to your farm and develop a rotational grazing plan for you and then can help pay for it with a government grant. One hundred seventy conservation practices are at the root of what the NRCS does, such as using high tunnels, cover crops, composting, and irrigation water management.See full show notes here >>  https://thriftyhomesteader.com/natural-resources-conservation-service/To see the most recent episodes, visit  ForTheLoveOfGoats.comWant to support the content you love?Head over to -- https://thrifty-homesteader.ck.page/products/love-goats-tip-jarThanks for listening!No one ever said raising goats was easy, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune or drive you crazy! You just need the right information. Click here to learn more about our Goats 365 membership. Or see my other goat courses in Thrifty Homesteader Academy.

On this episode, Kasey talks with Josh, an expert in range ecology and rangeland management, about his background working for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service before transitioning into real estate. Josh explains how he helps buyers and sellers achieve their goals by assessing a property's potential and creating a plan based on their objectives. Kasey adds that there is currently an imbalance in the real estate market with too many agents and not enough business to go around due to factors like technology advancements.  Kasey and Josh discuss the importance of pricing in selling properties, and break down how buyers have knowledge of a property's worth and will only pay what they believe it is worth, regardless of the listed price.  They also highlight the risk sellers face when passing on offers within range, as potential buyers may move on to other properties. 

Have you ever wondered if the buzz around soil biology and its impact on soil health is grounded in scientific evidence or just exaggerated hype? Well, you're not alone. Today, we're joined by an esteemed expert, Andrew McGuire from Washington State University.  He is here to debunk some myths and shed light on the truth behind soil biology and its practical implications for farming practices. Andy will share his insights on how farmers can navigate through the maze of information and make informed decisions for sustainable soil health management. • Andrew McGuire is an agronomist working in the Columbia Basin's irrigated cropping systems. His current focus is on helping farmers build soils, save money, and maintain yields through high residue farming systems and cover cropping. Andy has been with the CSANR since 1999. Before coming to Washington, Andy worked for the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Western Colorado, and from 1988-1990, he served in the Peace Corps as a rural water engineer in Ecuador.  Andy has a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering from Colorado State University and a M.S. degree in Agronomy from the University of California-Davis. Read more from Andrew on his BLOG We mentioned the book, "Buidling Soils for Better Crops" Stay tuned to next week's continued discussion about Soil ecology with Dr. Jacob Parnell.

On this week's Sustainability Now!, your host, Justin Mog, puts his overalls on for a chat with Lance Irving from the Sand County Foundation about some of the great things private land managers are doing in Kentucky! Three finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. This year's recipient will be recognized at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts' Annual Convention on July 11 in Bowling Green. This year's finalists are: • Steve and Melanie Kelley of Bardwell in Carlisle County: The Kelleys utilize no-till practices and plant cover crops to conserve soil and moisture. Their farm features 48 acres of filter strips, and 17 acres of grassed waterways and rock chutes to slow water runoff. Solar panels produce electricity and provide the farm with another source of income. Wildlife and pollinator-friendly habitat has been established on 800 acres. • Donald Veatch of Campbellsville in Marion County: At Donald Veatch's beef cattle and grain farm, establishing buffer strips, and crop rotations, no-till practices and cover crops have reduced soil erosion and improved water quality. Selective harvesting and thinning overgrowth promote the quality of timber in the farm's 125 acres of forests. Planting trees and native grasses has created habitat for wildlife and insect pollinators. • Michael W. Wilson of Lawrenceburg in Anderson County: Michael Wilson's Whispering Hills Farm implements conservation practices to reduce soil erosion caused by beef cattle production. Rotational grazing his cattle prevents overgrazing, recycles nutrients, and increases plant regrowth and biodiversity. By equipping soil with greater organic matter, he's making it more resilient to drought and extreme rainfall events. Last year's award recipient was Reddick Farms of Bardwell in Carlisle County. Learn more at https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award-program/reddick-farms Learn more about rotational grazing at https://www.carboncowboys.org Full details about this year's Award program is at https://sandcountyfoundation.org/news/2023/three-finalists-selected-for-kentucky-leopold-conservation-award The Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts, Sand County Foundation, U.S Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, AgriBusiness Association of Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board, Kentucky Tree Farm Committee, Kentucky Woodland Owner's Association, and University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at http://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at http://appalatin.com

