|
A publication of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CARLSON APPOINTED DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT GOV. HEINEMAN ANNOUNCES GREG IBACH AS NEBRASKA'S NEW AG DIRECTOR PANEL APPROVES FY06 AGRICULTURE SPENDING BILL AGRICULTURE TRADE NEGOTIATOR PLANS RESIGNATION PRESIDENT BUSH PROMOTES BIODIESEL State News--WOTTHLIE PROMOTED TO CHIEF OF MARYLAND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES State News--JED H. CHRISTENSON NAMED UDAF MARKETING DIRECTOR _________________________________________________________Past Issues What's New on the NASDA Website
NASDA's Specialty Crop website with final report Committee Minutes, etc., from NASDA 2004
|
CARLSON APPOINTED DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced the appointment of Merlyn Carlson as the deputy under secretary for USDA Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). Carlson will begin his new duties on June 13, 2005. "Merlyn Carlson brings to the Bush administration a lifetime of experience in agriculture from family farm life to his role as a state director of agriculture," said Johanns. "His background in policymaking and public service will be a tremendous asset to USDA and our efforts to protect and enhance our nation's natural resources." Merlyn Carlson was appointed director of agriculture for Nebraska in January 1999. In his role as director, Carlson served as an advocate for Nebraska agriculture, overseeing regulatory programs, promoting agriculture products in both domestic and international markets, and ensuring wise stewardship of natural resources. Prior to his service in state government, he was active in several community organizations and served as a board member of the Deuel County Soil Conservation District. Carlson is a Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement honoree, recipient of the University of Nebraska Agriculture Contribution Award, and a 2004 inductee into the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame. Carlson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Colorado State University. Until recently, he operated a ranch in western Nebraska, where he also raised corn, wheat, and alfalfa. He and his wife, Janice, have two grown daughters, Debra and Chris. (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff) GOV. HEINEMAN ANNOUNCES GREG IBACH AS NEBRASKA'S NEW AG DIRECTOR Gov. Dave Heineman this week announced the appointment of Gregory A. Ibach as the new director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Ibach, who has served as Nebraska's assistant director of agriculture since 1999, will replace outgoing director Merlyn Carlson, who confirmed that he will follow Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to Washington, D.C., in early June. "While I am sad to see Merlyn go, I am pleased for our state's producers that we have such a deep well of talent at the Department of Agriculture," Heineman said. "Greg is an excellent leader who knows the value of our state's largest industry. He is intelligent, well-traveled and grounded, and is exactly what we need for agriculture in this global economy. Ibach knows the challenges producers face because he is one." Ibach is the owner and operator of a cow and calf operation near Sumner, where he grows corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and forage sorghum. He was raised on a family farm near Sumner. Ibach said, "I appreciate the opportunity to continue working with Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and related businesses, and we will continue our strong tradition of seeking input from producers. I look forward to confronting the issues facing our state's economic engine." Before joining the Nebraska Department of Agriculture as assistant director, Ibach worked as an assistant vice president for Farm Credit Services of America. He began his career with Farm Credit Services as a loan officer in the mid-1980s. Ibach earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1984, majoring in animal science and agricultural economics. Ibach has held leadership positions as a trade advisor for USDA's Animal and Animal Products Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee. He has served as a member of the Identification Development Team developing the framework for a national animal identification plan, vice chairman of the Checkoff Division of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and chairman of the Nebraska Climate Assessment and Response Committee. He also has served on the Nebraska Rural Development Commission and the Nebraska Beginning Farmer Board. Outgoing Director Carlson said, "Greg knows Nebraska agriculture from a grassroots level, as well as from the highest levels of leadership in our state. His experiences as a producer and as a leader in a number of industry organizations--both state and national--clearly support his appointment. He will bring many new dynamics and dimensions as he works to continue the strong level of agricultural leadership the state has grown to expect." (Contact: Rick Kirchhoff) PANEL APPROVES FY06 AGRICULTURE SPENDING BILL The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee approved its FY06 spending bill for USDA and farm programs on May 16. No major policy amendments were adopted during the subcommittee action. The unnumbered agriculture spending bill provides a total of almost $17 billion in discretionary funding for FY06. This level is an increase of $93 million over the president's budget request and the same as the FY05 enacted level. Following are some highlights of the bill: * USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) budget is increased by $20 million over last year, for a total of $837 million, and $127 million above the president's request. The bill does not include $139 million