USDA Invests $8 Million in Four Partnerships to Expand Measurement and Monitoring of Soil Carbon on Working Agricultural Lands as Part of Investing in America Agenda

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8 million in four partnerships to support and expand measurement and monitoring of carbon in soil on working agricultural lands and to assess how climate-smart practices are affecting carbon sequestration. 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $500 Million for Improved Regional Conservation Partnership Program to Better Support Partners, Producers as Part of Investing in America Agenda

The Biden-Harris Administration today announced the availability of $500 million in funding to advance partner-driven solutions to conservation on agricultural land through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). 

USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Nominations will be open to public from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023.

Apply for USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative in Montana

This initiative dedicates assistance to producers implementing a new organic management standard in their transition to organic production. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by June 1, 2023. 

USDA Unveils Efforts to Streamline Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is streamlining its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to ultimately better help agricultural producers and private landowners conserve wetlands, productive farmlands and at-risk grasslands.

Montana’s Snowpack Peaks and Snowmelt is in Full Swing

The May 2023 water supply outlook report is now available. Learn more about snow water equivalent measurements and water supply forecasting in this month's news release based on Montana snow survey data collected through the SNOTEL system.

USDA Opens Full-Time, Entry-Level Soil Conservationist Positions across U.S. as Part of Broader Effort to Implement the Inflation Reduction Act

NRCS will hire team members over the next few years to help implement $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for conservation programs, including job announcements for new soil conservationists.

Apply for the Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative in Montana’s Prairie Pothole Region

This initiative supports habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species in the Prairie Pothole Region. NRCS accepts applications year-round, but applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by June 1, 2023. 

April is a Time to Celebrate Natural Resource Conservation History

Today’s farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners are better prepared to maintain healthy and resilient soil due to the tireless efforts of Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Soil Conservation Service’s (SCS) first Chief and the Father of Soil Conservation, who was born on April 15, 1881.

NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative 

NRCS invests $75 million to assist producers transitioning to organic production.