NRCS Delivers New National Water Quality Initiative

In South Carolina, three watersheds were selected including the Polk Swamp in Dorchester County, Upper Little Saluda River in Saluda, and Big Swamp in Florence County.

Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners, we’re making financial and technical assistance available to help you put conservation practices to work improving water quality on your operation and throughout your watershed.

Applications are due June 15th.

USDA and Interior Announce Working Lands for Wildlife Habitat in Six SC Counties

SC Priority Area Includes Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper

SC NRCS State Conservation Ann English announced a new partnership with farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to use innovative approaches to restore and protect the habitats for wildlife, including seven at-risk species and other vulnerable game species. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will jointly prepare species recovery tools such as informal agreements, safe harbor agreements and habitat conservation plans to provide regulatory certainty to landowners. In South Carolina, the target species is gopher tortoise and eligible counties include Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2012.

South Carolina NRCS Conservation Video Library

South Carolina NRCS, along with conservation partner Dr. Robin 'Buz' Kloot of the Earth Sciences and Resources Institute at the University of South Carolina, present a series of conservation videos.

Using demonstration plantings, interviews, case studies, and lectures, viewers learn about conservation practices and basic soil health concepts that result in healthy soil and sustainable agriculture.

Final Applications for NRCS Organic Initiative due June 1

SC NRCS State Conservationist Ann English announced that the final application deadline for the On-Farm Energy, Organic, and Seasonal High Tunnel conservation initiatives is June 1st, 2012. All three initiatives offer technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program. NRCS accepts applications for assistance on a continuous basis throughout the year.

$26 Million Allocated to Private Lands Conservation in South Carolina in 2011

Farm Bill Programs Protect Natural Resources on Private Lands in the Palmetto State

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Carolina reports that in 2011 private landowners received over $26 million in financial assistance to protect and improve soil, water, air, plants and animals.

Notice to Hispanic or Women Farmers and Ranchers

COMPENSATION FOR CLAIMS OF DISCRIMINATION

If you believe USDA improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. For more information, go to www.farmerclaims.gov or call the Farmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429