NEWS RELEASE - USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sign-Up

For Immediate Release

October 3, 2023

USDA-NRCS in Georgia Announces Environmental Quality Incentives Program Sign-Up

ATHENS, GA, October 3, 2022 — State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today a statewide application ranking date for fiscal year 2023 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding.  All Georgia agricultural and forest operators who wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by November 4, 2022.

While customers can apply year-round, this application ranking date announcement is for all general EQIP, as well as some special initiatives such as Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry and Conservation Incentives Contracts (CIC). Customers should discuss these sign-up options with your local conservationist to see if any are right for them.

“Our team of dedicated USDA-NRCS conservationists throughout Georgia are ready to assist our farmers, ranchers and private landowners make best use of their land and natural resources.” said Rudolph. “To do this, we use EQIP as one of our more utilized tools to help them achieve their economic and environmental goals.”

NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land; identify resource concerns and opportunities; help determine objectives; and make recommend solutions - participation is 100% voluntary.

Interested producers can apply at their local USDA Service Center by submitting a Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200).

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

As a reminder, historically underserved producers approved for funding through EQIP, qualify for the advanced payment option.  This option allows these producers to get conservation practice payments in advance of the practice implementation.

A historically underserved producer is described as one of the below:

• Beginning Farmer or Rancher – is new to farming or ranching, or has operated a farm or ranch for less than 10-consecutive years.

• Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher – is a member of a group whose members have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of that group without regard to their individual qualities.

• Veteran Farmer or Rancher – has served in the armed forces and has not operated a farm or ranch, has operated a farm or ranch for less than 10-consecutive years, or first obtained veteran status during the last 10 years.

• Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher – has a household income at or below the national poverty level. Eligibility can be determined by using this online tool.

Under the advance payment option, such producers may request payments when they have final designs and job sheets and are ready to begin their EQIP practices. Advance payments provide at least 50 percent of the payment rate for each practice. The funds must be spent within 90 days of receipt and practices must be completed as agreed to in an EQIP plan of operations. Producers also may opt to have NRCS pay the contractors or vendors directly via an assignment of payment.

NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment. More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at https://www.farmers.gov/ or https://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov under the Programs tab.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.  

###

GAE Fall 2022 STEM Challenge - Now Open!

In Partnership with Georgia Association of Conservation Districts

The Fall 2022 STEM Challenge is Now Open!

This STEM Challenge is a special project brought to you by the Georgia Ag Experience, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag-in-the-Classroom. We partner with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts to make this happen!

The challenge was developed to help expose elementary teachers and students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) involved in agricultural production of food and fiber. We aim to help students recognize their role in agriculture by exposing them to real-world problems that they can help solve.

How is the challenge structured? A bi-annual competition focusing on a real-world ag problem. Elementary classrooms (grades 3 - 5) across Georgia put their skills to the test as they compete to win. Each school receives a digital kit of resources and a tailored educational program for their students. The top 3 classrooms with the best solution can win a prize and be recognized for their effort.

Current Challenge Question: 

How can we improve gardening spaces while using water conservation practices?

FRSWCD Conservation Technician Abby Davis and Flint River Fresh School Garden Coordinator Jordan Parker are working with partners on this challenge to develop resources.

2022 CHALLENGE PARTNER

Georgia Association of Conservation Districts

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is a grassroots non-profit organization representing 40 conservation districts in Georgia. All 159 counties in Georgia are part of a local Conservation District. For over 75 years, the organization's members have volunteered in each district to promote conservation, educate citizens about the importance of conservation, and inform policy makers about natural resource issues. GACD's mission is to advocate for the conservation of Georgia's natural resources by providing organization, leadership and a unified strategic direction to the Conservation Districts of the State. Learn more by visiting the website: https://www.gacd.us/ 

Did you know?

Farmers use a variety of methods to irrigate their farmland? This helps them produce more crops with less resources! Join our challenge to find out more!

How the Challenge Works:

1. Register your classroom on this webpage by hitting "Register for the Challenge" at the bottom of this page

2. Download the Digital Toolkit

3. Complete the challenge with your students by creating a video presentation answering the challenge question

4. Upload your class video to YouTube (instructions included in the toolkit)

5. Upload the class presentation to our submission page for judging by November 18

6. Tune in to the live winner announcement on December 2. Link emailed when you submit your final presentation.

Challenge Basics: 

• Each class will be asked to Engage, Explore, Test and Improve, Share Results & Reflect. All steps are outlined in the lesson plan.

• For deeper understanding (and bonus points!) ask an expert

Final Project: 

• Create a video presentation discussing the process of how we can improve and increase gardening spaces while using water conservation methods.

Challenge Parameters: 

• Class submission must be from students in grades 3rd, 4th, or 5th

• 1 challenge submission per class

• Open to Georgia elementary schools only

Final Submissions Must: 

• Must include a video presentation (no longer than 5 minutes) on the process of how we can improve and increase gardening spaces

• Must demonstrate knowledge of what crops need to grow and the relationship between humans and water conservation methods, particularly in agriculture

• Must incorporate the role of farmers and water conservation methods

• Must include 5 photos showing the students process throughout the challenge

Prize for top 3 winners

* Top Winner in Each Grade* 

$250 classroom supply grant + your choice of physical prize 

($350 Total Value)

HOPE YOUR CLASS CAN JOIN US THIS YEAR!!