in new user fees proposed by the administration. * Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) activities are funded at $16 million above last year for a total of $829 million, and a decrease of $32 million below the President's request. The bill does not include $11 million in new user fees proposed by the administration. * Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detection and prevention activities are funded at about $90 million, the same as last year's level and the president's budget request. * The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is funded at $1.480 billion, $30 million above last year and $20 million below the president's request. * Farm Service Agency (FSA) salaries and expenses are funded at $1.326 billion, an increase of $31 million above last year, and $39 million less than the President's request, to continue delivery of farm programs. * Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is funded at $1.124 billion, an increase of $164 million above last year's level and $63 million above the president's request. * Conservation Operations activities are increased by $26 million over the president's request, bringing FY 06 funding to $794 million, and a decrease of $37 million below last year. * Rural Community Advancement Program (RCAP) is funded at $657 million, a decrease of $53 million below last year and an increase of $136 million above the president's request. Included in the increase is an additional $80 million for rural water and waste grants above the president's request. * Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) formula funds for Hatch Act, McIntire-Stennis, and Animal Health Disease programs are restored to fiscal year 2005 levels. The committee did not agree with the president's budget request to convert these formula funds into competitive grants. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) AGRICULTURE TRADE NEGOTIATOR PLANS RESIGNATION There are unofficial reports that Allen Johnson, chief agriculture negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), plans to resign later this year. The National Affairs' (BNA) Daily Report for Executives publication reported the story on May 17. In his position as the chief agricultural negotiator for the United States, Johnson conducts critical trade negotiations and enforces trade agreements that relate to U.S. agricultural products and services. He was nominated for this position by President George W. Bush, and confirmed by the Senate on July 19, 2001. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) PRESIDENT BUSH PROMOTES BIODIESEL President Bush visited a biodiesel refinery in West Point, Virginia, this week to promote renewable fuels and outline his comprehensive energy proposals. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns accompanied the president on the trip. Bush said one step toward making America less dependent on foreign oil is to develop new alternatives to gasoline and diesel. According to the president, annual biodiesel production has increased from 500,000 gallons in 1999 to 30 million gallons in 2004, making it the fastest growing alternative fuel in America. Bush also challenged Congress to deliver an energy bill to this desk this summer, saying that for the past four years, Americans have experienced the cost of delaying a national energy policy. During his speech, Bush noted that biodiesel and ethanol helps farmers to find new markets for their products, and communities to meet clean air standards. (Contact: Charlie Ingram) USDA NEWS ~~BSE Roundtable Discussion~~USDA will hold a roundtable discussion, "The Safety of North American Beef and the Economic Effect of BSE on the U.S. Beef Industry,"on June 9 regarding the safety of North American beef and the changing infrastructure of the industry. The event will bring together USDA experts, producers, packers, other industry groups and academia to discuss the science of BSE and the economic impacts on the U.S. beef industry. The roundtable discussion will be open to the public and held on Thursday, June 9, from 9:30-2:30 at the Andrew Boss Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus, St. Paul, Minn. Potential participants will receive invitations. ~~Sign-up Deadline for Tobacco Transition Program~~Tobacco producers and quota holders must sign up for the Tobacco Transition Payment Program (TTPP), also known as the "Tobacco Buyout," before June 17, 2005. The TTPP makes payments to tobacco quota holders and producers beginning in 2005 and ending in 2014 to help with the transition to the free marketplace. Eligible tobacco quota holders will receive $7 per pound based upon their basic quota at the 2002 marketing year level. Producers of quota tobacco will receive up to $3 per pound payment based on their share of the risk in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 crops of quota tobacco. TTPP payments will be made between June and September 2005 for FY05. Subsequent payments in future years will be issued annually during the month of January. A tobacco lump-sum calculator is available on the Farm Service Agency website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/tobacco. By inputting a few numbers, the user can tell if the lump-sum offer meets statutory guidelines. ~~Online Check on the Weather and the Water Table~~Agricultural Research Service (ARS) geologist John Daniel and colleagues believe online, real-time, groundwater-depth data can inform Oklahoma residents about drought conditions. That's why Daniel and cooperators have launched a pilot study to see if it's feasible to offer localized water-table readings through an existing statewide meteorological network. Daniel, at the ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory in El Reno, Okla., is working with Noel Osborn of the state's