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Published: 05/06/2008 NEW YORK STATE FOOD LAB TO BE REBUILT IN CAPITAL DISTRICT

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker has announced the State's decision to rebuild the New York State Food Laboratory in the Capital District. The food lab provides expert analytical testing in support of food safety and security programs throughout the State. "One of the most critical services government provides is the monitoring of our food supply to ensure that it is safe," Governor David A. Paterson said. "Here in New York, we have a diverse population with a wide variety of food items from all over the world. The New York State Food Laboratory plays a vital role in making sure all of those products ...
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Published: 05/06/2008 BLACKHAM APPOINTS OGILVIE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Utah Agriculture Commissioner Leonard Blackham has appointed Stephen H. Ogilvie the director of the Division of Administrative Services. Ogilvie, a certified public accountant, brings with him a high level of experience in daily financial operations of large organizations, both public and private. Prior to his appointment at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), Ogilvie was a senior business analyst and financial manager for the Utah Department of Natural Resources; a legislative fiscal analyst for the state of Utah; an assistant controller for America First Credit Union, and a controller for the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation ...
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Published: 05/06/2008 BOAH LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) has launched a new website at the agency's long-term website, http://www.boah.in.gov. The remodeled site continues to feature all of the animal health information and guidance that veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners have come to rely upon, such as exhibition requirements, biosecurity tips, and guidelines for traveling with a cat or dog. New to site are revamped sections about food safety, the Dairy Division and Indiana's meat and poultry inspection program. Users will also have easier access to BOAH's most Frequently Asked Questions and the most often-requested online ...
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Published: 05/02/2008 JOHNSON UNVEILS N.D. ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAM

Public comment is wanted on a new program that gives North Dakota a voice in the administration of the federal endangered species program in the state. "The North Dakota Endangered Species Protection Plan for Pesticides is our 'seat at the table' as the Environmental Protection Agency develops and implements possible restrictions on pesticide usage to better protect threatened and endangered species," said North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson, who unveiled the new program at a Thursday press conference. Johnson said the 30-day comment period on the program extends to June 1. "The comment period is not required by law, but we ...
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Published: 05/02/2008 DELAWARE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PROGRESS ANNOUNCED

The Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, state agencies, the University of Delaware, Delmarva Poultry companies, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have announced significant progress made in their cooperative efforts to improve Delaware's water quality and other environmental initiatives. According to Bill Vanderwende, chairman of the Nutrient Management Commission, progress has been made in reductions in phosphorous in poultry litter, nutrient management certification and continuing education, and the overall nutrient mass balance in the State of Delaware. Delaware Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse spoke about the Delaware way of ...
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Published: 05/02/2008 SCDA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, WWW.AGRICULTURE.SC.GOV

South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) pleased to announce that SCDA's website has moved to http://www.agriculture.sc.gov. If you drive a car, own a pet, plant a garden, or eat even one meal a day, then you depend on your South Carolina Department of Agriculture's programs and services. SCDA hopes that consumers and farmers will find the new site not only more graphically attractive and user-friendly, but that they will find information relative to all their needs--from checking the accuracy of fuel dispensers to analyzing the purity of seeds. Where else can farmers check the market ...
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Published: 04/02/2008 OHIO'S FIRST-EVER FOOD POLICY COUNCIL HOLDS INITIAL MEETING

Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs chaired the first Ohio Food Policy Council meeting this week at the department's campus in Reynoldsburg. The council, which was created by Governor Ted Strickland in August 2007, will study the state's agriculture industry and establish policies to strengthen and promote its growth. "This council is the first step in ensuring the plentiful fruits of our agricultural industry are accessible and affordable for all Ohio families," Boggs said. "We hope this council will boost the industry by increasing the amount of food grown, processed and consumed in Ohio. At the same time, we will work to create the ...
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Published: 04/02/2008 GRANHOLM SIGNS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING AGRICULTURE PESTICIDE DEALER LICENSING

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently signed Senate Bill 682 (Public Act No. 18) creating a new agricultural pesticide dealer license--ensuring Michigan businesses can compete fairly by stopping out-of-state businesses from having an unfair price advantage. "This legislation levels the playing field for Michigan businesses," Granholm said. "It's critical that any out-of-state company distributing agricultural pesticides in our state pay the same fees as Michigan-based businesses to help protect our groundwater." The new legislation requires any non-Michigan based registered use pesticide (RUP) dealer or ...
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Published: 04/02/2008 NORTHEY ANNOUNCES HIRING OF NEW STATE APIARIST AND DIRECTOR, MINES AND MINERALS BUREAU

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey has announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has hired Andrew Joseph as the state apiarist for Iowa and Todd Coffelt as the new chief of the Mines and Minerals Bureau. In his position, Joseph will oversee apiary registration and inspection, conduct beekeeper education courses and conduct public outreach on bees and beekeeping. The Mines and Minerals Bureau is responsible for licensing mine operators, registering and bonding mining sites, reclaiming abandoned mines, and permitting, bonding and inspecting coal mines in the state. Joseph received his masters in science in entomology from ...
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Published: 04/02/2008 COLORADO STATE VETERINARIAN RETIRING

Colorado State Veterinarian John Maulsby has announced his retirement effective July 31, 2008. Maulsby was appointed to the state's chief veterinary position in August 2006. "John has been a dedicated veterinarian for over 30 years, 20 of which were in service to the Colorado Department of Agriculture," said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John R. Stulp. "John has been a tireless advocate for the compassionate treatment of animals and a dedicated regulatory veterinarian." Maulsby is a Colorado native and received his doctor of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 1975. He ...
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Published: 04/02/2008 ADMINISTRATOR, DIVISION OF FOOD SAFETY

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection is seeking a creative administrator for its Division of Food Safety that has the vision and energy to work with Wisconsin producers and processors to guarantee a safe and wholesome food supply for its citizens. The Department is also committed to working with federal agencies, local governmental units and with regulated businesses to continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the food safety regulatory program. Ensuring the continued high quality and safety of the food supply is not only vital to the health and well-being of all Wisconsin citizens and all consumers of Wisconsin produced food products, but also essential to ...
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Published: 03/25/2008 GEORGIA EQUINE TAG UNVEILED

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin was one of several leaders to unveil Georgia's new equine license plate recently at the State Capitol. Joining Commissioner Irvin for the ceremony were Georgia legislators; members of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine, horse and animal lovers; and Andrea Howell of Marietta, the artist who created the illustration used on the license plate. Howell's art was selected after the commission launched an art contest last fall for the design of the new license plate. "Many talented people submitted entries for the contest," Irvin ...
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Published: 03/24/2008 NCDA&CS SEEKING FEDERAL APPROVAL FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DISPOSAL PROGRAM

