The Agriculture Policy & Programs section of our website is a place to find the latest news, announcements and viewpoints on the government policies, regulations and programs that affect conservation agriculture — including news from the USDA, NRCS, state and local conservation districts and more. https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/rss en-us jdobberstein@lesspub.com NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley told No-Till Farmer he is prioritizing field staff to improve field engagement and technical expertise. No-Till Farmer he is prioritizing field staff to improve field engagement and technical expertise.]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15342 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15342-nrcs-promises-farmers-will-see-modernized-approach Eye-on-Washington NEW.png lessitef@lesspub.com An innovative approach that offers major Farm Bill conservation and environmental benefits is really built around tripling the current no-till acreage. An innovative approach that offers major Farm Bill conservation and environmental benefits is really built around tripling the current no-till acreage.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15332 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15332-what-if-a-no-tiller-wrote-the-farm-bill Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px (1).png lessitef@lesspub.com One of our 50 states has decided to ban the herbicide that got no-till started in the early years before glyphosate came along. One of our 50 states has decided to ban the herbicide that got no-till started in the early years before glyphosate came along.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15325 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15325-vermont-is-first-state-to-ban-paraquat Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px (1).png lessitef@lesspub.com If you are a white male farmer who has been received EQUIP funds from the JU.S. Department of Agriculture, the feds may have been costing you dollars. If you are a white male farmer who has been received EQUIP funds from the JU.S. Department of Agriculture, the feds may have been costing you dollars.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15321 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15321-many-no-tillers-may-have-been-victimized-on-equip-funding Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px (1).png USDA today announced the availability of $65 million this year for new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15299 Wed, 27 May 2026 13:08:22 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15299-nrcs-announces-65-million-for-conservation-innovation-grants NRCS_CIG_SocialMedia_24-3-Web Header.jpg jdobberstein@lesspub.com Buckley told No-Till Farmer Tuesday he will continue pushing to modernize the tools farmers have available through the NRCS and ensure the agency “gets back to basics” helping them succeed with their conservation goals. Buckley told No-Till Farmer Tuesday he will continue pushing to modernize the tools farmers have available through the NRCS and ensure the agency “gets back to basics” helping them succeed with their conservation goals. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15298 Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15298-nrcs-chief-talks-goals-for-agency-as-ag-tech Buckley pull quote.png Through Success from the Ground Up, Cargill provides financial support to soil health organizations focused on providing access to training and technical information that can help remove barriers for row crop farmers who want to rebuild the health of their soils, plant cover crops, and make better use of their water. Through Success from the Ground Up, Cargill provides financial support to soil health organizations focused on providing access to training and technical information that can help remove barriers for row crop farmers who want to rebuild the health of their soils, plant cover crops, and make better use of their water. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15291 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15291-ctic-seeking-participants-for-new-mentoring-program Cargill_CTIC.png jdobberstein@lesspub.com Colton L. Buckley, who was serving as associate chief, will take the helm as the youngest NRCS chief in history at the massive agency, which provides technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners across the U.S. conserve natural resources. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15286 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15286-nrcs-chief-steps-down-youngest-leader-in-agency-history-takes-the-helm Eye on Washington.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com Time flies during planting season, and this year has been no exception. But let’s pause for a moment and talk about something that doesn’t get covered enough in agriculture throughout the year — mental health. Time flies during planting season, and this year has been no exception. But let’s pause for a moment and talk about something that doesn’t get covered enough in agriculture throughout the year — mental health.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15273 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15273-shining-a-light-on-mental-health-in-agriculture Noah-Newman-web.jpg lessitef@lesspub.com Is government interference stalling the regenerative movement? Frank Lessiter examines the challenges faced by researchers like Jon Lundgren when it comes to soil health and scientific censorship. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15271 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15271-more-on-the-interference-of-government-congress-and-industry-standing-in-the-way-of-releasing-unfavorable-science epub_Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px-(1)_1000x1000_webp.webp janzen@aglaw.us "To date, farmer uptake of these programs has been very slow, in spite of the promise to pay farmers for participation. I believe a lot of the reluctance stems from the uncertainty about these programs," says Todd Janzen in his latest blog. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15256 Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15256-should-your-farm-sign-a-carbon-contract Todd-Janzen.jpg nnewman@lessitermedia.com The program has engaged 43 farmers in Idaho, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, covering 50,000 acres and 43,000 cows so far. The program has engaged 43 farmers in Idaho, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, covering 50,000 acres and 43,000 cows so far. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15254 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:09:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15254-farmers-share-key-takeaways-from-feed-in-focus-sustainability-program feed in focus.jpg jdobberstein@lesspub.com The version approved Thursday removed controversial language that would have prohibited states and courts from, “penalizing or holding liable entities for failing to comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved by the EPA administrator.” The version approved Thursday removed controversial language that would have prohibited states and courts from, “penalizing or holding liable entities for failing to comply with requirements that would require labeling or packaging that is in addition to or different from the labeling or packaging approved by the EPA administrator.”

