Sign Up Announced for Energy Conservation, High Tunnels and Organic Practices
Sign up by Feb. 3

RENO, Dec. 13 -- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is announcing three special initiatives for conservation funding.  Bruce Petersen, Nevada state conservationist, announced that the Organic, On-Farm Energy and Seasonal High Tunnel Initiatives are being offered through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program of the 2008 Farm Bill.  Interested producers must sign up by Feb. 3 to be considered in the first batching and ranking period. 

Organic Initiative

Certified organic producers and those producers who are considering a transition to organic production methods are encouraged to participate in the Organic Initiative.  Participants are eligible for up to $20,000 in annual payments not to exceed $80,000 payment limit over a 6-year period. 

Certified organic producers must provide a copy of their Organic System Plan (OSP) and organic certification must be maintained for the life of the contract.  Producers transitioning to organic production must self certify that they agree to develop and implement an OSP and provide contact information of the applicant’s USDA accredited organic certifying agent before an EQIP contract can be approved.  Organic producers selling less than $5,000 per year in organic agricultural products are exempt from the organic certification but are still eligible for the EQIP Organic Initiative.  Funding is also available for applicants to develop Conservation Activity Plans provided by a registered third party technical service provider.

On-Farm Energy Initiative

The On-Farm Energy Initiative helps producers install energy conserving practices such as residue/tillage management, irrigation water management, pumping plants, windbreaks or shelterbelts, and farmstead energy improvements.  Producers must provide proof of operational energy savings for conservation measures to be installed.  Receipts, invoices or records of historical energy consumption will be used to determine the potential benefits of the new, proposed practices during the ranking process.  For energy measures installed on headquarters and agricultural buildings, producers work with technical service providers to develop an Ag Energy Management Plan. Funding to implement the AgEMP is also available through this initiative.

Seasonal High Tunnels

Under the Seasonal High Tunnel Initiative, participants may install high tunnels that total up to 2,178 square feet in size.  Payments are based on the size of the high tunnel being planned and installed.

For these initiatives, if funds are still available after the first ranking period, subsequent ranking and batching deadlines will be March 30 and June 1, 2012.  Producers must meet all USDA program eligibility criteria to participate.

For complete details and to apply for funding, contact your local NRCS office.

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Funding Available for USDA Sage-Grouse Conservation Initiative

RENO, Dec. 12 -- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering financial incentives to farmers and ranchers willing to protect sage-grouse habitat.  Bruce Petersen, Nevada State Conservationist, said applications must be submitted by Jan. 13 for the first ranking period.

 “The Sage-Grouse Initiative helps ranchers and farmers be proactive in keeping the bird from being listed under the Endangered Species Act and reducing the potential for future regulations to protect the species,” said Petersen.

The Sage grouse Initiative helps producers install conservation practices that enhance sage grouse habitat such as brush management, range seeding, water developments, prescribed grazing and fencing. Payments are based on 75 percent of the estimated cost of establishing the practices.  Beginning, limited resource and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for up to 90 percent of the estimated costs.  Funding is being offered through the 2008 Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). 

Private and public lands can be enrolled under EQIP, with a $300,000 payment limit for the program through the period of the 2008 Farm Bill.  WHIP allows for installation of practices on private and tribal lands and has a $50,000 annual payment limit.  Applicants must meet all USDA program eligibility criteria to participate in Farm Bill conservation programs.

Producers may apply at any time for SGI funding but applications must be received by Jan. 13 to be considered in the first ranking period for fiscal year 2012 funding.  Depending on the availability of funds, additional applications will be ranked on March 30 and June 1.

For more information or to apply for funding, contact your local NRCS office.

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Funding Available to Restore Lands Impacted by 2011 Wildfires

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering funding to agricultural producers to restore land impacted by the 2011 wildfires.  Bruce Petersen, Nevada state conservationist, announced that the NRCS is offering funding under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for ranchers and farmers to apply necessary conservation practices on lands damaged by fires. 

“We need to act now to repair the land damaged by the wildfires,” Petersen said.  He stated that the 2011 fires severely impacted lands that provide critical habitat for several wildlife species of concern including sage-grouse, and negatively impacted livestock grazing operations dependent on these areas for forage. 

Eligible conservation practices may include erosion control structures, rangeland seeding, fencing to protect sensitive areas and grazing management.

Farmers and ranchers must meet EQIP eligibility requirements.  Private and public lands may be enrolled into the program.  Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 18 to be considered for this year’s funding cycle.