NEWS RELEASE - There is still time to respond to USDA’s Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey

United States Department of Agriculture
NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS SERVICE
SOUTHERN REGIONAL FIELD OFFICE
355 E. HANCOCK AVE, SUITE 100, ATHENS, GA 30601

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 23, 2022

Contact: Anthony Prillaman
(800) 253-4419

ATHENS, GA – USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue collecting responses to the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey over the coming weeks. Survey recipients may respond securely online at www.agcounts.usda.gov, by phone or mail. A representative for NASS may call producers to set up an interview to assist in the completion of the questionnaire.

In late May, NASS mailed the survey to nearly 2,700 farmers and ranchers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. A joint project between NASS and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this new survey is aimed at better understanding conservation practice adoption and the role of technical and financial assistance. The data will be used to guide the implementation of NRCS programs in the future.

“Gathering information about farmers’ and ranchers’ motivation for and adoption of conservation practices allows USDA to understand the use and awareness of its programs,” said Anthony Prillaman, Director of the NASS Southern Region Field Office. “By continuing to collect survey responses, NASS can ensure we have the most accurate and representative data.”

There are two versions of the survey this year – one requesting information on crop conservation practices and one for confined livestock conservation practices. Data from both versions of the survey will be available later this fall on NASS’s website at nass.usda.gov.

All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal

law. For assistance with the survey, producers can call the NASS Southern Region Field Office at (800) 253-4419.

###

NASS is the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture and is committed to providing timely, accurate and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

High School Students Awarded Scholarships at 2022 National Resources Conservation Workshop

TIFTON, Georgia — The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) is proud to recognize Educational Scholarship recipients at the 61st Natural Resources Conservation Workshop at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia.  

The $500 Flint River Conservation District Scholarship, sponsored by FRSWCD to support natural resource and conservation education, was awarded to Harrison Shinn from Monroe Area High School, Walton County. Harrison's Workshop fee was sponsored by the Walton County Conservation District. Congratulations, Harrison!

Michelle Boone - NRCW Director, Harrison Shinn, and Leanne Hopper - GACD Southwest Regional Program Manager

The five-day workshop allows students to take part in lectures and hands-on activities to boost their knowledge of Georgia’s vital natural resources. It also provides them with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers in agriculture and natural resources through their advisors and instructors. Over $25,000 in scholarships was awarded at this year's event.

The Natural Resources Conservation Workshop is sponsored by Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Society, and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.  

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.  

###

Crop Damage Assessment

Images 1 and 2: A side-by-side comparison showing damage to a corn field (left) and the same field, planted with peanuts (right) in 2022. Circled in red, in both images, are locations of wild pig damage. On the right, in peanuts, rooting can be seen via darker coloration in the soil up the planted row.

Drone flights can be easy, quick, and informative. Drones can be utilized for a wide variety of uses, including crop damage detection, damage to equipment, assessing crop health, and much more! Justine Smith, a wildlife ecology graduate student from the University of Georgia, is working on a study with the Jones Center at Ichauway to observe changes in wild pig damage to crops as reduction methods are implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the guidance of the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, the USDA conducts reduction methods including night shooting, corral-style trapping, and aerial gunning. To determine the most cost-effective and time-saving method for landowners and other researchers to quantify and identify wild pig damage, Justine conducts drone surveys over agricultural fields from when crops are planted through their respective harvests. 

Justine began flying a Matrice 100 with a Zenmuse X3 camera in the summer of 2021. The Matrice was flown over fourteen fields. Within each field, the drone flew three different sampling methods, including randomly placed waypoints, randomly placed transects, and circular flights, each at an elevation of two hundred and thirty feet. Each flight method is paired with their own pros and cons, such as how long each flight takes or how many batteries are needed for the drone to complete the flight. Flying all these various methods allows Justine to determine the best sampling method.

In the summer of 2022, field sampling was conducted with a Phantom 4 drone. Justine used the drone to fly the transects and repeat circular flights while adding some changes from 2021 sampling to sufficiently capture the entire field. Since crops were rotated, damage locations will be compared between the two years of sampling to determine if locations and the amount of damage are dependent on the crop.

From last year’s flights, and what has been flown thus far in 2022, changes were made to some observations. The data is still being processed, but it has been noticed that peanuts are subjected to heavy damage immediately after planting. Later in the season, unless significant damage occurs, such as an entire row getting eaten, historical damage is more difficult to detect. This is due to the low-growing characteristics of peanuts versus tall cotton or corn. For corn, while it is also damaged soon after planting, significant amounts of damage does not occur until the cobs have developed as wild pigs will push and stomp down stalks to access the cobs. Damage decreases when the corn dries out prior to harvest. For cotton, regarding wild pigs, the crop remains untouched. Damage to peanuts and corn, especially later in the season, was favored in areas that were close to a forest edge or the edge of another field.

In short, drones can be used for a wide variety of studies! This study, under the guidance of the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program, is determining the most cost-effective and time-saving method to quantify and identify wild pig damage. We look forward to learning the results of this study!

Image 3: Justine Smith is preparing to conduct field sampling with a Phantom 4 drone.

To learn more about the Jones Center, visit their website. To contact the Georgia Feral Swine Partnership or to learn more information, visit Georgia Feral Swine. The Albany Area Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project is led by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement number NR204310XXXXG001.

