Contest Winner Shares Prize with Those in Need

Paul and Lois Shipman of Fort Collins, Colo. have won a year’s worth of groceries, and they plan on sharing their good fortune with others. Paul Shipman is the grand prize winner of an online contest sponsored by Safeway and the Colorado Proud program, which encourages consumers to buy locally grown and produced products. The Shipmans received 52 $100 gift cards to be used at Safeway stores.

“We are so excited to win this wonderful prize and share it with those in need,” said Paul Shipman. “In addition to giving gift cards to family and friends, we plan on giving several to organizations that help people in our community.”

Colorado Proud, created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 1999, promotes locally grown, raised or processed products to consumers statewide. Currently, the program has more than 1,200 members that include growers, processors, restaurants, retailers and associations.

“Colorado produces a wide variety of high quality food and agricultural products,” said John Stulp, Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Our goal is to encourage people to buy local, because it helps the state’s farmers, ranchers and processors as well as the state economy.”

According to a recent survey, 67 percent of consumers are very or somewhat familiar with the Colorado Proud logo. In addition, 84 percent indicate that they purchase at least some Colorado products.

“Safeway continues to support Colorado Proud and local producers,” said Kris Staaf, Director of Public Affairs for Safeway. “We feel it is important to promote home grown products to our customers.”

To find Colorado products, wineries and recipes, visit http://www.coloradoproud.org/.

Utah promotes Meat the Need

Meat the Need announced in Utah

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) has put forward a plan to take extra dairy, pork and poultry supplies off the market, stabilizing prices paid to producers while making more protein-rich foods available to food banks, school lunch programs and other food assistance programs.

See the announcement in Utah from Commissioner Leonard Blackham.

CDA Urges Pet Safety during Cold Weather

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The snow is falling in many parts of Colorado forcing residents to head indoors to stay warm; the Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds everyone to also protect their pets during cold weather.

“If animals have prolonged exposure to cold conditions, despite having fur, they are still susceptible to hypothermia,” said Dr. Kate Anderson, CDA’s Pet Animal Care Facilities program administrator.

Hypothermia is most likely to occur when an animal is wet. The signs of hypothermia are violent shivering followed by listlessness, apathy, a temperature below 97 degrees and, finally, collapse and coma. If you believe your pet is suffering from hypothermia, consult your veterinarian. Prevention is the best choice.

A few simple steps can help protect your animals during cold temperatures:

• Keep pets inside. If animals can’t be inside, provide a warm, comfortable place. Face shelter away from wind and provide a flap or door to help keep the animal’s body heat inside.
  
• Bedding is essential. It insulates the animal from the snow and ice underneath the body and allows the animal to retain heat within the bedding.
  
• Cats may sleep under the hoods of cars to stay warm. If you have outdoor felines in your neighborhood, check under the hood before starting your car.
  
• When walking your pet, keep them on leashes; they can’t rely on their sense of smell in the snow and may become lost.
  
• Wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach after being outdoors to remove any ice, salt or chemicals.
  
• Outdoor pets need more calories to produce body heat so extra food and water must be provided. Devices are now available to keep water dishes from freezing; if one is not available, fill and replace water frequently.
  

“A good common sense rule is if you need to bundle up from the cold, you also need to take steps to protect your pets,” added Dr. Anderson.

Two Cases Confirmed: Colorado Livestock Affected by Rabies

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture is encouraging livestock owners to discuss animal health concerns with their local veterinarian after two rabies cases have been confirmed in livestock.

In September, a horse in El Paso County was euthanized after lab tests confirmed it had rabies. Public health experts believe the horse was exposed to a skunk on its home property in Black Forest area. Colorado has not recorded a horse with rabies in at least 25 years.

An El Paso County cow has also been infected with the rabies disease. The cow, located south of Calhan, has been euthanized. While the specific type of rabies is still unknown, it is possible that the cow was exposed to a skunk.