North Carolinians will have a new option for disposing of their unused pharmaceuticals if a program proposed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services receives federal approval. Staff members with the department's Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program have asked the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to allow the program to collect unused prescription drugs and other medications alongside unwanted pesticides. The department submitted its application in October. DEA approval is necessary because the program might collect controlled substances. "Our department pioneered the safe collection and disposal of ...
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Published: 03/17/2008 NEW ZEALAND LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH EXPERT DISTANCES SELF, COLLEAGUES FROM HARDER/ROSENDALE PAPER ON LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH

California's Primary State Entomologist, Dr. Kevin Hoffman, has performed a thorough review of the document, "Integrated Pest Management Practices for the Light Brown Apple Moth in New Zealand: Implications for California" (Harder, Rosendale) and has issued the following statement: "This view [the paper] oversimplifies the case, and the authors omit key points regarding the damage from the introduction of nonnative natural enemies. My thorough review of the document and my comments, corrections and observations are listed in detail at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/lbam_main.html, citing relevant sources where ...
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Published: 03/17/2008 WOLFF WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURAL LAW CENTER

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff this week welcomed Ross Pifer, a Punxsutawney native and experienced agricultural attorney, as the new director of the Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center within the Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law. Pifer, a former USDA and U.S. Army attorney, assumed his new duties March 3. As director, Pifer will draw on his professional experiences in agriculture and law to oversee the center, providing resources and support through outreach, the development of educational materials and programs, and the center's website. "The ...
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Published: 03/10/2008 RESEARCH INDICATES E20 BLEND WORKS IN CARS

Doubling the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline will not present problems for current vehicles or for fuel-dispensing equipment, according to a new study released this week by the state of Minnesota. Using 40 pairs of vehicles commonly found on American roads, a year-long research effort found that increasing ethanol blends from 10 percent (E10) to 20 percent (E20) in a gallon of gasoline provides similar power and performance across a range of tests focusing on drivability and materials compatibility. The state of Minnesota conducted the study as part of the process to meet a state law that requires ethanol to comprise 20 ...
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Published: 03/10/2008 STAPLES SAYS NO TO CANADIAN CATTLE UNTIL MEXICO ACCEPTS U.S. BREEDING CATTLE

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples has issued an order to stop specific Canadian cattle from passing through the state's export facilities into Mexico. "I am deeply disappointed that Canada has signed a live cattle trading protocol with Mexico that is inconsistent with international standards," Staples said. "The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards are paramount in ensuring trade decisions are based on sound science and not political science." Initial reports stated the U.S. had signed off on this agreement between Canada and Mexico, allowing the trade of certain dairy and beef ...
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Published: 03/10/2008 HOUSE PASSES BILL MAKING KENTUCKY PROUD THE STATE's PERMANENT FARM MARKETING PROGRAM

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer thanked the Kentucky House of Representatives for passing legislation that secures the long-term future of the Kentucky Proud farm marketing program. House Bill 626 permanently makes Kentucky Proud the state's farm marketing program, authorizes the agriculture commissioner to collect fees to fund the program, allows Kentucky Proud funds to be carried over from one fiscal year to the next, and establishes a 12-member council to advise the Kentucky Department of Agriculture on administering the program. This legislation will give our farmers, processors and retailers the confidence ...
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Published: 03/03/2008 TROXLER APPOINTS DELOZIER DIRECTOR OF NCDA&CS MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION DIVISION

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has appointed Donald H. Delozier of Raleigh as director of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Division at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Delozier has assumed his duties. He replaces Dr. Steven Wells, who retired in January. Delozier previously served as coordinator of the division's Talmadge-Aiken inspection program, a cooperative arrangement with USDA. Under the program, state employees inspect meat plants that are subject to USDA examination. "Meat and poultry processing is a growing business in North Carolina, and we have added ...
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Published: 03/03/2008 GOVERNOR KAINE ANNOUNCES $4.25 MILLION IN FARMLAND PRESERVATION GRANTS ~ Fourteen localities receive funding to place lands under permanent conservation easement ~

Governor Timothy M. Kaine has announced the distribution of $4,250,002 dollars to fourteen Virginia localities to preserve farmland within their boundaries through local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. PDR programs compensate landowners who permanently preserve their land by voluntarily placing a perpetual conservation easement on it. "For the past several years, we have lost valuable farmlands to development at an alarming rate," Governor Kaine said. "Today we have taken an historic step to ensure that well-managed farmland around the Commonwealth will be preserved and available for continued agricultural use, now and ...
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Published: 02/25/2008 MDA SESQUICENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE STATE

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for 150-year-old farms to feature during the state's sesquicentennial celebration this year. On May 11, 2008, Minnesota will reach its 150th anniversary as the 32nd state in the United States of America. As part of the celebration, the MDA Sesquicentennial Committee would like to interview landowners who have had farms in their families for 150 years or more. Minnesota farming has an interesting and unique history--growing from subsistence-level farming in the early 1800s to a commercial leader nationally in wheat production, grain shipping, and flour milling by the end of that century. The 1900s brought ...
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Published: 02/25/2008 STATE APPOINTS RETIRED RACE HORSE TASK FORCE MEMBERS --Task Force to Explore Options for Horses No Longer Able to Race

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker and New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman Daniel Hogan have announced the members of the New York State Task Force on Retired Race Horses, which was reestablished by law last year. Members of the task force will investigate the feasibility of creating a larger market and alternative employment opportunities for retired race horses, as well as the costs and benefits of installing artificial turf at race courses. "Horses have always played an integral part of the agricultural industry, and especially here in New York where we have such a rich tradition of horse racing," Hooker said. ...
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Published: 02/18/2008 COURT VALIDATES NEW YORK's POSITION ON CANADIAN MILK IMPORTS --Canadian Dairy Producers Group No Longer Allowed to Export Milk to U.S.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker February 19 expressed his approval of a decision by the Canadian court system against BTU36094 Group, Ltd., a group of four Ontario dairy farmers who have been shipping milk into the United States. The court found this group to be operating outside of Ontario's mandatory quota system and granted a motion for an order restraining the group from marketing milk outside the system, including shipping milk to the United States. "This long-awaited court decision brings hope to resolving the issue of imported Canadian milk in New York," Hooker said. "For at least five years now, there have ...
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Published: 02/18/2008 JOHNSTON COUNTY RESIDENT NAMED DIRECTOR OF NCDA&CS EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has appointed Sharron W. Stewart as director of the Emergency Programs Division at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS). She has assumed her duties. Stewart previously was deputy director of the division. She replaces Marty Zaluski, who left the department last year to become Montana's state veterinarian. The Emergency Programs Division is the department's chief emergency preparedness and response unit. Its work focuses on reducing the N.C. agricultural community's vulnerability to disasters, diseases and terrorist attacks. "Throughout her ...
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Published: 01/24/2008 $500,000 TO HELP TOWNS DEVELOP FARMLAND PROTECTION PLANS