The Judas Technique

The current feral swine population in the United States may exceed six million individuals across at least 35 states. The annual damage and control costs are more than $1.5 billion, and $150 million for Georgia alone in 2014. Feral swine negatively impact native wildlife, pollute water bodies, and damage habitat and human structures. They also impact humans by consuming and trampling crops, along with spreading diseases to livestock and humans. 

Image 1: One of the trail camera photos from the research study which captured a collared pig.

Controlling feral swine is difficult and often requires trapping, aerial gunning, and targeted removal. A new approach for reducing the population is to mark one individual from a sounder of pigs, the Judas pig, and allow it to locate other sounders for future removal. Few studies have been conducted on this method, the Judas technique, and have not determined which pig, by sex and age, is the most efficient in locating other pigs. Faith Kruis, a wildlife ecology graduate student from the University of Georgia, is working on a study with the Jones Center at Ichauway to determine which wild pig is the most effective Judas pig. This is done by determining how soon the Judas pig locates other pigs after being released, how often it is seen with other pigs, and how many pigs it is seen with at a time. 

The second component of the study focuses on feral swine resource selection within an agriculturally dominated landscape. Previous studies have focused on nation-wide trends or low agricultural areas. Therefore, Faith focuses on areas of southwest Georgia that are dominated by agricultural fields and experiences seasonal growing periods fluctuating in daily temperature. The goal of the study is to determine how these characteristics influence feral swine’s resource selection and to establish effective feral swine management techniques.

The Judas technique is an understudied removal method for feral swine. More research may need to be conducted prior to landowners implementing it. The results of this study would give researchers an idea as to which feral swine, once trapped, should be used as a Judas pig, how long after it is released should it locate other pigs, how often should it be found with other pigs, and how many pigs, on average, should it be seen with. 

Analyzing how feral swine select resources in an agriculturally dominated landscape can greatly benefit management practices in reducing the population, along with the damage they cause. This can include better predictions on the location of wild pigs during the day versus the night during the varying seasons or knowing how different temperatures may influence where they reside throughout the day. 

For this study, GPS tracking of Judas pigs began in the spring of 2021 and has resulted in 17 wild pigs collared thus far. These include nine females released at their trap site, three females relocated within the property they were trapped on, and five males released at their trap site. Camera trapping began in the fall of 2021 to observe when the Judas pigs were with other pigs. Data collected thus far has found no significant difference between Judas pig types (subadult female or male, released at trap site or relocated within trapped property) and the length of time between collaring and finding other pigs, the number of pigs the Judas pig is seen with at a time, and how frequent the Judas pig is with other pigs. Data collection will continue through the spring of 2023 to increase the sample size, which may lead to a change in the results.  

To learn more about the Jones Center, visit their website. To contact the Georgia Feral Swine Partnership or to learn more information, visit Georgia Feral Swine. The Albany Area Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project is led by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District. 

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement number NR204310XXXXG001.

Feral Swine Diseases

Feral swine are best known for their destruction to agriculture, such as row crops, forestry, livestock, and pastures. However, they also cause great risks to health and safety by harboring and transmitting diseases. They are known to carry or transmit at least 30 diseases (viral and bacterial) as well as host a minimum of 37 parasites that can affect humans, pets, wildlife, and livestock.

Introduction of certain diseases into domestic livestock populations would have a severe economic consequence. Nationally, costs to quarantine herds, monitoring disease progression, and treatment of infected animals would amount to billions of dollars across the United States. In Georgia, according to the the $792 million dollar livestock industry (including cattle, goats, domestic pigs, and horses, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture) would be at risk.

To prevent this potentially devastating impact, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is involved in disease management and surveillance, research, education, and outreach for diseases of feral swine through the National Wildlife Disease Program. Currently USDA Wildlife Services conducts nationwide surveillance for three different diseases: classical swine fever, pseudorabies, and swine brucellosis.

Classical swine fever is a contagious systemic viral disease that was eradicated from the United States in 1978, and now is considered a foreign animal disease (FAD). The reason for continued surveillance is to protect domestic swine production by providing an early warning, as a reintroduction into domestic swine herd would be devastating to the pork industry.

Pseudorabies is an infectious disease caused by a herpesvirus that impacts livestock and pets, including cattle, dogs, cats, sheep, and goats. Currently, domestic swine are considered pseudorabies-free. While there is no indication pseudorabies has an adverse effect on wild populations, infection in domestic swine often results in abortions or piglet deaths and livestock more broadly are also at risk. Although an important disease in livestock and pets, humans are not affected by this disease.

Swine brucellosis poses no known adverse effect to wild swine populations; however, it can affect the brucellosis-free status of the domestic swine. The disease is caused by the bacteria Brucella suis and is primarily spread during reproduction. Unlike pseudorabies, swine brucellosis can be transmitted to humans. Infection typically occurs while handling, field dressing, or butchering feral swine. While human cases are rare, individuals handling and preparing feral swine should be advised to wear proper protective gloves, practice good sanitation, and thoroughly cook meat.

Through Georgia’s National Wildlife Disease Program, over a quarter of feral swine samples from April 1, 2020 through May 2022 tested positive for pseudorabies or swine brucellosis. Data within the Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project in Calhoun County show even higher incidence of disease. Below is a chart with the total number of samples and results USDA Wildlife Services collected for the entire state of GA for the time frame of April 1, 2020 to May 16, 2022 (Chart 1). Also included is a chart with the total number of samples taken within the same time frame and results collected from the project area, Calhoun County, Georgia (Chart 2).