MDJ  Script/ Top Stories for May 23rd Tuesday Publish Date: May 22 Monday   Henssler :15,  Bed Music fires From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast    Today is Tuesday May the 23rd and happy 312st birthday to Aaron Donald ***Donald highlight*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the top stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia Cobb homeowners have sticker shock after getting home assessments Cobb GOP looks for new home Laura Judge has officially thrown her hat in the ring for Cobb Board of Education  Plus, we hear from Karen Woodrich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service about the purpose and partnership of the agency's conservation programs of the USDA will have thoughts on that same topic. All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.   Commercial : CU of GA   STORY 1 Tax     In Cobb County, some homeowners were surprised by higher property tax assessments recently received in the mail. The county's Board of Tax Assessors sent out assessment notices to the majority of homeowners, with three out of four seeing an increase in their home's assessed value. This means higher property taxes for many residents. One homeowner, Eileen Johnson, saw her assessed value increase by 51% since last year. The county's property digest, which calculates the total taxable value, is expected to grow by more than the projected 13%. The booming real estate market and low housing inventory contribute to the rising property values. Homeowners have 45 days to appeal the assessment if they disagree. The tax assessor's office provides assistance and encourages residents to verify their home's data and compare recent sales in their neighborhood. The actual tax bills will be sent out in August.         Story 2: GOP   The Cobb Republican Party is searching for a new location for its headquarters. Since 2010, the party has been based in a strip mall across from Roswell Street Baptist Church. The church sold the property to an investment group, and when the GOP attempted to renew its lease, the landlord declined, as a neighboring Vespa dealer wanted to expand into their space. The landlord offered an alternative building, but the rent was double the current amount. Party Chair Salleigh Grubbs stated that they would find another place within their budget. They are exploring options in Marietta to ensure convenience for attendees of GOP events. While they could hold meetings in various locations like the Democrats do, they prefer a permanent and spacious meeting space. The monthly breakfast will continue at the current headquarters until June 3rd, featuring notable speakers.     Story 3: L. Judge   Democrat Laura Judge has launched her campaign for the Cobb County school board, announcing her candidacy at Tin Lizzy's Cantina in east Cobb. As a mother of two children attending Cobb schools and an active volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Judge aims to address community concerns regarding financial decisions, literacy, school safety, and discipline issues. Incumbent David Banks, in the Post 5 seat for 15 years, is undecided about running for a fifth term due to health considerations. Judge is involved with Watching the Funds - Cobb and serves as the education chair in Democratic Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson's "Community Cabinet" . Republican candidate John Cristadoro has also announced his bid for Banks' seat. The primary is tentatively scheduled for May 21, 2024, followed by the general election on November 5, 2024…..we'll be right back   Break:   ESOG– Dayco   STORY 4: Smyrna   Mayor Derek Norton inaugurated a new garden event space at the historic Reed House in Smyrna, Georgia. The $300,000 project transformed the undeveloped land into a beautiful venue with a walking trail, gazebo, rock benches, various flowers, trees, and a large green lawn for gatherings. The Reed House, built in 1910 by architect Leila Ross Wilburn, was purchased by the city in 2015 and underwent extensive renovations. The city plans to use the Reed House similar to the Taylor-Brawner House for rentals, receptions, weddings, and classes. The director of Parks and Recreation, Richard Garland, expressed excitement for the community to utilize the space for outdoor events, and Councilman Tim Gould praised the project as a remarkable addition.       STORY 5: Cobb Schools   The Cobb school board has approved several personnel changes, including the appointment of a new chief of staff and chief school leadership officer for Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. Sherri Hill, the current chief school leadership officer, will take over as chief of staff effective July 1, replacing Kevin Daniel, who is retiring. Dr. Jasmine Kullar, an assistant superintendent for CCSD middle schools, will assume the role of chief school leadership officer. Salaries for these positions are currently under legal review. The board also approved appointments for various assistant superintendent and principal positions within the district…..Back after this       Break  Drake – JRM     Story 8: Library     The 12th Annual Booked for the Evening Gala, organized by the Cobb Library Foundation, will take place on June 9 at the Atlanta Country Club in Marietta. The event will feature renowned author Patti Callahan Henry, known for her bestselling novels including "The Secret Book of Flora Lea." The honorary chair for the gala is Gary Miller, the CEO and president of Greystone Power. Patti Callahan Henry has received prestigious awards such as The Christy Award Book of the Year and the Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year. She is also involved in the online web show and podcast Friends and Fiction.   Story 9: Softball   The Georgia Bulldogs had a dominant performance in the regional final against Virginia Tech, winning 12-3 and securing their spot in the NCAA Super Regional. Head coach Tony Baldwin expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete and be successful in the next round. Georgia will face No. 3 seed Florida State in Tallahassee. The Seminoles advanced with a perfect game by senior Kathryn Sandercock. The Super Regional series will begin on May 25, with Game 1 scheduled on ESPN2. Georgia started strong against Virginia Tech, with early runs and back-to-back home runs. Pitcher Shelby Walters and the Bulldogs' defense kept the Hokies off the scoreboard. Georgia continued to extend their lead with another home run from Sydney Chambley.   .…back in a moment   Commercial: Ingles 1   And Now Karen Woodrich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service describes the purpose and partnership within one of the agency's conservation programs. (Please run a low music bed under this) ***Woodrich*** We'll have closing thoughts in a moment   Henssler 60 Signoff- use same bed as open   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. Read more about all our stories at MDJonline.com. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about your community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   www.hensslerkennesaw.com www.cuofga.com www.esogrepair.com www.daycosystemsd.com www.jrmmanagement.com www.drakerealty.com www.ingles-markets.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for Tuesday May 23rd Publish Date: May 22  Monday From the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast Today is Tuesday May 23rd , and happy 31st birthday to Aaron Donald ***Donald Highlight****   I'm Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Peggy Slappey Properties Morning fire destroys mansion near Lawrenceville Joseph Mark kicks off campaign for Gwinnett County sheriff And Gwinnett police search for vehicle of interest in a fatal hit-and-run incident   Plus, we hear from Karen Woodrich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service about the purpose and partnership of the agency's conservation programs   We'll have all this and more on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast.    