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently announced nearly $500,000 in funding to help 21 towns develop local agricultural and farmland protection plans. This is the first time that towns and cities were eligible to apply for farmland protection planning grants; only counties have been eligible in the past. "One of the most important roles of a municipality is the regulation of land use," Hooker said. "This responsibility gives them the authority and opportunity to provide a supportive environment for agriculture. I applaud these 19 towns for taking the initiative to address evolving land use issues in their area and plan ...
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Published: 01/16/2008 STATEMENT BY MARYLAND AGRICULTURE SECRETARY ROGER RICHARDSON ON THE PROPOSED PERMIT FOR ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS

The Maryland Departments of Agriculture (MDA) and the Environment (MDE) have worked closely together over the past year to develop a draft permit for regulating large poultry operations. Our intent is to develop a process that addresses water quality concerns and is not overly burdensome for farmers. This has been a hot topic among poultry farmers since last May when we announced that we would pursue a permit in the absence of final guidance from EPA. We have a cooperative relationship with MDE staff who already regulate and inspect large dairy and hog operations--or CAFOs--under EPA regulations and anticipate that good relationship will continue as MDE begins ...
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Published: 01/14/2008 VERMONT MILK COMMISSION ISSUES FINAL DECISION AND REPORT

The Vermont Milk Commission, a quasi-judicial body appointed by Governor Jim Douglas, has issued its final decision and report. The final report will be given at a meeting that is open to the public, Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 10 of the Statehouse in Montpelier. "The Vermont Milk Commission undertook an aggressive schedule of hearings over the last six months that created a body of evidence on the economic status of the dairy industry in Vermont," commented Douglas. "A strong dairy economy is important to the overall economy of Vermont. A more stable milk ...
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Published: 01/07/2008 GOVERNOR RENDELL NAMES NEW DIRECTOR OF DOG LAW ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

Governor Edward G. Rendell has named Susan West of Lancaster County, a tireless advocate of humane conditions for animals, to be the new director of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. West, a member of the Dog Law Advisory Board since 2006 and former president of the Humane League of Lancaster County, will assume her new duties on Jan. 22. West will oversee the daily operations of the bureau, including 59 state dog wardens. "Sue West brings to this role a broad understanding of the issues facing dogs and the important role the state has in monitoring the care and ...
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Published: 12/18/2007 NEBRASKA BECOMES 10TH STATE TO REACH HALFWAY POINT IN PREMISES REGISTRATION

This month, Nebraska became the 10th state to register at least 50 percent of its total estimated production agriculture animal premises under National Animal Identification System (NAIS). Nebraska officials attribute the increased registrations in part to a significant number of visits to its NAIS "Locate in 48" website. "Locate in 48" publicizes the main goal of NAIS, which is to retrieve trace-back data within a 48-hour window to contain the spread of animal disease. Other factors contributing to the increase in registrations in Nebraska include the ability to register by phone and direct mail outreach. Substantial increases have occurred ...
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Published: 12/18/2007 PICANSO JOINING VETERINARY SERVICES

Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Stulp has announced that John Picanso is retiring from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), effective December 31, 2007. Picanso will be joining the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), as their chief information officer. The announcement from Veterinary Services Administrator John Clifford follows: "We are pleased to announce the selection of Mr. John Picanso as the VS CIO effective January 7, 2008. Mr. Picanso served as the chief information officer for the Colorado Department of Agriculture for nine years. His duties included leading technology development ...
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Published: 12/18/2007 ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM AWARDED FEDERAL GRANT FOR ORAL HISTORY OF ILLINOIS AGRICULTURE

The Illinois State Museum (ISM) has received a $564,651 National Leadership Grant (NLG) from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to develop educational resources on the history of Illinois agriculture. The Illinois State Museum will partner with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) to record oral histories of Illinoisans with agricultural experiences and make them available worldwide on the Internet. Dr. Robert Warren, ISM Curator of Anthropology, is directing the two-year project. Dr. Mark DePue, ALPLM Director of Oral History, is serving as co-director. "Cultural institutions energize their communities by ...
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Published: 12/11/2007 FARMERS URGED TO REVIEW NEW DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CHEMICAL GUIDELINES

Farmers and agribusinesses should review chemical guidelines and determine whether they will be affected by a new U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulation, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said this week. In an effort to increase the security of high-risk chemical facilities, the Department of Homeland Security recently released a list of chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, would require them to complete a Chemical Security Anti-Terrorism Top-Screen assessment. Those required to go through this initial screening must do so before Jan. 21. Failure to comply with the ...
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Published: 12/11/2007 BRONSON EXPRESSES CONCERNS ABOUT CANKER COMPENSATION LAWSUIT

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said this week that he is concerned about the ramifications of a citrus canker compensation lawsuit on Florida's economy and food supply. A Palm Beach County circuit judge has ruled the department is liable for paying homeowners for citrus trees removed as part of the citrus canker eradication effort. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had maintained the trees were a public nuisance because they were exposed to the serious bacterial disease and would likely become infected based on scientific research on the spread of the disease. Trees that were already diagnosed as infected are not ...
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Published: 12/05/2007 Eight Midwest Agriculture Department Heads Ask Bush to Speed Approval of Higher Ethanol Blends

The heads of eight Midwestern state departments of agriculture have asked President Bush to help speed the approval of cars and gas pumps to that can take advantage of higher ethanol blends. Currently, most ethanol in the nation is sold as E10, which is 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. This blend has been tested extensively and shown to reduce pollution while having no harmful effects on engine wear or on the functioning of gas pumps. Initial research into higher ethanol blends, such as E15 and E20 (fuel that is 15 and 20 percent ethanol respectively) show similar benefits, but more testing is necessary ...
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Published: 12/05/2007 Panel to Answer Transition Questions at Pennsylvania Farm Show

A newly-formed partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Center for Farm Transitions and PA Farm Link will help producers learn how best transfer a farm to someone else. A panel will be available to answer questions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show from 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 7 and 11, in the Pennsylvania room of the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg. Farm transition issues the panel will address include transferring ownership to the next generation, leaving the farm for another career, expanding your operation, or beginning to farm. "As a ...
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Published: 11/20/2007 Myers Accepts USDA State-Federal Liason Position

