Where do you stand on the issue of climate change?

Where do you stand on the issue of climate change?  The issue has been at the forefront of discussions for several years, and was initially met with great doubt by much of agriculture.  Are you part of that contingent, or are you someone who strongly believes the climate is changing, or are you still open to being convinced one way or the other?  USDA on June 3 announced a new departmental regulation on “climate change adaptation,” and then announced a series of grants designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in half the country, which are being blamed for contributing to climate change.

The USDA’s new departmental regulation was issued by the Secretary of Agriculture to “assist USDA in identifying how climate change is likely to affect its ability to achieve mission, operations, policy, and program objectives.”  The policy preamble adds, “The effects of climate change are complex and far-reaching, and while the scope, severity, and pace of future climate change impacts are difficult to predict, it is clear that potential changes could have important impacts on the ability of USDA to fulfill its core mission.”  The regulation will dovetail with USDA’s strategic plan along with the work by two other organizations.  It is designed to: 

• identify how climate change is likely to affect its ability to achieve USDA mission, operations, and policy and program objectives;
• analyze Departmental vulnerabilities to climate change;
• consider potential climate change impacts when undertaking long-term planning exercises, setting priorities for scientific research and investigations, and making decisions affecting agency resources, programs, and operations;
• prioritize actions; and
• develop and maintain an adaptation plan for managing the challenges and taking advantage of any opportunities afforded by climate change.

Following the announcement of the new policy, the USDA announced that it was granting $7.4 million to fund 9 large greenhouse gas mitigation programs in 24 states through the Conservation Innovation Grants administered by NRCS, and an additional $10 million for the EQIP program to implement practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The programs will be applied in 24 states, some of them to Cornbelt states.  Those include:

Bringing Greenhouse Gas Benefits to Market: Nutrient Management for Nitrous Oxide Reductions (Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma) – $400,000 to the Delta Institute and its partners to create a system that allows producers to earn greenhouse gas credits for their nutrient management and conservation practices on at least 60,000 acres.

1. Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
2. Cornell genetic testing process cuts cost by up to 75 percent
3. Angus Foundation receives $28,500 from “The Card Challenge”
4. Commentary: In praise of animal foods
5. 100K Pathogen Genome Project maps first genomes
6. Beef exports depend on quality reputation

1. Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early
2. New animal identification rules aid disease traceability
3. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
4. Survey reveals most Americans in favor of COOL
5. Corn planting pace turns from record slow to record fast
6. U.S. cattle placements rise in April as feed costs subside

1. Meat and climate change: How significant is the impact?
2. BeefTalk: How do we get the next generation to raise beef?
3. Commentary: GMOs: How do I hate thee?
4. Survey reveals most Americans in favor of COOL
5. Farm bill and immigration reform action needed
6. Boxed beef hits record highs, cattle weak to lower