The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced its continued support to victims of Hurricane Sandy by providing up to $99 million in conservation funding to assist victims in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. The funds will be used to enroll 671 acres of hurricane-damaged property into permanent floodplain easements, which will help make communities more resilient to future flooding and storm surges. “More homeowners and communities that are still struggling from Hurricane Sandy will now find relief,” said Vilsack. “Restoring and protecting floodplain areas will also reduce the potential for future flooding impacts and improve wildlife habitat and long-term environmental stability.” Funding is provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Learn more.

Enrollment opened last week for the Cotton Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). The program provides interim payments to cotton producers during the 2014 crop year until the Stacked Income Protection Plan, a new insurance product, becomes available. Details on the plan will be released by mid-August. “To help us provide the best service possible, cotton producers are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency office early in this enrollment period,” said Garcia. Listen to more.

USDA announced this week the availability of $400,000 in funding to establish the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center. The center will specialize in policy research impacting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Qualifying universities across the country are asked to apply to be the Research Center’s home. “This Center will serve as another tool for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to get the resources they need. It will also assist us in our efforts to help beginning farmers from all walks of life get their start in agriculture.” Applications must be received by Sept. 11, 2014, by 5 p.m. EST. Learn more or apply for the grant.

Soybean production is expected to reach a record 3.82 billion bushels in 2014, up 16 percent from last year according to the USDA Crop Production report issued this week. Corn production is also expected to reach record highs at 14 billion bushels, up 1 percent from 2013. The report also included the first production forecast for U.S. cotton, with production at 17.5 million 480-pound bales, which is up 36 percent from last year. Read the report.

Smokey Bear turns 70

The iconic symbol for forest fire prevention has turned 70. Smokey Bear, with his signature hat and classic blue jeans, has made a career of teaching children and adults “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires.” That message has changed slightly, now stating wildfires instead of forest fires, but Smokey remains an image of nostalgia for some and one of the most recognizable figures in America. Originating in 1944 as part of a wildfire prevention campaign sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, National Association of State Foresters and Advertising Council, it is now the longest running public service campaign in Ad Council history. Read more.