Dr. Lee Myers is stepping down as state veterinarian and assistant commissioner for animal industry of the Georgia Department of Agriculture to take a position as the first USDA State-Federal Liaison for the National Veterinary Stockpile. Myers worked for the Georgia Department of Agriculture for the past eighteen and one-half years and served as state veterinarian for thirteen of those years. Myers won't be getting too far away, however, as her principle responsibilities with USDA will be to work with state agriculture officials to help plan, train, and exercise their ability to respond to animal health emergencies, including those resulting from terrorist attacks or natural disasters, and to ...
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Published: 11/20/2007 Polansky Appoints David Barfield as Chief Engineer

Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky has announced that he is appointing David Barfield chief engineer of the division of water resources. "The depth and breadth of Mr. Barfield's understanding of Kansas water issues make him the most logical choice to fill this important position," Polansky said. "He has the experience and historical perspective needed to ensure continuity and the expertise to address new challenges so our state's water resources are equitably managed for the benefit of all Kansans." Barfield started working for the division of water resources in 1984. He has worked in all areas of water resource management, ...
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Published: 11/20/2007 Governor Cuts Ribbon For New Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and Office Complex in Harrisonburg

On November 14, 2007, Governor Timothy M. Kaine cut the ribbon and dedicated the building for a new laboratory and office complex in Harrisonburg. The complex, which houses employees from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), is a state-of-the-art facility that provides diagnostic testing for Virginia's poultry and livestock industries in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding counties. Joining in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, left to right, Delegate Matthew J. Lohr, 26th District; Robert S. Bloxom, Virginia secretary of agriculture and forestry; Kaine; and Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Todd P. Haymore. In his remarks, Kaine ...
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Published: 11/20/2007 Job Opportunity: Florida seeks Chief, Bureau of Diagnostic Laboratories

CHIEF, BUREAU OF DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Division of Animal Industry Position #42001041 Location: Kissimmee, Florida Salary: $85,000.00 - $137,453.42 Closing Date: January 31, 2008 Contact: Ms. Leigh A. Humphreys (850) 410-0930 The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking an outstanding, highly motivated individual to serve as Bureau Chief of our Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories. Bureau Overview: The Bureau of Diagnostic Laboratories along with the Bureau of Animal Disease Control make up the Division of Animal Industry within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ...
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Published: 11/07/2007 Vermont Nets Federal Grant To Inventory Barns

The project will recruit volunteers and students from Vermont's schools in all 251 towns to identify barns and other agricultural outbuildings in their communities during several weekends in the spring and fall of 2008, and the spring of 2009. These volunteers will take photographs and notes in the field, and then submit the data to develop a web-based barn survey form that will be developed by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. Save Vermont Barns, a program of the Mt. Holly Barn Preservation Association, will compile the information in a database that the public can access via the web to learn about barns in ...
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Published: 11/07/2007 Delaware Equine Industry Serves As a Model For Romania

Delaware's mutual collaboration and friendship with Romania is on-going. Delaware Agriculture Secretary Michael Scuse and Judy Davis-Wilson, executive director of the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund, recently gave a delegation from Romania a personal look at Delaware's state-of-the-art equine industry including show horses, training facilities, and race tracks. Their trip to Delaware resulted from Scuse's and Davis-Wilson's September trip to Romania in response to the Romanian Government's request to have them examine the Romanian racing industry. Romania wants to modernize and improve their industry now that they have become members of the European ...
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Published: 11/01/2007 Job Opportunity: Dairy and Food Inspection Director

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a Director of the Dairy and Food Inspection Division. The title of the Position is State Programs Administrator Manager Principal - Food Safety. Please refer to the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations website at http://www.doer.state.mn.us for more information regarding the position. You will need to "search" for Posting #07AGR000113.
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Published: 11/01/2007 Statement by Maryland Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson on Proposed Budget

By now you have probably heard about the state's budget situation and Governor O'Malley's revenue plan to address it during a special session of the General Assembly which is to start next week. Governor O'Malley has outlined a "Cost of Delay" budget to reflect more than $1.7 billion in cuts that will have to be made to balance the Fiscal Year 2009 budget if the General Assembly is unable to reach a consensus during the upcoming special session. We are sending to make you aware of some of the proposed reductions and how they would affect agriculture. * The loss of funds for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation easement ...
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Published: 11/01/2007 CDA Proposed Changes to State Legislation

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is proposing changes to the Commercial Fertilizer, Soil Conditioner, Plant Amendment, and Agricultural Liming Material Act (35-12 C.R.S) for consideration during the upcoming 2008 Legislative Session. During the past 30 years, the fertilizer and soil conditioner industries have undergone many changes; however, the Commercial Fertilizer Law has not been revised since 1977. The following is a summary of the proposed changes: * Removes definition and all references to "agricultural liming material." Liming materials are rarely used in Colorado and are regulated as a ...
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Published: 10/17/2007 ODAFF Farm to School Initiative Awarded 2007 Champions of Children's Health Award

Oklahoma's Farm to School Initiative won the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma's "Champions of Children's Health Award" for 2007. The program is a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture with dual goals of benefiting local farmers and educating young people about good nutrition. "The Farm to School program began in 2003 and today it reaches over 400 schools in 35 school districts," said Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Terry Peach. "Our current focus is on fruits and vegetables but we ...
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Published: 10/17/2007 Governor Spitzer Unveils "City By City" Economic Development Plan

Governor Eliot Spitzer this week continued outlining his vision for regionally tailored economic development efforts. At a meeting of business and community leaders at Midtown Plaza, the Governor named four projects that would receive funding as part of his long-term strategy for economic expansion in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. The governor's "City-by-City" plans, the first of which he unveiled last week in Buffalo, are a component of the administration's larger Upstate agenda announced earlier this year, which focuses on reducing the costs of business, adapting to an Innovation ...
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Published: 10/17/2007 VDACS Selects Charles Green As Marketing Division Director

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has selected Charles Green as the new Director of the Division of Marketing. He began his new duties October 2, 2007. Green previously served as Project Manager with VDACS' Agribusiness Development Services. The division's goal is to assist Virginia's wide array of growers and agribusinesses in moving more and more of their products into markets both here and around the world. In his new position, Green will direct a division that includes International Marketing, Commodity Services, Sales and Marketing, Direct Marketing and ...
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Published: 10/09/2007 Maryland Agriculture Officials Announce Nutrient Management Progress Enforcement to Ramp Up

