nrcs

With April 1st just around the corner, the snowpack across Idaho is looking good for this time of year.  That’s the assessment from Erin Whorton with NRCS-Idaho, who noted that the Willow/Blackfoot/Portneuf as well as the Bear River basins above 150% of normal for this time of year, and the Owyhee at 163% of typical for this time of year.  She said whil...

The Oregon snowpack, and specifically the southern Oregon snowpack, is looking great for this time of year.  According to NRCS-Oregon, the Lake County-Goose Lake Basin is at 147% of average, the Owyhee is 140% of normal snowfall, and the Harney Basin is sitting at 156% of average.  In fact...

When it comes to the snowpack in Washington’s higher elevations, it’s not looking bad; but it’s also not looking fabulous.  That’s how Scott Pattee with NRCS-Washington is describing the statewide snowpack, which is sitting at 99% of average.  Pattee noted while the Northwes...

The USDA is seeking applications for projects that will improve its outreach to underserved producers and underserved communities.  The agency is looking to expand opportunities to participate in conservation programs and services and opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.  Th...

The snowpack across Idaho is at or above normal for this time of year, which is welcomed news after the lengthy irrigation season the state saw in 2022, tapping many reservoirs to extremely low levels.  In fact, Erin Whorton with NRCS-Idaho said the only locations that are not above 100% of average are in extreme north Idaho.  The sol...

The USDA announced Tuesday the investment of $48.6 million to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality as well as restore forest ecosystems.  The funds come via the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership.   USDA announced the Forest Service and NRCS will invest in projects, including 14 new projects, bringing together agricultural producers, forest landowners, and National Forest Sys

On Monday, the Department of Agriculture announced new investments and strategies to help farmers and ranchers conserve water, address climate change and build drought resilience in the West.  The effort is through the Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action to address key water and land management challenges across 17 Western States.  The fra...

After a month of several winter storms, the Oregon snowpack is much improved from January.  Matt Warbritton, with NRC Oregon, says most basins across the state are near or above average for this time of year.  Some of the best performing basins right now are found in the southeast portion of the state, including:  The Lake County-Goose Lake at 124% of normal  The Owyhee Basin at 118% of average T

After such a strong start to the snow season, things have turned quiet, and a little discouraging when it comes to Washington’s snowpack.   “Statewide we're sitting at 92% of normal; that is down from 106% just one month ago.  And that's jus...

What are the unique challenges when studying soil, and how difficult is it to determine cause and affect when addressing so many variables at once?  USDA's Devin A. Rippner talks about the unique challenges he's facing in today's PNW Ag Network Wine Minute.  ...