Auburn University Lands $3M USDA Grant for Alabama Farm Conservation

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn University College of Agriculture faculty have won a $3 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials, the largest award to a single entity among over $24 million distributed nationwide.[1] Announced as part of the 2018 Farm Bill's new component, the project targets row crop farmers statewide, promoting cover crops, water-smart irrigation and nutrient management to reduce environmental impacts while enhancing farm viability.[1] Three Alabama farms anchor the effort: Posey Farms in north Alabama, Lazenby Farms in central Alabama and L.C. Farms in south Alabama, serving as cooperators to test practices against traditional methods.[1] Researchers will measure nutrient losses, irrigation scheduling and overall benefits through on-farm trials, with extension specialist Audrey Gamble emphasizing face-to-face meetings, workshops and field days to share findings on cover crops and efficiencies.[1] Project leaders aim to scale adoption of these innovations, addressing Alabama's waterway pollution from agricultural runoff.[1] "This project has a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship," said a university statement, highlighting potential for broader waterway protection across the state.[1] While not directly tied to recent waterway grants, Auburn's Water Resources Center continues parallel work, including past EPA and National Academy of Science awards for citizen science and resilience projects.[5][4] The initiative builds on Auburn's legacy in Alabama conservation, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable farming.[1]