The beginning of a new year is always exciting and hopeful for me. Here at Louisiana NRCS we're excited to kick off another year of opportunity to focus on our work of Helping People Help the Land. We're hopeful that you'll engage us in improving your operation and together we can work to preserve our natural resources. If you'd like to talk about ways in which we can help, call or stop by your local service center to get started.
Until next month…
Kris Davis
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Since the early 1980s, the North Louisiana Agri-Business Council has been hosting the Ag Expo. This year was no exception even as a polar vortex was blowing some very icy winds this way. Louisiana NRCS folks helped promote our programs at the Expo. They also coordinated with Cypress Brake Tree Farms who donated 2,000 sawtooth oak saplings to give away at the event.
Want to learn more about this annual event? Visit: https://www.agexpo.org/.
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On January 21 & 22, Sprout NOLA hosted the inaugural Louisiana Farmers Climate Convening at Chicot State Park in Ville Platte. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to talk about climate issues affecting the farmers in Louisiana, NRCS was there for it. Our soil folks took the opportunity to show the effects of different practices on soil and explain how you can make changes to improve your soil health.
Interested in learning about how NRCS can help you improve your operation and conserve our natural resources?
Visit your local NRCS office!
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USDA is investing approximately $11.5 million in 38 cooperative agreements that support innovative, scalable waste management plans to reduce and divert food waste from landfills. This includes 2 projects here in Louisiana - the City of New Orleans and the Tangipahoa Parish Council. The Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) cooperative agreements, which are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture. The CFWR program is jointly administered by USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Learn more about the projects: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/usda-invests-approximately-115-million-in-composting-and-food-waste-reduction-projects-in-23
Last Friday, January 26th, we went over to help out the Louisiana Forestry Association (LFA) with their annual tree giveaway. To be completely honest, we didn't have to do much actual work. A lively group of FFA students had everything under control. Even the dense fog hanging over the area couldn't dampen their energy and enthusiasm. Those who drove through to pick up a tree had a choice from a variety of seedlings and saplings.
“A good way to look at planting hope for the future in the New Year is planting a tree,” said. C.A. “Buck” Vandersteen, executive director of the Louisiana Forestry Association. “And this is the best time of year to plant trees in Louisiana. That’s why we celebrate Arbor Day each January.”
The Louisiana Forestry Association has offered Arbor Day seedlings for the public since 2004 as a way of celebrating Arbor Day, the third Friday in January in Louisiana, and promoting the benefits of trees. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars for next year!
The Louisiana Forestry Association is a group of more than 4,000 members that includes forest landowners, foresters, loggers and others employed in the forest products industry. LFA’s mission is to further the practice of sustainable forestry.
For more information: www.laforestry.com
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We accept applications for our programs year-round. If you apply after announced program sign up dates, we will automatically consider your application during future funding cycles. Discover more about our programs here: Louisiana | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
An important message for all applicants: PLEASE READ YOUR MAIL
If you've applied for any NRCS programs, you've probably received or will be receiving letters from us with information about your application. Often, these letters request additional information or action. If you have any questions, please contact your local office.
Upcoming Events
  The 2024 Louisiana Women in Agriculture Conference is coming up in March. To find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/louisiana-women-in-agriculture-conference-expo-2024-tickets-777223545547
Enjoy some our photos that capture the beauty, diversity, and agricultural bounty of Louisiana (and us in action)!
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