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Electrify Farm Equipment! NRCS-NY offers incentives!

With Delight I’m so happy to share this latest opportunity!

(applicable to farms switching away from fossil powered equipment or maple syrup folks reducing energy through reverse osmosis etc). Think broadly!

NRCS-NY offers Conservation Practice Standard 372 “Combustion System Improvement” to improve air quality, energy efficiency.

January 2, 2025

USDA’s Natural Resource and Conservation Service in New York (NRCS) offers a conservation practice will help producers across the state improve air quality and energy efficiency.

Syracuse, New York. (January 2, 2025) – USDA’s Natural Resource and Conservations Service in New York (NRCS) has adopted a FY25 NRCS Climate-Smart Activity which will help producers across the state improve air quality and energy efficiency.

Conservation Practice Standard 372 “Combustion System Improvement” is now available to New York producers interested in defraying the costs associated with the replacement of in use, high-emission tractors and other off road mobile agricultural equipment with new and highly efficient equipment. Replacement can be in the form of electric powered motor or lower emitting diesel powered motors.

The primary goal of this practice is to help farmers and ranchers improve energy efficiency and improve air quality across New York. The conservation practice targets oxides of nitrogen emissions and energy savings. Any equipment purchased prior to contract execution is ineligible. Any contracted equipment replaced must be with new equipment that has a minimum performance lifespan of 10 years. The in-use equipment must be disabled and properly disposed of when the new equipment is put into use. Contracted payments will not be issued until the new equipment is received and proof of proper disposal of the old equipment is documented.

The practice is available in New York through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round. Submission of a program application does not guarantee funding. EQIP and CSP are voluntary, technical, and financial assistance programs designed to help farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and Tribes with the application of conservation measures. These programs focus strongly on conservation planning, conservation implementation, and solving natural resource concerns.

Each applicant must establish themselves as a USDA customer and obtain all Farm Service Agency (FSA) eligibility requirements. Please note, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) determination takes an average three weeks to be processed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

To learn how to get started with NRCS, click here, or visit your local USDA service center.

For more information about EQIP, please refer to the NRCS-New York EQIP Program Webpage. For more information about CSP, please refer to the NRCS-New York CSP Program Webpage . To learn how to sign up for free email and text alerts about the latest NRCS program and national funding opportunities, click here.

NRCS-NY is hiring 16 Natural Resource Specialists -Jan 2

Natural Resource Specialist GS-0401-5/7/9

 

USDA NRCS is hiring 16 natural resource specialist positions around New York! Unlike our soil conservationist series, there is no soils course requirement (though it’s still helpful). These are entry level positions, so graduates can qualify base on education.  We have posted on Handshake, but all applications will be accepted only through the USAJobs announcement, where you can find more details on duties and application instructions.

Summary

This position is located within the Natural Resources Conservation Service New York. The incumbent will perform a variety of duties related to carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program.

 

  • Open & closing dates:  12/19/2024 to 1/02/2025
  • Salary: $39,576 – $91,582 per year
  • Pay scale & grade: GS 5 – 9
  • Locations: 16 New York vacancies

 

full info here: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/826025400

 

from

Chris Deets

Outreach Coordinator

New York State Office

441 S. Salina St. Suite 354, Syracuse, NY, 13202

www.nrcs.usda.gov/ny

 

National NRCS offering Technical Support Provider (TSP) trainings, Dec 9 and 19.

NRCS is providing two opportunities to complete the TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning course required for the Technical Service Provider (TSP) application. If you know of anyone that needs to complete this course for their TSP Application, please share this information with them.  Additional dates for this live webinar in 2025 are being discussed.

This training will be offered through a live webinar, once on December 9, 2024, and repeated on December 19, 2024. Both options are free of charge and are offered as an alternative to the recorded training available in AgLearn (NRCS-NEDC-000191).  Please register by clicking on the TSP Orientation date and time you wish to attend in table below.  Your chosen link will send you to the Registration page where you will enter your name and email address, then you are all set!

Course Date Course Session Link Eastern Central Mountain Pacific
December 9, 2024 TSP Orientation Registration – December 9, 2024 12:00 – 3: 30 pm 11:00 – 2: 30 pm 10:00 – 1:30 pm 9:00 – 12:30 pm
December 19th, 2024 TSP Orientation Registration – December 19, 2024

Please contact the TSP branch at tsp@usda.gov if you have any questions, concerns, or need any accommodations including language interpretation services.