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15252 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15252-us-house-passes-farm-bill-20-pesticide-liability-shield-removed Eye on Washington.png lessitef@lesspub.com Two weeks ago, the No-Till Farmer editors surveyed no-tillers regarding their thoughts on seeding rig and other equipment purchases this year. The 2-minute survey asked growers for their opinions on equipment buys based on recent President Trump reports. Two weeks ago, the No-Till Farmer editors surveyed no-tillers regarding their thoughts on seeding rig and other equipment purchases this year. The 2-minute survey asked growers for their opinions on equipment buys based on recent President Trump reports.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15248 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15248-whats-the-likelihood-no-tillers-will-order-seeding-equipment Frankly-Speaking-logo_0324_1000px (1).png jdobberstein@lesspub.com Agri-Pulse reported the Trump administration may spend billions of dollars to invest infrastructure and reshore fertilizer production back into America, citing Rollins’ comments during a recent House Appropriations subcommittee budget hearing. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15242 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15242-reports-us-may-use-tariff-money-to-boost-fertilizer-supply 1776714104226.jpg Executives from the fertilizer industry recently met with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and several other Trump administration officials to discuss fertilizer prices and supply issues as farmers embark on the 2026 growing season. (TFI photo) jdobberstein@lesspub.com The USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech will, according to the agency, “thoroughly test and validate both existing and emerging tools under real-world production conditions,” to provide farmers and ranchers with “trusted, practical insights” they can rely on to make product decisions. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15202 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15202-usda-launching-proving-ground-for-ag-technology Grand Farm photo.png The USDA National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech will, according to the agency, “thoroughly test and validate both existing and emerging tools under real-world production conditions,” to provide farmers and ranchers with reliable insights to make product decisions. (Grand Farm photo) lessitef@lesspub.com In this edition: A Trump order protected a weedkiller. And also a Weapon of War New Documents: Trump EPA Administrator Met With Pesticide CEO During Push to Shield Company From Lawsuits Can Taking Melatonin Counter the Effects of Glyphosate in Your Food? In this edition:

• A Trump order protected a weedkiller. And also a Weapon of War
• New Documents: Trump EPA Administrator Met With Pesticide CEO During Push to Shield Company From Lawsuits
• Can Taking Melatonin Counter the Effects of Glyphosate in Your Food?

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15199 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:25 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15199-in-the-weeds-glyphosate-news-roundup-april-8-2026 In-the-Weeds.png jdobberstein@lesspub.com Some conservation groups are angered by a preliminary budget document released that slashes the budget for NRCS technical assistance for farmers. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15192 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15192-white-house-budget-slashes-conservation-tech-support Eye on Washington.png nnewman@lessitermedia.com Jeremy Groeteke, global head of IT and digital strategy at Syngenta, breaks down some of the latest trends with AI in agriculture and shares key takeaways from his presentation at the 2026 FEMA Supply Summit and Showcase in San Antonio, Texas. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15175 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15175-video-why-theres-no-going-back-with-ai-in-ag Why-There’s-‘No-Going-Back’-with-AI-in-Ag.png mvogel@lessitermedia.com Tony Peirick is No-Till Farmer's 2026 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow. In this video, meet the Watertown, Wis., no-tiller as he shares some background about the history of his farm operation, the details of his day-to-day farm life and more information about the farmer-led groups he facilitates. The 2026 fellowship program is made possible with the support of Dairy Management Inc. 2026 Conservation Ag Operator Fellow. In this video, meet the Watertown, Wis., no-tiller as he shares some background about the history of his farm operation, the details of his day-to-day farm life and more information about the farmer-led groups he facilitates. The 2026 fellowship program is made possible with the support of Dairy Management Inc. ]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15236 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15236-video-meet-tony-peirick-no-till-farmers-2026-conservation-ag-operator-fellow Meet-Tony-Peirick-—-No-Till-Farmer's-2026-Conservation-Ag-Operator-Fellow.png jdobberstein@lesspub.com EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Set 2 rules will create a “larger, more stable and more reliable” domestic market for U.S. crops. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Set 2 rules will create a “larger, more stable and more reliable” domestic market for U.S. crops. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15170 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:00:01 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15170-balanced-growth-epa-finalizes-renewable-fuel-standard-final-rule Deere-See-and-spray.jpg SEE & SPRAY. Using advanced camera technology and machine learning, See & Spray Ultimate targets and kills weeds growing among corn, soybean and cotton plants. jdobberstein@lesspub.com Termination letters claim that, according to NYFC, “most of the awards did little to improve land access” and there was “excessive spending on outreach and technical assistance.” Termination letters claim that, according to NYFC, “most of the awards did little to improve land access” and there was “excessive spending on outreach and technical assistance.”

