For Immediate Release: December 30, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-241-2485 or holtonj@michigan.gov

Michigan’s Agri-Business Sector on the Grow in 2008
Ag-based businesses poised for job creation, business expansion

LANSING, MI –Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto today highlighted a sample of agriculture successes in 2008 from agri-food business expansion to job creation and noted ag-based businesses are important components for diversifying Michigan’s economy in the long-term.

“Michigan’s agri-business sector is more than just cows, plows, and overalls. It’s a cutting edge, growing business industry generating more than $38 billion in direct economic activity, $64 billion in total economic activity, and employs 1 million people,” said Koivisto. “As a matter fact, if Michigan’s agri-food sector appeared on the Fortune 500 list, it would rank 62nd, which speaks volumes on the importance of agriculture to Michigan’s economic health.”

From 2006 through 2011, the state could see an additional $1 billion economic boost from Michigan’s agri-food sector and create up to an additional 23,000 new jobs annually, according to a 2006 study by Michigan State University’s Product Center. Also, Michigan’s agricultural economy expanded at a rate of more than one full percentage point above the growth rate of the general economy (5.9 percent vs. 4.8 percent) between 2004 and 2006 and has continued to grow.

“Michigan’s agri-food business industry is changing and expanding at a rapid pace. By investing in the agri-food industry with incentives such as Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones, we are significantly contributing to the state’s economic development,” said Koivisto. “These expansions are creating good paying opportunities for Michigan’s skilled workforce in areas such as food research and development and food science.”

The following showcases a small sample of Michigan’s agri-business success stories in 2008:

Agricultural Innovation Grant Program
MDA’s Agricultural Innovation Program, funded through the 21st Century Jobs Fund, had a $10 million total appropriation, with $5 million earmarked for FY07 grants, with the charge to accelerate the growth of Michigan’s $63.7 billion food and agriculture industry.
This grant program helps establish, retain, expand, attract, or develop value-added
processing and production operations in Michigan through innovative financing assistance to processors, agri-businesses, producers, local units of government, and legislatively-authorized commodity boards in Michigan.
Thanks to the investment in these 40 companies, MDA has been able to leverage state funds to private industry investment at an 8:1 ratio helping to create nearly 120 new jobs. This program has helped generate more than $36 million in private capital investment in the agri-food sector - the state’s fastest growing economic sectors.

Business Expansion:
Gerber Products Company, Fremont
Thanks to a two-year public-private partnership, Gerber Products Company, headquartered in Fremont, was awarded an Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zone (APRZ) as part of their expansion plans and commitment to Michigan. Gerber’s expansion includes modernization of the existing manufacturing facility, the addition of production lines, purchasing of new equipment, and a new warehouse and distribution center.
Gerber Products Company will invest $75 million in the Fremont facility, maintain 1,100 jobs, and create an additional 200 new jobs. Indirect jobs may also be created as the Company purchases 61,000 tons of produce for their product line from more than 200 Michigan growers. Additionally, they purchase $36 million in packing and raw materials from 11 key Michigan-based suppliers.

W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research (WKKI), Battle Creek
WKKI is the epicenter of Kellogg’s global research, development, and innovation activities. New product innovations created at WKKI are eventually produced and marketed all over the world. The largest percentage of commodities used at WKKI is from United States producers. Based on 2006 data, approximately 18 percent of grain, flour, fruit, honey, and other food products are purchased from Michigan agri-business producers.

In February 2008, an APRZ was approved. The APRZ guarantees $54 million in private investment over the next decade and the addition of 300 jobs in the food science research and development field. This designation enables Kellogg Company to continue to fuel top-line growth through additional pilot plant space, enhanced process scalability, and additional space for a flexible team environment and total technical community. Many of the new products WKKI creates will be manufactured in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Wyoming. Kellogg also utilizes Michigan co-manufacturers to produce products created at WKKI.

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), Ovid
MMPA, the largest dairy cooperative in Michigan, represents 1,430 of Michigan’s approximate 2,500 dairy farms. In 2007, Michigan dairy farms produced approximately 7.5 billion pounds of milk, and MMPA member farms accounted for approximately 3.7
billion of those pounds. In addition, MMPA owns and operates two processing facilities in Michigan - Constantine and Ovid.

With slightly over five million pounds of daily processing capacity, the Ovid plant could process 25 percent of the state’s current annual milk volume of 7.5 billion pounds.

MMPA has committed to investing $35 million in their existing Ovid facility, maintaining 86 existing jobs, and creating 10 new jobs. Additionally, 166 indirect and induced jobs will be created by their commitment to Michigan as well as 344 construction jobs. MMPA is also considering an additional investment of $25-27 million for a new spray dryer for manufacturing milk products, which brings their total new expansions and private investment to approximately $62 million within the designated APRZ.

In the long-term, MMPA’s investment will lead to $182.6 million in both direct and indirect economic impact according to the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“These are just a few examples of what Michigan’s homegrown businesses are doing to attract new investment and create jobs in our local communities,” said Koivisto. “When government and private business work together, great things can be accomplished for Michigan’s business community.”

For more examples of growth and expansion in Michigan’s agri-food sector, visit the MDA Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/.

###Editor’s Note: Director Koivisto’s last name is pronounced Coy-Vis-Toe.

Oklahoma Ag Dept. Adds Blog

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry has opened a new blog directed at Oklahoma producers and consumers. We're hoping it fills a void created about a month ago when the state's largest newspaper, the Daily Oklahoman, announced it was eliminating 150 positions and decreases circulation from all 77 counties to about 23 counties.

The blog can also be accessed through the ODAFF home page.





Terry Peach
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture

Two more stallions test positive for CEM. Commissioner Farmer calls for quick Federal action.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 19, 2008
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696
Cindy Ragin, APHIS USDA
(301) 734-7280

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer to move quickly to declare a state of agricultural emergency and commit federal funds in connection with an outbreak of contagious equine metritis in central Kentucky.

The request is a proactive measure to ensure that sufficient resources are available to manage the disease outbreak, Commissioner Farmer said.

“It is important for the people of Kentucky to understand that this could be a serious situation in our signature equine industry,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The state is working with federal authorities to contain the outbreak and determine its source.”

Kentucky’s horse industry has a total estimated economic impact of approximately $5 billion a year. The horse industry generates an estimated 80,000-100,000 jobs, and another 14,000 jobs come from tourism businesses related to the horse industry. Kentucky farm cash receipts for equine, including stud fees, are estimated at $1 billion annually.

Two more stallions have tested positive for contagious equine metritis, making a total of three from a single central Kentucky farm. The stallions added to the list are a 13-year-old quarter horse and a 4-year-old registered with the American Paint Horse Association. A 16-year-old quarter horse tested positive on Dec. 10, and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the result on Dec. 15. The affected stallions and all exposed horses on the farm have been quarantined.

Testing was performed by the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in Lexington. “The expertise available at LDDC greatly enhances our ability to respond both quickly and effectively to disease outbreaks,” State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout said.

Commissioner Farmer is closely monitoring the investigation and has informed Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear of the progress of the investigation. The Governor has assured Commissioner Farmer that he understands the seriousness of the situation and has pledged to work with the Commissioner to address the matter.

“The state is acting aggressively to contain and mitigate this disease,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Our interstate and international trading partners can be confident that Kentucky will employ all necessary resources to deal with this situation.”

Contagious equine metritis is a transmissible, exotic venereal disease in horses. It usually results in infertility in mares and, on rare occasions, can cause mares to spontaneously abort. Infected stallions exhibit no clinical signs but can carry the CEM bacteria for years. CEM is commonly transmitted during sexual intercourse but also may be transmitted indirectly through artificial insemination or contact with contaminated hands or objects. CEM can be treated with disinfectants and antibiotics.

