NASDA News November 20, 2007

Farm Bill Remains Gridlocked As Key Senate Vote Fails
Published: November 20, 2007

        The Senate failed to break the gridlock on the 2007 farm bill when lawmakers defeated a motion to invoke cloture (cut off debate) on November 16 by a vote of 55 to 42. A cloture vote to limit debate requires sixty votes. NASDA and a large coalition of agriculture organizations sent a letter to senators before the vote urging them to move forward and pass the farm bill.

        The cloture vote was along party lines with all Democrats voting for cloture with only four Republicans joining them. The Republicans who voted for cloture were Sens. Norm Coleman (Minn.), Charles Grassley (Iowa), John Thune (S.D.), and Gordon Smith (Ore.). After the vote, both Democratic and Republican leaders expressed disappointment about the situation. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) held a press conference and said he was optimistic that Congress could pass the farm bill this year. Harkin said that negotiations would continue during the two-week Thanksgiving recess. He predicted there would be more cloture votes when Congress returns to work the week of December 4.

         The "procedural standoff" on the farm bill began November 6 after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) made a parliamentary move to limit amendments only to issues that are directly germane to the farm bill legislation. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other Republican lawmakers objected and said they wanted to offer amendments on estate taxes, renewable fuels, and other issues. More than 250 amendments have been filed on a wide variety of issues. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)
 

House Lawmakers Introduce Farm Bill Extension
Published: November 20, 2007

        As the 2007 farm bill remained stalled in the Senate, Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) last week introduced legislation for a one-year extension of the 2002 farm bill. Moran is a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture where he serves as the Republican leader of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

        Moran pointed out that he has never supported an extension, but believes it may be impossible to complete work on the farm bill before the end of the year. The House passed a farm bill in July and now the Senate cannot pass legislation until December. The House and Senate must work out differences in the two versions of the legislation before final passage. Moran said " it is unacceptable that we are nearing the end of the year without a farm bill to take home to our farmers and ranchers. Our producers face the uncertainty of making next year's crop decisions without knowing what type of safety net will be available in the coming year."

        Meanwhile, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) told media reporters that discussion about a farm bill extension was premature. He also expressed concern that the budget situation could mean that lawmakers will have less money to write a farm bill a year from now. In recent days, some lawmakers in both the House and Senate have floated the idea of extending the 2002 farm bill until 2008 or 2009.

        About twenty Republican farm state lawmakers joined Moran to cosponsor the extension legislation. They are: Reps. Bob Goodlatte (Va.), Frank Lucas (Okla.), Robin Hayes (N.C.), Marilyn Musgrave (Colo.), Randy Neugebauer (Texas), Michael Conaway (Texas), Mac Thornberry (Texas), Charles Boustany (La.), Steve King (Iowa), Sam Graves (Mo.), Timothy Johnson (Ill.), Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Adrian Smith (Neb.), Geoff Davis (Ky.), Richard Baker (La.), Jo Ann Emerson (Mo.), Charles "Chip" Pickering (Miss.), Louie Gohmert (Texas), Ralph Hall (Texas), Jack Kingston (Ga.), Timothy Walberg (Mich.) and Lamar Smith (Texas). (Contact: Charlie Ingram)
 

Congress Faces Grueling December Agenda
Published: November 20, 2007

        The House and Senate adjourned November 16 for a two-week Thanksgiving recess and will face a grueling agenda in December to complete work on a number of priority issues. Congress returns to work on December 4 and may be in session right up until Christmas.

        One of the top priorities will be to finish work on the FY08 appropriations bills. Congress has only approved one of the twelve annual spending bills and federal programs are currently being funded under a continuing budget resolution until December 14. Many of the FY08 appropriations bills are facing veto threats from President Bush, including the FY08 agriculture spending bill. It is widely believed that Congress will bundle most of the funding bills into an omnibus spending package.

        In addition to the FY08 spending bills, Democratic leaders in the Senate have said they want to pass a comprehensive energy bill which has been stalled for months and a State Children's Health Insurance Program. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)
 

NASS Urges Farmers to Count Their Farms Along With Their Blessings This Holiday Season
Published: November 20, 2007

        As farm families gather throughout the United States this Thanksgiving to count their many blessings and give thanks for another successful harvest, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) urges them to ensure their farm or ranch is counted in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. The Census is a crucial tool that provides farmers with a voice in the future of their community and all of agriculture.

        Conducted every five years by the USDA, the Census is a complete count of the nation's farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. It provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation.

        "Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind farmers how important they are and how much the nation appreciates their hard work," said NASS Administrator Ron Bosecker. "It's also a good time to remind them that they have a voice and a responsibility to use that voice to make a better future. Tools like the Census enable farmers to help shape the future of agriculture and their local communities. To do this, we urge them to speak out and let their voices be heard by participating in the 2007 Census of Agriculture."

        NASDA members have recorded 60-second radio spots featuring individual state commissioners, secretaries, and directors of agriculture talking about the importance of the Census of Agriculture to the farms and rural communities in their respective states. These files along with additional promotional materials and information are available at http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Partners/.

        NASS will mail out Census forms on December 28, 2007, to collect data for the 2007 calendar year. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2008. Producers can return their forms by mail or, for the first time, they have the convenient option of filling out the Census online. For more information about the Census, visit http://www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free (888) 4AG-STAT or (888) 424-7828. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff)
 

Minnesota Education Project Signals New Era In Communication & Outreach
Published: November 20, 2007

        As part of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs, the NASDA Research Foundation is working closely with the Environmental Resource Council (ERC), a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, on a multifaceted educational initiative focused at rural medical professionals and those certifying pesticide applicators. While doctors, the authorities certifying and training pesticide applicators, and applicators themselves are three very different groups, the ERC sought to cultivate a coherent and integrated approach to developing pesticide outreach programs appropriate for the audience. The goal of the project was not only to promote a greater understanding of pesticide incidents and promote safe pesticide application but to also assure that medical practitioners and state applicator certifying officials were the two most reliable sources of information on pesticides for applicators, those potentially exposed to pesticides or their residues, and the general public.