Now that 95 percent of the state's eligible farmers are under nutrient management plans, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now focusing its efforts to bring the remaining 300 farmers who do not have plans into compliance. In addition, MDA will increase on-farm implementation inspections, and ramp up enforcement actions, against those who are found to be out of compliance. Ninety-seven percent of the state's 1.3 million acres of crop land and 95 percent of the state's 6,300 eligible farmers are complying with the state's nutrient management law, the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998. ...
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Published: 10/09/2007 VDACS Creates The Specialty Food Advisory Committee

Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Todd P. Haymore recently created a Specialty Food Advisory Committee (SFAV). He also appointed 11 members to serve on the Committee. The group, which will work with and advise VDACS on the marketing and promotion of Virginia's specialty food industry, held its first meeting September 19, 2007. The Advisory Committee is composed of eleven voting members who are knowledgeable about specialty food issues in Virginia. Members represent retailers, the Food Science Department at Virginia Tech, and specialty food processors. One member is an at-large member who is an advocate for the specialty food ...
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Published: 09/17/2007 Hooker: "No Match" Process- No Good For Farmers

--Writes President Bush to Expresses Dissatisfaction for New Immigration Regulations New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker last week wrote to President George W. Bush to express his concern with the newly established immigration regulations, stressing that the "no match" process will be bad for New York farmers by placing an undue enforcement burden on family businesses. As of August 15, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requiring all farmers and other employers to take additional steps to protect themselves from liability when notified that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is unable to match an ...
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Published: 09/17/2007 Going The Extra Mile For N.C. Farmers and Livestock Producers

As an agronomist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the far western counties of the state, Bill Yarborough has been a "go-to" man for advice on soil and nutrient management for nearly 30 years. In the past couple of years, however, the Haywood County resident has shown leadership in another area--disaster relief. In 2005, Yarborough coordinated efforts to document agricultural damage from the 2004 fall hurricanes. This year, his focus is the drought-induced hay shortage. "The current drought is the worst I've seen, and it could have a devastating and irreversible impact on our farms," Yarborough said. "Unless we ...
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Published: 08/10/2007 Commissioner Hugoson Appoints Boerboom as Deputy, Kinney as Assistant Commissioner

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Gene Hugoson has announced the appointment of Jim Boerboom as deputy commissioner and the hiring of Robin Kinney as assistant commissioner. Boerboom's appointment is effective immediately, and Kinney will join the MDA by early September. Boerboom currently serves as an assistant commissioner with the MDA, with responsibility for overseeing the department's Agricultural Development and Financial Assistance, Laboratory Services, Plant Protection, and Agricultural Statistics divisions. He also has directed the state's Rural Finance Authority, a lending group supervised by the MDA. He started his service as director ...
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Published: 08/10/2007 Industrial Commission Okays Organic Promotion Funds

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a $30,000 grant for development of a website, and educational and promotional materials and activities for North Dakota's organic food industry. "The organic farming and processing industries in North Dakota are an emerging economic engine for our state," North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson told the commission. "This modest request will help lay the groundwork for a coordinated effort to move the industry forward." The N.D. Industrial Commission, which is made up of Gov. John Hoeven, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Johnson, ...
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Published: 08/01/2007 Groundwater Quality Database Now Available on the Web

The results of 15 years of groundwater sampling are now available in an online database designed to enable the public to learn about the quality of Colorado's groundwater. The groundwater quality data gathering and analysis is a joint project of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), Colorado State University Cooperative Extension and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The database can be accessed at http://ids-nile.engr.colostate.edu/webkit/Groundwater/. The groundwater quality data is gathered by CDA field staff from irrigation, stock water, and special sampling wells in areas throughout Colorado. The groundwater is then tested by CDA chemists for the presence of fertilizers and pesticides that ...
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Published: 08/01/2007 Commissioner Farmer Appoints All-Star Panel to Study Rural Health Care Issues in Kentucky

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has appointed a bipartisan, all-star panel to examine health care issues in rural Kentucky and develop recommendations for the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly. At the Farm Credit Services of Mid-America customer appreciation dinner Tuesday in Mount Sterling, Farmer announced that Louisville attorney and business leader Vickie Yates Brown will chair the panel. "This group's job is to comb through the numerous ideas that have been floated from both Republicans and Democrats, from industry and consumer groups, from doctors and patients, to find steps that we can take, not 20 years from now, not five years from now, but immediately to address some of the problems facing us," Farmer said. The ...
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Published: 07/09/2007 Gray to Chair National Pesticide Panel

A North Dakota official will chair an advisory panel to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on pesticide regulation and enforcement. The Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO) has appointed Jim Gray, pesticide, feed and fertilizer team leader in the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, as chairman of the Working Committee on Pesticide Operations and Management of the State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group. FIFRA is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the nation's principal law governing pesticides. "The appointment clearly indicates the respect Jim commands in the pesticide regulatory ...
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Published: 07/09/2007 Former TV Forecaster Eyes The Weather For ODA

A familiar face in the Portland television market has replaced another familiar face at the Oregon Department of Agriculture. TV meteorologist Pete Parsons has been hired to fill the vacancy left by fellow former on-air weather expert Jim Little, just in time to do some very important forecasting for this year's Willamette Valley field burning season. Weather information from ODA is critical for the valley's grass seed growers who depend on the ability to burn at least some of their fields. "One of the things I like about this position is that I'm able to see the impact of what I do right away," says Parsons, who has learned the ropes from his predecessor prior to Little leaving for a position ...
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Published: 06/29/2007 N.C. Veterinary Team Honored

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently recognized 13 employees of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Veterinary Division with Employee of the Month honors for their efforts to protect North Carolina's poultry industry. "The Poultry Animal Health Field Services Team has done a tremendous amount of work training and preparing for a poultry disease outbreak," Troxler said. "Any highly contagious disease would be devastating to our state's more than $3 billion poultry industry." In addition, the team stepped up surveillance at flea markets and bird markets along the North Carolina-Virginia border after an outbreak of avian influenza in West Virginia that required extra work and travel ...
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Published: 06/29/2007 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Program to Begin Accepting New Applications

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that beginning July 30, 2007, the department's Division of Forestry will re-offer the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost Share Program to eligible non-industrial private forest landowners. The goal of the program is to minimize southern pine beetle damage in Florida by helping forest landowners reduce the susceptibility of their pine stands to this destructive insect pest. Periodic southern pine beetle outbreaks in Florida have resulted in millions of cubic feet of pine timber killed on thousands of acres. Forest management practices, such as thinning and prescribed burning, can improve the health of pine stands and decrease the likelihood of developing southern pine ...
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Published: 06/18/2007 Taiwan Deal Will Up Demand For Minnesota Agricultural Exports