There is no evidence that CEM affects people

Kentucky horse has contagious equine metritis; stallion, exposed horses under quarantine.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696
Cindy Ragin, APHIS USDA
(301) 734-7280

FRANKFORT, Ky. — State and federal agriculture officials are investigating a case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a quarter horse in central Kentucky.

The 16-year-old stallion tested positive for CEM during routine testing on Dec. 10. The test was performed by the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center as a preliminary step to shipping frozen semen to the European Union. Samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, which confirmed the diagnosis on Monday.

The index horse and all exposed horses are under quarantine and undergoing testing protocols. The index horse is being treated, and exposed horses have been tested to see if they are infected.

The index horse was moved to Kentucky in February from Texas, where he had been located for his entire breeding career. All breeding was done artificially with no history of natural service.

During the 2008 breeding season, 22 stallions from various states were bred on the farm. Thirteen of the stallions were relocated to other states, and one was relocated to another facility in Kentucky. The index stallion was bred to 44 mares both on the farm and by shipped semen.

Contagious equine metritis is a transmissible, exotic venereal disease in horses. It usually results in infertility in mares and, on rare occasions, can cause mares to spontaneously abort. Infected stallions exhibit no clinical signs but can carry the CEM bacteria for years. CEM is commonly transmitted during sexual intercourse but also may be transmitted indirectly through artificial insemination or contact with contaminated hands or objects.

There is no evidence that CEM affects people.

CEM can be treated with disinfectants and antibiotics. CEM-positive mares and mares from CEM-positive countries in Kentucky are required by state regulations to go through a treatment protocol and remain in quarantine for no less than 21 days. Stallions in Kentucky that have CEM or come from a CEM-positive country also are required to remain quarantined until a treatment protocol is completed and they test negative for the disease.

The first cases of CEM in the United States were diagnosed in central Kentucky in 1978. Another outbreak occurred in Missouri in 1979. The disease was eradicated rapidly in both outbreaks.
Kentucky’s horse industry has a total estimated economic impact of $4 billion a year, according to a 2005 study by the American Horse Council. The horse industry generates an estimated 80,000-100,000 jobs, and another 14,000 jobs come from tourism businesses related to the horse industry. Kentucky farm cash receipts for equine, including stud fees, are estimated at $900 million for 2008.

A fact sheet about contagious equine metritis is here.

KDA's equine health page is here.

KDA launches high-tech systems to increase efficiency.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696



FRANKFORT, Ky. — Two new Internet-based systems are enabling the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to carry out its pesticide regulation and environmental enforcement duties more efficiently, improving customer service and staff productivity.

The Pesticide Product Registration System enables companies that sell pesticide products in Kentucky to register new pesticide products, renew existing pesticide products and pay fees online. The Kentucky Compliance Activity Tracking System (KYCATS) enhances the ability of the KDA’s Division of Environmental Services to track its enforcement activities.

“Our Environmental Services and Information Technology staff have worked very hard to make these systems easy to use and able to provide accurate information in a timely manner,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The systems eliminate a large amount of paperwork for our staff. The Pesticide Product Registration System also reduces paperwork for pesticide companies, offers additional payment options and is available 24/7 for companies to access at their convenience.”

The Pesticide Product Registration System provides a simple process for companies to review their company demographic information and send necessary corrections to the Department. During the registration process, companies can make secure electronic payments by using a credit card and/or ACH debit. A pesticide company must be registered with the Department to use the system.

The system is available at https://secure.kentucky.gov/agr/pesticides/web/Login.aspx.

Pesticide registrations generate $1.6 million to the Department annually.

The system was created through a partnership with Kentucky.gov, the state’s official Web site. Kentucky.gov is a collaborative effort of the state and Kentucky Interactive LLC of Frankfort, a subsidiary of Kansas-based NIC, which manages more e-government services than any other provider in the world.

KYCATS breaks enforcement data down by category, enforcement action and other criteria. It helps the Division of Environmental Services compile and file quarterly reports to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Division is the leading investigating agency in Kentucky for EPA on pesticide-related issues.

KYCATS is a joint effort of KDA’s Environmental Services and Information Technology divisions and Clemson University.

“I commend our Environmental Services and Information Technology staff for their work on these projects,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Years of funding cuts have made it harder for us to perform our duties to the citizens of the Commonwealth. These innovations will help us squeeze more efficiency out of fewer dollars.”

Commissioner Farmer salutes Kentucky producers for record cash receipts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 4, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said record farm cash receipts and higher net farm income in 2008 are a tribute to the skill and resolve of Kentucky’s farmers and the impact of the state’s agricultural development efforts.

Kentucky farmers took in an estimated $4.7 billion for farm products this year, topping the 2007 record of $4.43 billion, University of Kentucky economists reported Thursday at the 89th Kentucky Farm Bureau annual meeting in Louisville. Net farm income rose by more than 10 percent, even with significantly higher input costs, the UK economists said. They forecast 2009 farm cash receipts of $4.6 billion.

“Kentucky’s farmers did remarkably well in this economic climate,” Commissioner Farmer said. “They got through this year with hard work and resourcefulness. I commend them for rising above the challenges of the past year.”

Commissioner Farmer said the economic outlook report shows that Kentucky’s investments in agricultural diversification are working. Another UK study, released last month, found that $86 million in tobacco settlement funds invested in individual “non-model” projects from 2001 to 2007 returned $1.87 in new farm income for every dollar invested. The study found that every dollar invested in the Kentucky Proud farm marketing program generated $4.70 in new farm income.

"These investments are producing positive returns at a time when individuals, businesses and even entire industries are suffering great hardship,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The General Assembly was wise to create this program. But we can’t rest on our laurels. This economic situation calls for bold action to keep the gains we’ve made and build on them.

“We especially need to maintain and expand the Kentucky Proud program. Consumers increasingly are demanding fresh food made or raised right here at home. There has never been a better time to promote Kentucky Proud products.”

Kentucky Proud generated an estimated $120 million in retail sales of Kentucky products in 2006-07. More than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and state parks are members of Kentucky Proud.

The UK report said cash receipts for livestock were down this year, but crop receipts, buoyed by high prices, rose nearly 40 percent. Cash receipts for vegetables were more than double the level of 10 years ago, and Kentucky growers achieved near-record yields for apples and peaches, the report said.

Colorado Ranch Quarantined Following Discovery of Swine Disease

A Mesa County, Colorado, ranch has been quarantined by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Department of Agriculture following the discovery of a serious and contagious disease that poses risks to wildlife and livestock.

The quarantine order follows the Nov. 17 seizure by state wildlife and agriculture officials of a livestock trailer containing 20 exotic sheep and 16 feral hogs as it was about to enter the Little Creek Ranch in Collbran. The exotic hogs are illegal to transport in Colorado and the driver did not possess required permits for importation or transportation of any of the animals.

Fourteen of the 16 hogs tested positive for pseudorabies, a disease that poses threats to livestock, wildlife and pets. All of the seized animals are being held by the state at a secure location.

Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of animals that primarily affects pigs. However, the disease is also a threat to domestic pets and to wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums, fox, skunks and small rodents, which can contract the disease by coming in contact with infected swine.

“This is the first case of pseudorabies discovered in feral hogs in Colorado and it’s important to stress that our livestock industry is not at risk,” said Dr. Keith Roehr, the Assistant State Veterinarian, “Our department is working quickly and cooperatively with the Division of Wildlife to ensure that this virus is not allowed to spread.”

Currently, all 50 states are considered free of the pseudorabies virus in commercial production swine herds. This detection in feral hogs does not jeopardize that status. Colorado and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have pseudorabies eradication programs in place. The Department of Agriculture, the Division of Wildlife and USDA Veterinary Services are working cooperatively on a timely response.