USDA Wildlife Services took 649 samples from feral swine across the state of Georgia. 177, or 27.3%, of those samples came back as positive for pseudorabies. 174, or 26.8%, samples came back as positive for swine brucellosis. Classical swine fever has had zero positives, hence there are no results listed here.

Chart 1: USDA Wildlife Services (WS) feral swine sample results statewide.

USDA Wildlife Services took 73 samples from feral swine in the project area of Calhoun County, Georgia. 39, or 53.4%, of those samples came back as positive for pseudorabies. 34, or 46.6%, samples came back as positive for swine brucellosis. Classical swine fever has had zero positives, hence there are no results listed here.

Chart 2: USDA Wildlife Services feral swine sample results in the project area, Calhoun County.

Data shows that disease is prevalent in feral swine populations and prevention of spread to domestic livestock and humans is imperative. Where feral swine and livestock interact, the best means of disease prevention is feral swine population control and exclusion of feral swine from feeding and watering areas. The illegal translocation of feral swine can also spread these diseases to both livestock and humans.

Hunters should also follow these simple measures to avoid infection when handling or field dressing feral swine: 

• Wear latex or nitrile gloves; pathogens can enter the body through cuts on hands or torn cuticles.

• Avoid splashing body fluids into your eyes or mouth.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after field dressing and processing meat, even if you wear gloves.

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect work areas and tools used to dress and butcher feral swine.

• Dispose of animal remains, used gloves, and other materials properly. Animal remains should not be left for scavengers, nor should they be fed to dogs. Depending upon your jurisdiction, several methods of appropriate disposal may be considered. Check with your local health department or state wildlife agency.

• Follow correct refrigeration, freezing, and cooking methods. Freezing to 0°F will render bacteria inactive but will not destroy them; once thawed, bacteria can again become active. Also, do not rely on home freezing to destroy Trichina and other parasites. Thorough cooking will destroy all parasites and kill bacteria. Cook feral swine meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to 170°F.

To learn more about USDA Wildlife Services feral swine disease surveillance, visit their website. To contact the Georgia Feral Swine Partnership or to learn more information, visit Georgia Feral Swine. The Albany Area Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project is led by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement number NR204310XXXXG001.

Farm Monitor and Ranger Nick Feature Feral Swine Research

This month, Farm Monitor’s Ranger Nick segment highlights the damage and issues surrounding invasive feral swine, some control best practices, and ongoing research funded through the Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project.

Faith Kruis, a UGA Warnell graduate student on the project led by the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, joins Ranger Nick to discuss her research using GPS collars and cellular cameras to study the Judas Pig technique. This technique uses GPS location data of a so called “Judas Pig” to identify and remove entire family groups (sounders). Entire sounder removal is the most effective method of feral swine control.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement number NR204310XXXXG001.

Meet our Team: Aubree Plymale

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is excited to announce our newest team member! Aubree Plymale is joining the District for the summer of 2022 as the Feral Swine Summer Coordinator. As Summer Coordinator, Aubree will work directly on the District’s feral swine initiative and the Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project. Learn more about feral swine control efforts at georgiaferalswine.com and read our interview with Aubree below!

Where are you originally from?

Boston, GA

What impact to you hope to make as a part of the District team?
I hope to learn all that I can from the team and put forth my best effort for this project.

What inspires you to work in conservation?
I love the outdoors and the environment. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to learn more on how to protect it.

If you were a common Georgia crop, what would it be?
I’d say I would be a pecan tree. A strong Georgia native.

What could we find you doing on a typical Saturday afternoon?
You can find me either kayaking or spending time at home with family.

Anything else exciting that you’d like our supporters to know?
I just recently graduated from Thomas University in Thomasville with a bachelors in Natural Resources and Conservation Management. I will heading to the University of West Alabama this fall to study feral swine and fire ecology.

FRSWCD Announces Summer Coordinator Positions

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District has annouced two Summer Coordinator positions to support Feral Swine Control and Smart Irrigation initiatives.

---

The Smart Irrigation Summer Coordinator will support the District program staff with outreach, monitoring, and other program needs through the District’s Smart Irrigation initiatives.

This 1099 temporary contract position would work with District staff and partners on outreach, education, and general activities related to Smart Irrigation projects in the District. The position, which lasts from May 16 through August 15, offers applicants hands-on experience in conservation and precision agriculture, landowner and partner engagement, project management, and education and outreach. This position offers room for growth into an extended or full time contract with the District.

The Smart Irrigation Summer Coordinator will work with project team members to

• Organize workshops and field day events to share information and best practices and cost share opportunities on smart irrigation technologies.

• Develop outreach tools for continued landowner engagement and information for the general public, including, but not limited to blogs and social media posts and smart irrigation case studies.

• Coordinate other project administration duties.

---

The Feral Swine Summer Coordinator will support the District program staff with outreach, training, and other program needs through the Albany Area Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Project.

This 1099 temporary contract position would work with District staff and partners on outreach, education, and general activities related to the Albany Area Feral Swine Control and Eradication Pilot Project. The position, which lasts from May 16 through August 15, offers applicants hands-on experience in wildlife management issues, landowner and partner engagement, project management, and education and outreach. This position offers room for growth into an extended or full time contract with the District.

In the 2018 Farm Bill, the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program was established to respond to the threat that feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. In Georgia alone, feral swine cause upward of $150 million in damage each year.