Commercial :  Peggy Slappey          Story 1. fire   A massive fire engulfed a 15,000-square-foot mansion in Lawrenceville, according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services officials. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigators continue their work. Fire crews arrived at the home on Lebanon Road after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the blaze. The fire had already spread from the basement to the first and second floors when firefighters arrived. Insufficient water pressure required additional resources, including a helicopter equipped with a 100-gallon water bucket to help douse the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire was only brought under control after several hours. The vacant mansion sustained severe damage, and fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of the fire.   STORY 2:  mark   Joseph Mark, a former military police officer and current private investigator, has announced his candidacy for Gwinnett County Sheriff in the 2024 race. Concerns about crime in the county and staffing issues within the jail system motivated Mark to run for the position. He plans to challenge incumbent Sheriff Keybo Taylor in the Democratic Party primary. Mark has approximately 25 years of law enforcement experience, having served as an MP in the Army and worked as a private investigator. His priorities include addressing youth involvement in street gangs by providing alternative paths and mentorship opportunities. Mark also aims to tackle mental health issues and reduce recidivism by offering medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to those in need. He believes that extended jail stays worsen mental health issues and strain the jail system. To improve morale and staffing, Mark intends to focus on retention, recruitment, and raising salaries for deputies. He aims to incentivize deputies to live in Gwinnett County by offering compensation that aligns with the area's higher cost of living.   Story 3: Vehicle   Gwinnett police are searching for a "vehicle of interest" in a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian. On March 3, officers responded to a call on Dawson Boulevard in Norcross and found the body of Razak Ndego Iddrisa. Investigators believe a Dodge Ram struck him while he was walking, and surveillance footage captured a white Dodge Ram entering a nearby property around the time of the collision. The driver fled the scene, but parts of the truck were found. The Gwinnett Medical Examiner's Office determined the death to be traffic-related. Anyone with information is urged to contact Gwinnett police investigators or remain anonymous by contacting Atlanta Crime Stoppers for a potential cash reward. ……Stay updated on this story at gwinnettdailypost.com…we'll be right back   Commercial  M.O.G. Commercial  Tom Wages - then Obits   STORY 4: Asian American   Gwinnett County celebrated Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an event at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The event aimed to showcase AAPI community members who have chosen Gwinnett County as their home. Additionally, an AAPI Heritage Month exhibit is currently on display at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center until the end of May. You can read more about the celebration, get more information about seeing the exhibit, and see beautiful photos at gwinnettdailypost.com   Story 5: HOF   Former Dacula quarterback Terry Harvey and Parkview offensive lineman Jon Stinchcomb have been nominated for the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2023. Both Harvey and Stinchcomb are already members of the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame. They join last year's candidates, offensive lineman Jeff Backus and linebacker Rennie Curran, as well as former Indianapolis Colts and Hebron Christian football coach Jeff Saturday, on this year's ballot. The organization's board, comprising coaches, athletes, administrators, and media members, is expected to complete the voting process this month. The 40-member Class of 2023 will be inducted on October 21 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.       Story 6: Raymond   Kalif Raymond, an NFL wide receiver and kick returner for the Detroit Lions, will be hosting a free youth football camp at his former school, Greater Atlanta Christian, on June 3. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with registration opening at 8 a.m. It is open to children between the ages of 8 and 13, and participation is not limited to GAC students. Raymond, who has seven years of NFL experience, had a remarkable college career at Holy Cross. In 2022, he recorded 47 catches for 616 yards. For more information and a link to sign up for the camp, please go to gwinnettdailypost.com.….We'll be back in a moment     Story 7: Dugout   At the Gwinnett Dugout Club's season-ending celebration for high school baseball, Parkview players stood out by claiming two of the top three individual player awards. Colin Houck was named the Hugh Buchanan Player of the Year, while Landon Stripling was recognized as the Two-way Player of the Year. Norcross' Nick Lanning was honored as the Pitcher of the Year, and Jake Bova from Dacula received the John B. Sawyer Coach of the Year award. Wesleyan was crowned as the Team of the Year, and the Field of the Year honor was given to Seckinger, a first-year program. Collins Hill's Nathan Koerner was recognized with the Gino Vizzi Courage and Perseverance Award…..more in a moment   Commercial: City of Lawrenceville -GCPS job fair-Ingles 8   And Now Karen Woodrich of the Natural Resources Conservation Service describes the purpose and partnership within one of the agency's conservation programs. (Please run a low music bed under this) ***Woodrich*** We'll have closing thoughts after this Henssler 60 Thanks again for listening to today's Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. Giving you important news about your community and telling great stories are what we do. Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Get more news about your community at GwinnettDailyPost.com  www.hensslerkennesaw.com www.psponline.com www.mallofgeorgiachryslerdodgejeep.com www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.esogrepair.com www.gcpsk12.org www.ingles-markets.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month on Conservation Starters, we're joined by Becca Anderson, Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Small Farms & Urban Ag Specialist. Together, we discuss how urban agriculture differs from "big ag" and how folks in our community are coming up with innovative ways to grow food on small tracks of land. Becca also talks more about NRCS and what type of technical and financial assistance they are able to offer producers, big and small! We also talk about how NRCS is prioritizing working with and supporting historically excluded and underserved populations. Tune in to learn more!Resources:Becca Anderson, Rebecca.Anderson@usda.govNRCS Service Center LocatorNRCS Urban AgricultureNRCS WA Environmental Quality Incentives ProgramNRCS WA Conservation Stewardship ProgramLimited Resource Farmer/Rancher Self-Determination ToolSubmit your "Ask the Expert" questions to Kiana Sinner, ksinner@thurstoncd.com

