USDA will accept 4.3 million acres offered by landowners to preserve and enhance environmentally sensitive lands under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This was the 39th general sign-up of the CRP, which will protect millions of acres of topsoil from erosion and improve the nation’s natural resources. More than 50,000 offers were received. Producers enrolled in the program are expected to plant long-term, resource-conserving covers in exchange for rental payments, cost-share and technical assistance. Learn more.

The National Farmers Union along with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union is accusing Wal-Mart of unfairly cutting food costs at farmer’s expense. Previously, farmers and ranchers focused their attention to Tyson Foods Inc. and Smithfield Foods Inc. Now, with their focus on Wal-Mart, the organizations have asked the Obama administration to broaden its antitrust inquiry into meat, dairy and seed businesses to include the retailer. (Bloomberg) Read more.

USDA lowered its corn production and yield estimates by 2 percent compared to last month’s figures. The lowered figures still keeps U.S. corn production on record-setting pace, producing 50 million bushels more than the previous record set in 2009. The average yield was originally estimated last month at 165.0 bushels per acre compared to 162.5 bushels this month. (Brownfield) Read more.

USDA has awarded $1.9 million to Lincolnway Energy LLC, to stop it from burning fossil fuels in favor of renewable biomass for production of biofuel. The Iowa-based company produces between 55 to 60 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol each year. The grant will help modify a boiler to burn wood and other biomass. (Brighterenergy.org) Read more.

USDA is seeking applications from producers to conduct feasibility studies that would assist in creating renewable energy systems for farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses. The studies include projects that will produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydro power and hydrogen-based sources. Grants are limited to $50,000 per study. Applications must be submitted by the Oct. 5 deadline. Learn more.

The Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Industry Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss farm milk price volatility and dairy farmer profitability, as well as review various industry proposals and hear public comments. Registration for the meeting — which will be held Sept. 23-24 at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. — must be completed by Sept. 12. All written comments should be submitted by Sept. 24. Learn more.