Climatologist Brian Fuchs answers questions about the U.S. Drought Monitor and how it relates to USDA and supports agricultural producers.

NRCS is investing $15 million to support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resources conservation on private lands through the CIG program.

USDA is investing up to $17 million for conservation partners to help protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership. Proposals are due August 15.

A collaborative effort between rural Winnebago County landowners, local, state, and federal government agencies, and non-profit conservation groups have helped restore nearly 1,000 contiguous acres of prairie and wetlands to form a wetland complex.

State and federal government agencies, Polk County officials, conservation contractors and local landowners gathered on June 17 to kick off the Central Iowa Water Quality Infrastructure Project in Alleman.