The DOW quarantine order for the Little Creek Ranch specifies that no animals, alive or dead, may be removed from or enter the ranch until further notice. The Little Creek Ranch is a licensed DOW commercial wildlife park subject to strict rules for the importation of exotic wildlife species. Because the ranch's wild boar hunting operation existed prior to state regulations banning importation or possession of wild boar and feral hogs, it was 'grandfathered in' with an exemption allowing for a limited number of wild boars on the property. Strict animal health and fencing requirements were dictated as part of the licensing process.

The quarantine orders also require veterinary inspection of all animals currently being held at the ranch. At this time, the investigation of the incident is continuing.

The establishment of feral hog populations has become a major concern for state wildlife agencies across the country. Packs of these hogs can devastate wildlife habitat by rooting up areas of ground and destroying native vegetation. Diseases from the wild hogs can also be passed to wildlife species, impacting populations and spreading throughout an area. In Colorado, feral hogs have been confirmed in the southeastern part of the state. Feral hogs have also been killed by landowners and wildlife officers on the Grand Mesa, near Collbran.

In response, the Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate efforts to eradicate these populations.

The Division of Wildlife considers feral hogs to be an invasive pest. State wildlife regulations allow the killing of feral hogs at any time of year and without need of a hunting license.

For additional information on Pseudorabies, a USDA fact sheet is available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/swine/f_a_q.shtml

KDA evaluates USDA goat grades.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture just completed the first half of a project to evaluate the USDA goat grades....more.

Visit KDA's goat and sheep marketing page here.

Event celebrates the cream of Kentucky's youth crop.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer.


The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is going to honor hundreds of young people from across the Commonwealth on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the annual Kentucky Proud Points Banquet at the Frankfort Convention Center ...more.

Study says Kentucky Proud is highly successful.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 20, 2008
For more information contact:Ted Sloan
(502) 564-4696


Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said a University of Kentucky report identifies Kentucky Proud as a highly successful investment of the Commonwealth’s tobacco settlement funds.

The report says every dollar of tobacco settlement money invested in Kentucky Proud added $4.70 in additional farm income. Kentucky Proud was one of nine projects out of 64 large and medium-size non-model projects to receive a five-star rating in the report.

“The Agricultural Development Board was extremely wise to invest $5.3 million in Kentucky Proud, and this report bears that out,” Commissioner Farmer said. “But we’ve barely scratched the surface of this program’s potential to open new markets for Kentucky farm products and raise awareness among consumers. A greater investment is needed to build on the momentum the Kentucky Proud movement has generated, and this report proves that the program is more than worthy.”

A five-star rating means that all goals were accomplished and researchers found evidence of sustained impacts and indications that the benefits of the project were greater than the amount of the investment. The report says Kentucky Proud generates an additional $7.8 million in farm income per year.

“The Kentucky Proud state branding program is among the most successful in the nation,” UK researchers said in the report.

A group of 10 marketing experts assembled to discuss the Agricultural Development Board’s marketing investments found that “the Kentucky Proud program has been extremely successful and has had a large and positive impact.” The group attributed the impact to the work of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing staff, which administers the Kentucky Proud program.


The Agricultural Development Board awarded a total of $5,329,300 for Kentucky Proud in 2003 and 2006.

The Kentucky Proud movement generated $120 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products in 2006-2007. More than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and state parks are members of Kentucky Proud.

The UK report examines the economic impact of $209 million in Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund investments from 2001-2007. It found that the $86 million invested in non-model projects – individual projects funded by the state Agricultural Development Board, including Kentucky Proud – generated $1.87 in new farm income for every $1 invested and impacted 50,000 Kentucky tobacco farmers. County model programs – standardized programs that fund such projects as forage improvement, beef cattle genetics improvement and diversification – have been highly successful in improving producers’ knowledge, farming operations and net return and also helped many former tobacco producers, the report said. The county model programs have received $99.7 million in tobacco settlement funds.

The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation – created by the Agricultural Development Board to provide farmers with access to capital – had approves 249 projects and committed more than $26 million by mid-2008, the report said.

—30—


To read the report, click here.

To go to the Kentucky Proud Web site, click here.

Kentucky youths to be honored at Kentucky Proud Points luncheon.

Hundreds of young Kentuckians who excelled in livestock shows in 2008 will be rewarded at the fifth annual Kentucky Proud Points awards luncheon Dec. 6 in Frankfort... more

Visit KDA's Show and Fairs Promotion Division here.

National Farm-City Week Honors America’s Ag Producers

National Farm-City Week, Nov. 21-27, commemorates U.S. food producers and seeks to recognize their efforts among the nation’s urban citizens.

“With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this is an important time to remember Colorado’s ag producers who provide a safe, abundant food supply,” said Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp. “While shopping for their own dinner plate, I encourage everyone to consider the time and dedication it takes to feed the world.”

“For 75 years, this Department has worked to support Colorado’s ag industry, and our farmers and ranchers are at the heart of that goal” continued Stulp.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture was officially organized in 1933. Its mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado's agriculture industry; ensure a safe, high quality, and sustainable food supply; and protect consumers, the environment, and natural resources.

• Colorado’s farmers and ranchers generate over $16 billion in economic activity and create over 100,000 jobs.


• Farmers and ranchers constitute only about one percent of our population, but feed our entire country and a good number of consumers overseas.


• Americans spend less than ten percent of their income on food.

The National Farm-City Council is a non-profit organization and has been dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents since 1955. For more on the organization, visit http://www.farmcity.org/.

Additional information:
Fun for Kids. Discover how the Colorado Department of Agriculture serves you.
Where are Colorado’s ag products grown or raised?
Keep informed on some of the agriculture information making news today.
Test your knowledge of farm fun facts with two interactive quizzes.
Colorado Proud: Better for You. Better for Colorado.

Give the taste of Kentucky Proud for the holidays.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, November 17, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer encourages Kentuckians to give the taste of Kentucky this holiday season – Kentucky Proud foods and products.

“Kentucky Proud products are made with care in Kentucky by Kentuckians,” Commissioner Farmer said. “When you buy Kentucky Proud for the holidays, your loved ones will find what you already know – nothing else comes close.”

The Kentucky Proud search engine is a free, easy-to-use way to start off your holiday shopping. The search engine enables consumers to search through about 1,300 Kentucky Proud members selling more than 18,000 products.

From the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site, www.kyagr.com, go to the “KY Proud” pull-down menu on the top right side of the home page. Click on “Find KY Proud Producers” and enter any combination of the company name, the county and the city to find Kentucky Proud producers. Or click on “Find KY Proud Products,” select one or more product categories and then select one or more product names. You can narrow your search to a specific county or city, or search for all products in a county or city.

If you prefer to do your holiday shopping the old-fashioned way – browsing in person – you can pick from an assortment of Kentucky Proud gift baskets at Remke Markets in northern Kentucky or A Taste of Kentucky in the Louisville area. This year Remke has introduced baskets from Katelyn’s Honey, featuring a unique variety of sauces from northern Kentucky restaurants Dee Felice, Oriental Wok and Barleycorn’s. At A Taste of Kentucky, you can pick one of its ready-made gift baskets, most of which feature Kentucky Proud products, or choose from its wide selection of Kentucky Proud products and make your own basket. You also can shop A Taste of Kentucky online at www.atasteofkentucky.com.

Many other retail outlets, such as Save-A-Lot’s 102 Kentucky stores, several Kroger and Wal-Mart locations, and numerous others, also offer Kentucky Proud products. Many Kentucky Proud producers sell directly to consumers. To find Kentucky Proud items in your area, look for the blue, green and red Kentucky Proud logo or use the Kentucky Proud search engine to find a participating retailer near you.



To find Kentucky Proud products, click here.

To find Kentucky Proud producers, click here.