Water Resources Board, and Chris Fiebrich of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey (OCS). The network, called Oklahoma Mesonet, comprises more than 110 automated weather stations. Run by OCS and supported by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, it provides data on air temperature, wind, rainfall, humidity, solar radiation, and soil temperature. The real-time data can be viewed on the web. At Mesonet's data page (http://www.mesonet.org/public/), first download and install the WxScope plug-in software. Then return to the data page and click the left-hand links for "Interactive Products" and "Graphs (Ground Water)." (Contact: Charlie Ingram) STATE NEWS WOTTHLIE PROMOTED TO CHIEF OF MARYLAND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES Maryland Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley has promoted Richard W. (Will) Wotthlie as chief of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures Section. As chief of the section, Wottlie is responsible for ensuring fairness in the marketplace through the inspection and regulation of all weighing and measuring devices used in commerce in Maryland. He also oversees laboratory services, including Maryland's National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) laboratory, one of only three in the nation qualified to certify liquid measuring devices and one of only four in the nation qualified to certify weighing devices used commercially in the United States. "Will is a strong manager who has done just about every job in the Weights and Measures Section and is known as a national leader in his field," said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Lewis R. Riley. "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to promote him." Wotthlie began working for the department in 1979 as a field inspector for Frederick County, responsible for all weights and measures activities in that area as well as for the inspection and testing of all liquid propane gas (LPG) and loading rack meters located west of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. In 1989, he was promoted to field supervisor for the western and central parts of the state. In 1994, he was promoted to program manager for all activities pertaining to small and large scales in the Maryland and also performed NTEP evaluations for Liquid Measuring Devices. In 2003, Wotthlie additionally assumed the duties as program manager for liquid measuring devices and has served as acting chief of weights and measures since the retirement of Louis Straub in October 2004. Throughout his career, Wotthlie has actively participated in technical and policymaking committees of professional associations, including the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWM), the Southern Weights and Measures Association, and the NCWM/NTEP program. He currently serves on the NCWM's Professional Development Committee. Wotthlie also has conducted many liquid measuring device and LPG training classes across the United States for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Will lives in Mt. Airy, Maryland with his wife of 35 years. They have two children, and one granddaughter. They raise Angus beef cattle on their farm. He is an active member of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company serving for 38 years as a firefighter and president for three years. (Contact: Sue duPont, 410/841-5889) JED H. CHRISTENSON NAMED UDAF MARKETING DIRECTOR Utah Agriculture Commissioner Leonard Blackham recently named Jed H. Christenson as the department's new marketing division director. Jed has been the director of marketing for Western AgCredit, located in South Jordan, Utah since 1991. "Jed brings with him 31 years experience in agricultural banking and marketing, and is a perfect fit for us," said Commissioner Blackham. "He has a clear understanding of how we can meet the needs of our agricultural producers throughout the state." Shortly after being named commissioner of agriculture and food, Blackham moved to reestablish a separate marketing division within the department. The Utah Legislature approved the proposal, and appropriated funding during the 2005 legislative session. "I am excited to be part of the Department of Agriculture and Food," said Christensen. "I hope to make a positive impact on the state's agricultural industry and promote rural Utah's economy," he said. The new division will focus on value added and new marketing opportunities for Utah agriculture products and rural economic development. Christenson has had a positive influence on agriculture during his 31-year career with AgCredit. After being appointed AgCredit's director of marketing in 1991, he successfully helped reposition the company during the 1980s to become the leader in agricultural lending in the Intermountain West. Christenson served as an ex-officio member of the Agricultural Advisory Board for the UDAF. He was a member of the Junior Livestock Show and Sale Committee for the Utah State Fair; he was chairman of the AgDay Organizing Committee to promote agricultural products and raise scholarship funds for rural youth seeking a career in agriculture or a related field. The Utah Farm Bureau recognized Jed for his contribution in 2000 with their "Friend of Agriculture" Award. Blackham also announced the naming of Richard Sparks and Seth Winterton as deputy directors of marketing for the division. Sparks has served as the division's marketing facilitator since 1998. Winterton has served as the Division of Animal Industry's Organic Program manager and has been with the department since 1987. Commissioner Blackham said the three-person team will help the department fulfill one of the governor's key goals, that of expanding Utah trade around the world, and strengthening Utah's rural economy. |