Payment rates for practices are based on a percentage, usually 75 percent, of the typical costs for installation of the practices.   Beginning, limited resource and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for higher payment rates not to exceed 90 percent. 

NRCS will coordinate treatment alternatives and activities with public land management agencies for applicants who include public lands.

For more information or to apply for funding, contact your local NRCS office.

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Getto Family Legacy Recognized by Nevada Centennial Awards Program
100 Years and Counting

RENO, Sept. 14, 2010 – Next month, two long-time Fallon families will be inducted into the Nevada Centennial Ranch and Farm Awards Program.  Virgil and Robert Getto still live on the land that was purchased by their fathers, Andrew and John Getto, in 1911.

“It is always a privilege and an honor to recognize these families who represent the rich legacy of Nevada’s agriculture,” said Bruce Petersen, Nevada State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

John and Andrew Getto immigrated to America from Italy and purchased about 150 acres with their friend and partner, Ed Frazzini.  The Getto brothers bought out Frazzini and agreed to let the Carson River divide the acreage into a north and south portion.  John took the south side; Andrew, the north.  Over the decades, they each added more parcels to their farms.

In the early days, the Gettos cleared the land with teams of horses and grew potatoes, alfalfa, wheat, corn and oats, and raised livestock.  Later, each brother started a dairy.  Now operated by their sons Mike and John, the farms raise alfalfa hay, teff grain and pasture.

The Nevada Centennial Awards ceremony will be held on Oct. 15 at the Churchill County Museum in Fallon.

“The Centennial Awards Program acknowledges the deep roots Nevada’s ranchers and farmers have with the land,” said Dennis Hellwinkel, project manager for the Agricultural Council of Nevada.  “It is a celebration of Nevada’s agriculture and farm families who feed the world and care for the land.”

Centennial status is given to farms and ranches that have been in the same family for 100 years or more. Forty-three families have received Nevada Centennial status since the program started in 2004. The Centennial Awards Program is sponsored by the Agricultural Council of Nevada, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nevada Farm Bureau, Nevada Ag Foundation, Nevada Heritage Foundation, Nevada Cattlemen’s Assoc., and Nevada Dept. of Agriculture.

For more information about the Centennial Awards Program, visit the Nevada NRCS Web site at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/centennial_awards.html.or contact Liz Warner, (775) 857-8500 x 105 or liz.warner@nv.usda.gov. 

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America’s farmers and ranchers are one of our nation’s greatest assets.  Not only do we rely on our American agriculture for our food, feed, fiber, and fuel, our agricultural producers preserve our environment and help drive our national economy. Please take a minute to thank a farmer or rancher for all they do.

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Apply before Oct. 28 for Conservation Funding

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering financial and technical assistance to help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on their private land as well as their public land allotments. Producers are encouraged to apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Agricultural Management Assistance or Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program by Oct. 28 to be considered in the next funding cycle.

EQIP is a voluntary, financial assistance program that helps fund conservation practices to protect sage-grouse habitat, control weeds, improve irrigation efficiency, and reduce soil loss. This year, the NRCS awarded nearly 100 EQIP contracts in Nevada totaling more than $8 million. 

“EQIP is adaptable to meet the various needs of our landowners and address their natural resource challenges,” said Bruce Petersen, Nevada NRCS State Conservationist.

Farmers transitioning to organic production or who are already certified as an organic producer by the Nevada Dept. of Agriculture may qualify for EQIP. Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through this program.

 

AMA provides financial assistance to producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control. Producers may construct or improve water management or irrigation structures, plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality, and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transitioning to organic farming.  In 2011, 18 contracts were awarded in Nevada for over $77,000.

WHIP is a voluntary program for conservation-minded landowners who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat on agricultural land.  Nine contracts were awarded in Nevada this year, for $625,000.

According to Gary Roeder, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, applications for EQIP, AMA and WHIP are accepted year-round; however periodic closing dates are announced so that applications can be ranked.  “Applications received before 4:00 pm on October 28 will be considered in the next ranking period,” said Roeder. 

 

The amount of financial assistance producers receive varies by program and will depend on future allocations received under the 2008 Farm Bill.  Limited resource, beginning and socially disadvantaged producers may be eligible for larger payments.

To learn more, contact your local NRCS office or go online to http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov.

