USDA 1890 National Scholars Program
Accepting Applications
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
The application window for the 2024 USDA 1890 National Scholars Program opened on December 15. This Program provides educational and career opportunities for U.S. citizens seeking bachelor’s degrees from an 1890 Land Grant University. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. Scholars are also eligible for summer internships that may convert to full-time employment with USDA after graduation.
Additional requirements for High School applicants
- Have applied for or have been accepted at an 1890 Land-Grant University
- Have a high school diploma with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
- Minimum test scores: ACT 21 composite or SAT 1080 combined verbal/math
- Study food, agriculture, natural resource sciences, or other related disciplines
- Demonstrate leadership and community service
Additional requirements for College applicants
- Be a college freshman or sophomore
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
- Attend an 1890 Land-Grant University
- Study food, agriculture, natural resource sciences, or other related discipline
- Demonstrate leadership and community service
Please visit USDA 1890 National Scholars Program for more information or contact the USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement at (202) 720-6350 or 1890init@usda.gov with questions.
The 2024 Soils Planner is Now Available
Order your free copy today!
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is pleased to announce that the 2024 Soils Planner is now available. This educational, calendar-style planner is free to the public while supplies last. Copies can be ordered from the NRCS Distribution Center. Enter the keyword “Planner” and click “Search.”
This year’s theme, “Back to Basics,” spotlights the importance of basic soil properties and characteristics. Understanding basic soil properties and characteristics enables soil scientists to work with conservationists, engineers, local planners, land managers, farmers, and landowners to help ensure a healthy and sustainable world.
Matt Walker, the acting Deputy Chief for Soil Science and Resource Assessment at NRCS, said, “Soil is the foundation of NRCS, the foundation of conservation planning, and the foundation of life itself. Let us not forget the basics.”
Visit Back to Basics online to learn more about the 2024 Soils Planner and order your free copy today!
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13, 2024, to give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was October 31, 2023. The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is a new program, authorized by Section 22007(e) of the Inflation Reduction Act, that will provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to 2021.
Details about the program, including an application and e-filing portal, are available at 22007apply.gov. Applicants can also call the free call center at 1-800-721-0970
Filing an application is FREE and does not require a lawyer.
Keys to Soil Taxonomy, Thirteenth Edition
Hard Copies Are Now Available!
The Keys to Soil Taxonomy, 13th Edition, is now available in hard copy at the NRCS Distribution Center. There is a limit of one per customer. If there is a need for more than one copy, please email Debbie Surabian the number of hard copies needed along with the name and address of where to ship the hard copies.
The Keys to Soil Taxonomy provides the taxonomic keys necessary for the classification of soils in a form that can be used easily in the field. It also acquaints users of soil taxonomy with recent changes in the classification system.
Contact. Direct questions to Debbie Surabian, National Leader for Standards, at Debbie.Surabian@usda.gov.
Ag/Timber Numbers Expired Dec. 31st, Renew Now!!
The Ag/Timber registration numbers are required under Texas law to claim a sales tax exemption on products used in the course of agricultural or timber production. Eligible producers are required to renew their registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Items that may qualify for sales tax exemption include pesticides, fertilizers, fencing supplies, farming machinery and equipment. If you are in the farming and ranching business and don’t have a Ag/Timber Tax Exemption Number you should apply.
To renew or apply for a number call 1-844-247-3639. For more information regarding Ag/Timber sales tax exemptions go online to: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ag-timber/
About the Author
