NASDA News - July 27, 2010

NASDA MOURNS PASSING OF WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE SECRETARY RON NILSESTUEN
Published: July 27, 2010

On behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Deputy Secretary Randy Romanski issued the following statement on the passing of Secretary Rod Nilsestuen, who died in Lake Superior Wednesday evening during a vacation trip to volunteer with his church for Habitat for Humanity:

“Rod Nilsestuen was a visionary leader, inspiring innovator and a true champion for agriculture. Rod was an extraordinary servant for the people of Wisconsin during his nearly eight years as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, where the policies he put in place have contributed to a renaissance of the dairy industry, seeing record highs in milk, cheese and specialty cheese production. His belief in investing in agriculture at all levels has helped diversify Wisconsin's agricultural economy. Whether promoting investment credits for dairy farms and plants, working to break down barriers for interstate meat sales, or promoting homegrown biofuels, Rod worked tirelessly for Wisconsin agriculture. Perhaps one of his greatest legacies will be his efforts to protect Wisconsin's best farmland through the Working Lands Initiative. Rod was too modest to call attention to his accomplishments, but his tenure at the Department as well as his many years of leadership in the cooperative movement have marked an amazing career that has meant a stronger agricultural economy for Wisconsin. Rod was a wonderful person whose compassion and humor made those around him feel like family. We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss and all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” (Contact: Lee Sensenbrenner, 608.224.5020)

LINCOLN, REID TO ATTACH DISASTER AID TO SMALL BUSINESS BILL
Published: July 27, 2010

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln has secured Senator Harry Reid’s agreement to attach an agricultural disaster aid package to the small business bill, which could reach the Senate floor as soon as today.  The language being added is the same as what was proposed – and subsequently removed during reconciliation – from the Tax Extenders bill.  The package proposed by Lincoln would give $1.1 billion in payments to producers that suffered crop losses in “primary” disaster areas, $300 million to producers of specialty crops and tens of millions to cotton seed handlers and livestock producers.  The Congressional Budget Office reports that the small business bill would reduce the deficit by $1.1 billion over 10 years without the agriculture provisions. (Contact: Brad McKinney)

NAVIGABLE WATERS, GHG AMENDMENTS REJECTED BY HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS
Published: July 27, 2010

This week, the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations approved a spending bill for environmental agencies amounting to $32.2 billion.  This includes $11 billion for the Interior Department, $10 billion for EPA, and $4.9 billion for the Forest Service. Click here for a summary table of the bill.

Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH) proposed an amendment requiring a two-year hold on regulating stationary sources of greenhouse gases, which failed to pass at a tally of 7-7. Ranking Member Mike Simpson (R-ID) proposed an amendment that would prevent EPA from using the appropriated money to change how “navigable waters” is defined under the Federal Water Pollution Act; the amendment failed with a 5-9 party vote. (By: Jason Markovich, Contact: Nathan Bowen)

ETHANOL TAX CREDIT COULD DECREASE OR CEASE
Published: July 27, 2010

The House Ways and Means Committee is considering reducing the current ethanol blender’s tax credit by 20%.  The current program is set to expire at the end of this year and refiners and blenders of ethanol may be receiving 36 cents per gallon instead of 45 cents per gallon as a result of the proposed reduction. The idea for the reduction of the tax credit is part of a green-energy bill and a draft is expected to be released soon. (By: Andrew Kim, Contact: Brad McKinney)

GIPSA EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED RULE
Published: July 27, 2010

The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) announced this week that the comment period for their proposed rule regarding 2008 Farm Bill regulations has been extended an additional 90 days, until November 22, 2010. The proposed rule was published in June and is meant to address contract and marketing arrangement issues in the livestock and poultry industries in accordance with requirements of the 2008 Farm Bill. The comment period was originally scheduled to end on August 23. Last week, during a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, members on both sides were clearly angry about the proposed rule, and twenty-two members of the House Agriculture Committee sent a letter asking USDA to grant a 120-day extension to the comment period. Under Secretary Edward Avalos announced the 90-day extension in a statement that can be viewedhere. (By: Torii Kappelman, Contact: Amy Mann)

