Delaware NRCS Conservation Updates, December 2022

View as a webpage / Share

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation Updates - December 9, 2022

DE NRCS GovDelivery Banner 2

USDA NRCS Offers Landowners Assistance to Restore Wetlands

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program -Wetland Reserve Easement

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Delaware is now accepting applications from landowners interested in restoring, protecting, and enhancing wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Easement component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP-WRE). 

Wetland Reserve Easements compensate private landowners for restoring the hydrology of previously-drained farmland. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, the deadline to apply in order to be considered for fiscal year 2023 funding is February 17, 2023.

“Restored wetlands play an integral role in reducing flooding from extreme weather events, improving water quality, and establishing habitat for wildlife, among many other valuable benefits,” said Kasey L. Taylor, Delaware NRCS State Conservationist. “Our world, and that of future generations, will only get better if we take steps to protect and restore critical wetland systems.”

Read the news release for more details.


Conservation at Work Video Series

Conservation at Work

A video series from NRCS and farmers.gov, Conservation at Work, presents short and easy to understand videos about popular conservation practices. These videos feature producers explaining how an individual practice helps their land and why they are using it.

The videos shine the spotlight on farmers, and forestland owners from across the U.S. who explain why they’ve implemented the conservation practices and how they work on their land. They also provide insight into how each practice is helping them protect and improve resources and save time and money.

We’ve got videos showcasing high tunnels, no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, and many more.

Check out the Conservation at Work video series at farmers.gov/conserve/conservationatwork.


USDA Requests Public Input on Implementation of Inflation Reduction Act Funding

Urban Agriculture, National Photo

USDA is asking for public input through a Federal Register request for information on implementation of more than $19 billion provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will use the investments provided through IRA-funded conservation programs to support farmers and ranchers in adopting and expanding climate-smart activities and systems. NRCS asks for comments on how to target program benefits, quantify impact, and improve program delivery and outreach, especially for underserved producers. Comments are due December 21.

Read the full news release for more details


MORE USDA NEWS


The 2022 Census of Agriculture is here!

Ag Census 2022

Did you get your invitation? In November, the USDA mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at agcounts.usda.gov. If you missed it or prefer paper, the paper questionnaires will follow in December.

The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. By completing the survey, producers across the nation can tell their story and help generate impactful opportunities that better serve them and future generations. It is a powerful voice for U.S. agriculture.

You need only respond once, whether securely online or by mail. The online option offers timesaving features ideal for busy producers. All responses are due Feb. 6, 2023. 


PARTNER NEWS & EVENTS


Kent & New Castle Conservation District

Upcoming Event: The Beef on Soil Health

The Kent Conservation District in partnership with the New Castle Conservation District is pleased to sponsor an upcoming event, “The Beef on Soil Health.”

Producers in Kent and New Castle counties will be invited to attend this informational dinner event at Clayton Firehall on Friday, February 3, 2023, starting at 6:00 p.m. A panel of local farmers will be on hand to share their experience and knowledge about their use of cover crops, and the benefits for soil health and agriculture in Delaware.

The complimentary workshop/dinner will include beef and dumplings and chicken cordon bleu along with all the fixings and dessert.  

Save the date on your calendar. Look for invitations to be sent out in January 2023!



Sussex Conservation District

Caffeine and Cover Crops

Caffeine & Cover Crops Set for Dec. 20

We'll provide the coffee, you'll provide the conversation.

Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 8 a.m., for an in-person Caffeine & Cover Crops event at the Vanderwende-Evans Conservation Center. 

Subject matter experts will be available to answer questions on seeding rates and cover crop management.

Visit https://www.sussexconservation.org/events for more. 


2023 Soil Health Series

Follow Delaware NRCS on Twitter!

Twitter

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Delaware

1221 College Park Drive
Suite 100
Dover, DE 19904

Phone: 302-678-4160
www.de.nrcs.usda.gov 

Kasey L. Taylor, Delaware State Conservationist

NRCS field offices are located at USDA Service Centers in Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties. 

All newsletters are archived on the Delaware NRCS website. Click here for all current and past features.

Please submit questions or concerns to Dastina Wallace, public affairs specialist. Call 302-678-4179 or email dastina.wallace@usda.gov.