We look forward to having you attend the event!

The TSP Branch Staff

CPTAD | TSP Branch

Electrify NY! Panel November 19, 2:30pm (free online registration)

Join us for a panel presentation of opportunities for NYers to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions through efficiency and electrification!

 

Electrify New York (a Panel on Efficiency & eElectrification Opportunities)

  • November 19
  • 2:30-4pm
  • G01 Biotech
  • Recordings embedded in titles below.

See also the Nov 20 companion hands-on Energy Expo: Featuring fossil-fuel-free equipment, tools, tech, & management strategies

 

 

PANEL: Electrify New York (efficiency & electrification opportunities)

Efficiency+Electrification = Improved Air Quality + Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions + Conserved NYS Natural Resources

In 2019, New York State passed ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigating legislation. Most of NYS’s greenhouse gas emissions come from combusting fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and transportation used in our personal and professional lives. Anything we can do in our local communities to reduce this fossil combustion improves our air quality, reduces GHG, and reduces the demand on rural landscapes to support renewable energy projects. Come join a panel of Extension, Community Organizers, NYS Office of Climate, and Technical Service Providers as we discuss opportunities that mobilize energy efficiency and electrification projects in our local communities to conserve our shared natural resources.

Panelists (recordings accessed by clicking on the titles)

 

Did You Know

Most of our Greenhouse Gas emissions come from fueling our buildings and transportation?

    • These emissions can be reduced dramatically by efficiency and electrification while improving equity and well-being for all.

 

 

Did You Know

In 2019, NYS passed unprecedented legislation: Reduce GHG emissions 85% by 2050?

 

 

This panel is part of the larger 3-day Cornell Cooperative Extension conference: Agriculture, Food & Environmental Systems In-Service (Nov 19-21, 2024)

DEFINITIONS:

  • Decarbonization: reducing or eliminating carbon (fossil fuel) emissions from a sector (transportation, buildings, and power).
  • Electrification: replacing technologies that run on fossil fuels with alternatives that run efficiently on electricity. It also means generating all that electricity from clean energy rather than fossil fuels.
  • Weatherization: home improvements that reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable (moisture control, air sealing, ventilation, and upgrades to insulation, doors and windows).

PostDoc: resource economics–climate change impacts for diverse Oklahoma stakeholders.

Integrated project that brings community members to the table, guiding research and creating impactful programs.

More details here:https://okstate.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/18525?c=okstate&o7jktnsz=&m=-5&u=-107

Oklahoma State University is seeking a Rural Confluence Postdoctoral Fellow to join a $6M NSF-funded initiative!

  • Conduct cutting-edge research on climate change impacts
  • Engage with diverse stakeholders in rural Oklahoma
  • Collaborate with top institutions across the country
  • Gain valuable outreach and community engagement experience

If you have a Ph.D. in agricultural economics or related field, strong communication skills, and a drive to make a difference, come work with Amy Hagerman at the OSU-Stillwater campus and Andrew Van Leuven with the University of Vermont (remote).

Job: USDA Climate Hub – California (postdoc/fellow)

This would be a great and timely op!

The USDA California Climate Hub has an active announcement for up to two (2) Climate Hub fellows/postdoctoral scholar research associates.  These are being advertised at both the GS 11 and 12 levels in Davis CA (on the UC Davis campus), telework eligible and will be open until December 31, 2025. We welcome applicants eager to work in the climate solutions/applied climate science via applicable disciplines for agriculture, water or forestry applications in support of the states natural and working lands. The position can be found at USA Jobs.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/813326900

Funding: RCPP Upper Susquehanna Ag BMPs, due Aug 23

Accepting Applications for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program in the New York portion of the Upper Susquehanna Watershed.

July 25, 2024

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the sign-up period for Farmstead Practices in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed of New York through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).  The application deadline is August 23, 2024.

This funding is part of the RCPP Upper Susquehanna Agricultural BMP Implementation Project. The RCPP uses partnerships to coordinate and target resources to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. The Upper Susquehanna Agricultural BMP Implementation Project is focused on reducing field nutrient, sediment and pathogen loss, improving the storage and handling of pollutants, as well as improving livestock production limitations in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed portion of New York.

All applications are competitive and are ranked based on locally identified resource priorities, as well as the overall benefit to the environment. Interested landowners within the project area in New York should contact their local NRCS Service Center or their local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.