The Feral Swine Summer Coordinator will work with project team members to

• Organize workshops and train-the-trainer type events to share information and best practices on the feral swine issue and most effective control techniques.

• Develop outreach tools for continued landowner engagement and information for the general public, including, but not limited to, general analysis of collected project data, trapping best practices and digital training materials, blogs and social media posts.

• Coordinate project team meetings and other project administration duties.

For more information on this position and how to apply, visit http://flintriverswcd.org/jobs.

FLINT RIVER SWCDAPRIL 4, 2022

2022 Stewardship Week Poster Contest

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce the 2022 Stewardship Week theme: “Healthy Soil, Healthy Life”.  Stewardship Week, which will be celebrated April 24 – May 1, 2022 is celebrated each year to promote natural resource conservation across various topics including soil, water, and habitat. 

 In addition to providing area schools with valuable conservation and natural resource learning materials, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is offering an annual poster contest for kindergarten through fifth grade students from counties located in the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District. These counties include Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, and Seminole counties.

“Participating in the Poster Contest is a fun and educational learning experience for students of all ages to celebrate Stewardship Week,” says Education Coordinator Abby Davis.  

Posters must incorporate the “Healthy Soil, Healthy Life” theme. A digital photograph of the front of the poster and entry form will be accepted by emailing to abby@flintriverswcd.org by  Sunday, May 1, 2022.   

Monetary prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners.  The District winner will also advance to the state competition where the poster entry will be judged against other entries from across Georgia. In 2020, District poster contest winner Maryanna Chitty was recognized at the state level for her poster submission highlighting the importance of pollinators.

This year marks the 67th Anniversary of the National Association of Conservation District Stewardship Week.  During Stewardship Week, local conservation districts and state associations provide educational resources on the importance of soil health, water quality, pollinator habitats, and other conservation topics.

If you are interested in participating in the 2022 Poster Contest and would like to obtain more information, please contact your local Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor or visit our poster contest webpage.

For more Stewardship Week resources focusing on the importance of healthy soils, visit the NACD website.

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org. 

Cover Crop Initiative Available in all Counties in the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District

New Climate Friendly Signup Concludes January 25

ATHENS, GEORGIA, Jan. 11, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced several new and expanded opportunities for conservation programs that lend to climate-smart agriculture production in fiscal year 2022. Among these is the Cover Crop Initiative (CCI) that incentivizes the use of cover crops on Georgia’s agricultural land.

The counties included in this targeted effort to improve soil health through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are: Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Bleckley, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Chatham, Coffee, Colquitt, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Effingham, Emanuel, Glascock, Grady, Greene, Hancock, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Lee, Macon, Marion, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Schley, Screven, Seminole, Sumter, Taliaferro, Taylor, Telfair, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Warren, Washington, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson and Worth.

“Cover crops provide multiple benefits to the land, a producer’s bottom line, and are a critical tool to help them combat the effects of climate change,” NRCS State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph said. “By drastically reducing erosion and improving the availability of nutrients and water, cover crops help build a more extreme weather resilient landscape and help Georgia’s farmers and ranchers management goals.” 

The EQIP CCI is aimed at improving soil health with conservation practice standard (CPS) 340 – Cover Crop, through a targeted, rapid, and streamlined application and contract approval process. Through this initiative, NRCS can support the goals of agricultural producers and increase the critical environmental benefits that cover crops provide.

To learn more about cover crop termination guidelines, selection tools and more, visit the NRCS Cover Crops and Soil Health webpage.

How to Apply

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this funding batch, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center      and apply by January 25, 2022.

More Information

Through conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land that benefit natural resources, build resiliency, and contribute to the nation’s broader effort to combat the impacts of climate change. More broadly, these efforts build on others across USDA to encourage use of conservation practices. For example, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently provided $59.5 million in premium support for producers who planted cover crops on 12.2 million acres through the new Pandemic Cover Crop Program. Last week, RMA announced a new option for insurance coverage, the Post Application Coverage Endorsement, for producers who “split apply” fertilizer on corn.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air, and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including state, local and Tribal governments.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

###

USDA to begin National Agricultural Classification Survey in preparation for upcoming 2022 Census of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mails the National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) this month to more than a million potential U.S. agricultural producers, in preparation for the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The NACS will ask survey recipients if they are involved in agricultural activity and for basic farm information. Response to the NACS is required by law for all who receive the questionnaire, even if the recipient is not an active farmer or rancher. Questionnaires can be completed online or by mail. The response deadline is Jan. 24.

“NACS plays an integral role in getting a complete count of U.S. agriculture,” said Census and Survey Division Director Barbara Rater. “It is one of the most important early steps to determine who should receive next year’s Census of Agriculture questionnaire. Every response to NACS is vital.”

USDA defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products are produced and sold, or are normally sold, during the year. This definition was first used for the 1974 Census of Agriculture and is now consistent across USDA surveys. 

“The definition of a farm is not based on size, type, or location,” said Rater. “A farm can be an urban rooftop or a backyard greenhouse. It can be large pastures of cattle or fields of corn, as well as blooms, honey, vegetables, or eggs sold to neighbors, friends, and family. Our mission is to give every U.S. producer the opportunity to share their voice in the ag census.” 

The influential Census of Agriculture dataset is used by local and federal governments, educators, researchers, agribusinesses, media, and many more, impacting decisions that affect the lives of every American. Data collection for the 2022 Census of Agriculture begins November 2022. 