        The ERC began its outreach and education effort in 2004 by working with the Minnesota Institute of Public Health, part of the Blue Cross-Blue Shield corporate family. Working cooperatively, they conducted dozens of focus groups and workgroups to determine what type of education and outreach materials could assist medical practitioners and state applicator certifying officials in becoming reliable, trusted, and well informed sources of information regarding pesticide issues. The ERC curriculum will help doctors in rural areas to better and more succinctly describe pesticide exposure issues to patients, their families, and other interested parties. The nationally applicable curriculum will be suitable for continuing medical education programs.

        For those certifying and educating pesticide applicators and applicators themselves, Bruce Bomier, board chair of the ERC, worked closely with such partners as Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson and Dr. Dean Herzfeld, coordinator, Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education of the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension Service, to develop a Best Practices training program. While the Best Practices guide is being vetted in Minnesota, the final product will be appropriate for national use. The Best Practices guide focuses on seven critical areas of applicator safety including: 1) reading and following pesticide label instructions; 2) using protective clothing and equipment; 3) remaining vigilant and prepared for potential mishaps; 4) avoiding any possible ingestion of pesticides; 5) washing equipment frequently; 6) controlling waste streams and avoiding unnecessary human exposure; 7) warning applicators to expect tougher enforcement, and the need to always observe these guidelines. (Contact: Dick Herrett)
 

EPA Seeks Nominations For New Agriculture Advisory Committee
Published: November 20, 2007

        The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally announced in the November 15 Federal Register a request for member nominations to the first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee.

        The new committee is part of the agency's efforts to strengthen relations with the agriculture community. The panel is being formed under the guidelines of EPA's National Strategy for Agriculture, and it will advise the EPA administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities. It will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

        The committee will meet approximately twice yearly and is intended to consist of approximately 25 members representing: (1) large and small farmers, ranchers and rural communities; (2) rural suppliers, marketers and processors; (3) academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; (4) tribal agricultural groups; and (5) environmental and conservation groups. USDA and other federal agencies will also be invited to nominate members. EPA expects to make a decision on membership by early January.

        The Federal Register notice on request for nominations is available at the following address: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-22380.htm

(Contact: Charlie Ingram)
 

Myers Accepts USDA State-Federal Liason Position
Published: November 20, 2007

       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 coordinate actions and serve as the principle point of contact with the human Strategic National Stockpile at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

       Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has appointed Dr. Carter Black to serve as state veterinarian and assistant commissioner of animal industry effective December 15, 2007. Black has served the Georgia Department of Agriculture for over twenty three years and brings to the position a wealth of knowledge and experience in animal agriculture. (Contact: Arty Schronce, 404/656-3689)


NASDA Liason: Bob Ehart, bob@nasda.org, 202-296-9680

Polansky Appoints David Barfield as Chief Engineer
Published: November 20, 2007

       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, including municipal and industrial water use, dam safety and interstate water compacts. He was exclusively involved in interstate water issues from 1992 to June 2007, when he was appointed acting chief engineer. He has a bachelor of science in civil engineering and a master of science in water resources, both from the University of Kansas. He is a licensed professional engineer.

       "I am honored by my appointment to this challenging position. I appreciate Secretary Polansky's confidence in me, and I look forward to working with him and division of water resources staff to fulfill our statutory responsibilities," Barfield said. "My immediate plan is to ensure we continue to provide current levels of service while building on the solid foundation left by my predecessor."

       Barfield was preceded by David Pope, who retired in June after 24 years of service as chief engineer. "Mr. Barfield is a good selection from my standpoint," Pope said. "I worked with him for many years, and I have full faith in his ability to carry out the duties of the position."

       The chief engineer is responsible for managing the state's water supply in the public's interest, for ensuring public safety related to the construction and maintenance of dams and representing Kansas' interests in interstate water compacts.

       The division's work is divided into four areas:
* The water appropriation program manages the state's water supplies through a system of permits, reviews and inspections. It issues water rights, maintains data about water use and administers water rights during times of shortage.
* The water structures program inspects and regulates the safety of dams that could, if they failed, endanger lives and property. The program also monitors activities affecting the flow of rivers and streams, and their floodplains, to ensure these activities are properly planned, constructed, operated and maintained.
* The water management services program administers the four interstate river compacts and the subbasin water resources management program, which develops plans in conjunction with local agencies and stakeholders to address resource issues in identified subbasins.
* The state water plan program encompasses activities from other programs, including interstate water, and basin and floodplain management. (Contact: Lisa Taylor, 785/296-2653)
 

Governor Cuts Ribbon For New Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and Office Complex in Harrisonburg
Published: November 20, 2007

       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 noted that agriculture/forestry is Virginia's number one industry, with nothing else coming a close second. He also noted that the work done at the Harrisonburg lab helps ensure the safety of Virginia's food supply. The Harrisonburg Laboratory is the flagship of VDACS' network of five labs. Others are located in Warrenton, Ivor (Tidewater), Lynchburg, and Wytheville. The new complex also provides office space for VDACS staff in Marketing, Consumer Protection and other employees in the State Veterinarian's Office. (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804/786-7686)
 

Job Opportunity: Florida seeks Chief, Bureau of Diagnostic Laboratories
Published: November 20, 2007