“The Department would like to stress two very important points,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “One—livestock owners need to be aware that rabies is transferring from one species to another and monitor their own animals for symptoms; and two—local veterinarians are a valuable resource to help producers decide the best course of action to protect their herds from rabies.”

Rabies is a viral disease in mammals and infects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, causing brain swelling and damage, and ultimately, death. The clinical appearance of rabies typically falls into two category types: “aggressive” and “dumb.” Aggressive rabies symptoms include combativeness and violent behavior and a sensitivity to touch and other kinds of stimulation. There is also a “dumb” form of the disease in which the animal is lethargic, weak in one or more limbs, and unable to raise its head or make sounds because its throat and neck muscles are paralyzed.

“Animal owners need to primarily look for any dramatic behavioral changes. That is typically one of the hallmark signs that the animal may be suffering from rabies,” said Roehr.

Rabies is spread primarily through the bite of rabid animals, resulting in the spread of the disease through their infected saliva. Rabies also can be spread when saliva from an infected animal gets into open wounds, cuts or enters through membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. No cure exists for rabies once symptoms appear although there is a vaccine to prevent the infection. Livestock and pet owners are urged to discuss the vaccine with their local veterinarian.

El Paso County health officials have recorded eight confirmed cases of rabies in skunks in 2009. According to the El Paso County Health Department, prior to this summer, the last time a rabid skunk was reported in El Paso County was 1970.

In addition to ensuring that pets and livestock are vaccinated properly against rabies, the Health Department recommends these prevention steps:

• Don’t feed wild animals or allow your pets around them. Be sure to teach children to stay away from wild mammals.
• Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, such as skunks, bats, foxes or raccoons.
• If you suspect you’ve been exposed to rabies, contact your physician without delay.
• Discuss rabies vaccination of your livestock with your veterinarian. Vaccination should be considered for horses and other equines, breeding livestock, dairy cattle or other high-value livestock.
• If you observe a wild mammal acting strangely, especially a skunk, or if you find a dead skunk that isn’t on your property, stay away from it. Strange behavior for a skunk would include being out and about during daytime hours.
• If you must remove a dead skunk on your property, wear rubber gloves or lift the carcass with a shovel or other tool, and double-bag it for the trash.
  
  

Additional Resources:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:
General information:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/
Map of Colorado Skunk Rabies, 2007-2009:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/2007_2009_skunkrabies.pdf

KDA's Environmental Services Staff Helps Pesticide Industry Follow the Law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 17, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture can help pesticide applicators and dealers comply with state laws on licensing and certification, avoiding costly fines and giving consumers peace of mind.

“State laws and regulations spell out requirements for licensing, certification, application, record-keeping and all other aspects of the pesticide industry in Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “It’s just good business for applicators and dealers to follow the law. And consumers benefit as well. Our Division of Environmental Services is available to help applicators and dealers stay in compliance with the law.”

Patrick Gilbert, director of the KDA’s Division of Environmental Services, urged Kentucky pesticide applicators and dealers to follow label directions while applying pesticides or making pesticide recommendations; keep proper records; store pesticides properly; obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications, and follow all other state laws and regulations that pertain to pesticide applicators and dealers.

Gilbert said state law requires a person to pass a certification examination for each category in which he or she requests certification in order to be certified to make pesticide applications in that category or categories. A person cannot be licensed to sell or apply pesticides until he or she is certified. A person must attend at least 12 continuing education units in three years in a category to maintain certification.

A person must have a commercial pesticide operator’s license to engage in the business of applying pesticides on other peoples’ lands in Kentucky. A person must be certified and be registered as a dealer or employed by someone who is registered as a dealer in order to get a license. Dealers must register with the Department and must post a surety bond or carry liability insurance of at least $1 million.

To get a structural pest control license, a person must have two years of verified employment experience with a licensed structural pest control applicator, submit an application before the state Pest Control Advisory Board and pass a written exam.

For more information about state requirements and fees for pesticide applicators and dealers, go towww.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on Pesticide Regulation or call 1-800-205-6543.