All information reported to NASS is kept confidential, protected by federal law. For more on confidentiality, read NASS’s Confidentiality Pledge. To learn more about NACS and the Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

FLINT RIVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNOUNCES AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANT FOR 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District  announces that it will award $2,000 in grant funds through the Agricultural & Environmental Education Grant for K-12 programming within the District’s nine counties.  The grant opportunity promotes conservation education and provides additional resources for both formal and non-formal educators looking to engage their students in agriculture and/or natural resources education. 

“We’re now in our sixth year of offering schools and educators across the District education grants,” says Marty McLendon, chairman of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District. “That is 13 awardees, and over $10,000 directly into educational projects and programs in our schools. That kind of impact is critical to developing the next generation of conservation and agricultural leaders.”

Mrs. Howell's 12th grade Physics class, from Baconton Community Charter School, study force and motion through boating while completing their project, 'Camping Physics', funded by the FRSWCD Education Grant

 In-school teachers, as well as, 4-H and FFA educators are encouraged to apply.  Grant funds will be awarded to projects that help expand knowledge and teach the importance of the environment to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.  Youth participating in the selected projects will better understand the value of soil and water conservation.  

“I hope my students will develop a love of the beauty found only in our natural world,” says Patti Howell at Bacton Community Charter Academy, a 2019-2020 education grant recipient.

Educators that are located within the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, and Seminole Counties are eligible to apply.The application and additional details regarding grant criteria are available online at flintriverswcd.org/education. Please direct any questions to abby@flintriverswcd.org.The application deadline is March 4, 2022 and awardees will be announced by May 13, 2022. Projects selected for the grant funding should be completed by May 5, 2023.

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.

###

Flint River SWCD Partners with Mitchell County Cattleman's Association to Offer Low Cost No-till Drill

This November, The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) and the Mitchell County Cattleman’s Association (MCCA) finalized an agreement to lease the FRSWCD’s no-till drill for use by local farmers and landowners.   

The FRSWCD and the MCCA will work together to promote use of no-till drill to local farmers and landowners, including educational and outreach opportunities. MCCA will be the point of contact for all leasing logistics with landowners. 

“The Mitchell County Cattleman’s Association is excited to partner with FRSWD to offer the no-till drill for rental in Mitchell County and across Southwest Georgia”, says Tim Barnes, Chairman of MCCA. “There is a tremendous benefit to having the equipment available for landowners to use without having the financial responsibility of purchasing the equipment. Whether it be for a small food plot or a large acreage field – the benefits are immense.” 

A no-till drill is a specialized implement with a disk set up that cuts through residue, plants a seed at a specified depth, and presses soil back over the seed. Benefits of a no till drill include erosion control and fewer trips across the field resulting in fuel and time savings.  

 The cost to lease the no-till drill is $15 per acre, in addition to a $30 flat handling fee per lease. Fees cover the cost of maintenance, upkeep, and outreach. Additional proceeds support Mitchell County youth livestock programs, as well as, help MCCA agriculture education efforts. 

To lease the no-till drill, contact the Mitchell County Extension Administrative Assistant, Dusty Russ at 229-336-2066 or uge4205@uga.edu.  Renters must pick-up and deliver the equipment from/to the Mitchell County Agriculture Center located at 4590 Highway 37 East, Camilla.  The no-till drill does not come with an operator.

Visit http://flintriverswcd.org/no-till-drill for more information on the no-till drill and conservation tillage.

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org. 

###

Feral Swine Workshop Highlights Effective Control Techniques

On December 3, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a Feral Swine Control Workshop in partnership with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Jones Center at Ichauway, UGA Warnell College of Forestry and Natural Resources, and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service at the Grady County Agric-Center in Cairo, Georgia.

Dr. Mike Conner, Wildlife Ecologist at the Jones Center at Ichauway, began the workshop with an overview of feral swine biology and behavior—providing important context around the issue of feral swine, their destruction, spread, and the economic and human impact.  

“Feral swine have existed in North America for almost 500 years, and their damage to natural resources likely began the day they set foot on the continent,” says Dr. Conner. “ Feral swine have the greatest reproductive capacity of any mammal their size, but 500 years of reproducing in the wild does not explain the rapid range expansion that has occurred during the past 100 years.  The near quadrupling of the number of states with feral swine during the past century seems to be partially the result of both accidental and purposeful release of pigs.  Managing feral swine populations and their damage is not as dependent on the number of pigs removed as much as it depends on the number of pigs left behind.  Sustained trapping efforts with the goal of whole-sounder removal offer the best solution to managing feral swine damage.”    

Matt Ondovchick, Wildlife Services specialist at USDA-APHIS, followed with a presentation on effective control methods and best practices, as well as a demonstration of large corral style traps. Corral style traps are used to in whole sounder removal, which is widely recognized by experts as the most effective method of feral swine control. 

Workshop attendees observe a large corral style trap demonstration (photo credit: Cale Cloud)

Attendees of the workshop were local landowners who have faced feral swine issues on their own properties. It’s estimated in Georgia alone feral swine cause over 150 million dollars in economic damage, and according to a 2015 survey, 79 percent of survey respondents do not want feral swine on their property. 

