Greetings! Congress continues to work on the passage of a new Farm Bill which could revitalize farming and change the face of Alabama‘s agriculture.

NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster (Read story) recently met in Alabama with agricultural leaders to discuss state water resource issues. One important feature of the new Farm Bill is the Regional Water Enhancement Program which could be administered by NRCS under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). If passed by Congress, this would provide drought relief to farmers by awarding funds for on-farm reservoir and irrigation systems.

I thank you again for all you do for conservation.  I am proud of your efforts. Working together with farmers, ranchers, and our partners has resulted in the continued wise conservation and protection of Alabama's natural resources.

We now have an opportunity to celebrate our enthusiasm for conservation across the country as we kick-off of a national campaign: “Conservation—Our Purpose, Our Passion.”  The campaign shares our success stories with a world-wide audience as it highlights the success of projects and the “passion”we all have for what we do. While we have all chosen our careers for different reasons, I know we have all had those moments when we are proud of what we do and feel that “passion” for the path we have chosen. We know farmers and ranchers who feel this way about the land they work and love. This campaign is an opportunity to celebrate that.

Share your story with others. Contact Public Affairs Specialist Julie Yates, and let her know how you feel. Share a story about a successful project or what you do that means the most to you. We are posting stories about Alabama NRCS employees and farmers on our website to celebrate our enthusiasm for conservation, and our passion for natural resources. Check out the Alabama NRCS website to read about the current highlighted farmers and employees.

Thank you again for being part of the conservation effort in Alabama. I hope you share your story and your passion with others as we celebrate our conservation purpose in what we do on a daily basis.