NASDA News - August 25, 2009

APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM – FARM BILL DUE AUGUST 26
Published: August 25, 2009

States are reminded that their applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – Farm Bill (SCBGP-FB) application must be received by August 26.  We are told that applications received on August 27 or later will not be considered. Funds designated for states that do not participate will be re-distributed to participating states.  For more information you may contact Trista Etzig at (202) 690–4942 or trista.etzig@usda.gov.

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP CLAIMS EPA IGNORES HERBICIDE RISK
Published: August 25, 2009

In a report released this week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the environmental group alleges that monitoring of drinking water for a popular herbicide fails to detect momentary spikes in higher than permissible concentrations of atrazine.  “Because of the potential adverse effects associated with even short exposures to atrazine, the spikes detected in the watersheds and the public drinking water systems are particularly alarming.”

Atrazine, one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, is used by farmers to protect crops such as corn, sorghum and sugar cane from pest infestations. 

According to EPA, “atrazine is also among the most intensively examined pesticides in the marketplace.” “EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) has determined that atrazine is safe when used according to approved label directions and precautions. In making this finding, the Agency has ensured that children, women of child-bearing age, and other sensitive subpopulations are protected.”

Syngenta, the manufacturer of atrazine points to EPA’s extensive examinations of the product and stands by its safety.  It contends the spikes cited by the NRDC report fall within the one- and ten-day limits established by EPA. 

Moreover, Syngenta contends, “Atrazine is a critical tool for use in conservation tillage and no-till systems—farming methods that eliminate plowing and/or reduce tillage. Conservation tillage makes cropland much less vulnerable to soil erosion, which is reduced by as much as 90 percent when compared to intensive tillage. When soil erosion is prevented, so is the runoff into our waterways of sediment—identified by EPA as the top pollutant in US streams and rivers.” (Contact: Nathan Bowen)

VILSACK NAMES JOHN D. BREWER AS GENERAL SALES MANAGER OF FAS
Published: August 25, 2009

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today named John D. Brewer as General Sales Manager of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Brewer, who Vilsack appointed in July as FAS’s Associate Administrator, will now serve the agency in dual roles including management of market development, export credit, export subsidy, and food aid programs.

"We must continue expanding export opportunities to benefit America’s farmers and ranchers and the experience that John brings to the table will help increase economic opportunities for producers throughout rural America," said Vilsack.

Brewer came to USDA from the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked on a variety of intelligence and finance-related projects for the Departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, and private-sector financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wachovia. He was also a Senior Analyst in the Office of Global Risk Assessments at the American International Group (AIG) where he was responsible for providing analysis on business risks and global threats to AIG and its largest customers.

In addition to his private-sector experience, Brewer also brings with him more than a decade of experience in the federal government. He has served in the State, Treasury, and Defense departments, working on issues including U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean, U.S. counter-narcotics policy, and anti-money laundering/counter terrorist financing programs.

Brewer holds Bachelor degrees in History and English from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Master’s degree in Diplomatic History from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom. Brewer is a native of Florence, S.C.

FAS is responsible for USDA’s international activities, including export credit guarantee programs, market development and international food aid programs, trade negotiations, the collection and analysis of market information, and international development efforts. The agency has 97 offices overseas that cover more than 154 countries.  (Contact: Amy Mann)

KY: JOHN DEERE, KDA LAUNCH NEW ROLLOVER TRACTOR SIMULATOR
Published: August 25, 2009

John Deere, in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, unveiled a 4105 compact tractor rollover protection structure (ROPS) safety display at a ribbon cutting ceremony last week at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.

The safety display is a one-of-a-kind tractor simulator that demonstrates how a rollover protection structure (ROPS) prevents a seat belted operator from being severely injured or killed. The Department unveiled its first rollover tractor simulator at the National FFA Convention in Louisville in 2003. The Farm and Home Safety Program also uses a miniature grain bin and grain wagon to teach the importance of putting safety first on the farm. The program also teaches ATV and lawn mower safety.

The Farm and Home Safety Program has reached thousands of Kentuckians since the Kentucky Department of Agriculture launched it 11 years ago. This partnership with John Deere will give the program even greater exposure, and that will mean fewer farm injuries and more lives saved in Kentucky. The Farm and Home Safety Program works in partnership with fire departments, air rescue, operations, farm groups, equipment dealers and others throughout Kentucky. (Contact: Bill Clary at (502) 564-1137 or Kyle Rubeling at (410) 821-8220)

OK: CORN GROWERS URGED TO TEST FOR AFLATOXIN
Published: August 25, 2009

Oklahoma City—State corn growers are being advised to test this year’s crop before delivering it to elevators.  Dry weather during the spring and wet conditions at harvest may mean high levels of aflatoxin in the corn which can limit the ways it can be used or even render it unusable.

Aflatoxin is a toxic chemical produced when the mold Aspergillus flavus grows on corn and other crops including peanuts and cottonseed. The chemical is a carcinogen and can be toxic to certain livestock. “Early samples have shown the presence of aflatoxin in some fields and we are urging producers to take samples as they begin harvest,” said State Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach.  “Oklahoma State University County Extension offices can provide information on how to take the samples.”By testing early, producers with excessive aflatoxin levels can limit harvest expenses and reduce their loss. Low levels of aflatoxin can be used in certain livestock and poultry feeds. (Contact: Jack Carson at (405) 522-4575)

WI: E-GUIDE TO GOAT MANAGEMENT NOW AVAILABLE
Published: August 25, 2009

Dairy Goat Management: Best Management Practices is now available, as an inexpensive CD and online as a free download. The electronic publication was compiled and written by Wisconsin producers Clara Hedrich, Dan Considine, and veterinarian Dr. Chris Duemler. The 118-page manual covers management practices including breeding to improve production, milking protocols, vaccination and herd health programs, kid-raising, facilities, and equipment needs.

The CD is available for $5.55 by contacting Jeanne Meier, jeanne.meier@wi.gov, 608-224-5121. To download the publication for free, go to the Wisconsin Dairy Goat Association website. Underwriting for the publication came from a University of Wisconsin-Extension Emerging Agricultural Markets Team (EAM TEAM) grant, with support from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Dairy Goat Association. (Contact: Jeanne Meier at 608-224-5121)

CO: ANNUAL COLORADO HAY DIRECTORY AVAILABLE NOW
Published: August 25, 2009

As a service to hay producers and buyers, the Colorado Department of Agriculture publishes the Colorado Hay Directory annually. The 2009 edition of the directory is available to the public at no cost.

The 23rd edition of the Colorado Hay Directory features 100 producers and brokers of hay as well as companies that provide hay-related products and services. Categorized by region, each listing includes the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status and identifies organic hay.

In 2008, Colorado produced approximately 4 million tons of hay. Production of hay in Colorado for 2009 is estimated at 5 million tons. The directory is available online at www.coloradoagriculture.com and at www.coloradohay.org .    (Contact Wendy White at wendy.white@ag.state.co.us)