Utah Declares Agriculture Disaster

November 3, 2008

GOVERNOR HUNTSMAN DECLARES AGRICULTURAL DISASTER

Also Seeks Federal Designation

Salt Lake City -- Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman has issued an Agricultural Disaster Declaration for six Utah counties. The declaration is in response to damage caused by extreme weather conditions, such as drought, cold temperatures, high winds, fire, and freezing temperatures that exist in the affected counties. The six counties are: Garfield, Millard, Sanpete, Kane, Piute, and Box Elder.
The vast majority of farmers and ranchers in these counties have suffered minimum crop and forage production losses of at least 30 percent, which qualifies them for disaster declaration. The estimated financial loss is estimated to be $28.7 million to date. Some producers have been severely impacted by grazing losses and have been forced to liquidate their herds due to lack of forage.
High forage and feed costs as well as increased transportation costs will weigh heavily on an industry already facing many challenges.
Governor Huntsman is also calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a national “Agricultural Disaster” for qualifying counties in the state.
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, Governor Huntsman seeks assistance to provide relief for the hundreds of farmers and ranchers who face substantial crop loss due to these conditions.
“I offer my full support for the efforts to find meaningful relief for our affected farmers and ranchers,” Governor Huntsman said.
Farmers and ranchers should contact their USDA-FSA office for information about potential assistance.

##

Pumpkin Month in Virginia

FOR FALL 2008, PUMPKINS GO GREEN, GO GLAM, GO WILD

Pumpkins aren’t just for traditional jack o’ lanterns any more.

Although Virginia’s bright orange pumpkins remain the perennial fall favorite, they now have an array of colorful companions. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Grown pumpkins come in a variety of eye-catching colors and textures. They are available in pale green, burnt orange, white, tan and yellow among others. Sometimes the colors are combined. Sometimes they show an overlay of contrasting veining. Textures range from craggy and gnarled to smooth and even scalloped.

For those with a decorative bent, Virginia Grown pumpkins in every color and texture provide an ideal object for creativity. Wild or mild, let ’er rip when it comes to embellishing your pumpkin. Just be sure to start with a local Virginia Grown pumpkin so that it will stay fresh as long as possible.

If you decide to carve your pumpkin, cover the cut edges with a thin film of petroleum jelly to maintain the fresh look. With careful cutting, you can leave a layer of the pumpkin’s membrane which will enhance your design with a golden glow when the pumpkin is lit from inside.

Choose a pumpkin with a smooth surface if painting is your decorating choice. Add a face – a self-portrait, perhaps? – your favorite monster or maybe a scary scene. The stem does not always have to go on top. Position it in front and it’s a nose; behind and it can be a tail. Add a gourd for a head, your choice of ears and you have a pumpkin pet.

No matter what color pumpkin you choose, you can go green when you decorate it. Try recycling some items from around your house to achieve a unique and special look. Start with your junk drawer where you could find string or rubber bands to use for hair, wired bag closures to twist into eyebrows, bottle caps for eyes, and push pins to form the mouth. Or you could head outdoors for inspiration. Experiment with twigs for hair, leaves for ears, berries for eyes and glue on seeds to form a mouth. The refrigerator could be another resource, providing radishes for a mouth, broccoli for hair, yellow peppers for ears and a baby carrot for the nose.

For a change of pace, go glam. Create a gorgeous Jill o’ lantern. Glue on a model mouth cut from a fashion magazine. Add glittery makeup surrounding rhinestone eyes. Long strands of curling ribbon could make an alluring hairdo, topped with a tiara fashioned from a tuna can embellished with buttons or stickers. Up the bling factor with sparkly thrift store earrings, then fling on a feather boa and this Jill is ready for the red carpet or the front porch.

If crafting is not part of your DNA, retailers have wonderful ideas and implements for carving and embellishing your pumpkin of choice. You’ll find decorations to stick in, glue on and add to your pumpkin as well as patterns for carving.

With their arresting color and shape, unadorned pumpkins can take center stage all by themselves. Group several in varying sizes as the ideal fall centerpiece. Place a line of smaller pumpkins across your mantle for a contemporary touch. Alternate pumpkins and pots of colorful mums on your front porch stairs to ensure a warm welcome.

Pumpkins can also be used as containers. Hollow out enough flesh to accommodate a bowl to hold a fresh flower arrangement or an artful collection of dried leaves, branches and berries. Use small pumpkins as candle holders, making sure that both the candles and the pumpkins are well secured. Of course you should never leave candles burning unattended. Pumpkins can also be used as serving dishes for soup, vegetables or dips.

With so many choices, how do you select the pumpkin that’s best for you? The first rule is to pick a local Virginia Grown pumpkin. That way you know it is fresh and will maintain its color and shape much longer. In the fall, local pumpkins are available at grocery retailers, farmers markets, pick-your-own farms and roadside stands. Visit a local Virginia farm or Farmers Market where you can choose your own pumpkin and have a wonderful time in the process. Find out what is available near you by consulting the Virginia Grown Guide to Pick-Your-Own & Select-Your-Own Farm Products online at http://www.virginiagrown.com/.

COSDA Kicks-Off

The COSDA annual convention is underway!

This year's meeting is in Topeka, KS. The event kicked off on Sunday Oct. 19 and runs through Wednesday Oct. 22.

Texas Dept. of Agriculture's Newsletter Now Online

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s quarterly newsletter, Texas Agriculture Today, is now available online and via email. The e-newsletter includes a column written by Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, along with the latest agriculture news and happenings at TDA, a commodity focus and news clips.


The Texas Agriculture Today Web site will serve as an online version of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s printed quarterly newsletter. In each issue, you’ll find a variety of news stories on agricultural topics that affect everyday life.

To have Texas Agriculture Today sent directly to your inbox, click here to subscribe. We will continue to circulate the regularly published version of the issue for those who still prefer the original hard copy.

National speakers headline marketing conference.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 13, 2008
For more information contact:Ted Sloan
(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A futurist, a farmer and a food marketing expert will show Kentucky producers how to “Grow Your Cash Crop in Kentucky” at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s inaugural Direct Marketing Conference Nov. 13-14 in Lexington.

Economist, futurist and author Dr. Jay Lehr of Ostrander, Ohio, will talk about megatrends in agriculture and the future of sustainable agriculture. Innovative farmer Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley will speak on diversifying for profit, product and pleasure. Stephen Farrelly Hall, food marketing consultant and author of “From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Gourmet Food Specialty,” will present a step-by-step look at the marketing process.

Conference sessions will focus on business management, customer service and marketing. Breakout sessions will be divided into protein, produce and on-farm market. Business basics and methods of attracting customers will be addressed.

Following the conference, participants may choose from among four farm tours. At Evans Orchard in Georgetown, they can see a working agritourism destination. At the Woodford County Extension Service office in Versailles, they can tour the certified kitchen where growers may make value-added food products. At Boone’s Butcher Shop in Bardstown, they can learn how to make money on protein-based products and see the state’s mobile processing unit for small livestock species. At the University of Kentucky research farm in Lexington, they can see organic farming practices and learn about UK’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and sustainable agriculture programs.

Registration is $50. The optional farm tour following the conference is an additional $20. Accommodations for the conference are available at the Hyatt Regency Lexington. Reservations must be made by Oct. 27 to receive the reduced conference rate.

For more information, contact Donna Baker at (502) 564-4983 or go to the conference page on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site, www.kyagr.com/marketing/dmc.

Search engine is another Kentucky Proud success.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer


Consumers want fresh, nutritious foods made close to home by people they trust. The Kentucky Proud search engine will help people find them. . ...more.

Kentucky Proud search engine makes it easier to find your favorite Kentucky products.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 29, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Looking for a beef producer close to home? Trying to find out where you can buy your favorite Kentucky Proud products? The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has launched an Internet search engine that enables consumers and businesses to find the Kentucky Proud foods and products they’re looking for.