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USDA Settling Lawsuits with Women, Native American, Hispanic, Black Agricultural Producers

(CARSON CITY, Nev., July 6, 2011) – The US Department of Agriculture is actively resolving issues of discrimination brought forward by Native American, Black, Hispanic and female farmers and ranchers.   USDA has already settled class actions with Black and Native American farmers and ranchers and is in the process of informing Hispanic and women’s organizations about an offer of compensation for those who assert they experienced discrimination in farm loans, loan servicing, or equal access to credit during the 1980s and 1990s.

“We are striving to turn the page to provide an equally high level of service to all of our borrowers and absolutely everyone who does business with us,” said Sarah Adler, Nevada State Director for USDA Rural Development. 

Women, Native American, Hispanic and Black agricultural producers who feel they may have been discriminated against by USDA are encouraged to visit the appropriate Web site or call the toll free number for more information.

• Women producers should visit https://farmerclaims.gov or call 1-888-508-4429. 

• Native American producers should visit www.IndianFarmClass.com or call 1-888-233-5506.

• Hispanic producers should visit https://farmerclaims.gov or call 1-888-508-4429.

• Black producers should visit www.blackfarmercase.com or call 1-877-810-8110.

“USDA is taking steps to ensure that discrimination is a thing of the past,” said Clint Koble, US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Farm Service Agency State Executive Director.  “Our goal is to become a model department serving our farmers, ranchers, rural communities and employees.”

Persons requiring special accommodations or materials in an alternative format or language should contact Liz Warner, Public Affairs Officer, (775) 857.8500 x 105. A  Nevada relay TTY/English/Spanish is available by calling 7-1-1.

En Espanol

USDA resuelve demanda con mujeres, indio-americanos, hispanos y agricultores negros

(CARSON CITY, Nevada., 6  de Julio, 2011) – El Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA por sus siglas en ingles) está activamente resolviendo la cuestión de discriminación hecha por agricultores y ganaderos indio-americanos, negros, hispanos y mujeres.  USDA ya ha resuelto la demanda de grupo con los agricultores y ganaderos negros e indio-americanos y está en proceso de informar organizaciones  de mujeres e hispanos de una oferta de compensación para aquellos que fueron víctimas de discriminación al solicitar préstamos agrícolas, administración de un préstamo agrícola, o  igualdad de acceso a crédito durante los años 1980 a 1990.

“Nosotros estamos luchando por pasar la página para poder proveer servicio de alta calidad para todos nuestros clientes y absolutamente a todos los que comercian con nosotros,” dijo Sarah Adler, directora estatal de Nevada para USDA Desarrollo Rural.

Mujeres, indio-americanos, hispanos y agricultores negros que sienten que fueron víctimas de discriminación por el USDA están alentados a visitar el sitio de internet apropiado o llamar el número sin costo de conexión para más informes.  

• Mujeres agricultoras deberían visitar  https://farmerclaims.gov o llamar al 1-888-508-4429.

• Agricultores indio-americanos deberían visitar  www.IndianFarmClass.com o llamar al  1-888-233-5506.

• Agricultores hispanos deberían visitar https://farmerclaims.gov o llamar al  1-888-508-4429.

• Agricultores negros deberían visitar www.blackfarmercase.com o llamar al 1-877-810-8110.

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Personas que requieren asistencia especial o materiales en un formato alternativo o lenguaje deberían contactar a Liz Warner, relaciones públicas, (775) 857.8500 x 105.

Transmisión por telescritora en inglés y español está disponible llamando al 7-1-1

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Public Comment Sought at Nevada State Technical Committee Meeting on June 15

Held by Videoconference from the Nevada Farm Bureau, 9 am to 3 pm

RENO, May 9, 2011 – The Nevada State Technical Committee will meet on June 15 to discuss Farm Bill programs administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“We have some critical issues to discuss and would appreciate input from producers, partners and conservation groups,” said Bruce Petersen, Nevada state conservationist for the NRCS.

Funding for energy-efficient irrigation systems, converted agricultural land, invasive weed control, and conservation practices installed on public land are among the topics to be discussed.

“We’d like to know if we’re spending Farm Bill money in the right places and on the right practices,” said Petersen.   

The meeting will be held by videoconference from the Nevada Farm Bureau office, 2165 Green Vista Dr., #205, Sparks, NV 89431.  The videoconference will begin at 9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm, or sooner if all topics are covered.