Doug Spencer is the State Grazing Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He's based in Kansas, and his mission is to help ranchers and land managers maintain grasslands throughout his area and even across the high plains. While he works in a myriad of areas, his passion is native rangeland preservation. He lists several links to help range managers have the best data and info to help in this effort. douglas.spencer@usda.govRangeland Analysis Platform (RAP): https://rangelands.app/rap/ RAP Production Explorer: https://rangelands.app/production-explorer/Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW): https://www.wlfw.org/landscapes/great-plains/ Vulnerability Guide for Woody Plant Encroachment: https://www.wlfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/E-1054WoodyEncroachment.pdf Yield Gap Info: https://www.wlfw.org/yieldgap/Flint Hills - 14th most intact grassland: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/csp2.626 

Ducks Unlimited, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, is announcing the opening of the second application process of their collaborative Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The initiative, Scaling Soil Health in the Prairie Pothole Region, provides voluntary conservation incentives to farmers and ranchers looking to improve soil health, restore grasslands, and improve rotational grazing capacity for livestock on their properties. Hear more about the program from Bruce Toay with Ducks Unlimited in South Dakota and DRG Media Group News and Farm Director Jody Heemstra. Interested participants in the 34 east river counties of South Dakota have until March 31, 2023, to submit their application. Applications will be prioritized by projects that would include a transition to regenerative agriculture systems and incorporate large tracts of restored grasslands.

Urban agriculture is growing in popularity. Here in Wisconsin, it's gotten support from the federal government. Wisconsin Women in Conservation is a statewide project that's funded by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. It's led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. The project started in 2020 with a focus on helping women farmers across the state in their conservation plan. But it's grown to encompass urban farmers as well. Noemy Serrano is a district coordinator with the project, serving southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee. She says participation has grown from around 1,300 women in 2021 to over 2,000 in 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ecological sites are the basic component of a land-type classification system that describes ecological potential and ecosystem dynamics of land areas. We interviewed Dr. Joel Brown, current leader of the Natural Resources Conservation Service's National Ecological Site Team, to learn more about ecological site descriptions, transitions and transformations, and some thoughts about rangeland ecology under a changing climate. Image Credit: USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.Relevant Links:Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool (EDIT)If you're enjoying this podcast, please consider rating us and/or leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, or Podchaser Thanks!Follow us on Twitter @RainShinePodNever miss an episode! Sign up to get an email alert whenever a new episode publishes (http://eepurl.com/hRuJ5H)Have a suggestion for a future episode? Please tell us!Come Rain or Shine affiliate links:DOI Southwest CASC: https://www.swcasc.arizona.edu/ USDA Southwest Climate Hub: https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/southwest Sustainable Southwest Beef Project: https://southwestbeef.org/

New Jersey farmer Jeff Tober talks farming for ecological and community health, pasture-raised pigs, farm planning, and more with host Lisa Munniksma in this episode of Hobby Farms Presents: Growing Good. Hear about how a potato growing in a compost pile in the Philadelphia suburbs sparked a curiosity in Jeff as a young person that put him on a winding path to farming and eventually to the Pinelands Preservation Alliance's Rancocas Creek Farm. Learn about the Pinelands Preservation Alliance's work to preserve the 1.1-million-acre, ecologically important Pinelands National Reserve, including how they came into the 72 acres that is now their Rancocas Creek Farm.  Jeff talks about developing this farm from essentially a blank slate into a thriving natural space in a way that is chemical-free, involves diverse communities, restores soil health, mitigates stormwater flow, supports pollinators and wildlife, is economically sustainable, and brings in constituents new to PPA. Learn about getting federal Natural Resources Conservation Service and New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee funds for your farm projects and other ideas to “chase every dollar,” as farmers often have to do. Have your pastured-pig curiosity piqued and consider the ways they can fit into farm ecosystems. Dive deeper into farm planning, from observation to implementation. Get a great idea for engaging the community and getting more organic material for your farm with Rancocas Creek Farm's Project Pizza Box. Hear also about the New Jersey Agricultural Society, the Farmers Against Hunger program (and how to get your farm involved), and the role of County Agricultural Development Boards in New Jersey.  Pinelands Preservation Alliance PPA on Instagram PPA on Facebook Rancocas Creek Farm Rancocas Creek Farm on Instagram Email Jeff Tober New Jersey Agricultural Society New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger

On this episode, we learn about the work of Case IH Research Agronomist Alison Bryan. We also talk farm labor reform with Stephanie Katzman, of New York-based Katzman Produce, No-Till November with Mindi Rambo of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and end-of-the-year farm planning with Pinion Ag Business Advisor Thomas Eatherly In our “Meat Monitor” segment, we hear from newly elected U.S. meat Export Federation Chair Dean Meyer, and in “Bushels and Cents,” Ray Bohacz discusses Mass Airflow Sensor wire cleaning. The episode also features singer/songwriter/producer Curt Ryle. Timestamps Soil Test Pro advertisement: 0:00 Intro and news: 0:30 Goatlifeclothing.com advertisement: 6:29 Alison Bryan, Case IH: 6:48 Stephanie Katzman, Katzman Produce: 15:15 Mindi Rambo, NRCS-Idaho: 17:16 Thomas Eatherly, Pinion Ag: 18:42 Dean Meyer, U.S. Meat Export Federation: 22:13 Ray Bohacz, “Bushels and Cents”: 24:21 Curt Ryle: 25:57