“The Kentucky Proud search engine is easy to use, and it’s free,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Anyone can use it to search through about 1,300 Kentucky Proud members selling more than 18,000 products. We expect it will boost sales of Kentucky Proud products, which will mean more income for Kentucky farmers and more economic activity in our rural communities.”

From the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site, www.kyagr.com, users may go to the Kentucky Proud pull-down menu and click on Find KY Proud Producers or Find KY Proud Products. On the “Search for KY Proud Producers” site, users may enter any combination of the company name, the county and the city to find Kentucky Proud producers. On the “Search for KY Proud Products” site, users may select one or more product categories and then select one or more product names. Users may narrow their search to a specific county or city, or search for all products in a county or city.

The search result provides links for viewing details of each member’s listing. Each listing contains contact information for the Kentucky Proud member, the products the member produces and/or sells, the member’s physical address and the Web site address if it has a site.

The Department plans to add more detail to the listings – for example, listing organic products.
Kentucky Proud members are encouraged to check their listings regularly to make sure they are accurate and up to date. Members may contact Donna Baker at donnaj.baker@ky.gov or (502) 564-4983 to make changes or additions to their listings.

World's Longest Chile Ristra

More than a thousand men, women and children of all ages stepped right up and twirled together twine and red chile pods in an attempt to create a world record chile ristra at the New Mexico State Fair, September 14th. In five hours and 45 minutes, participants used a whopping 3,250 pounds of red chile pods to create a ristra spanning 157.7 feet. State agriculture and chile commission officials are asking Guinness to establish a new category specifically for a chile ristra. The ristra was weighed, measured and documented by the state Agriculture Department's Weights and Measures Division.
A ristra is the traditional method for drying red chile peppers in the Southwest. The chile pods are tied together with string in an overlapping design and hung outside to dry before being used in red chile sauces and dishes.

Texas Ag Commissioner Surveys Livestock Damage Caused by Hurricane Ike

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples traveled to Southeast Texas on Wednesday, September 17 to meet with the men and women on the ground who are working tirelessly assisting in the massive hurricane recovery effort. After sitting down and hearing the needs of officials in Beaumont and Jefferson County, Commissioner Staples surveyed Jefferson and Chambers counties by air.


Don Gohmert from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Commissioner Staples saw an extremely broad path of massive destruction – from entire communities wiped away to highways and bridges either destroyed or covered with massive barges. Acres and acres of cropland and pastures had been swallowed by the salty surge, estimated at up to ten miles inland.


From the air, live cattle were wading through belly deep-water miles from high ground. Some cattle were huddled together on top of levies searching for a path back home but finding no safe place to turn.


The fences, barns and corrals that used to dot this region are now gone, cleared away by the massive wall of water and wind.




A long road of recovery is still ahead for Southeast Texas. You can help by calling AgriLife Extension Service at (979) 845-2604 or you can donate to AgriLife's "No Fences" Hurricane Ike Horse and Cattle Relief fund online. Monetary donations are needed to defray transportation costs associate with the rescue of horses and cattle, as well as the purchase of goods like feed and water troughs.

You can see more of the full-sized photos of the tour in a slideshow HERE. Or you can click on the photo below to start an embedded slideshow.

Lights Dim on 2008 Colorado State Fair

The 2008 Colorado State Fair, in Pueblo, CO, has come to a close offering eleven days of entertainment to nearly 490,000 people.

“I am proud of the fair we put on this year. State Fair staff and management offered a wide range of family attractions while staying true to our goal of supporting youth and agriculture,” said General Manager, Chris Wiseman

Highlights from the 2008 Colorado State Fair:

• Attendance was slightly up from 2007; 486,659 people attended the 2008 Fair which is 1,621 more than 2007.
• The 2008 Colorado State Fair Jr. Livestock Sale presented by Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives drew in more than $393,200 for Colorado’s 4-H and FFA youth.
• The Fair offered more free, family attractions that ever before including sea lions, monkeys, daredevils and tigers.
• Louis Sandoval, 71, of Pueblo, Colo. drove home in a new 2008 Dodge Avenger after the rodeo on August 28 and all he had to do to win it was purchase a rodeo ticket.
  Sugarland played to a sold out crowd of 7,816 people.
• The Tough Enough to Wear Pink auction raised close to $9000 for the St. Mary Corwin Cancer Patient Needs Fund.
• US Smokeless Tobacco won the sponsor calf dressing for the third time, beating out seven other Colorado State Fair sponsor teams.

“The Colorado State Fair staff and management strive to offer a wide variety of family attractions that entertain and educate. I believe the increasing attendance numbers is a reflection of that effort,” said Wiseman.

For more information about the 2008 Colorado State Fair, visit www.coloradostatefair.com.

Kentucky Commissioner Farmer and Governor Beshear call for federal ag aid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 19, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696


FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today joined Governor Steve Beshear in calling for federal aid for Kentucky farmers affected by the current drought in the Commonwealth.

“I appreciate Gov. Beshear’s request for a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I suggest that USDA also make aid available for farmers whose crops were flattened during the wind storm last Sunday. I pledge to work with USDA and Kentucky’s congressional delegation to get Kentucky farmers the aid they need to get through this growing season.”

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has received reports that corn and tobacco crops in western Kentucky were heavily damaged by last Sunday’s wind storm. The Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported earlier this week that yield estimates for corn, soybeans and hay have declined because of the drought.

The Palmer Drought Index placed the central and bluegrass regions of Kentucky in mild drought and eastern Kentucky in moderate drought as of Monday.

Commissioner Farmer repeated his call for permanent federal funding for agricultural disaster relief. “Farmers must be able to get the help they need quickly and with a minimum of red tape,” Commissioner Farmer said.

Diagnostic lab expansion is another victory for Team Kentucky

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

I spoke at the groundbreaking for the expansion of the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center on Sept. 12 in Lexington. The laboratory is an important firewall for keeping Kentucky free of livestock disease.

Livestock accounted for more than $3 billion in farmgate receipts in 2007, so it’s important for Kentucky’s economy to have state-of-the-art diagnostic labs to keep our state’s herds disease free. Our outstanding diagnostic labs and our strong surveillance system assure consumers and trading partners that they can buy Kentucky livestock and livestock products with confidence. That assurance enables Kentucky livestock producers to compete in a global market, which means money in their pockets.

Every dollar invested in livestock medicine means $6 to our livestock industry. Our outstanding diagnostic labs are so important to Kentucky’s agricultural economy that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture gave $800,000 toward the labs’ operating budgets for the next two years, even though we are struggling to deal with deep budget cuts.

Kentucky is free of brucellosis, tuberculosis and virtually all major livestock diseases that affect other states and countries. In recent years, we have successfully contained limited outbreaks of equine disease. But now is not the time to rest on our laurels. Every November, Kentucky hosts the North American International Livestock Exposition, the world's largest purebred livestock expo, which brings 22,000 livestock entries to the Kentucky Exposition Center. Two years from now, human and equine athletes from more than 60 nations will come to the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This is an opportunity for us to show the world why we’re Kentucky Proud of our commonwealth. We must be ready.

Western states are having problems with brucellosis, tuberculosis and avian influenza. Disease can spread like wildfire without the hard work of diligent veterinary officials and practitioners and the availability of state-of-the-art diagnostic labs to perform fast, accurate testing. The much-needed lab expansion will give Kentucky the capabilities we need in an extremely competitive world.

The expansion is the product of a team effort between Gov. Steve Beshear, the Kentucky General Assembly, the KDA, UK and Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry. It’s yet another shining example of something good happening when people work together toward a common goal.

Kentucky diagnostic lab expansion is underway.

