Archive
Southeastern Prairie Symposium
May 14-17, 2012
Starkville, Mississippi
CRP – Happy 25th Anniversary
Soil and Pasture Rental Rates from UDSA
Farm Bill Conservation for Forestlands
The National Association of Conservation Districts tells us about the USDA Farm Bill: What’s in It for Woodland Owners? The Farm Bill’s conservation programs are not just for rowcrop systems. There are lots of opportunities to help improve your woodland acres, too.
Bobwhite Restoration Project
My colleagues just completed a multi-state northern bobwhite research initiative. The final report was just published by NRCS and is available online. It summarizes a suite of research projects that will improve conservation on farms. A quote from the Foreward should pique your interest – “You will find clear, concise recommendations and the kind of conservation practices to use on your farm or recommend to others for quail restoration. Much of the bobwhite’s needs are supported by farm bill programs approved by Congress and administered by USDA NRCS.” – L. Pete Heard
Field Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill for Fish and Wildlife Conservation
The U.S. NABCI Committee and the Intermountain West Joint Venture have produced a Field Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill for Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
Farmscaping for Biological Control
The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service has a guide about Farmscaping for Biological Control. The report highlights the services provided by natural insect predators (beneficials) and how to design farm landscapes that maximize these services. The report describes Farm Bill programs that can be used to install conservation practices, lists species of plants that support specific groups of beneficial insects, and has detailed budget estimates for various management practices.
Effects of Conservation Practices on Wildlife
USDA’s Conservation Assessment Effects Project has just released two extensive reviews of the effects of agricultural conservation practices – like those used in CRP and other conservation programs (public announcement here). Part A addresses terrestrial habitats and Part B addresses aquatic habitats. Even better is the dynamic bibliography.
