Applications are due by June 14, 2013, for the following:

NRCS Announces Sign-up for Illinois River Sub-Basin and Eucha Spavinaw Lake Watershed Initiative
 

Little Rock, AR, May 16, 2013 — Farmers and landowners in Benton and Washington counties in Arkansas have until June 14, 2013, to submit applications to receive cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices through the Illinois River Sub-Basin and Eucha-Spavinaw Lake Watershed Initiative.  Applicants can sign up at the Benton and Washington county USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field service centers.
 

Natural Resources Conservation Service Accepting Applications for 2013 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
 

Little Rock, AR, May 16, 2013 — Farmers and landowners statewide have until June 14, 2013, to submit applications to receive cost-share assistance to implement conservation activities through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) for the 2013 program year.

In addition, WHIP funding is also available through the USDA StrikeForce Initiative in the following counties: Arkansas, Bradley, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Mississippi, Monroe, Nevada, Newton, Ouachita, Phillips, Randolph, Searcy, Sevier, St. Francis, and Woodruff.
 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Announces funding for Edge of Field Water Quality Monitoring in Select Watershed project areas in Arkansas
 

Little Rock, Ark., May 13, 2013 – Farmers and landowners in Arkansas have until June 14, 2013, to submit applications to receive financial assistance for a new project to monitor edge of field water quality on agricultural lands in targeted watersheds throughout the state. Applicants can sign up at their local U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service field service center.

USDA Announces Second Sign-Up Deadline for Tyronza Mississippi River Basin Initiative Project
 

Sign-Up Deadline, May 24, 2013, for Tyronza MRBI project in Mississippi and Poinsett counties
 

Little Rock, Ark., April 24, 2013 – Farmers and landowners in the approved watershed for portions of Mississippi and Poinsett counties in Arkansas have until May 24, 2013, to submit applications to receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices through the Tyronza Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watershed Initiative (MRBI) project.  The ranking process will be completed by June 3, 2013.

Secretary Vilsack Launches USDA “StrikeForce” Initiative to Boost Rural Economic Growth and Opportunity in 10 Additional States including Arkansas

Little Rock, AR, April 15, 2013 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched its ”StrikeForce” Initiative in 10 additional states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Virginia. The primary goal of the StrikeForce Initiative is to increase partnerships with rural communities and leverage community resources in targeted, persistent poverty communities. Vilsack noted that through the StrikeForce Initiative, USDA will do more to partner with local and state governments and community organizations on projects that promote economic development and job creation.

USDA Announces Final Call for 2012 Census of Agriculture
 

Don't Miss Your Chance to Provide the Facts Straight from the Farm
 

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 – With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing on May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed Census forms.