There have been 35,000 deaths in the U.S. so far this year from gun violence, following 45,000 deaths in 2020 and 2021! So we're bringing in a long-time gun owner who happens to be a trauma surgeon for CT Children's Medical Center for a cool, calm, and politics-free conversation about how we can start trending down these horrific losses, so many involving children. Then we're circling back with the Connecticut bureau of the Natural Resources Conservation Service - a division of the US Department of Agriculture - to get the latest on the programs and financial and technical assistance they're offering to farmers and private landowners through their brand new website. And you probably heard that the 5th Circuit recently ruled that DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - was unconstitutional, and new DACA applications will no longer be allowed. So if you are or know one of the 1 million-plus undocumented Dreamers living without legal status, we're reconnecting with our resource at Immigration Help to find out how that nonprofit may be of assistance.

Luke Westerman is a Supervisory District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Kansas. He provides consulting, technical assistance and leadership for farmers, ranchers and landowners wishing to best manage the natural resources on their land. In our conversation, we touch on the formation of the Flint Hills, the woody invasion of the plains and the many functions of this unique ecosystem in Kansas. We are fortunate to have folks like Luke who look at their government "job" as much more than just a paycheck. Luke is deeply invested in the Flint Hills region and all of its flora and fauna. He and his wife, Mindy, are our friends and fellow leaders in our community.  Mindy is our kids' 4H club leader and Luke now serves as our Eureka City Fire Chief (didn't even get time to talk about that on this episode), as well as various other volunteer positions.So enjoy this discussion about the Flint Hills, how they have persisted through the centuries, and what lessons they can teach us as we go forth.Home | NRCS (usda.gov)

This week's episode features an interview with Ira Matt. Ira is the Director of the Office of Native American Affairs at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. We cover a lot of cultural nuances in the conversation. Ultimately it comes back to compassion. If you're interested in working with any of the tribal nations or curious how to navigate working with people of different backgrounds then this is definitely an episode for you.  Links: https://www.achp.gov/ (Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)) https://www.achp.gov/indian-tribes-and-native-hawaiians/initiatives/achp-native-american-policies (ACHP Native American Policies) https://www.instagram.com/tangibleremnants/ (Tangible Remnants on Instagram) https://www.podpage.com/tangible-remnants/ (Tangible Remnants Website) https://linktr.ee/TangibleRemnants (LinkedTr.ee for resources) https://gablmedia.com/ (Gabl Media Network) https://sarahgilberg.bandcamp.com/releases (Sarah Gilberg's Music) Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-matt-1ba11643/ (Ira Matt) Ira Matt has more than 22 years of historic preservation and cultural resources management experience at both the tribal and federal levels. He began working at the ACHP in 2015 as a program analyst in the Office of Federal Agency Programs. In 2018, he moved to ONAA as a senior program analyst, where he led ONAA's traditional knowledge initiative and co-authored the ACHP's Early Coordination with Indian Tribes handbook. He also served on several committees of the White House Council on Native American Affairs. Before joining the ACHP, he worked for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for 16 years in varying capacities, including as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, resource advisor, tribal archaeologist, and as a wildland firefighter. During this time, he regularly worked with the Cultural Committees and Elder Advisory Boards, Tribal Council, and Salish Kootenai College to generate positive outcomes in cultural resource management by implementing historic preservation as a tool to effectuate cultural perpetuation. Ira Matt's prior federal experience includes serving as the Federal Preservation Officer/National Archaeologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service and as a tribal affairs specialist for the Department of Energy. Ira is Salish and an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of western Montana. He received his BA and MA in anthropology from the University of Montana and a Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law from the University of Tulsa College of Law. **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.**  **This podcast is sponsored by https://www.smartsheet4architects.com/ (www.Smartsheet4architects.com), a better way to manage architecture projects.**

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, in partnership with SDSU Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and others, will be hosting the Eastern South Dakota Grazing School for all types of grazing managers. The class, scheduled for July 26 - 28 at the Abbey of the Hills near Marvin, South Dakota, is specifically tailored to address grazing management in plant communities found in eastern South Dakota and the surrounding areas.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a successful career at the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ray Archuleta began preaching about soil health. Mitchell caught up with “Ray the Soil Guy” inside an Ohio seed shed. The pair talked about Ray's life and the challenges of converting more farmers to regenerative agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded Oregon nearly $7 million to help landowners protect working farmland. Farmers work with regional land trusts to conserve land from development. Sarahlee Lawrence is the founder of Rainshadow Organics, a “full diet” farm that offers certified organic fruits, vegetables, grains and meats. Lawrence has applied to have land that she works on protected with the Deschutes Land Trust. She tells us more about the importance of protecting Oregon's farmland.