“For the people of Grady County, the issues with feral swine seems to continually get worse.  This worrisome pest and the numerous issues it brings does not seem to be getting any better,” says Cale Cloud, Grady County UGA ANR Extension Agent. “Farmers face numerous challenges when trying to grow a crop from rising input prices to being at the mercy of Mother Nature.  Feral swine adds a whole new challenge that our growers have to deal with.  The damage that these animals can cause to a crop after a grower has put all of their hard work into can be devastating.  Because of these issues that we have faced in our county, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District decided to team up with UGA Extension to hold a feral swine workshop here in Cairo.  This successful event brought in farmers, homeowners, and land owners from Grady County and the surrounding areas and taught them the basic biology of feral swine and effective control methods.  I am thankful for the partnership that UGA Extension has with the Flint River District and I am confident that the education and outreach on the topic of feral swine will  be beneficial to the people of Grady County.”

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.  

For more information on feral swine control efforts across the state, visit georgiaferalswine.com. 

FSCP Albany Area Project Meeting Engages Landowners, Researchers

On December 2, project team members from the Albany Area Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program gathered with participating landowners and stakeholders to share progress on control, monitoring, and research activities in the project area.  

“The purpose of this project is not only removal of our most invasive species-- feral swine-- but also to conduct research to evaluate the impact of intensive removal from large, contiguous acreage,” says Marty McLendon, Chairman of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD). “Hearing straight from researchers, and engaging local participants directly in that progress, was really beneficial as we move towards a new year in the project.” 

Justine Smith, UGA Graduate Student on the project, shares updates on native wildlife and row crop monitoring in the project area.

Landowners in the project area were also pleased to hear project updates. 

"It's great that someone finally realized what a problem feral swine are and how bad they are affecting our ag production,” says Jimmy Webb, landowner and farmer in the project area. “ I look forward to the progress we're making that in turn will help us be more profitable in agriculture."

 Key research and monitoring activities include intensive removal through whole-sounder trapping and helicopter control, monthly water sampling for water quality and eDNA source tracing analysis, native wildlife and pig population monitoring, ground cover and erosion monitoring, UAV surveying of row crop fields, GPS monitoring of feral swine, and annual estimates of economic impact. 

USDA’s Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) entered into an agreement with the FRSWCD to implement the Albany Area project. The FRSWCD is responsible for coordinating project activities with landowners within the project area, project monitoring, and collaboration on feral swine removal in partnership with APHIS.  The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is working with several local partners through this agreement to implement research and monitoring. 

Partners on the project conducting this research include the Jones Center at Ichauway, University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, and the University of Georgia Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory. Professors from both the Jones Center at Ichauway and Warnell co-advise two graduate students on the project. 

 “My research project uses the Judas technique as a feral swine removal method, which involves using GPS collars on feral swine to know if they have located other swine for removal,” says Faith Kruis, University of Georgia graduate student in Wildlife Ecology. “Having the opportunity to present in front of the project participants allowed me to share the "why" and "how" of my project and answer any questions they had regarding my research.”

 The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) was established by the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. The FSCP is implemented jointly by USDA’s Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). Monitoring and evaluation are essential to measuring the success of the pilot projects and the program. This program aims to collect a comprehensive understanding of the extent and nature of damages related to feral swine experienced by landowners in project areas, as well as other natural resource concerns. 

Participants in the meeting included USDA APHIS staff on the project, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District project staff, wildlife and aquatic biologists from the Jones Center at Ichauway, graduate students, and project technicians. 

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.  

For more information on feral swine control efforts across the state, visit georgiaferalswine.com. 

FSCP Pilot Project Areas Meet to Share Ideas, Successes

On December 1, project team members from the Albany Area and Georgia/ Florida Area of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program met at the Jones Center at Ichauway to share methodologies, lessons learned, and successes from their respective projects.  

The Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) was established by the 2018 Farm Bill to respond to the threat feral swine pose to agriculture, native ecosystems, and human and animal health. The FSCP is implemented jointly by USDA’s Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) and Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS). 

NRCS entered into agreements with the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District and Tall Timbers Research Station to implement the Albany Area and Georgia/ Florida Area projects, respectively. Project partners are responsible for coordinating project activities with landowners within the project area, project monitoring, and collaboration on feral swine removal in partnership with APHIS. 

Team members from the Albany and Ga/Fl Project area meet at the Jones Center on December 1.

“One of the goals of the Albany pilot project area is to build long-term sustainability and transferability through development of a landscape-scale cooperative project model,” says Perri Cooper, Executive Director of the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District and Project Director of the Albany Area project. “Collaboration among neighboring pilot project areas is really important to achieve that objective. Bouncing ideas and lessons learned off the team working in the Georgia/ Florida area was really invaluable for our team here.” 

Monitoring and evaluation are essential to measuring the success of the pilot projects and the program. This program aims to collect a comprehensive understanding of the extent and nature of damages related to feral swine experienced by landowners in project areas, as well as other natural resource concerns. With projects halfway into the three year timeline, respective project teams found it an opportune time to share overlapping research and monitoring efforts, including water quality analysis, native wildlife population monitoring, GPS collaring, annual project participant surveys, and more. 

"The Tall Timbers feral hog control project continues to have a positive impact on the lands in the Red Hills region," says Kim Sash, Biological Monitoring Coordinator with Tall Timbers. "With over twenty projects similar to ours countrywide, we've found it very useful to collaborate and share our successes and pitfalls with others so we continue to see positive outcomes moving forward." 

