Enrollment for Continuous CRP (CCRP) is open again. Earlier in the year, enrollment for CCRP had opened temporarily between June 3 and August 23. This was the first CRP enrollment opening since the passing of the 2018 farm bill. Now, as of December 9, enrollment has opened again for as long as availability lasts. While […]
Now is the Time to Enroll in Continuous CRP for 2020 Read More »
As of December 9, 2019, enrollment for both CRP and Continuous CRP (CCRP) reopened, allowing farmers and landowners to submit applications to either join or reenroll in these programs. If you’re interested in CRP, but you’ve never tried to enroll before, you might be wondering what you do next. The truth is, it varies a little bit depending on
How to Enroll in General CRP for 2020 Read More »
We talk a lot about the environmental benefits of CRP and for good reason. Through CRP, farmers and landowners receive money from the government to take marginal land out of active production. They then establish native vegetation, which restores soil health, reduces runoff, and protects local water supplies. That alone would be worth enrolling in
Supporting Local Hunting with CRP Read More »
At this very moment, the Mississippi River is pouring excess nitrogen and phosphorus into the Gulf of Mexico, feeding the 8th largest hypoxic zone in the world. Hypoxia is when a body of water lacks the oxygen necessary to sustain life. Any marine life in this dead area is forced to either flee or die. Considering the prominent role the Gulf of Mexico plays for 5 US
Can CRP Fix the Gulf of Mexico’s Hypoxic Zone? Read More »
There’s a dead zone growing in the Gulf of Mexico. Located off the Louisiana-Texas coastline, this murky blight is causing marine life to either flee or die in mass. Left unchecked, it could cause irreversible harm to local economies that depend on fishing and water-based activities. What’s to blame for the creation of this hypoxic zone? The simple answer is the Mississippi River. The Mississippi discharges
How Agriculture is Contributing to The Gulf of Mexico’s Hypoxic Zone Read More »
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
