Additional funding is now available to states to create or expand existing public access programs or provide incentives to increase access to hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the release of the $8 million through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, which provides rental payments and other incentives to landowners who allow public hunting, fishing or other compatible recreational activities on their land. Learn more.

The pair of freezes that hit Florida last month damaged about 38 percent of the early- and mid-season oranges and 12 percent of the late-season oranges, according to the USDA. The report, released Tuesday, stated that most of the damage was on the outer portion of the oranges. The majority of orange trees had no leaf damage. (Reuters) Read more or (USDA Radio Newsline) listen to the interview.

Improvements have been made to the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle insurance that will make it easier for farmers to purchase a policy. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors — a public-private partnership between the federal government, crop insurance industry and farmers — negotiated to offer a subsidy for premium payments to farmers who purchase insurance for at least two months. Further negotiations have allowed for farmers to make premium payments at the end of the coverage period instead of the beginning. (USDA blog) Learn more.

The federal government has spent millions of dollars on hoop housed to help prolong the growing season in several states across U.S. About $13 million has gone to 2,400 farmers in 43 states to buy tunnels that act as greenhouses. Known as hoop houses, the structures have proven beneficial in northern states, allowing farmers to begin planting four weeks early and continue growing well into the fall. One Alabama farmer uses them to grow heirloom tomatoes year-round. (Associated Press) Read more.

Despite anticipated belt-tightening by the federal government and cuts in the next Farm Bill, delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation were unable to offer suggestions to lawmakers on where to trim agricultural spending. The federation closed it annual convention this week leaving the decision for its board of directors. "We have a responsibility, even an obligation, as an organization with great political and policy influence, to weigh in and help find solutions to these problems facing our nation," said Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. (Associated Press) Read more.

The Farm Rescue organization is accepting applications from farmers in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and eastern Montana, for the spring planting season. Farm Rescue is a nonprofit organization that provides planting and harvesting help to farm families dealing with a major illness, injury or disaster. Since 2006, the North Dakota-based organization has helped 131 families. Learn more or apply today.