Participants in the joint meeting included USDA APHIS staff from both Georgia and Florida, Tall Timbers Research Station project staff, Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District project staff, wildlife and aquatic biologists from the Jones Center at Ichauway, graduate students on both projects, and project technicians. 

The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.  

For more information on feral swine control efforts across the state, visit georgiaferalswine.com. 

Reimbursement Stipend for Eligible Farmers to Attend the 2022 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference

The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is offering a grant-funded opportunity to attend the 2022 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, January 6-9 at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, GA. This opportunity is being made available through a small USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant allowing GFVGA to award reimbursement stipends* for Georgia’s small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and/or veteran farmers (per USDA’s Definition) to attend the 2022 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The primary goal of this reimbursement stipend is to provide a cost share to help produce growers who may be hindered by the expenses incurred to travel to the Conference on top of the Conference registration fees. This will allow them to take advantage of the educational opportunities, networking events, and have access to the farmer/packer/shipper vendors all in one space on the Trade Show floor during the Conference. The educational sessions available at the Conference provide the most current topics and up to date information that can be applied to farms and farming operations. See below for details:

 The following are criteria for award considerations for each applicant:*

• Must complete and submit the SE Regional Reimbursement Stipend application

• Must be invited to take part in the reimbursement stipend program

• Must attend a minimum of two days of the 2022 Conference

• Must receive a minimum of 6 hours of education offered at the 2022 Conference

• Must complete a Post-Conference evaluation form

Items eligible for reimbursement stipend are below and may not exceed $750/individual award. Receipts are required:*

• Full Four-Day Conference Registration Fee - $185.00/person

• Lodging Expense at no more than $150/night (taxes and fees included)*

• Per diem at $42/day (includes meals and incidentals)

• Travel at $.56/mile

No more than two people per organization/farm may apply. 

A maximum of two awards may be granted per organization/farm.*

All applications for consideration must be completed and received by December 1, 2021.

While this is a grant award to GFVGA through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, the GFVGA application stipulates we will offer reimbursement stipends based onUSDA’s Definitions of small, beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and/or veteran farmers.  Farmers considering applying for the reimbursement stipend may determine eligibility by reviewing USDA’s Definitions. 

If you or farmers have questions, please reach out to Beth Oleson, boleson@asginfo.net, (706) 845-8200. 

* The reimbursement stipend will be awarded based on need to qualified limited resource, socially disadvantaged, beginning farmer or veteran farmers under the USDA definitions and any additional criteria required by the USDA Block Grant. A maximum of two people per organization/farm may apply. A maximum of two awards may be granted per organization/farm. All awards will be given to Georgia-based farms/organizations. The reimbursement stipend will not exceed $750 per awarded individual for eligible items. Receipts are required for reimbursement. To receive the reimbursement stipend the individual must be qualified and complete a Post-Conference evaluation that includes 1) indication of educational programming attended totaling 6 hours, 2) information concerning recommended practices learned, and 3) recommended practices planned to be implemented in the Spring of 2022. GFVGA reserves the right to limit lodging expense awards if two awards are selected from a single farm/operation. All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2021 for consideration.  GFVGA reserves the right to select award by any method it deems appropriate.

Scholarships available for Students in Agriculture and Natural Resources Disciplines

Students with a declared major— or intending to declare a major— in agriculture or natural resources areas of study may be eligible for current scholarship programs.

USDA/1890 National Scholars Program

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program seeks to increase the number of minorities studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines.

The program provides full tuition, employment, employee benefits, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to 4 years to selected students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, food science, natural resource science, or a related academic discipline at one of 19 designated 1890s land-grant universities and Tuskegee University. The scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward the bachelor’s degree.

Scholars accepted into the program will be eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with USDA upon successful completion of their degree requirements by the end of the agreement period. (5 CFR 213.3202) (Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 - Section 12519)  If selected, scholars must commit to at least one year of service to USDA for each year of financial assistance provided. The details of this requirement will be outlined in the service agreement for the scholar, their universities, and the USDA sponsoring agency.

 General Eligibility
To be eligible for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program scholarship a student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale)

• Have been accepted for admission or currently attending one of the nineteen 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities.

• Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines

• Demonstrate leadership and community service

• Submit an official transcript with the school seal and an authorized official's signature

• Submit a signed application (original signature only)

• 21 ACT, 1080 SAT scores

Who Should Apply
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors.

All application materials must be postmarked by the deadline on Monday, January 31, 2022, and sent to the university liaison (or universities) selected by the applicant to attend. (University addresses and contact information are included in the back of the application.)

Learn more and apply by January 31 to the USDA/ 1890 National Scholars Program.

GACD Scholarship

To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year.  The scholarship is given to students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area.  Acceptable areas of study include, but are not limited to, agricultural education, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, and agricultural communications.

The applicant may be a high school senior, or a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student from Georgia at any accredited college, school, or university in the United States. Applicants in their first semester of college should send their high school transcript and proof of college enrollment.  Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and be in need of financial assistance.  There will be no discrimination on basis of race, sex, or religion.  An individual may not compete for a scholarship that he or she has won in past years.  The scholarship payments are disbursed according to the fund.

The GACD Scholarship winner is selected by the Scholarship Committee.   Disbursements will be made in two payments of $500.00 paid to the student upon receipt of proof of satisfactory completion of each of two semesters of full-time academic work.

Learn more and apply by December 31 to the GACD Scholarship.