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson and members of two Taiwanese agricultural associations today signed an agreement to promote more corn and soybean trade between Minnesota and Taiwan. Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Gene Hugoson signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with representatives of the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers' Association and the Taiwan Feed Industry Association to actively promote trade of key agricultural products. By signing the MOU, the participants agreed to mutually cooperate on promotional trade activities including exchanging invitations to trade conferences and trade fairs, organizing trade missions, establishing links between ...
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Published: 06/18/2007 Purchase Of U.S. Wheat Includes Soft White From Oregon

The significance of an upcoming purchase of U.S. wheat by Taiwan is greater than the numbers may indicate. Still, Oregon stands to benefit from a letter of intent to be signed recently by a Taiwanese trade delegation to purchase 62 million bushels of wheat from the United States over the next two years, some of it the soft white class grown by Oregon wheat ranchers. "Taiwan has been a good and steady customer for many Oregon agricultural products, and we are pleased to see its continued interest in wheat," says Katy Coba, director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. "Our wheat growers have had some tough times in recent years, but it appears their fortunes are turning around. This ...
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Published: 06/11/2007 Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Receives State Accreditation

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced last week that the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (AgLaw) has been awarded accredited status by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) at a commission meeting in Stuart, Florida. CFA is based in Orlando, Florida and reviews all aspects of an agency's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services to determine compliance with 276 recognized standards of excellence. CFA Chairman Chuck Rinehart, chief of the Punta Gorda Police Department, formally presented the certificate of accreditation to Bronson and Colonel Darrell Liford of AgLaw on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, after a successful inspection of ...
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Published: 06/11/2007 Edwards Selected to Head Pesticide Enforcement

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has selected Doug Edwards as the supervisor of enforcement and field operations in its Office of Pesticide Services. Edwards, a two-year veteran of VDACS, took over his new responsibilities May 23. As enforcement supervisor, he will lead a statewide workforce of 11 field inspectors who investigate citizen complaints alleging the misuse of pesticides, and work with industry to seek compliance with state and federal laws, as well as the regulations promulgated by the Virginia Pesticide Control Board. Edwards came to VDACS in 2005 as the program coordinator who managed Worker Protection Standards and product registrations. Prior to that, he worked with the Fresno ...
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Published: 06/01/2007 New Plant Industry Website Gives Businesses Access to Account Information and Reports

Plant industry professionals are now just a click away from managing their business accounts and tracking test results thanks to a new producer dedicated website called PA Plants. PA Plants can be accessed at http://www.paplants.state.pa.us. "We're bringing today's technology to Pennsylvania's plant industry," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "PA Plants will provide producers with convenient tools to help manage their businesses and better regulate the state's plant products." PA Plants allows feed, fertilizer, lime, seed, pesticide and plant merchants to review their account information and check the status and test results of samples collected at their facilities. ...
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Published: 06/01/2007 Bronson Announces First-of-its-kind Food Safety Program for Florida Tomato Growers

In the first program of its kind anywhere in the country, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that his department will institute food safety regulations governing all aspects of tomato production in Florida. Bronson is praising Governor Charlie Crist for his support and signature last night of the general agriculture bill which includes this vital new program. In response to growing concerns over tainted pet food and contaminated animal feed from China, as well as recent foodborne illnesses associated with California spinach and peanut butter from Georgia, Bronson and the Florida Tomato Exchange devised a plan to assure consumer confidence in what is one of Florida's ...
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Published: 05/22/2007 New Program Enhances Mapping of Noxious Weeds

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and the North Dakota Weed Control Association (NDWCA) have announced a new grant program to help counties record and distribute mapping information about noxious weed infestations. "Accurate mapping of treated and non-treated weed infestations is crucial to controlling noxious weeds," Johnson said. "This grant program will provide city and county weed authorities with new equipment that will help them gather detailed mapping information and quickly transmit it with a minimum of technical expertise." Under the terms of the grant, each weed board can receive up to $6,300 to buy a laptop personal computer and a multi-event datalogger. In exchange, the weed board must supply its ...
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Published: 05/22/2007 Spitzer Signs Executive Order Creating Council on Food Policy-Council will Coordinate Policies to Promote Agriculture, Health and Nutrition

Governor Eliot Spitzer announced that he has signed an executive order establishing a New York State Council on Food Policy. The council will coordinate state agriculture policy and make recommendations on developing food policy that will help ensure the availability of safe, fresh, nutritious and affordable food for all New Yorkers, especially low income residents, senior citizens and children. The Council will look at ways to increase sales of New York agricultural products to New York consumers, with a special emphasis on expanding the consumer market for organic food. "Ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to safe, fresh and nutritious food is a top priority that the Council on Food Policy will be addressing head-on," said ...
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Published: 05/14/2007 Terry Coleman Appointed as Georgia Deputy Agriculture Commissioner

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has appointed Terry Coleman as deputy commissioner at the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Coleman served in the Georgia House of Representatives including serving as Speaker of the House for the 2003-2004 Legislative Session. He began working at the Georgia Department of Agriculture as a consultant in January assisting with the department's programs and budgets. "I value Speaker Coleman's 34 years of experience serving in the House, especially his 12 years as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and his longstanding involvement with agricultural issues within the state legislature and his experience in the retail food business all his adult life," said Irvin. "I especially ...
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Published: 05/14/2007 Rendell Says New Online Dog Kennel Inspection Database will Help Consumers

Pennsylvania consumers now can access timely, complete inspection records for the state's 2,600 licensed dog kennels, Governor Edward G. Rendell said this week. The new online database is part of the Governor's commitment to improving conditions for dogs in the state. The records can be accessed at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/padoglaw. "Pennsylvania is taking action to improve consumer knowledge and provide better care for dogs in kennels across the state," Rendell said. "This new access to kennel inspection records will help consumers know the conditions of kennels--where they might purchase a dog or board their dog while they travel so they can make better decisions about the welfare of their pets." At Rendell's ...
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Published: 04/19/2007 UDAF'S Hopkin to Receive Water Quality Award

George Hopkin, conservation and resource manager for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), is the recipient of the prestigious 2007 Calvin K. Sudweeks Water Quality Award for his work in helping reduce agriculture runoff in Utah. "During the past 15 years, Hopkin has provided the leadership to maintain the excellent collaborative working relationships between the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food," said Walt Baker, director of DWQ. "George and his staff have managed the day-to-day operation of the Agriculture component of the state's Non-point Management Program that has led to improved water quality." Every year the Utah Water Quality Board recognizes an individual who ...
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Published: 04/19/2007 Nilsestuen Appoints Jim Arts New DATCP Deputy Secretary