From left, Kentucky State Rep. Rocky Adkins (D-Sandy Hook), Sen. Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville), Gov. Steve Beshear, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer and Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry prepare to "throw dirt" to launch the expansion and renovation of the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. (Photo by Ted Sloan)

State and local government officials, including Commissioner Richie Farmer and Gov. Steve Beshear, joined representatives from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture on Sept. 12 to break ground on the $28.5 million project... more.

Governor Beshear presented a ceremonial check for $20 million for the diagnostic lab project. Read more here.

Watch video from the groundbreaking here.

Report says 1,000 Kentucky producers have completed produce safety program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 8, 2008
For more information contact:Ted Sloan
(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — More than 1,000 Kentucky food producers have completed training for best practices for growing, transporting and handling produce to minimize the risk of food contamination, a Kentucky Department of Agriculture report says.

More than 710 farmers’ market vendors also have completed training for a state protocol to offer samples at farmers’ markets, according to the 2008 Annual Farmers’ Market Report.

“Kentucky producers are dedicated to providing clean, wholesome food,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This tremendous level of participation in these food safety training programs should ensure farmers’ market customers that they can serve Kentucky Proud foods to their families with confidence.”

The Good Agricultural Practices program was launched last year by the agriculture department, the state Department for Public Health and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. The sampling protocol was developed through a partnership of the KDA and the DPH.

The farmers’ market report said vendors recorded estimated sales of $8 million in 2007 in spite of a late freeze and severe drought. The number of markets in Kentucky has increased from 96 in 2004 to 120 in 2008, the report said, but the number of vendors declined from 2,015 in 2007 to 1,951 this year.

The report said few Kentucky farmers’ markets are set up to accept credit/debit and EBT (food stamp) cards. The Kentucky Farmers’ Market Association has been awarded a $63,010 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine the economic feasibility of using EBT and credit/debit technology at rural farmers’ markets and the economic impact of the sampling protocol.

The KDA’s Farmers’ Market Program provides technical assistance for Kentucky farmers’ markets and offers Kentucky Proud promotional items at cost. The program worked with DPH and KFMA to publish the 2008-2009 Kentucky Farmers’ Market Manual, a comprehensive collection of valuable information for farmers’ market managers and vendors. The program also maintains a directory of farmers’ markets.

To read the report, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs, and click on Farmers’ Markets. To find out more about the Good Agricultural Practices program, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on (GAP) Good Agricultural Practices. For more information about the state protocol for offering samples at farmers’ markets, go to the farmers’ market page and click on the link to New Sampling Information.

The future of our youth depends on us.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Another Kentucky State Fair has come and gone. The weather was ideal, the food was delicious and the fellowship was heart-warming as always. I enjoy being reunited with my farming friends at the state fair every year.

I’m especially heartened by the young people at the fair. They compete in various skill-building events like livestock shows, 4-H display contests, skillathons and the like. These events teach them the value of hard work and discipline, important lessons as they grow into their roles as tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. None of it would be possible, of course, without the support of their families and the hard work of dozens of people who conduct the competitions. Let’s be sure to thank them for all that they do every chance we get.

Like many of you, these young people are navigating an agricultural landscape that is constantly shifting under their feet. The combined forces of food safety scares, environmental concerns and the Kentucky Proud movement are impressing upon consumers the importance of local food. The rising costs of feed, fuel and fertilizer are eating into farm profits. New technology is constantly being rolled out, changing the way we do things on the farm.

The next generation depends on all of us, working together, to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to working with you. And I look forward to seeing you next year at the Kentucky State Fair.

Job Corps students tour Winchester, KY farm.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s aquaculture marketing specialist, Angela Caporelli, worked with culinary instructors this summer to organize a farm tour for eastern Kentucky Job Corps culinary and hospitality students...more.

State Launches New Email Service Alerting Consumers of Food Recalls

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Holton, MDA, 517-241-2485 or holtonj@michigan.gov
Kurt Weiss, MDIT, 517-335-0050 or weissk@michigan.gov

LANSING - As part of National Food Safety Education Month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) today launched a new alert system to notify consumers when food-related recalls and warnings are issued. Foodborne illnesses are a serious public health threat. Although the exact number of foodborne illness in the United States is unknown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as 5,000 deaths and 76 million illnesses each year are directly linked to foodborne illnesses.

"Protecting Michigan consumers from foods which may be contaminated with potentially deadly agents or organisms is the department’s primary mission," said Don Koivisto, MDA director. "Thanks to emerging technologies, we are able to warn consumers almost instantly to avoid or discard recalled food products, ensuring public health is protected and maintaining the viability of the state’s food safety net."

This new email service is part of a cooperative project by the departments of Agriculture and Information Technology (DIT) in connection with the state’s effort to better inform consumers when a Class I food recall is issued and protect public health.

A Class I food recall is a situation where the food has been deemed unsafe or unfit for human consumption and if consumed may cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The number of Class I food recalls affecting Michigan continues to rise. From Fiscal Year (FY) 06 to FY07, MDA noted a 56 percent increase in the number of Class I food recalls affecting Michigan consumers (FY06= 62 recalls; FY07=97 recalls).

"This is another great example of how we are working with state agencies to utilize technology for the benefit of our citizens across the state," said Ken Theis, MDIT director and CIO for the State of Michigan. "Our strong partnership with the Department of Agriculture has resulted in this potentially life-saving new service that will prevent unneccesary illnesses and help to protect the health of Michigan citizens."

MDA employees enforce Michigan’s comprehensive food safety laws and regulate the food supply at the state’s 17,900 food-processing plants, retail grocery stores, convenience stores, markets, and fair concessions. In partnership with local health departments (LHDs), MDA staff ensures the 31,000 state licensed restaurants are serving safe food to Michigan’s consumers and visitors. Additionally, MDA and LHDs investigate foodborne illness outbreaks and other food emergencies.

National Food Safety Education Month was created by the food industry in 1995 and is widely recognized by federal, state, and local governmental agencies, the food and agriculture industries, and consumer organizations.

To subscribe to the email alert messaging system, visit www.michigan.gov/mdatextalerts. For more information on food safety, visit www.michigan.gov/foodsafety.
###

DNR Acts to Implement CWD Surveillance and Response Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 26, 2008
Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

In the wake of Monday’s announcement that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been confirmed in a three-year old privately-owned white-tailed deer in Kent County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is acting immediately to implement provisions of the state’s Surveillance and Response Plan for CWD.

Among the provisions is an immediate ban on all baiting and feeding of deer and elk in the Lower Peninsula. DNR conservation officers will step up surveillance and enforcement efforts on baiting. Baiting and feeding unnaturally congregate deer into close contact, thus increasing the transmission of contagious diseases such as CWD and bovine tuberculosis. Bait and feed sites increase the likelihood that those areas will become contaminated with the feces of infected animals, making them a source of CWD infection for years to come.

Additionally, the provisions include a mandatory deer check for hunters who take a deer within Tyrone, Solon, Nelson, Sparta, Algoma, Courtland, Alpine, Plainfield, and Cannon townships, which contain the surveillance area or "hot zone." All hunters who take a deer during any deer hunting season this fall within the "hot zone" will be required to visit a DNR deer check station so that their deer can be tested for CWD. The DNR currently is seeking locations for additional deer check stations in the area to make it more convenient for hunters. To prevent unintentional spread of CWD, the only parts of deer harvested in the surveillance zone that will be allowed to be transported out will be boned meat, capes, and antlers cleaned of all soft tissues.

In addition, all transport of live wild deer, elk and moose will be prohibited statewide, including transport for rehabilitation purposes. Currently, there is no live animal test for CWD, and infected animals often show no signs of illness for years in spite of being infectious for other animals. Movement for rehabilitation purposes may speed geographic spread of the disease.

