The 2019 Ag Innovation Challenge will award $145,000 in startup funds to innovative food and agriculture entrepreneurs. Applications for the contest, sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation, are due Sept. 24 at fb.org/join.

Pecan growers can replant and replace trees through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)Tree Assistance Program as they recover from impacts of 2017 weather events. Eligible growers must have suffered a mortality loss on a stand over 7.5 percent but less than 15 percent, adjusted for normal mortality.

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking nominations to fill four positions on the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. The committee reviews fee proposals for forests in 13 states and Puerto Rico. Nominations are due Oct. 1 at fs.usda.gov/main/r8/recreation/racs.

Rural e-Connectivity needs are highlighted on a website the USDA unveiled recently. USDA will spend an additional $600 million expanding rural broadband infrastructure in unserved rural areas and tribal lands in the coming months. Submit comments on rural high-speed internet at usda.gov/broadband.