Agriculture
Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) - originally, Soil Conservation Districts - have worked alongside the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide assistance to agricultural producers since the 1940s. Only in recent years has the RCDTC branched out into other areas of natural resource management.
The RCDTC's current agricultural projects include the Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL), carbon farm planning, assisting farmers and ranchers in applying to the CDFA's Halthy Soils Program (HSP) and State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), and administration of the Shasta-Tehama Watershed Education Coalition (STWEC).
Si necesita asistencia en español, envíe un mensaje y pida por Petra - agriculture at tehamacountyrcd.org
Mobile Irrigation Lab
The Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) is a free service that provides on-site evaluations of agricultural irrigation systems. The primary function of the MIL is to provide comprehensive reports to producers that detail how their irrigation system is performing, including tips, suggestions, and recommendations based on data collected during the inspection. 2023 irrigation evaluations are currently ongoing. Sign up for the 2023 evaluation season by contacting Kevin Greer at kgreer@tehamacountyrcd.org or by calling (530) 727-1297.
CDFA SWEEP - State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance to farmers in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. The next round of applications is expected to open in the fall of 2023. Check back soon for updates.
CDFA HSP - Healthy Soils Program
The RCDTC offers free application assistance to the CDFA Healthy Soils Program (HSP), which provides financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, and improve soil health.
UPDATE: HSP application period is anticipated to open January 2024. Date TBD. A How-To Apply for Grant Funds Workshop will be held Friday, January 5th. See details below.
The RCDTC works with landowners and agricultural producers to develop Carbon Farm Plans. Carbon Farming involves implementing on-farm practices known to improve the rate at which plants transfer carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and convert it to plant material and/or soil organic matter. Carbon Farm Plans serve as guiding documents for producers to meet their management goals while supporting production, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration.
CDFA SWEEP: Tehama County Assistance
Through CDFA grant funds, the RCDTC is accepting applications from Tehama County farmers and ranchers for direct SWEEP funding. RCDTC offers free application support, technical assistance, and funding for on-farm irrigation and pump improvement projects. NEW: Tehama County growers - Application period opens January 5, 2024. Workshop details below. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first come, first served basis.
Shasta-Tehama Watershed Education Coalition (STWEC)
The Shasta-Tehama Watershed Coalition (STWEC) is a voluntary coalition of commercial irrigators in Shasta and Tehama Counties. For more information, please visit stwec.org.