KDA Will Make Donations to Kentucky 4-H and FFA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer will present commemorative checks for $47,500 each to Kentucky FFA and Kentucky 4-H during the Kentucky State Fair.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will give the same amount it has donated every year since Commissioner Farmer took office in 2004, even though it is struggling with budget cuts, he said.

“It’s important to maintain this investment in our future,” Commissioner Farmer said. “FFA and 4-H do an outstanding job of molding our young people into strong leaders and responsible citizens. This investment will pay our Commonwealth back many times over.”

This year’s donations will increase the Department’s support for the youth programs to a total of nearly $600,000 since 2004.

Kentucky FFA has 14,500 members in its 145 chapters statewide. A Kentucky FFA member, Nicholas Hardesty of Meade County, was named the American Star Farmer, the National FFA organization’s highest honor, in 2007. Two FFA members from the Spencer County chapter, Andrew Baird and Stephanie Mitchell, are nominees for Star Farmer awards this year.

Kentucky 4-H is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. It is open to youth from 9 to 19. Some 230,000 youths are involved in 4-H in Kentucky.

Colorado Schools Encouraged to Buy Local Products

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has proclaimed September 9, 2009, as Colorado Proud School Meal Day. This sixth annual event encourages schools to incorporate Colorado products into their meals to celebrate Colorado agriculture and to educate students about healthy eating.

“Nutritious foods are the cornerstone to a healthy diet and Colorado farmers and ranchers play a pivotal role in providing a fresh and wholesome food supply,” said John Stulp, Commissioner of Agriculture. “Schools can turn to Colorado producers to provide healthy ingredients at a reasonable price.”

Free educational materials regarding agriculture and nutrition are available online to help schools organize the event in their areas. Schools may also request a visit from a farmer or chef to enhance the experience.

Colorado Proud, created by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in 1999, promotes locally grown, raised or processed products to consumers statewide. Currently, the program has more than 1,100 members which include growers, processors, restaurants, retailers and associations.

Colorado Proud School Meal Day is organized by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Department of Education. For more information or to participate in Colorado Proud School Meal Day, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division at (303) 239-4119 or visit http://www.coloradoproud.org/.

Program rewards restaurants for serving Kentucky Proud foods.

The Restaurant Rewards program gives restaurants an incentive to buy and serve Kentucky Proud foods and makes customers aware of the local products on the menu... more.

Texas removed from Kentucky VS embargo area.

The Texas Animal Health Commission has reported the single quarantined premise in Starr County is released from quarantine and that the last ‘active investigation’ has been closed following receipt of negative tests allowing Texas to be declared free of Vesicular Stomatitis.

With the release of the quarantine and no active investigations, Texas no longer has areas embargoed by the Kentucky Board of Agriculture and is free to ship animals to Kentucky by meeting our normal and ordinary entry requirements found in 302KAR20:040 – Entry into Kentucky.

Currently: All Livestock (including equine), wild and exotic animals are currently prohibited from entry into Kentucky from the designated areas defined to include the NEW MEXICO’s DeBaca and Valencia counties. In addition to the entry requirements found in 302KAR20:040 - Entry into Kentucky, livestock (including horses), wild and exotic animals originating from the non-embargoed areas of New Mexico are required to meet additional vs testing and certifications before qualifying for entry into KY.

Take the challenge - buy local Kentucky Proud products

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

I had the honor of participating in a dinner at the Governor’s Mansion recently in which dozens of state officials, university presidents, business leaders and other influential people were challenged to spread the word that it’s important to buy and enjoy local Kentucky Proud foods.

Buying Kentucky Proud is a winner all the way around.

When you buy Kentucky Proud, you help a Kentucky farm family stay in business. You help your local and state economy. You create and maintain jobs. Kentucky Proud member retailers have generated $250 million in sales of Kentucky Proud products over the past three years. That makes Kentucky Proud one of the best economic development initiatives the state has ever had.