 

Contact

Emily Dekar

(607)972-7983

dekare@tiogacountyny.gov

5 steps for regenerative agriculture with respect to climate (targeting Hudson Valley NY)

These 5 steps were designed for small/medium farms (fruit, vegetable, grazing) in the Hudson Valley NY to build climate resilient farming.

Each step has a worksheet to help you think about it on your farm.

For more details, go here: https://regenerativefarmresilienceguide.org/

Step 1

Gather and summarize information about your operation including your assets under management and your farm goals using two simple tools to create a snapshot of your farm’s current business condition and revisit your farm and family goals.

Step 2

Learn more about the current and expected climate change effects in your region to identify the climate-related threats and opportunities specific to your farm operation.

Step 3

Select a complementary set of climate risk management strategies that draw on a diversity of farm resources to cultivate the specific and general climate resilience of your farm.

Step 4

Evaluate selected climate risk management strategies and associated practices to identify those that are a “best fit” for your farm operation.

Step 5

Make a climate resilience plan to implement a group of complementary “best fit” climate resilience practices, including a timeline, specific steps to implementation, and monitoring the performance of your new practices to climate risks.

 

 

JOB- measuring dairy greenhouse gas in the Northeast!

ProDairy has a new job listing!

Research Support Specialist I – Dairy Environmental Research Support Specialist

Position Summary (abridged)

This position will provide direct operational leadership and support for a research programs measuring emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases from dairy farms in the Northeast, involving the use of on-farm research equipment, coordination with collaborating farms and their staff, organization and analysis of data, and development of relevant reports, papers, and educational materials in support of the Dairy Environmental Systems program. This position will also support related work of the PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program evaluating farm systems moving dairy farms toward sustainability and translating science on this topic into outreach. The position requires the incumbent to informally supervise a research technician and graduate students who will be supporting projects, and to work directly with dairy producers throughout the state, their professional advisors, other members of the PRO-DAIRY statewide and Cornell Cooperative Extension area teams, and faculty related to farm management and dairy production.

 

More Details here: https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Main-Campus/Research-Support-Specialist-I—Dairy-Environmental-Research-Support-Specialist_WDR-00046003-1?q=Dairy

Let me know if this link doesn’t work.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, engineering, environmental science or related field and 3+ years of experience in field, research, extension, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must have knowledge and/or education in agricultural/environmental science research methodology.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a range of field and laboratory equipment, methodology, and statistical analysis. Knowledge of standard laboratory and fieldwork safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Must be willing to maintain and keep research equipment, materials, and laboratory organized.
  • Must possess excellent organizational skills. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience in data collection, database management, and online data-sharing tools (e.g. BOX, Google Docs)
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential material in a professional manner.
  • Ability to adapt to challenges and anticipate potential issues with applied, on-farm field work. Ability to prioritize multiple project tasks.
  • Must be willing to work for long durations under harsh and hazardous conditions.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
  • Must be able to meet the in-state travel requirements of the position and have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
  • Must be personable, flexible with a proven demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work successfully independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Must be willing to communicate with team members using a personal cell phone.
  • Must be able to interact effectively in person with large and diverse groups, including organizing presentations, leading demonstrations, and delivering engaging and interesting presentations to large audiences.
  • Exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
  • Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
  • Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
  • Must complete University Supervisory Training within 6 months.

County Working Groups hosted by NRCS

Local Working Group Meeting to be Held on July 16th for Erie County

The USDA – NRCS will hold a Local Working Group meeting for Erie County. This meeting is open to the public.

WHEN: 07/16/2024
TIME: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
WHERE: USDA Service Center Conference Room
Address: 50 Commerce Way, East Aurora, NY 14055

The Local Working Group will focus on identifying agricultural and natural resource issues existing in your community and providing information and feedback to NRCS. Participants may be agricultural producers; owners of nonindustrial private forestland; representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; and representatives of governmental agencies carrying out environmental, agricultural, or natural resource conservation programs and activities.

NRCS Local Working Groups are subcommittees of the NRCS State Technical Committee and provide recommendations on local natural resource priorities and Farm Bill program conservation activities. For information about the State Technical Committee, contact Angela VanDyke via e-mail, angela.vandyke@usda.gov.

To participate in your Local Working Group, please contact Ray Hummel, your local District Conservationist, via e-mail at Raymond.hummel@usda.gov. Directions and phone numbers to your local USDA Service Center can be found online at https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.

 Please Contact Ray Hummel by July 12th if you would like to attend!