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15169 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15169-usda-young-farmers-coalition-spar-over-cuts-to-farm-access-program ILP program.png The projects supported by the 12 grants announced will hire or support field professionals to provide training to private landowners, equipping them with the tools needed to conserve, maintain, and restore natural resources on their lands, implement sound management practices, and access financial assistance through Farm Bill conservation programs. The projects supported by the 12 grants announced  will hire or support field professionals to provide training to private landowners, equipping them with the tools needed to conserve, maintain, and restore natural resources on their lands, implement sound management practices, and access financial assistance through Farm Bill conservation programs. 

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15166 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15166-national-fish-and-wildlife-foundation-announces-87-for-farm-and-ranch-conservation pronghorn-mt-grass-hero.png jdobberstein@lesspub.com Trump administration officials tout progress on farm reforms, but American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says shorter-term solutions are needed to fix "terrible imbalance" between prices and inputs costs. Trump administration officials tout progress on farm reforms, but American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says shorter-term solutions are needed to fix "terrible imbalance" between prices and inputs costs.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15163 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15163-national-ag-day-we-must-make-changes-now Zippy Duvall AFBF.png American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall speaks in Washington during National Ag Day ceremonies at the USDA. Duvall called for solutions to sagging commodity prices, skyrocketing inputs and stagnant markets for U.S. farm products. mlessiter@lessitermedia.com Award-winning no-tiller Mike Starkey educates his tenants on how he’s caring for their land – and was ‘perfect from the line’ in getting rent reductions in this tough economy. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15159 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15159-want-to-reduce-your-land-rental-expenses Opening artwork for Starkey landowner event.jpg jdobberstein@lesspub.com The lawsuits come at a time when the U.S. Department of Justice and USDA promised scrutiny of fertilizer monopolies, and as security problems in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran has led to an increasing in fertilizer prices. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15151 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:57:01 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15151-farmers-sue-fertilizer-companies-alleging-price-fixing Fertilizer Battle Heads to Court.png The funding will support Bureau of Reclamation projects in California, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming that improve water conveyance, expand storage and modernize infrastructure that supports American communities and agriculture. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15147 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15147-doi-investing-889m-in-water-infrastructure-in-western-states ncao-shasta-dam-small.jpg About $40 million in DOI funds will support planning and pre-construction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam, which will increase water storage capacity by approximately 634,000 acre-feet. lessitef@lesspub.com In this edition: The silver bullet that wasn’t: Glyphosate’s declining weed control over 25 years How Safe Is Glyphosate Chemical Backed by Trump? What the Science Says Glyphosate resistance is not inevitable: changes you can make Scientists Say This Potential Carcinogen May Be Lurking in Your Garden In this edition:

• The silver bullet that wasn’t: Glyphosate’s declining weed control over 25 years
• How Safe Is Glyphosate Chemical Backed by Trump? What the Science Says
• Glyphosate resistance is not inevitable: changes you can make
• Scientists Say This Potential Carcinogen May Be Lurking in Your Garden

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15127 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15127-in-the-weeds-glyphosate-news-roundup-march-17-2206 In-the-Weeds.png jdobberstein@lesspub.com What does what “regenerative agriculture” really mean? Everyone has an opinion. Googling it provides endless nuances. It’s another example, in my humble opinion, of how buzzwords sometimes stifle progress rather than promote it. What does what “regenerative agriculture” really mean? Everyone has an opinion. Googling it provides endless nuances. It’s another example, in my humble opinion, of how buzzwords sometimes stifle progress rather than promote it.

]]> http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1/post/15133 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:07:01 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/blogs/1-covering-no-till/post/15133-bringing-some-context-to-the-regenerative-farming-debate Bettencourt 1 copy.JPG lweigel@lessitermedia.com Myriah Johnson, Vice President of Sustainability with Farm Credit Services of America, details the company’s new grant writing services pilot program with Lasso. Johnson explains how the program will make the process easier for farmers interested in participating in new sustainability programs. http://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15123 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.no-tillfarmer.com/articles/15123-video-farm-credit-launches-grant-writing-services-pilot-program-with-lasso Farm-Credit-Launches-Grant-Writing-Services-Pilot-Program-with-Lasso.jpg