When you buy Kentucky Proud, you get food you can serve to your family with confidence. Hundreds of Kentucky Proud members have gone through the voluntary Good Agricultural Practices program, which educates growers on handling practices to keep their fruits and vegetables as clean and wholesome as possible from the field to the table. Producers may sell value-added products like jams and jellies at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and on the farm only under strict guidelines spelled out in state law and regulations.

When you buy Kentucky Proud, you get food you can’t get anywhere else. Fresh fruits and vegetables are at their peak of nutritional value. Many value-added Kentucky Proud products are made using unique recipes with a one-of-a-kind taste or treasured family recipes that have stood the test of time.

Take the challenge and enjoy local Kentucky Proud foods today and throughout the year.

CNN Interviews Texas Ag Commissioner on Texas Drought

CNN Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras interviewed Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples on the devastating drought currently gripping Texas. Watch the story here:

Commissioner Farmer Issues 'Eat Local' Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 27, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer challenges all Kentuckians to buy local Kentucky Proud foods and eat locally as often as possible.

“When you buy local, you’re buying fresh, wholesome food for your family,” Commissioner Farmer said. “You’re also helping Kentucky’s economy. If everybody in Kentucky planned just one meal a week featuring all Kentucky Proud products, we could add an enormous amount of money to our hard-working farm families’ bottom lines.”

Farmers’ markets offer a vast array of local fruits, vegetables and other products. Most fruits and vegetables grown in Kentucky are at their peak, and Commissioner Farmer said there’s no better time to shop at one of Kentucky’s 124 farmers’ markets than Farmers’ Market Week, which continues through Saturday, Aug. 1.

“Farmers’ markets give consumers the chance to buy tomatoes, sweet corn, watermelon, apples, peaches and many other fruits and vegetables at the height of freshness and nutritional value,” Commissioner Farmer said. “You also can look for sauces, cheeses, meats, crafts, cut flowers and other products. And you can meet the people who raised or made those products.”

About 2,000 Kentucky farmers’ market vendors rang up an estimated $8 million in sales in 2007, up from $5.4 million in 2003.

The Good Foods Market & Café in Lexington has joined Kentucky Proud and more than 50 food co-ops nationwide to challenge consumers to eat local this summer. Good Foods will host a kick-off event for the challenge on Aug. 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Customers can sign up for the challenge and enjoy samples by local producers, music and a grill out with local hot dogs and hamburgers.

Dozens of other retailers, restaurants, state parks and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets throughout Kentucky offer Kentucky Proud products.

Kentucky Proud is the Commonwealth’s official farm marketing program. Kentucky Proud has generated $250 million in retail sales of Kentucky farm products through member retailers in the past three years, including $100 million in 2008.

Kentucky National Guard unit embarks on a noble mission

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

I had the distinct honor of helping see off the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team earlier this month as it prepared to deploy to Afghanistan. This team, a special unit of the Kentucky National Guard, will help the Afghan people recapture agricultural knowledge lost after generations of war.

More that 70 percent of Afghanistan’s people count on agriculture as their main source of income. If we can help them develop a stronger food-based agriculture economy, that will go a long way toward stabilizing the region and reducing the threat of terrorism around the world.

This country’s Founding Fathers understood that agriculture is absolutely critical to any nation’s well-being. America’s ability to feed itself is the main source of our strength.

That’s especially the case in Kentucky. Even after the tobacco quota buyout, Kentucky still has more than 80,000 farms. That’s how many families depend on agriculture for at least part of their livelihood. Those people use their farm income to pay the bills, put their children through school, and purchase many other necessities, usually in our rural communities.

We can’t take our agriculture industry for granted. With farm cash receipts of more than $4 billion each of the last three years, agriculture simply is too important to Kentucky’s economy. We’ve been able to manage much of the dramatic change that has occurred over the past decade by speaking to Kentucky’s leaders with one voice. We must continue to work together toward the goal of strengthening Kentucky agriculture for decades to come.

I salute the men and women of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Unit as they embark on their noble mission. And I applaud Kentucky’s hard-working farm families. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is at your service.