On today's This Green Earth, hosts Claire Wiley and Chris Cherniak speak with Jordan Clayton (1:42), Supervisor with the Utah Snow Survey and Natural Resources Conservation Service about snowfall, rainfall, soil moisture and water storage levels throughout Utah.Then (24:49), we speak with Andy Davis, research scientist at the University of Georgia, about this data and the life of a Monarch. For years, scientists have warned that monarch butterflies are dying off in droves. New research coming from the University of Georgia suggests that the population of monarchs has remained relatively stable over the past 25 years.Published in Global Change Biology, the study states that population growth during the summer compensates for butterfly losses duet to migration, winter weather and changing environmental factors.

Matt interviews Nick Schalitz, a Zone Engineer for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Nick's team covers 52 counties in North-Central Texas.The NRCS is within the United States Department of Agriculture and works with farmers and ranchers to provide the technical expertise needed to improve conservation efforts on their land.Learn more about the U.S. Department of Agriculture here: USDA and you can learn more about the Natural Resources Conservation Service here: Home | NRCS (usda.gov)

Today, we visit with Greg Brann, longtime Grazing and Soil Health Specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He also does private consulting for farmers, ranchers, land preservation organizations, and public land managers to improve synergistic regenerative land management practices. If you're looking to improve your hay production and maximize the potential of of your livestock, you don't want to miss this episode.

Bernalillo County is the latest to end its moratorium on non-payment evictions. Our Line Opinion Panelists explain why they think there hasn't been a rush to kick people out of their homes, and the programs available for people who are struggling to pay rent. The Natural Resources Conservation Service issues spring forecasts for western rivers, including the Rio Grande. Hydrologist Angus Goodbody, with the agency's National Water and Climate Center, speaks with correspondent Laura Paskus about the spring forecast for the Rio Grande Basin. He also explains why the Natural Resources Conservation Service's streamflow “normals” have recently changed—and what that means for the future. Animal Rights Group In Defense of Animals, IDA, recently ranked the Albuquerque Zoo as second worst in the U.S. for elephant habitats, in part because of a pair of recent deaths. Host Gene Grant talks with Brittany Michelson of IDA to learn more about what the criticisms involve and what changes the group would like to see. (note: we invited the ABQ Bipark to participate in this discussion as well, but so far that invitation has been declined.) Correspondents: Gene Grant Laura Paskus Guests: Angus Goodbody, forecast hydrologist, USDA-NRCS Brittany Michelson, In Defense of Animals Line Opinion Panelists: Serge Martinez, professor, UNM Law School Sophie Martin, attorney Justine Fox-Young, former state representative For More Information: National Water and Climate Center, USDA-NRCS NRCS Seasonal Streamflow Normals for Rio Grande Stations New Mexico NRCS Snow Survey Program New Mexico Basin-Wide Interactive SNOTEL Graphs Non-Payment Evictions Begin Friday in Bernalillo County – Source NM Battle Heats Up Over Remaining Federal Rental Assistance – Albuquerque Journal --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nmif/message