The DNR will act immediately to test an additional 300 deer within the "hot zone" in Kent County. The DNR will be cooperating with local officials to collect fresh road-killed deer, and will be urging deer hunters participating in the early antlerless season on private land in September to comply with the mandatory deer check.

Landowners in Kent County "hot zone" who would like to obtain disease control permits to cull deer from their property and assist with the collection of deer for testing should contact the DNR’s Wildlife Disease Lab at 517-336-5030. Permits will be available immediately upon request. Landowners who do not want to cull deer, but want to participate in the collection of deer for testing, can obtain assistance from the DNR in culling deer.

DNR officials reminded citizens that, to date, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans, nor has there been verified evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans.
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. Most cases of the disease have been in western states, but in the past several years, it has spread to Midwestern and eastern states. Infected animals display abnormal behaviors, loss of bodily functions and a progressive weight loss. Current evidence suggests that the disease is transmitted through infectious, self-multiplying proteins (prions). Prions are normal cell proteins whose shape has been transformed, causing CWD. The disease is transmitted by exposure to saliva of infected animals. Susceptible animals can also acquire CWD by eating feces from an infected animal, or soil contaminated by them. Once contaminated, soil can remain a source of infection for many years, making CWD a particularly difficult disease to manage.

More information about CWD is available on the State of Michigan’s Emerging Diseases Web site at www.michigan.gov/chronicwastingdisease.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
###

Michigan’s First Case of Chronic Wasting Disease Detected at Kent County Deer Breeding Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 25, 2008
CONTACT: Bridget Patrick (MDA), 517-241-2669 or Mary Dettloff (DNR), 517-335-3014

LANSING - The Michigan departments of Agriculture (MDA) and Natural Resources (DNR) today confirmed the state’s first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a three-year old white-tailed deer from a privately owned cervid (POC) facility in Kent County.

The state has quarantined all POC facilities, prohibiting the movement of all - dead or alive - privately-owned deer, elk or moose. Officials do not yet know how the deer may have contracted the disease. To date, there is no evidence that CWD presents a risk to humans.

DNR and MDA staff are currently reviewing records from the Kent County facility and five others to trace deer that have been purchased, sold or moved by the owners in the last five years for deer and the last seven years for elk. Any deer that may have come in contact with the CWD-positive herd have been traced to their current location and those facilities have been quarantined.

"Michigan’s veterinarians and wildlife experts have been working throughout the weekend to complete their investigation," said Don Koivisto, MDA director. "We take this disease very seriously, and are using every resource available to us to implement response measures and stop the spread of this disease."

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. Most cases of the disease have been in western states, but in the past several years, it has spread to some midwestern and eastern states. Infected animals display abnormal behaviors, progressive weight loss and physical debilitation.

Current evidence suggests that the disease is transmitted through infectious, self-multiplying proteins (prions) contained in saliva and other fluids of infected animals. Susceptible animals can acquire CWD by direct exposure to these fluids or also from contaminated environments. Once contaminated, research suggests that soil can remain a source of infection for long periods of time, making CWD a particularly difficult disease to eradicate.

"Currently, one of our top concerns is to confirm that the disease is not in free-ranging deer," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "We are asking hunters this fall to assist us by visiting check stations to allow us to take biological samples from the deer they harvest, so we can perform adequate surveillance of the free-ranging white-tailed deer herd in the area."

Deer hunters this fall who take deer from Tyrone, Soldon, Nelson, Sparta, Algoma, Courtland, Alpine, Plainfield, and Cannon townships will be required to bring their deer to a DNR check station. Deer taken in these townships are subject to mandatory deer check.

The DNR is also asking hunters who are participating in the private land five-day antlerless hunt in September in other parts of Kent County to visit DNR check stations in Kent County so further biological samples can be taken from free-ranging deer for testing. The DNR is in the process of finding additional locations for check stations in Kent County to make it more convenient for hunters.

The deer that tested positive at the Kent County facility was a doe that had been recently culled by the owner of the facility. Michigan law requires sick deer/or culled deer on a POC facility be tested for disease. The samples from the Kent County deer tested "suspect positive" last week at Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, and were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa last Thursday for confirmatory testing. The positive results of those tests were communicated to the state of Michigan today.

Audits of the facility by the DNR in 2004 and 2007 showed no escapes of animals from the Kent County facility were reported by the owner. Also, there were no violations of regulations recorded during the audits.

Since 2002, the DNR has tested 248 wild deer in Kent County for CWD. In summer 2005, a number of those deer had displayed neurological symptoms similar to CWD; however, after testing it was determined the deer had contracted Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

More information on CWD is available on Michigan’s Emerging Diseases Web site at www.michigan.gov/chronicwastingdisease.
###

Food safety concerns are driving the growing interest in local food.

Food safety concerns are driving the growing interest in local food. ... more

New logo points Kentucky travelers to fun and exciting farm destinations.

Commissioner Farmer unveils the new Farms are Fun logo as Governor Beshear and Tourism Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow look on. (Ted Sloan photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 14, 2008
For more information contact:

Bill Clary, (502) 564-4696
Angela Blank, (502) 564-4627
Gil Lawson, (502) 564-8110

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky officials unveiled a new state agritourism logo to raise public awareness of Kentucky’s more than 250 farm-based destinations today at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.


The logo appears on the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site, an online directory of Kentucky farm attractions that enables consumers to search for agritourism adventures by activity, region or county. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet launched the Web site earlier this year.

“Farms are exciting places to live, work and – increasingly – to visit,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “By merging our agricultural heritage with marketing principles, we can create tourist attractions that not only entice visitors but also provide business opportunities for our farmers. Since 2005, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has provided $2 million to develop and stimulate the growing agritourism industry.”

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said the Kentucky Farms Are Fun Web site lists 269 agritourism businesses in 76 Kentucky counties.

“Although these days fewer Kentuckians live on the farm, many want to learn more about agriculture, which has always been such an important part of our Commonwealth’s heritage,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Today we unveil the new logo for the Web site and for a new campaign to let our guests know about the many fun activities they can enjoy on the farm.”

Marcheta Sparrow, secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, pointed out that tourism generates $10 billion in economic activity every year in the Bluegrass State. She tied agritourism into the Department of Travel’s “Discover Your Own Backyard” campaign.

“I’m proud that our backyard includes those barnyards, pastures and farm operations that are so important to the Commonwealth,” Secretary Sparrow said.

The blue, green and red colors of the new agritourism logo match the Kentucky Proud logo, which identifies food products made in Kentucky.

To find out more about Kentucky farm destinations, go to www.kentuckyfarmsarefun.com.

Kentucky Proud welcomes Save-a-Lot.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696


FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Proud and Save-A-Lot are working together to stock Kentucky farm products in the 102 Save-A-Lot stores across the Commonwealth this summer.

The St. Louis-based grocery store chain plans to sell Kentucky Proud produce, salsa, popcorn, beverages and many other products to its customers. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is working to bring Save-A-Lot representatives and Kentucky Proud producers together. Save-A-Lot is supporting the campaign with radio and in-store print advertising.

“This is what Kentucky Proud is all about – forging partnerships and helping Kentucky producers find markets for their products,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This partnership will help many Kentucky farmers make a living on the farm. It will provide Save-A-Lot customers the opportunity to buy fresh, nutritious, great-tasting Kentucky Proud products and keep their food dollars close to home. And it will be good for Save-A-Lot, too. Everybody wins.”

“Save-A-Lot is proud to carry field-fresh produce in our Kentucky stores. Our customers will now enjoy the freshest produce picked straight from area farms,” said Bill Shaner, CEO and president of Save-A-Lot. “The dollars spent at Save-A-Lot stay close to home with local farmers and growers, as well as with local Save-A-Lot owners. This is a great opportunity to support the communities we serve. Kentucky is an important market for us, and this program offers us and our customers a chance to put dollars back into the local economy.”