ADMINISTRATION CREATES NATIONAL OCEAN COUNCIL
Published: July 27, 2010

Last week, President Obama signed an executive order entitled Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes to establish the National Ocean Council.  This council is comprised of senior-level policy officials from various agencies that include Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Department of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates. This council will collaborate to develop policy goals to ensure the nation has healthy ecosystems.  (By: Andrew Kim, Contact: Nathan Bowen)

FOOD ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR GULF COAST RESIDENTS
Published: July 27, 2010

NASDA members in the Gulf Coast states affected by the DeepWater Horizon spill report that there is an urgent need for food assistance.  Companies and individuals that are interested in donating food are encouraged to contact NASDA members in the affected states for specific details on how best to help. (Contact: Bob Ehart)

COMMENTS REQUESTED BY FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
Published: July 27, 2010

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking comments on their intention to request revision of an approved information collection regarding specified risk materials in cattle. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval will expire on January 31, 2011. The request also combines another approved information collection, Specified Risk Materials- Transport. Comments must be received on or before September 21, 2010. View the Federal Register Docket here. (Contact: Amy Mann)

MEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTION COMMITTEE CHARTER RENEWED
Published: July 27, 2010

USDA is renewing the charter for the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection.  More information on the committee is available here. (Contact: Amy Mann)

MD: VETERINARY BOARD CHAIRMAN CHRIS RUNDE NAMED DISTINGUISHED VETERINARIAN
Published: July 27, 2010

Chairman of the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Chris H. Runde, DVM, has been selected to receive the Maryland Veterinary Medical Association’s 2010 Distinguished Veterinarian Award in recognition of and in appreciation for his outstanding leadership, dedication and continued commitment to the Veterinary Profession. In 2003, Dr. Runde was appointed to the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and in 2004 he was elected president.

“We are very pleased to learn of Dr. Runde’s recognition by his peers of Maryland veterinarians,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.  “His commitment to the standards and professionalism of the veterinary profession through his service to the Vet Board is outstanding and we thank him for it.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact:  Sue duPont, 410.841.5889)

MI: MICHIGAN HORSES FOUND POSITIVE FOR MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE
Published: July 27, 2010

The Michigan departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture (MDA) today received confirmation from the Michigan State University (MSU) Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH) that a three month old Percheron filly from Calhoun County and a 12 month old Arabian male from Barry County tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

MDA has also been informed that several additional horses in Cass County are highly suspect for EEE and are pending test results. To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517.241.2485)

CO: ANNUAL CONTEST SEARCHING FOR AGRICULTURE PHOTOGRAPHS
Published: July 27, 2010

From an eastern plains cornfield under a stormy sky to a line of bikes parked in a western slope vineyard, Colorado agriculture is easily captured in pictures. The 13th annual “Colorado…it’s AgriCultural” photography contest is seeking entries as a way to celebrate Colorado agriculture.

 “Since the contest began in 1998, we’ve received hundreds of photographs representing every aspect of agriculture in the state, and it is always exciting to see the diversity of Colorado agriculture depicted in contest entries,” said Commissioner of Agriculture John Stulp. “This annual photo contest not only celebrates the splendor of Colorado agriculture, but also its importance to the state’s economy.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact:  Wendy White, Wendy.White@ag.state.co.us) 

MN: ETHANOL INDUSTRY PUMPS $2.5 BILLION INTO STATE’S ECONOMY
Published: July 27, 2010

Minnesota's ethanol industry generated more than $2.5 billion in economic activity in 2009 and supported more than 6,800 jobs according to a new report from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).  Ethanol production in the state increased to 862 million gallons in 2009 from 550 million gallons five years ago.  The MDA report estimates the industry is on tap to increase production to 1.1 billion gallons this year with a projected economic impact of $3.1 billion and approximately 1,500 additional jobs. 

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson says the rebound is good news for the state’s 21 ethanol plants, half of which remain farmer-owned cooperatives.  "The ethanol industry’s downturn in 2009 was felt on farms and in our rural communities,” said Hugoson.  “This year is looking much better in terms of increased production, economic impact and employment.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Margaret Hart, Margaret.Hart@state.mn.us) 

NY: COMMISSIONER REMINDS FARMERS TO ONLY SELL TO LICENSED DEALERS
Published: July 27, 2010

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today reminded farmers to only sell to licensed farm product dealers. This reminder highlights the provisions contained in Article 20 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, more commonly known as the Agricultural Producers Security Law.  