Since fundamental changes were made to the way rice straw is managed following harvest in the early 1990s,  Sacramento Valley rice country has steadily grown as a vital rest and refuel stop for millions of birds.  Local rice fields not only provide habitat for nearly 230 wildlife species, the value of rice fields for the environment is proving to be even greater during drought years, because there is less water on the landscape and fewer habitat options. What's next for the environmental crop? If promising research by the Rice Commission and UC Davis pays off, Sacramento Valley rice fields may one day help dwindling salmon runs. The third year of field work for the salmon project has just completed, and the last of the baby salmon raised on Steve Neader's Sutter County rice farm have been released and are heading out to the ocean. Through sophisticated tagging, their journey will be studied. The ultimate hope is that rice fields specifically managed for this purpose will provide an even greater role in preserving and enhancing the California environment. “I'm extremely optimistic about it,” remarked Andrew Rypel, one of the study leaders and professors in the Department of Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology at UC Davis. “All of the data we have collected points to the fact these fields are going to be helpful for, not just salmon, but lots of native fishes.” There were new elements in the latest year of the project that will ultimately help researchers adapt the habitat management strategy and understand prospects for future success.  “This is the first time we've ever done the project on full size rice fields, with about 125 acres devoted to testing the practice at scale, “ said  Paul Buttner, Environmental Affairs Manager of the California Rice Commission. “One of the things we needed to make sure is that we could allow the fish to move freely through all of the checks in the field and out of the field when they want to, which is called volitional passage. We put in specialized boards with holes and notches to allow the fish to move through the system entirely.” Buttner stressed the importance of partnerships to make this multi-million dollar project successful, including the scientific research from UC Davis and other technical partners. “It would not be possible without funding, that comes first and foremost from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service,” he said. “They provided over half of the funding for the project. All of the funding they provide has to be matched with private sector contributions, both financial and in-kind. Syngenta and State Water Contractors have really stepped up with major contributions, and we have a long list of other sustaining contributors as well.  The full sponsorship list can be seen at http://salmon.calrice.org/#Sponsors.” As the salmon left the rice fields to start their journey to the ocean, it was a somewhat emotional time for researcher Alexandra Wampler of UC Davis. “I'm very excited,” Wampler said. “I can't wait to track their migration to the ocean. We have a very dense receiver array, so we should be able to track each step they take, and it's going to be very exciting.” It will take a while longer to determine the viability of the project, but those involved remain optimistic that, perhaps one day, Sacramento Valley rice fields will add a significant new area to their environmental benefits. “I think that rice fields have the same opportunities for the salmon as they did for waterfowl,” said Carson Jeffres, research ecologist at UC Davis. “It's a little bit different. It takes different opportunities because fish can't fly, so you have to make it available for them, as opposed to having it just available for them to fly to. There's those same possibilities that we have, and I think that we've really turned a big corner in doing that, and we're starting to see those benefits being realized on the landscape right now.” Episode Transcript Jim Morris: The environment holds special importance in California, and salmon represent one of the most beleaguered species in what now is year three of a major drought. There is a ray of hope in the form of a partnership being lived out in the rice fields of the Sacramento Valley. Jim Morris: Welcome to Ingrained, the California Rice podcast. I'm your host, Jim Morris, proud to have worked with the state's farmers and ranchers for more than three decades to help tell their stories. Environmental stewardship among the rice industry is unparalleled. Not only do Sacramento Valley rice fields serve as a vital part of the Pacific flyway migration of millions of ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other species, those same fields offer great promise to help salmon. Jim Morris: I'm at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences, where researchers play a pivotal role in exploring how local rice fields might help salmon. I'm speaking with research ecologist, Carson Jeffres. First of all, Carson, salmon in California have been struggling. What are some of the factors that have led to that decline in their population? Carson Jeffres: They face multiple threats, both in the freshwater environment where we've experienced drought for multiple years. We're on our second major drought in the last 10 years, which is probably much more of a long term drought. Water and fresh water environments is limited, but also there's other factors from thymine deficiency coming back from the ocean. It's just one thing after another that they've experienced over the last, probably, a hundred years. Now, we're starting to see the culmination of climate change and management really affect the populations. Jim Morris: Rice fields may help in two different areas. Can you comment on those? Also, your degree of optimism that these two areas may significantly help. Carson Jeffres: There's two ways that those, what we think of as historic floodplains, which are not rice fields, can benefit the salmon. One of them is that, unlike birds, fish can't get to the dry side of the levee, but we can take the food that grows on the dry side of the levee and the rice fields and pump it into the river for the fish that are out migrating to the ocean. The other way that rice fields are used for salmon during their out migration, is that in the flood bypasses. In particular, is that when we have flood events, many of those habitats are rice fields now, and fish can use them during their out migration. If we manage those habitats well, we can benefit salmon during their out migration on those habitats, and the food that we grow that they consume, and they get big, and then they head out to the ocean. Jim Morris: In a larger picture, reactivating the floodplains of the Sacramento Valley, do you see multiple benefits from that, not only just for salmon? Carson Jeffres: Many species rely on these habitats, from waterbirds, the waterfowl, there's the waiting birds, there's fish, there's groundwater recharge. There's lots of benefits from having floodplains activated in the Central Valley. For human uses, for wildlife, it's really a win-win to see those habitats inundated. Jim Morris: Fish food, and rice fields, how nutrient rich is that, and how optimistic are you that can make a difference? Carson Jeffres: Fish food is really interesting in that what happens is as the rice double breaks down, when it's flooded, is it's basically carbon that's being released in the water. Carbon is the currency of energy in the floodplain. When carbon is released, microbes eat it, and zooplankton can eat it, and that's creating food for the salmon. It's really that ability to create that carbon out and make it usable for the animals in the system. That's what happens when you flood during the non-growing season. Jim Morris: How important is it to consider the long term in this process? I imagine the salmon population probably won't rebound immediately, but steps need to be taken to help this important part of our environment. Carson Jeffres: This is a problem that's been constructed over the last 150 years, since the Gold Rush. We shouldn't expect that we're going to fix it in one, or two, or five years. This is a long term idea that we need to change. The decisions that we're making now are something that will affect the future. Understanding that we have climate changing, being able to be plastic with our decision making, and our management, is really important. Jim Morris: Rice fields have helped a lot with the Pacific Flyway and are essentially surrogate wetlands in California. Do you feel that they might be able to play a similar role down the road for salmon? Carson Jeffres: I think that rice fields have the same opportunities for the salmon as they did for the