Chris Boleman

Small Producers Initiative (SPI), a program in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Texas State University, is making significant strides in their mission to support farmers and ranchers by providing opportunities and assistance that help build sustainable, thriving businesses while promoting environmental stewardship and long-term resilience. Last month, WHF co-hosted a workshop with SPI and Spicewood-area land managers Terra Purezza at the Luck Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. WHF conservationist Coleman Stilwell presented on topics including landowner incentives such as EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) and other funding opportunities. #WHF looks forward to continuing to collaborate with SPI and Luck Ranch to introduce more landowners to practices such as erosion control, water stewardship, habitat restoration for wildlife and pollinators, soil health improvement, and grazing management to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining strong agricultural yields. WHF is grateful for the work SPI is doing to promote sustainable farming practices and education while supporting conservation programs that enhance agricultural sustainability. We look forward to more collaboration in 2025, and beyond.

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Here is a timely update on the Farm Bill deliberations from my colleague Liza L.. If you work in the food space, this is an important piece of legislation to keep on your radar. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, American Sustainable Business Network offers simple ways to take action.

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USDA Seeks Applications for Funding to Help Rural Towns Strengthen Housing and Economic Development United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development invites applications for grants to provide strong rural communities the leadership and technical know-how to keep growing. The funding is being made available through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. This program awards grants to qualified intermediary organizations to deliver financial and technical assistance that helps recipients build capacity to carry out projects related to housing, community facilities, and community and economic development. The deadline to submit electronic applications via Grants.gov is no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 7, 2025. Paper applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. local time on August 12, 2025.

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Secretary Rollins speaks frequently about the future "Golden Age of Agriculture." On RealAgriculture Radio, I asked USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden what needs to happen for this outcome to be the reality. Hear the full interview - https://lnkd.in/gx672t8k #agpolicy #agriculture

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More than 140 agricultural producers and industry professionals took advantage of the 2026 Central Mississippi Producer Advisory Council meeting Feb. 17 to talk with Mississippi State University personnel. Held in Raymond at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, the annual forum provides clients, MSU administrators, researchers, specialists and Extension agents with an opportunity to meet in small commodity groups to discuss the research and educational needs of producers in the region. The meeting was a collaborative effort between longtime partners Alcorn State University and Hinds Community College. At the event, six commodities were represented: apiculture; small ruminants; forestry and wildlife; beef, forage and equine; agronomic crops and vegetables, fruits and nuts. Apiculture representatives discussed biocontrol agents for greater wax moths, 4-H curriculum for beekeeping and best management practices for pollinator gardening. The small ruminant group discussed producing publications on goats, testing sheep breeds and forage varieties in grazing, collaborating with industry on botanical controls for managing coccidias, the second most common intestinal parasite of goats. They also heard updates on research that has been done or is still in progress, including comparison of meat goats, artificial insemination and the use of lidocaine for certain surgical procedures. Leyla Rios, Extension small ruminant specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, announced the fourth annual buck test will be held at MSU in the spring. The forestry and wildlife group asked for continued research and educational programming on disturbance management activities of invasive species of wildlife, continued development and education on forestry carbon sequestration and other market information. They discussed the continued support of the Christmas tree cultivar project and the partnership between MSU Forest Products Lab and School of Architecture. They also support a feasibility study on using forest products for future fuel production as a potential new market and rural community development. Beef, forage and equine group members said they want information about heifer retention and development in today’s market, marketing cattle directly to the feedyard, economics of backgrounding cattle and feeding whole cottonseed to cattle. Members of the agronomic crops group wanted continued evaluation of deer damage across all row crops and trials, including testing deterrents and timing. They asked for information on soybean seeding rates and an evaluation of corn fertility. Representatives of the vegetables, fruits and nuts group asked for more information on herbal-based products for pest and disease management, soil health management and training opportunities for both beginner and experienced farmers on pest management. They also discussed providing more opportunities for youth horticultural education.

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🌍 Proud moment for Mississippi State University! Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is recognizing Mississippi State University for its leadership in developing sustainable aquatic food systems to help alleviate world hunger. Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security is being highlighted during FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations at the 2025 World Food Forum for its technical leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Since 2013, GCAHFS has partnered with FAO on global initiatives from rice-fish farming in Nigeria to aquaculture biosecurity in Bangladesh, advancing the FAO “four betters”: better production, better nutrition, better environment, and a better life. #WorldFoodDay #Sustainability #Innovation #Aquaculture #GlobalImpact #FAO80 #MSUResearch #FoodSecurity #BetterTogether #TransformingFoodSystems #hailstate

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Grow the business skills behind successful agriculture operations. The FGCU Farm Management digital badge helps learners develop the knowledge needed to manage agricultural operations effectively. From planning and financial decision making to operational strategy, this credential supports professionals working in modern agriculture. Strengthen your ability to lead, manage resources, and support sustainable agricultural practices. Learn more at innovate.fgcu.edu #FGCU #LCOB #DigitalBadges #AgriBusiness #Agriculture #MicroCredentials #FarmManagement #CareerGrowth #Innovate #ThePowerOfAND

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Strategic Priority #5: Sustainbility The North Texas Food Bank is ensuring long-term financial sustainability through diversified funding, growing donor engagement, strengthening supplier relationships, and reducing costs. Feeding the future means planning for it! 💪 #nihaofoodbank #nihaofoodbankinitiative #ntfb #foodinsecurity #fighthunger #asianamerican #AAPI #chineseamerican #northtexas #Givewhereyoulive #donate #charity #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #foodbank #dallas #explorepage #asiangiving #communityimpact #givingback #ntfbpriorities

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