California Dairy Farmer Protects Blackbirds

Kelly MarshallConservation, Dairy, environment, NRCS

A dairy farmer from Tipton, California was recognized for his work in protecting the Tricolored Blackbird. Frank Mendonsa is the President of Western United Dairymen and the owner of the silage fields that became a temporary nesting grounds for the emergency-listed birds. Mendonsa delayed his harvest to allow the birds to raise their young. “When the birds first appeared on … Read More

Grant Supports Imperiled Tricolored Blackbird

Jamie JohansenAg Group, Conservation, dairy farming, NRCS

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) teamed with Audubon California and the Western United Dairymen organizations to announce an innovative new conservation project to boost habitat and outreach work for the threatened Tricolored Blackbird. The partnership was announced at an event held at the Sacramento Zoo, which has been collecting donations to help the struggling bird. “We are excited … Read More

Guidance Hindering Water Conservation on Farms

Jamie JohansenAg Group, Cattle, Conservation, Dairy, EPA, National Milk, NRCS

The National Milk Producers Federation asked the EPA to withdraw recent guidance concerning when farmers must seek Clean Water Act permits for a long list of normal farming activities near wetlands. NMPF, said the EPA’s proposal could have the perverse effect of discouraging water conservation, by changing the long-standing relationship between farmers and the Agriculture Department’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. … Read More