On June 8, 2026, 27 attendees gathered to learn about what is required for Qualified Individuals (QIs) to do CEMA 216 soil tests for producers. The CEMA 216 test is required as part of the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program. We began the day with classroom work to discuss the background information. What is RPP, what is CEMA 216, what is NRCS. RPP is the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program. In December 2025, NRCS launched the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program, a farmer first, outcomes

Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity (CEMA 216) is defined by USDA-NRCS* as quantitative testing for biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of soil using approved laboratory methods. CEMA 216 soil testing is a more extensive process vs. a standard soil test. It requires the assessment of five soil indicators: Soil Aggregation, Soil Carbon Cycling, Microbial Activity, Carbon Food Source, and Nitrogen Food Source; as well as Soil pH and texture.* This tes

Multiple management practices for Buttercup (Ranunculus sardous). Are invasive plants an indicator?

The pasture mealybug is a new introduced pest into the United States and it affected summer pastures and hayfields in southeastern Texas in 2025. It was found in Louisiana sugarcane fields in Vermilion and Iberia parishes in the fall of 2025.