Kentucky Proud is the official farm marketing program of Kentucky agriculture. When consumers see the Kentucky Proud logo on a product, they know it was made with care in Kentucky by Kentuckians. The program has grown from a few dozen members four years ago to more than 1,300 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers’ markets and Kentucky state parks.

Save-A-Lot operates more than 1,150 stores from Maine to California. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Supervalu Inc., a Fortune 100 company.

Help your community. Buy Local.

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer spoke with First Lady Jane Beshear, left, and State Rep. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) after commemorating this week as “Farmers’ Market Week in Kentucky” Tuesday afternoon at Lexington Farmers’ Market. The Commissioner and the First Lady took a microphone and said a few words to the crowd at the market, encouraging Kentuckians to support the state’s farmers and buy locally-grown food, like Kentucky Proud products, not only this week but throughout the year. (photo by Chris Aldridge)

Visit KDA's Farmers' Market page here.

USDA awards grant to KDA to identify new markets for sheep, goats.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 1, 2008
For more information contact:Bill Clary(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with Kentucky State University and Western Kentucky University, has been awarded a matching grant of $55,780 to identify new niche market opportunities for sheep and goat products.
Direct marketing to Kentucky’s ethnic consumers and retailers will be looked at, as well as alternative channels such as local butcher shops and meat processors.

“This grant will help open up new markets for Kentucky sheep and goat producers,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said, “and allow their numbers to continue to grow in the Commonwealth.”

Kentucky is one of the top five states in number of goats with 81,400 as of Jan. 1, according to the Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Kentucky’s sheep inventory totaled 37,000. Sales of Kentucky sheep and goats totaled an estimated $20 million in 2007.

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced matching grants today provided under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. More than $1.3 million was awarded to Kentucky and 23 other states and territories to support agricultural market research.

“Farmers are the first important part in the chain of food production,” Shafer said, “and these USDA matching grants support new and practical links from farm to market.”

Legal Suit Filed on Fuel Company after Texas Dept. of Agriculture Investigation

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott took legal action against Petroleum Wholesale, L.P., after the Texas Department of Agriculture's "Operation Spotlight" found that The Woodlands-based company's gas stations routinely failed to pump the amount of fuel its customers actually purchased.

Petroleum Wholesale, which operates Sunmart Travel Centers & Convenience Stores in several states, is charged with violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) by maintaining fuel pumps that were improperly calibrated in a manner that benefited the company financially. From July 18 - 20, TDA inspectors conducted Operation Spotlight, a concerted effort to test approximately 1,700 Sunmart pumps. The investigations revealed that 985 pumps were dispensing less than a full gallon of gas or diesel fuel. Fifteen Sunmart stations had 100 percent of their pumps calibrated in the company's favor.


For more information on Attorney General Abbott's suit, read the full press release.

You can also watch video of the joint press conference:

Farmers' Market Week challenge: Eat local foods.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Farmers’ Market Week starts on Saturday and runs through the following Saturday. Many of Kentucky’s 120 farmers’ markets have special events scheduled during the week to mark the occasion. I’d like to celebrate the week with a challenge to you: Eat local foods.

This is prime time for locally grown fruits and vegetables in the Commonwealth. Kentucky Proud producers also raise mouth-watering meats and produce a wide array of sauces, salsas, mixes, baked goods, beverages and many other fine products. You can find Kentucky Proud foods at farmers’ markets as well as roadside farm markets, groceries, restaurants and state parks.

Take a day to see how much of your food you can buy from right here in Kentucky. A sample menu might be farm-fresh eggs and Kentucky country ham in the morning, a salad with local vegetables for lunch, and a hearty dinner of Kentucky Proud beef. What foods do you like, and how many of them are produced in Kentucky? You may be surprised at the variety and quality Kentucky producers have to offer.

When you serve local Kentucky Proud foods to your family, you can be confident that you know where that food came from. In a time when almost every day brings a new food safety alert, that’s more important than ever. You also will have the satisfaction of keeping your food dollars in the Kentucky economy and helping Kentucky farm families stay on the farm.

For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's farmers' market program, including a directory of Kentucky farmers' markets, click here.

To find out more about Kentucky Proud, click here.

For locations of Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside farm markets, click here.

Afghan Officials Learn Weights and Measures Regulation in Virginia

As gas prices have risen in the United States, so have complaints about gasoline pumps. Employees with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) have been particularly busy responding to complaints, as well as inspecting weighing and measuring devices to ensure consumers that a gallon pumped is a gallon received. In the rare cases where consumers aren’t receiving full value, VDACS takes corrective action. But what do consumers do when the weights and measures infrastructure in their country has been dismantled by years of war?

“That’s the situation in Afghanistan right now,” says Todd Haymore, VDACS Commissioner. “I am so pleased that some of our employees were able to help train Afghan engineers who came to the United States to learn how to develop and maintain a system to regulate weighing and measuring devices.” The country recently established the Afghan National Standardization Authority (ANSA). Its goal is to develop the necessary infrastructure for weights and measures standards, metrology and related quality assurance programs in order to establish a strong foundation for industrial development and economic growth.

This summer an ANSA team is in the United States to learn how the U.S. establishes standards, provides certification and manages a regulatory system in the priority areas of food safety, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, weights and measures, and construction material standards and regulations. A two-man team, Mohammad Reza Khademi and Mujuibullah Qasem, was in Virginia the week of July 21 to learn about legal metrology, which concerns the regulation of weighing and measuring instruments used in commercial transactions.

While in Hanover County, the Afghan officials were able to observe, ask questions and take notes about gas pump inspections, motor fuel quality analysis and other aspects of weights and measures regulation. VDACS inspectors demonstrated how to check a pump for accuracy to ensure that a gallon pumped is a gallon received, how to seal off a malfunctioning pump, how to collect motor fuel samples for lab analysis and more. They also explained how test devices used in Virginia are calibrated to national and international standards. The ANSA team reported that the things they learned will help them establish weights and measures services to provide consumer protection and promote fair competition in Afghanistan.

“The role we’re playing is small,” concluded Commissioner Haymore, “but significant. It will help Afghanistan in its rebuilding efforts, and I am proud that our VDACS employees had this opportunity to meet face-to-face with their counterparts from another country.”

Governor's Chef challenges Virginians to Eat Local for a Day

Jason Babson, chef to Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine and the First Family, challenges all Virginians to Eat Local for a Day during Virginia Farmers Market Week, August 3 – 9. Babson is leading the charge for a challenge issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to pick a day during Farmers Market Week and on that day, eat only products from Virginia for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Part II of the challenge is to make a video of what you ate, where you bought it and how much you enjoyed it. Send it to EatLocalVa@vdacs.virginia.gov by September 2, 2008 for a chance to win a deluxe Virginia prize pack and to see your video featured on VDACS’ Web site and YouTube. Look for complete details at http://www.virginiagrown.com/, where you will also find locations to purchase or pick-your-own Virginia Grown fruits and vegetables, a produce availability chart, great recipes and much more. Find a listing of Virginia processed foods at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food&beverage/index.shtml.

Take your pick from the delicious array of Virginia Grown and locally made foods and beverages available at farmers markets, roadside stands and pick-your-own farms, as well as grocery and specialty stores. The list of possibilities includes Virginia fruits, vegetables, wine, candies, cheeses, condiments, pasta, poultry, seafood, snacks, honey, herbs, meats, jams, eggs, dairy products, baked goods and more.

“First Lady Anne Holton encourages me to buy locally every week,” said Babson, “so this challenge adds an interesting dimension to a well-established habit. I encourage all Virginians to eat local for a day and submit your video, but don’t stop there. Make delicious Virginia products a part of your meal-planning all year long.”