Spanning the shores of 5 US states and 6 Mexican states, the Gulf of Mexico is 10th largest body of water in the world, excluding oceans. It acts as a vital resource to both of its bordering countries, providing food, sport, oil, and more. Today, the Gulf of Mexico faces a growing threat that’s causing its waters to darken as marine life either leaves or […]
Understanding the Gulf of Mexico’s Hypoxic Zone Read More »
FDCE is proud to announce the launch of our CRP seed retailer, All Native Seed. With All Native Seed, CRP contract holders can easily find the CRP seed mixes they need for their particular practice. All Native Seed offers seed mixes developed by the NRCS, as well as our own NRCS-compliant seed mixes. Whichever type you
Introducing All Native Seed – A Better Way to Purchase High-Quality CRP Seed Mixes Read More »
Panicum virgatum, better known as switchgrass, just might be the most versatile grass around. Like other native warm season grasses (NWSG), it’s highly resilient to extreme temperatures and droughts and immune to toxic bacteria and fungus such endophyte. Endophyte can cause numerous issues in livestock and other cattle, including weight fluctuation, digestive issues, low rates of reproduction, and other health problems. Additionally, switchgrass provides protective cover
Switchgrass: A Local, Sustainable, Cost-Saving Biofuel Read More »
In our last post, we discussed the role that the FSA plays in CRP. While FSA is involved throughout the enrollment and establishment process, they’re not the only organization that contract holders work with. Another organization is the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Formally known as the Soil Conservation Service, the NRCS is an agency of the USDA that provides financial and technical
The NRCS’s Role in CRP Read More »
The Farm Service Agency (or FSA) is a branch of the USDA that primarily oversees a number of conversation programs. In their own words, the purpose of these programs is to address issues including: Drinking water protection Reducing soil erosion Wildlife habitat preservation Preservation and restoration of forests and wetlands Aiding farmers whose farms are damaged by natural disasters Of
Healthy soil is a critical component for life on this planet. Not only does it grow our plants and crops, but it absorbs rainfall, decomposes organisms and waste, and stores over 4 trillion tons of carbon. Forests, by comparison, only store around 360 billion tons (learn more about the importance of carbon sequestration here.) Though soil is often viewed as an
Improving Soil Health with Native Grasses and Forbs Read More »
Our atmosphere’s carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are higher than they’ve been in 100,000 years. While CO2 is a natural part of the air we breathe, too much of it can be a very bad thing. As you may know, CO2 is a greenhouse gas, which means it absorbs heat (unlike oxygen or nitrogen). At proper amounts, CO2 serves a very important function of keeping
Using Native Grasses and Forbs for Carbon Sequestration Read More »
Since being introduced to America in 1622, the honeybee has become our most prominent pollinator. In fact, the honeybee is responsible for $15 billion in US crops per year. But times are changing. Honeybees have seen their numbers sharply decline over the past few decades due to Colony Collapse Disorder. With no clear answers on what causes CCD or how it can be
Promoting Bumblebees as Pollinators Read More »
CRP practices often contain a diverse selection of plant species native to the area where you live. But that doesn’t mean you can let just anything grow there. As with traditional farming, weed control is an important part of establishing CRP. Weeds can hinder seed development, not to mention prove harmful for wildlife. If they’re not dealt with immediately and effectively,
Controlling Thistle and Other Noxious Weed in CRP Read More »
The process of converting old CRP to a new CRP practice can vary depending on the type of practice you’re enrolled in, as well as the condition of the land where it’s being established. The preparation of your land is very important for ensuring a successful conversion especially if the land has previously been in CRP. Even if you’re reenrolling in
Converting Land from One CRP Practice to Another Read More »