CDA Biochemistry Lab Achieves International Accreditation

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Inspection and Consumer Services Division has been notified that the Division’s Biochemistry Laboratory has achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in Biological and Chemical Testing from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). Accreditation is a formal recognition of competence that a laboratory can perform specific tests or calibrations.

CDA’s Biochemistry Laboratory provides testing on a variety of matrices including fresh produce, food products, animal feeds, fertilizers, soil, vegetation, and water. The laboratory also includes a microbiology section which employs microbiological techniques to analyze human and animal foods for harmful bacteria and examines animal feeds for the presence of antibiotics and prohibited materials.

“We are very excited to become ISO 17025 accredited by A2LA,” said Keith Wegner, Laboratory Services Section Chief. “Our laboratory staff worked extremely hard over several years to earn this accreditation. The breadth of the accreditation scopes shows the complexity and importance of the work that we do here.”

Accreditation by A2LA demonstrates that the Biochemistry Laboratory has achieved an international standard of recognition for testing integrity and reliability. Biological testing includes food products, feed, food additives, method validation studies, method development, and related research for food-borne pathogens, contaminants and adulterants. Chemical testing includes ground and surface waters, and food commodities. The complete scope of accreditation issued by A2LA can be found by visiting www.colorado.gov/ag/ics and clicking on “Biochemistry Laboratory.”

“We will also be adding fertilizer testing, pesticides, and additional animal feed tests to our accreditation scope as we move forward,” explained Wegner.

Julie Zimmerman, ICS Division Director, was quite pleased with the achievement and noted, “The Department is committed to ensuring that we deliver accurate and reliable analytical testing to support our programs. It is vital that our laboratories continue to develop and perform the latest scientific methods and technologies and accreditation helps us demonstrate our capabilities.”

For more information on CDA’s consumer protection services within the Inspection and Consumer Services Division, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/ics.

Commissioner Farmer honors Nat. Guard unit headed for Afghanistan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer joined Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and other dignitaries Monday in seeing a Kentucky National Guard unit off to a special mission in Afghanistan.

The Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team was honored in a departure ceremony at Kentucky State University. The nation’s first joint agribusiness development team, it will train in Camp Atterbury, Ind., before deploying to Afghanistan in August.

“It certainly is an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of greatness,” Commissioner Farmer said to the departing soldiers and airmen.

Commissioner Farmer said the Founding Fathers of the United States understood that a strong agricultural industry is necessary to survive and build a strong economy. “You have been chosen to go and rebuild an agricultural economy in a place … that has known quite a bit of war,” he said.

Commissioner Farmer also honored the families of the departing service men and women. “I know the sacrifices that all of you in the audience, and family members who are not able to be here today, are making,” he said.

Gen. Tonini pointed out that agriculture is the main source of income for 70 percent of the Afghan population. “By helping re-establish and invigorate the Afghan farming tradition and rebuilding the agricultural infrastructure, these troops will bring stability to an otherwise war-torn nation,” he said. “I believe success in this mission can and will make the world a better place for everyone.”

KDA expands VS embargo area.

The Kentucky State Veterinarians Office has received information confirming the diagnosis of vesicular stomatitis affecting a single horse in De Baca County New Mexico. With this information, KDA has redefined the VS Embargoed areas...more. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Kentucky quarantines 20 counties to contain emerald ash borer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

LEXINGTON, Ky. — State officials have issued a quarantine for 20 Kentucky counties regulating the transportation outside those counties of articles that could harbor the emerald ash borer.

“It’s important that we act quickly and aggressively to contain the spread of this pest inKentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky is the nation’s third-largest producer of hardwood lumber. This industry is responsible for thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars of economic activity in Kentucky. I will do whatever I can within the law to safeguard Kentucky’s wood industry.”

State Entomologist John Obrycki issued the quarantine on Monday with the advice and consent of Commissioner Farmer and M. Scott Smith, dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, as required by state law.