The remote video locations will be located in:

Battle Mountain—Cooperative Extension, 815 N. Second Street, 89820-2326

Caliente—Cooperative Extension, 360 Lincoln Street, 89008-0728

Carson City—Western Nevada College, Reynolds Building, Room 102, 2201 West College Parkway, 89703

Elko—Great Basin College, High Tech Center, #121, 1290 Burns Rd., 89801

Ely—Cooperative Extension, 995 Campton Street, 89301-0210

Eureka—Cooperative Extension, 701 S. Main Street, Annex Building, 89316-0613

Fallon—Cooperative Extension, 111 Sheckler Road, 89406

Las Vegas—location pending; please call (702) 262-9047 for location information

Owyhee—Great Basin College SPHE, Hwy. 225, 89832

Tonopah—Cooperative Extension, #1 Frankie St., Old Courthouse, 89049-0231

Winnemucca—Cooperative Extension, 1085 Fairgrounds Road, 89445-2927

Yerington—Cooperative Extension, 504 S. Main, 89447

For more information, call (775) 857-8500, go online to www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local NRCS office. 

News Release (PDF; 25KB)
Meeting Flyer (PDF; 742KB)
Sign-in Sheet (DOC; 30KB)

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USDA Announces Opportunity for Organic Producers to Implement Conservation Practices

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2011 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White has announced another funding opportunity for certified organic producers and those transitioning to organic production to implement resource conservation practices on their agricultural operations.

While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the cutoff date for this application period is set for May 20, 2011.

“Organic growers continue to express interest in program support to implement conservation practices,” White said. “This additional opportunity will allow more producers to get assistance in protecting the natural resources on their land and creating conditions that help foster organic production.”

Fiscal year 2011 marks the third year of USDA’s Organic Initiative. Up to $50 million is available this year to help producers to plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns in ways that are consistent with organic production. For example, conservation practices might include planting cover crops, establishing integrated pest management plans, constructing seasonal high tunnels, or implementing nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards.

Eligible producers include those certified through USDA’s National Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production, and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000.

Organic Initiative funding is provided through NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. The 2008 Farm Bill provided assistance specifically for organic farm operations and those converting to organic production.

Under EQIP Organic Initiative contracts, NRCS provides financial payments and technical assistance to help producers implement conservation measures in keeping with organic production. Beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers may obtain additional assistance. The 2008 Farm Bill limits EQIP payments for organic operations to $20,000 per year per person or legal entity, with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.

Producers interested in applying for EQIP Organic Initiative funding must submit applications through their local Nevada NRCS office, which can be located on the Web at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact.

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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General West Announce Process to Resolve Discrimination Claims of Hispanic and Women Farmers

en Espanol (http://www.usda.gov/documents/Comunicado_No_0085.11sp.pdf) - Secretario de Agricultura Vilsack y Fiscal General Adjunto West Anuncian Proceso para Resolver Reclamaciones de Discriminación contra Agricultores Hispanos y Mujeres Agricultoras

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Farm Bill Funds Available for Conservation Practices on Public Lands

February 24, 2011 - For many years, Nevada’s farmers and ranchers have received funding under the Farm Bill for conservation activities on their private land.  Now with the passage of the newest Farm Bill, public land permittees are able to receive funding for conservation measures installed on public lands.

“Funding contracts on public lands is a relatively new opportunity for farmers and ranchers in Nevada,” said Gary Roeder, assistant state conservationist for programs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  “We work with the permittee and land managing agency, such as the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service, to identify projects and areas where natural resource and public benefits can be enhanced with the use of Farm Bill funds on public lands”, said Roeder.  

“We funded several public land contracts last year under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program of the 2008 Farm Bill,” said Roeder.  These contracts included a wide range of practices such as fencing, pinyon – juniper reduction, brush management, and site specific improvements for sage-grouse habitat restoration.

To qualify, applicants must be the permittee on the public land where the work is being done, and meet eligibility requirements of the 2008 Farm Bill for the program.  The same payment rates apply for both the public and private land.  Historically underserved, beginning and limited resource producers receive a higher percentage payment. Payments are determined by the estimated cost of the project practices.  All environmental clearances must be completed on public land according to the agency’s policies before practices can be contracted and installed.  Program participants pay for the installation of the approved practices and are reimbursed once the practices are installed according to NRCS specifications.

Applications for participation in EQIP are taken on a continual basis at local USDA Service Centers.  Projects are ranked and selected for funding based on the project benefits as related to other applicants.  For more information, contact your local NRCS office or visit the Nevada NRCS Web site at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov..

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