“The Department is able to offer financial protections to our producers in the event of nonpayment under the Agricultural Producers Security Law,” the Commissioner said.  “The catch is that farmers must make sure they are selling their products to a licensed dealer.  It is also important that producers notify the Department immediately in order to preserve their rights under the law.  Therefore, I recommend that all farmers become familiar with the details of the Agricultural Producers Security Law so they can be assured of their protections in a swift and effective manner.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Jessica Chittenden Ziehm, 518.457.3136)

PA: CONSERVATION COMMISSION RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN PROTECTING PA RESOURCES
Published: July 27, 2010

The State Conservation Commission, or SCC, today honored individuals and organizations throughout Pennsylvania that have dedicated themselves to protecting the state’s natural resources, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today.

“Pennsylvania is fortunate to have committed men and women who work each day to conserve our natural resources,” said Redding. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize some of the outstanding partners we have across the state.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Justin Fleming, 717.787.5085)

NE: DIRECTOR IBACH ENCOURAGES CELEBRATING NATIONAL FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK
Published: July 27, 2010

 It’s hard to resist the taste of Nebraska-grown sweet corn, the juiciness of a vine ripened tomato, or the freshness of green beans plucked straight from the garden that are currently being sold at farmers’ markets across the state.  Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director, Greg Ibach, is encouraging all Nebraskans to join him in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week in Nebraska from August 1-7. 

“Our state is home to over 80 farmers’ markets,” said Ibach.  “I encourage all Nebraskans to visit their local farmers’ markets this week, and for the rest of the season, to purchase fresh, locally grown produce.  Each of those purchases helps support our local economy.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Christin Kamm, 402.471.6856)

IA: NORTHEY COMMENTS ON IOWA CROPS AND WEATHER REPORT
Published: July 27, 2010

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today commented on the Iowa Crops and Weather report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service.  The report is released weekly from April through October.

“The recent wave of severe storms has added new challenges for farmers that were in a storms’ path, many who have already had a difficult growing season,” Northey said.  “Fortunately some areas have been able to dry out between the rains and remain in good condition.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Dustin Vande Hoef, 515.281.3375)

KY: STATE VET’S OFFICE SAFEGUARDS EQUINE ATHLETES AT WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
Published: July 27, 2010

The Kentucky state veterinarian’s office has the yeoman’s responsibility to regulate and manage the importation of an estimated 800 horses representing 62 countries that are scheduled to participate in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington.

“The World Equestrian Games are far greater in size and scope than anything the state veterinarian’s office has managed before,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “However, the staff of the state veterinarian’s office has vast experience in equine health and works several large-scale and high-profile events every year. These equine athletes couldn’t be in better hands.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Bill Clary, 502.564.1137)

NM: NMDA BEGINS LIVESTOCK SCALE INSPECTIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT ESCORTS
Published: July 27, 2010

Standards and Consumer Services Division (SCS) inspectors at New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) started inspecting livestock scales along the U.S/Mexico border while accompanied by local law enforcement escorts.   Throughout the last week of July, NMDA’s weights and measures inspector tested the livestock scales in the area south of I-10 from Las Cruces to the Arizona border. NMDA announced earlier this year that because of safety concerns along this corridor, sheriff’s deputies from Luna and Hidalgo counties would escort the inspectors.

“Everyone deserves to be safe when they head to work. For our inspectors, during this time of year, their work happens to be in remote areas along the Mexican border where, unfortunately, there are risks involved,” said NMDA Director/Secretary Miley Gonzalez.  “Often they don’t have cell phone service, so we are being proactive and luckily this year federal funds are available to help with that.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Noreen Jaramillo, njaramillo@nmda.nmsu.edu)

ND: ANTHRAX CASE IN THIRD COUNTY RENEWS CALL FOR VACCINATION
Published: July 27, 2010

Confirmation of anthrax in another North Dakota county has prompted state animal health officials to again urge livestock producers, especially in areas with a history of anthrax, to have their animals vaccinated for the disease.

“A single case of anthrax has just been confirmed in south central Barnes County, where the disease has been reported in the past,” said Dr. Beth Carlson, the deputy state veterinarian. “We now have anthrax reports from three different counties. Producers should make every effort to make sure their livestock are up to date on vaccinations.” To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Dr. Susan Keller, 701.328.2655)