The quarantine prohibits “regulated articles” from being moved outside a quarantined area without a certificate or limited permit except under certain conditions. A regulated article may be moved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for experimental or scientific purposes; may be moved in an enclosed vehicle or completely covered to prevent access by the emerald ash borer (through Sept. 30); may be moved directly through the quarantined area without stopping except for traffic conditions and refueling; may be moved if it is stored, packed or handled at locations that do not pose a risk of infestation; and may be moved if it has not been combined or commingled with other articles.

“Regulated articles” are defined as the emerald ash borer, hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock, green ash lumber, other ash material, and any other materials that present a threat of artificial spread of the emerald ash borer.

The counties under quarantine are Boone, Bourbon, Campbell, Carroll, Fayette, Franklin,Gallatin, Grant, Harrison, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Scott, Shelby, Trimble and Woodford. The quarantined area includes the seven counties where the emerald ash borer has been identified – Campbell, Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton and Shelby – plus counties close to an infestation site and counties with a high density of ash trees.

Persons may obtain a certificate to move regulated articles to any destination in Kentucky when, in the judgment of an inspector, the articles have not been exposed to the emerald ash borer, appear to be free of the emerald ash borer, have been treated to destroy the emerald ash borer, or have been grown, produced, manufactured, stored or handled in such a manner that their movement does not present a risk of spreading the emerald ash borer. Persons may obtain limited permits to move regulated articles to specific destinations in Kentucky if the regulated articles are apparently free of emerald ash borer; have been grown, produced, manufactured, stored or handled in a manner that prevents the articles from presenting a risk of spreading the emerald ash borer; or are to be moved under conditions that will not result in the spread of the emerald ash borer because the insect will be destroyed by the articles’ handling, utilization, processing or treatment.

Persons who intend to move any regulated articles shall apply for inspection at least 48 hours before the services are needed. An inspector may stop and inspect, destroy, seize, stop sale or treat any regulated articles or may order them returned to the point of origin at the owner’s expense.

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle native to the Far East. It was first discovered in North America in June 2002 in southeast Michigan. EAB has been identified in 12 states and two Canadian provinces. It can kill an ash tree within two to three years of infestation.

Ash trees are widely used in urban landscapes and are ecologically valuable for their ability to fill gaps and provide shade for the forest floor. Ash wood is used in a wide variety of applications, including baseball bats.

To report a possible infestation, call the EAB Hotline, 1-866-322-4512, or the Kentucky state entomologist’s office at (859) 257-5838. For the latest on emerald ash borer in Kentucky, go tohttp://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/welcome.html. For more information about the emerald ash borer, go to www.emeraldashborer.info.

Kentucky State Vet imposes restrictions on livestock from Nebraska, Texas.

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has imposed restrictions on certain livestock entering Kentucky from Nebraska and Texas as a result of outbreaks of tuberculosis in cattle in those states.
Kentucky also has prohibited entry of livestock from one south Texas county because a horse there has been diagnosed with vesicular stomatitis.

“The very best way to manage these diseases is to keep them from getting into Kentucky’s livestock in the first place,” Dr. Stout said. “Kentucky’s livestock industry generates about $3 billion a year in cash receipts to farmers every year. We will do everything we can under the law to protect this vital sector of Kentucky agriculture.”
The new rules on livestock from Nebraska and Texas require a negative tuberculosis test within 60 days of entry into Kentucky or movement from an accredited herd for cattle 18 months old or older and goats and camelids six months old or older.

Nebraska officials have confirmed tuberculosis in two cattle in the north-central part of the state. The state has quarantined 32 herds with about 15,000 adult cattle. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, has confirmed a diagnosis of tuberculosis in a dairy cattle herd in west Texas.

The Texas Animal Health Commission announced on Friday that vesicular stomatitis in 2009 was found in a horse in Starr County in far south Texas. Kentucky state regulations prohibit the entry of all livestock, wild and exotic animals into the Commonwealth from the VS-infected county. Regulations require livestock, wild and exotic animals from the rest of Texas to be tested and found negative for VS within 10 days of entering Kentucky, have an entry permit from the state veterinarian’s office, and have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection showing that the animals have been examined within five days of entering Kentucky.

