- As the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues 2018 Farm Bill implementation with the release of its Environmental Quality Incentives Program Interim Rule, National Farmers Union is urging the agency to strengthen the conservation program to better support farmers as they work to ensure the longevity of their land and natural resources. In comments submitted to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a subsequent statement, NFU President Roger Johnson emphasized the program’s value and recommended improvements to ensure its efficacy.
- The American Soybean Association congratulates the regional winners of the 2020 Conservation Legacy Award. Susan and Mike Brocksmith, Vincennes, Ind. (Northeast Region); Frank Howey, Monroe, N.C. (South Region); Nancy Kavazanjian, Beaver Dam, Wis. (Upper Midwest Region); and Nicole and Randy Small, Neodesha, Kan. (Midwest Region) will be honored Feb. 28 at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Tex.
- NewLeaf Symbiotics, Inc. announced that it has raised $20 million in a first close of its Series D financing as it broadens and accelerates product commercialization. Koch Agronomic Holdings, Leaps by Bayer, Otter Capital, S2G Ventures and RockPort Capital were participants in the investment round.
- The GROWMARK System would like to help 4-H clubs do their part to help sustain and increase honey bee populations. This is the fifth year of the program, open to 4-H clubs, Ag in the Classroom groups, and FFA chapters in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Groups who previously participated in the program have been automatically re-enrolled. Clubs wishing to participate should fill out the online application by March 20, 2020.
- American Farmland Trust is releasing four new “Accelerating Soil Health” case studies, adding to four studies released in July 2019, to assist farmers who are curious about soil health and technical service providers who want to help farmers adopt soil health practices.
