Resources
Documents & Websites
Cover Crop Seeding Guide
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The Policy Landscape for Agricultural Bioenergy
This issue brief, the last in a series on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions policy, offers an introduction to bioenergy and relevant federal agricultural and nonagricultural policy.
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Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience Webinar
As climate change continues to impact both natural systems and communities, nature-based practices can provide an important solution for building climate resilience. This webcast features professionals from across the country that are conducting nature-based projects to promote climate resilience. Speakers will discuss a variety of work related to the restoration, protection, and management of natural and modified ecosystems.
Speakers
- Dan Constable, Delta Stewardship Council
- Erin Mullin, Delta Stewardship Council
- Christian Rines, Galveston Bay Estuary Program
- Julie Dyer Wood, Charles River Watershed Association
- Dira Johanif, Charles River Watershed Association
DEI Guidebook for Conservation Professionals
This guidebook seeks to be a living resource aimed at integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into conservation efforts amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Developed by stakeholders representing historically underserved communities, including producers, conservation professionals, and supporting organizations, this guidebook serves as a crucial tool for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office staff and partners. It offers actionable guidance tailored to each phase of the nine-step conservation planning process, with a particular emphasis on addressing the specific needs of historically underserved producers and communities.
Rooted in insights gleaned from inclusive roundtable discussions and designed to foster trust and productive relationships, this guidebook represents a significant step toward building a more resilient and equitable conservation movement. By embracing DEI considerations and leveraging community-led solutions, this guidebook seeks to empower local communities in spearheading their own conservation initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
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Highlights from the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, AFT’s Farmland Information Center and National Agricultural Land Network hosted a webinar on Highlights from the 2022 Census of Agriculture with presenters from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This presentation highlighted data on farms and ranches and the land they cover, their economic outlook, and producer demographics. NASS staff also discussed census data collection and significant changes to data items that may affect comparability over time. The webinar was geared toward farmland protection practitioners to help professionals understand and tap into a key source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agricultural data for every state and county.
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Farm Innovations Special Report: A Guide to Cover Crop Management
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Frequently Asked Questions about Biochar Applied to Soil
This FAQ is a reference guide for biochar users, producers and stakeholders. It answers common questions about biochar applications to soil from experts representing United States Department of Agriculture, Cornell University, American Farmland Trust and United States Biochar Initiative. Topics include an introduction to biochar, biochar field applications, biochar and compost, changes to soil, carbon credits, and biochar testing.
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ISAP’s Introduction to Soil Health Practices
The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s recent publication, “An Introduction to Soil Health Practices,” clearly communicates the role of soil health practices in addressing agronomic challenges and resource concerns. Co-author Torey Colburn, Conservation Agronomist with American Farmland Trust, and Helen VanBeck, Program Manager with American Farmland Trust provide an overview of the practical agronomic information included in the guidebook, including how practices like cover crops and no-till, when managed correctly, can build soil health in the field, suppress weed pressure, and limit nutrient loss. Torey and Helen are also joined by two farmers whose stories are shared in the guidebook as real-world examples of how farmers are finding success with these practices.
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Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy: What Farmers Need to Know
Following the release of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) 2023 Biennial Report in December, many famers and farm advisors have been left to wonder: What does this mean for my farm? What does this mean for Illinois agriculture? What can I do to help Illinois achieve our goals? One of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s (ISAP) primary efforts is to support Illinois agriculture in achieving the goals of NLRS by equipping farmers and farm advisors with the technical expertise and necessary resources to successfully transition to a profitable conservation cropping system. In this session, ISAP and University of Illinois Extension will provide an overview of the NLRS, highlight findings from the recent report, and share ISAP and Extension resources developed to support farmers in adopting farming practices which reduce nutrient loss while also building soil health.
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Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) Developed by Cornell Soil Health Lab
The Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health, commonly known as the Cornell Soil Health Test (CASH), is designed for farmers, gardeners, agricultural service providers, landscape managers and researchers who want to go beyond simply testing the nutrient levels of their soils. The Cornell lab was the first to offer a commercial soil health test that provides standardized information on important soil biological and physical constraints in addition to standard nutrient analyses.
Find details of the CASH assessment’s indicators and management strategies for improving soil health in the Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health Training Manual, available free online. The lab also offers fact sheets about our lab’s specific tests and procedures.
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