Wisconsin Secretary Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen has announced the appointment of Jim Arts as deputy secretary of the department. The position was recently vacated when Governor Jim Doyle appointed Judy Ziewacz to serve as the first director of the newly created Office of Energy Independence. "Jim brings a wealth of experience, exceptional accomplishments and a deep and abiding commitment to the people of rural Wisconsin," said Nilsestuen. "He has worked extensively at both state and local levels; knows how to run programs effectively and always commands the respect of those with whom he works. His integrity is beyond question and his capacity for work and good judgment are well known. ...
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Published: 04/17/2007 Rise Appointed Director

Following an extensive selection process, Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the appointment of Donna Rise as Director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture. “This appointment will provide strong direction to the Department of Agriculture and the State Board of Agriculture. Donna's proven leadership will benefit Nevada’s agricultural community and related industries, ensuring that their unique needs and interests are understood and met. I look forward to working with her to guarantee that Nevada’s ranchers and farmers continue to have a voice in the policies and regulations that affect their industry,” said Governor Jim Gibbons. For the past 15 years, Donna Rise has served in a number of different ...
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Published: 04/09/2007 Governor Doyle Announces $40,000 Value Chain Grant to Packerland Whey Products

Governor Jim Doyle announced recently that Packerland Whey Products, Inc., of Luxembourg, Wisc., received a $40,000 Value Chain Grant to assist with a new engineering process of converting whey permeate into ethanol. "Wisconsin's innovative dairy processors continue to lead the nation in finding ways to convert whey - what was once considered a waste product--into a valuable agricultural product. This grant is a prime example of why Wisconsin is a leader in bioenergy," Doyle said. Grant funds will assist Packerland Whey Products with furthering their engineering of producing ethanol at its existing livestock feed production facility. Since March 2006, the company has researched the feasibility of ...
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Published: 04/09/2007 Florida's CFO Sink and Commissioner Bronson Announce "Conversations on Climate Change" Website

The day before holding the first of four half-day "Conversations on Climate Change," Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson unveiled last week an official website for their Cabinet initiative. By logging onto http://www.floridaclimatechange.com, Floridians can learn about climate change, watch a web cast of Tuesday's workshop, and read about initiatives in other states. "Conversations on Climate Change" is a series of four half-day Cabinet workshops that focus on climate change, how Florida's economy is affected by changes in climate, and the need to expand renewable energy sources. "Climate ...
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Published: 04/02/2007 Improve Strawberry Fruit Quality with Tissue Analysis

Strawberries grown on black plastic require intensive and precise fertility management. Nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and boron affect fruit firmness, taste and appearance. The best way to decide how much fertilizer to apply is to collect leaf and petiole samples and have them tested for nutrient content. The Agronomic Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) recommends collecting tissue samples at first bloom and continuing to do so every two weeks throughout flowering and fruiting. The NCDA&CS laboratory measures actual concentrations of essential nutrients within the plant. Nutrient ranges for optimal production are well established. When nutrient levels are outside ...
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Published: 04/02/2007 Colorado Department of Agriculture Goes Online for Good Measure

For owners of thousands of commercial scales and meters, acquiring a state license is easier than ever before, thanks to an online licensing system implemented this week by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with Colorado.gov. Approximately 8,000 locations statewide have over 26,000 commercial scales or meters which require a Measurement Standards Scale or Measuring Device license. Scales used for commercial purposes, e.g. legal, produce and truck scales, must be licensed on an annual basis. One license per location is required, regardless of the number of scales. "Commercially used scales, moisture meters, textile meters and cordage meters must be licensed and tested on an annual basis to make sure the ...
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Published: 03/26/2007 Herman Ellison New Director of Virginia Field Office, National Agricultural Statistics Service

On February 19, 2007, Herman Ellison became the state director at the Virginia Field Office (VA FO) of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). A career statistician with NASS, he began his career in 1985 as a student intern in the South Carolina Field Office. After graduating from Tennessee State University in 1988, he went full-time with the Agency and worked in South Carolina and Nebraska before moving to NASS headquarters in Washington, D.C., in 1998. In D.C., he was responsible for the national estimates for peanuts and rice. In November 2002, he led the national soybean and minor oilseeds estimating programs. In March 2004, he participated in the USDA Graduate School's Executive Potential Program. He was appointed ...
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Published: 03/26/2007 Gov. Blagojevich Commends New Study Examining How Railports Spur Economic Growth Through Increased Agricultural Exports

Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has highlighted the release of an agricultural logistics report, which examines how the location of intermodal rail terminals in Ogle and Will counties (Illinois) have brought unexpected benefits to the local farm economies and how they can play a greater role in growing the regional economy. Gov. Blagojevich provided a $45,000 Opportunity Returns grant to the city of Rochelle for the study, which is titled "Capitalizing on Containers: Assessment of an Agricultural Development Opportunity for Northern Illinois." Opportunity Returns is the Governor's comprehensive economic development strategy to continue expanding the economy and creating even more jobs in northern Illinois and across the state. "Northeast ...
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Published: 03/20/2007 Local Food is Focus of Governor's Summit

Can Montana produce more of its own food? An upcoming Governor's Summit on Food and Agriculture will explore ways Montana agriculture and other food-related businesses can produce a larger share of the food Montanans eat and boost the state's economy, jobs and nutrition in the process. Governor Brian Schweitzer invites Montanans to take part in the summit March 22 to 23 in Helena to "explore ways to build our family farm economy while increasing access to Montana-produced food for Montanans." The summit will seek ways to develop more local food production, processing and distribution as part of a trend in several states to revitalize agriculture, ...
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Published: 03/12/2007 Secretary Kawamura Welcomes Appointment Of George Gomes As Undersecretary

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced the appointment of George Gomes as undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). For Gomes, it is a return to CDFA. He served as chief deputy director for the department from 1983 to 1987 and as assistant director and program administrator for the Division of Fairs and Expositions from 1975 to 1983. Since 1987, Gomes has been administrator of the California Farm Bureau Federation. "It is a great pleasure to be able to welcome George Gomes back to our agency," said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. "He brings a tremendous amount of experience and has been a pillar of support for agriculture for many decades." Gomes said, "I am honored to receive this ...
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Published: 03/12/2007 UDAF Releases Behavior Change Guidebook For Water Educators/Watershed Groups

A new guidebook recently released by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) will help watershed managers and other water education professionals improve the state's natural resources by urging citizens to adopt more natural resource-friendly practices. "Getting Your Feet Wet with Social Marketing: A Social Marketing Guide for Watershed Programs," is designed to teach individuals or groups how to successfully promote behavior changes in their local area to targeted groups of people. Though this guide specifically addresses soil and water conservation and water quality efforts, it is based on principles that can be used in any aspect of society. "Making people aware of a problem and the solutions that are available is ...
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Published: 03/05/2007 Coastal Agriculture Pitches In On Coho Conservation Plan

