nrcs

Unlike its neighbors across the west, Oregon’s snowpack is in very good shape for this time of year.  Matt Warbritton with NRCS said there are several states across the west, such as Washington, experiencing a snow drought.  The Beaver State he noted is on the opposite end of that spectrum.   “And especially ...

USDA is withholding funds from farmers for conservation programs, despite the White House stating last week that funds to individuals would not be frozen.  Contractors for conservation programs also have been affected by a funding freeze.  The Iow...

NRCS Idaho is out with its February Water Supply Outlook Report.  According to NRCS, snowpack percentages compared to normal decreased significantly, thanks primarily to a abnormally dry January.  As of February 1, basin-wide snowpack percentages range from 68% to 119% of normal.      ...

For the higher elevations of Washington, the current snowpack is a bit of a disappointment.  Currently only four basins are at or above average for this time of year, the Lower Snake-Walla Walla, Lower Columbia, Klickitat, and the Lower Pend Oreille.   ...

Despite being in the middle of winter, many locations across Idaho are dry for this time of year, with some locations reporting drought figures.  Erin Whorton with NRCS said when looking at total Water Year to Date precipitation, which is all of the water that’s fallen out of the sky since October 1st, Idaho is off where it should be for this time of year.  The exception...

Long-time USDA Chief Information Officer Gary Washington has been named the Acting Ag Secretary.  While the newly inaugurated Trump administration is waiting for Senate confirmation of its initial nominations for Cabinet and Cabinet-level officials, one of the first actions by the White House Monday was appointing temporary leaders in several departments.   ...

The snowpack across Idaho has been a bit of a rollercoaster this year.  Erin Whorton with NRCS said the state saw really good snow accumulation in November and then again around the holidays, but since then things have been fairly quiet.  When it...

The higher elevations of Oregon have received much needed snow this fall and winter, leading to very good snowpack numbers across the state.  Matt Warbritton with NRCS said right now, the statewide snowpack is 142% of normal.   “Snowpack is probably most notable across many parts of Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon, where it's now well above normal. Snowpack in those r...

The USDA is providing a total of $14.4 million in grants and technical assistance through two separately funded projects to support urban agriculture and innovative production.  The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production is making $2.5 mi...

New USDA funding looks to make it easier for Oregon farmers to become certified organic.  To achieve certification, farmers must go three years without using synthetic additives which covers many fertilizers and pesticides.  NRCS Oregon recently launched the Organic Transition Initiative to provide financial and technical support for producers across the state.  Ben Bowell of Ore...