waterfowll. It's a little bit different. It takes different opportunities, because fish can't fly. You have to make it available for them, as opposed to having it just available for them to fly to. There's those same possibilities that we have. I think that we've really turned a big corner in doing that. We're starting to see those benefits being realized on the landscape now. Jim Morris: Andrew Rypel is a professor and the Peter Moyle and California Trout chair in cold water fish ecology at UC Davis. Andrew, this is year three of field work of the pilot salmon project between UC Davis and the Rice Commission. At first glance, it may sound like a wild concept, but good things are happening. Can you provide an overview on the project? Andrew Rypel: What we're trying to do this year is to really scale out some of the lessons we've learned from previous years, such that we're working on production scale rice fields, working with growers, using the infrastructure that they already have in place, and trying to do things to help fish, to help salmon, using that infrastructure. Jim Morris: Let's talk about that infrastructure. How suitable is a rice field to raise salmon? Andrew Rypel: Well, we think it's very productive habitat. When you look at the river habitat that salmon have been using in recent years, it's functionally equivalent of a food desert. What this is really about is activating the floodplain, activating the food factory that already grows food for people, but now might grow food for fish, and grow salmon to be big and healthy. Jim Morris: To have this work, you really do need quantifiable data, and of course, good results. How are those achieved? Andrew Rypel: Using sound science. What we're really trying to do here is get down in the weeds, get down in detail with the kinds of questions that managers and agencies are really interested in here. Trying to understand how well salmon move through the infrastructure, through the modified rice ports that we have, how well they survive in the fields, how well they egress out to the river, out to the bypass, out to the ocean, these sorts of really nitty gritty science questions that are hard to do, but we need to really advance the practice. Jim Morris: What level of optimism do you have that this will ultimately work and help the salmon population? Andrew Rypel: I'm extremely optimistic about it. Everything we've collected so far, all the data we've collected, points to the fact that these fields are going to be helpful for not just salmon, but lots of native fishes, but the key is to really do the hard work, do the science, to work with the agencies that manage these fisheries, and these stocks, to address their questions, to do things in a partnership-oriented method, and to move the practice forward. Jim Morris: When you talk about native fish, I have seen some of your writings on that. That's an area of passion for you. It sounds exciting that maybe salmon are just the first part and there could be other species that could be helped by rice fields. Is that one of your hopes? Andrew Rypel: Absolutely. Many of the native fishes in the Central Valley are adapted evolutionarily for floodplains. Though we only have 5 percent of the natural floodplains left, we have 500,000 acres of these rice fields. We think they can be used smarter to help lots of native fishes, including salmon, but including a lot of other are kinds of native species, things like Sacramento black fish, and Sacramento perch, and maybe even smelt, who knows, but a lot of these species evolved to exploit the food rich areas of these floodplain areas, which rice fields can still provide. Jim Morris: Oftentimes, when you have fish and farming, particularly in California, can be rather adversarial. What's different about this arrangement as far as you see? Andrew Rypel: Fish and farms have been pitted against each other for a really long time in California. But to me, that's becoming somewhat of an old trope, and something that we need to get past. This is a great example of an interesting project where fish conservationists, growers, can work in collaboration to really help the resource, while still helping make food for people. That's the kind of thinking that we need in California. That's the kind of thinking we need in the world. This is just one example of how a project like that can come together. Jim Morris: Paul Buttner is environmental affairs manager with the California Rice Commission. Paul, it hasn't been easy at all times, but after three years of field work, what are your thoughts about the potential viability of this project? Paul Buttner: Well, Jim, I'm very encouraged about the possibilities for this project. As you know, what we're really trying to accomplish is to do for fish, what we've done for birds, for many, many years, that is develop habitats that's ideal for them. Of course, there's a lot more challenges with the fish side than the bird side. Of course, the birds fly over the habitat. They see it, they come down, they use it. With fish, it's all about the plumbing. It's how do we get the fish there? How do we get them off of the fields? These are the types of questions that we're really trying to answer. Jim Morris: What were some of the new areas that you were working in this year? Paul Buttner: Well, first of all, this is the first time we've ever done the project on full size rice fields, 125 acres or so, with five or six checks. One of the things we needed to make sure is that we could allow the fish to move freely through all of those checks, and out the field when they want to. It's called volitional passage. We put in specialized boards with holes and notches, allowing the fish to move through the system entirely. Jim Morris: Carrying this out takes a lot of coordination, creativity, and partnerships. Let's talk about the latter. How vital are partnerships to make this effort a success? Paul Buttner: Yeah, this is a very significant project. We're in phase two. Both phases are pretty expensive. They cost about $1.2 million apiece. Tremendous amount of science being done by UC Davis, and our other technical partners. It's a really significant endeavor and it would not be possible without funding that comes first and foremost from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services, which has provided over half of the funding for this project. Of course, all of the funding they provide has to be matched with private sector contributions, both financial and in kind, and Syngenta and State Water Contractors have really stepped up with major contributions, and then we have a long list of other sustaining contributors as well. Jim Morris: We've come to the final day of the third year of field work for the salmon project. Alex Wampler of UC Davis, you've been here through the start. What are your thoughts as the fish are going to head from the rice fields out to the ocean? Alex Wampler: I'm very excited. I can't wait to track their migration to the ocean. I suspect the fish will make it out in about 14 days. We have a very dense receiver array, so we should be able to track each step they take. It's going to be very exciting. Jim Morris: Is it at all emotional? You're kind of in a different area. You're working with living things. We sure hope that the salmon will ultimately be helped by all of this. Alex Wampler: Oh, yes. It's very emotional. I care about these fish deeply. I've hand raised them since they were eggs, in November. I suspect that they will do very well out at sea. It feels great to know that our efforts, and our research, are going immediately to species survival and helping these endemic and endangered species have a great chance while working within human boundaries. Jim Morris: Hopefully, those same rice fields that provide major benefits for wildlife, especially during drought years, will also play a valuable role in restoring salmon, an icon of the California environment. Jim Morris: That will wrap up this episode. Thank you to Andrew Rypel, Carson Jeffres, Paul Buttner, and Alex Wampler for their comments about this promising project. You can find out more at podcast.calrice.org. Please subscribe and leave us a review. Thanks for listening.

Troy Mallach is the state biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana (NRCS) who assists with helping forest landowners develop management plans that enhance habitat for wildlife. Minding the Forest is a podcast of the Louisiana Forestry Association and his hosted by LFA Media Specialist Jeff Zeringue. Comments can be sent to jzeringue@laforestry.com.If you want to find out more about the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, go to forests.org.Check out our website at laforestry.com.Click this link to join the LFA.