Farmers along the Oregon Coast are stepping to the plate and taking measures to improve fish habitat. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is doing what it can to help them be successful. With the development of a State of Oregon conservation plan for coastal coho salmon , the combined energy of agencies and landowners will be needed to restore fish to sustainable levels. ODA and the agriculture industry continue to believe voluntary efforts will be the most effective way to achieve positive results. "The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan is a monumental multi-agency effort," says Oregon Agriculture Director Katy Coba. "Agriculture's willingness to be proactive in addressing the issues is precedent-setting. If successful, what ...
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Published: 03/05/2007 Agricultural Law Officer Chosen For National Award

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced that an officer in his department has been chosen Police Officer of the Month by a prestigious national organization. Officer Keith Klopfer was selected Officer of the Month for February by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Klopfer, who is assigned to the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement's K-9 Unit in Jacksonville, was honored for apprehending numerous criminal suspects trying to enter or leave Florida at the I-95 Interdiction Station in Jacksonville, participating in search-and-rescue missions after five hurricanes in 2004 and 2005, and rescuing a motorist from a vehicle that was covered with live electric wires following an accident in the ...
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Published: 02/26/2007 Minnesota's Organic Acreage Increased More Than 50 Percent In Last Five Years

The amount of Minnesota farmland dedicated to organic production increased more than 50 percent since 2000, according to a new Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) report on the state's organic farming sector. The MDA report also shows Minnesota leads the nation in organic corn and soybean production, and remains in the top 10 for organic production of other grains, dairy and beef cattle. According to the report, Minnesota had more than 525 certified organic farms in 2006. Certified organic acreage grew 57 percent from 2000 to 2005, to slightly more than 129,000 acres. The complete report, titled "The Status of Organic Farming in Minnesota; a Report to the Legislature," can be viewed on the MDA website at ...
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Published: 02/26/2007 Gov. Henry Praises Committee For Passage Of Biofuels Measure

Oklahoma's state Senate Energy Committee last week unanimously approved an ambitious plan by Gov. Brad Henry to help position Oklahoma as a global leader in biofuels. Senate Bill 510 would establish the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center (OBC) to coordinate research and development of biofuels at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and the Ardmore-based Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. "Renewable energy is an important part of the nation's energy future, especially in light of the fact that more than half of our nation's oil supply comes from foreign sources," Henry said. "Oklahoma's expertise in energy and agriculture issues makes us ideally suited for a pivotal role in biofuels development. The Oklahoma Bioenergy Center would ...
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Published: 02/20/2007 Music Legend Tours Colorado Ranch Hit By Recent Blizzards

Michael Martin Murphey will be traveling through the heart of Colorado's blizzard region to see first-hand some of the devastation left behind from the recent string of snow storms. Murphey will journey by train along southeastern Colorado, stopping in Trinidad to tour the Verquer ranch. This tour offers a wonderful opportunity for Colorado media outlets to not only visit a ranch that continues to struggle from an overwhelming amount of snow, but to meet a country music legend who is working to make sure Colorado farmers and ranchers have the help they need to survive the devastating blizzards. The tour is part of an ongoing effort to aid those who continue to dig out from snow that will have lasting effects on our livestock industry. ...
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Published: 01/30/2007 Steve Taylor Retiring

New Hampshire Agriculture Commissioner Steve Taylor has announced his plans to retire when his term ends in November. A native and longtime resident of Plainfield, Stephen H. Taylor has been a farmer, newspaperman, and public official for 25 years. He attended grade school in Plainfield, graduated from Hanover High School and the University of New Hampshire and served in the Army. He was employed as a reporter and editor for daily newspapers and has been a freelance writer for a variety of publications. He and his family in 1970 founded a dairy and maple farm, which they continue to operate in the Meriden Village area of Plainfield. Taylor was first appointed commissioner of agriculture by the late Gov. Hugh J. Gallen in 1982, and was ...
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Published: 01/30/2007 Report Pegs Total Employment Impact Above 10,000

A new report produced by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) shows Minnesota's growing ethanol industry generated nearly $2.8 billion and supported more than 10,300 jobs in 2006. The MDA's Agricultural Marketing Services Division prepared the four-page report earlier this month as an update to a similar report from February 2006. Among the highlights of the new report: Minnesota's 16 ethanol plants now have an annual production capacity of 620 million gallons; Five new ethanol plants under construction will add another 450 million gallons of production capacity, boosting the state's total production capacity above 1 billion by 2008; and If current trends hold, Minnesota's ethanol industry will generate nearly ...
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Published: 01/30/2007 Bureau Changes Name to More Clearly Reflect Its Specific Duties

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson last week announced that a bureau within his department has been renamed to promote clarity and to make it easier for the public to decide which state office to call for assistance. Effective immediately, the Bureau of License and Bond is now known as the Bureau of Agricultural Dealer's Licenses. "The office deals only with agricultural dealer's licenses, but the bureau's previous name sounded very broad in scope and caused confusion in the mind of the public," Bronson said. "As a result, we received numerous calls from people inquiring about any and all types of licenses--licenses that our department does not handle. This was frustrating for callers. Hopefully, this name change will ...
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Published: 01/23/2007 Fitch to head AR Livestock & Poultry Comm.

Governor Mike Beebe has named Jon Fitch of Hindsville, Ark., as the new director of the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission. "Jon Fitch has dedicated his professional life to two causes: agriculture and public service," Beebe said. "He has the experience in both the halls of state government and the fields of his family farm to serve our state and this department well." Fitch was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1979. He remained there until his election to the Arkansas Senate in 1985, where he served until 2002. For 18 years, Fitch was a member of the Agriculture and Economic Development Committee and handled numerous bills concerning livestock and poultry while in the legislature. He currently ...
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Published: 01/23/2007 Report : Young Families, Hispanics and Low-Income Targeted

Oregon agriculture may have opportunities to meet the marketplace demand of three fast-growing consumer segments in the United States. A recent report on trends involving consumer packaged goods identifies families with young children, the Hispanic population, and lower-income households as under-served markets holding the most potential for high growth at this time. Oregon's diverse agricultural production and food processing capability can provide consumer packaged goods that help fill the needs of all three groups. "This report is very important and instructive for Oregon agriculture, the food processing industry, and retailers," says Dalton Hobbs, assistant director with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. "This information may ...
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Published: 01/17/2007 Delaware's New State Veterinarian Named

Sara Busch, D.V.M., of Manor College, Jenkintown, Penn., has accepted the position as state veterinarian with the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA). She is replacing Dr. H. Wesley Towers who r