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that occurs sporadically in the U.S., usually in southwestern states. It can affect horses, cattle and swine, and occasionally sheep, goats and deer. It causes blisters to form in the animal’s mouth, on teats or along the hooves, resulting in excessive salivation, lameness or oozing sores.

The last outbreak of VS in the United States was in Wyoming in 2006. The disease spread through several western states in 2005.

For more information or for updates, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site, www.kyagr.com, and click on Animal Health or call the Office of the State Veterinarian at (502) 564-3956.

—30—

Visit KDA's Office of the State Veterinarian here.

Find out more about tuberculosis in cattle here.

Find out more about vesicular stomatitis here.

Colorado's Annual Farmers' Market Directory Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Summer is near and farmers’ markets across Colorado are starting to pitch tents and sell local products. To help consumers find farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, wineries and agritourism activities, the Colorado Department of Agriculture annually publishes the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory. The publication is celebrating its 25th year of connecting Colorado producers with consumers.

“We are so excited about the 25th Anniversary edition of the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “This year’s directory is the biggest ever, listing more than 240 farms, ranches, roadside stands, u-picks and agritourism operations as well as 110 farmers markets across the state.”

In addition to listing farms, ranches and farmers’ markets, the free directory features information on county fairs, food and agricultural festivals, recipes and tips for picking Colorado produce. Farm Fresh also includes farms that offer tours, wineries, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, farm and ranch vacations, and a crop calendar.

The 2009 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory is available for free at participating libraries, chambers of commerce, welcome centers, visitor centers, CSU Extension offices and other businesses. The directory is also accessible online at www.coloradoagriculture.com/farmfresh.

The directory is sponsored by the Colorado Apple Administrative Committee, Colorado Farmers' Market Association, Colorado Fresh Markets, Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, Delta County Tourism, Metro Denver Farmers' Market, Mile High Marketplace, Miller Farms, Rock Creek Farm and Royal Crest Dairy.

“The ‘buy local’ trend continues in Colorado and farmers’ markets are reaping the benefits,” said White. “According to a recent survey of Colorado farmers’ market managers, over 95 percent have a ‘very positive’ or ‘somewhat positive’ outlook for Colorado farmers’ markets and 84 percent of markets saw an increase in sales during the 2008 season.”

For more information or to find a location to pick up a free copy of the 2009 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division at (303) 239-4119 or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com/farmfresh.

Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues probe into June 1 accident at Louisville Zoo.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 8, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137 

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has asked the Louisville Zoo to move the train that overturned on June 1 into storage under Department supervision within the next two weeks.

 

Department officials also are continuing to take statements from witnesses to the train accident. The investigation will continue over the next several weeks.

 

“We have learned all that we are going to learn about the accident at the scene,” said Chad Halsey, chief amusement ride inspector in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Regulation and Inspection. “The next step is to get the machine into a controlled environment where we can more thoroughly analyze the components. We will look at the electronics, the mechanicals, the hydraulics – every aspect of the machine. And we will go wherever the evidence leads to determine exactly what happened and why.”

 

The Department will issue a final report once its investigation is complete. The ride remains under a stop operation order issued by the Department following the accident.

 

Riders, witnesses and others who may have information pertinent to the Department’s investigation may contact the Department at (502) 573-0282 and ask for the amusement ride inspection program.

 

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is required by state law to inspect all amusement rides that operate within the Commonwealth once a year before the ride is opened for the season. Inspectors also respond to public complaints and are authorized to perform random inspections. If an inspector finds an issue with a ride that would prevent it from operating safely, that issue must be addressed before the ride passes inspection. If an inspector finds an issue with a ride that does not affect the ride’s safe operation, the ride may pass inspection and that issue may be addressed at a later time.

 

The train in the June 1 accident was inspected on Jan. 22 and was found to be operating normally. The inspector noted items to be corrected that did not affect the safe operation of the ride.

 

The Department will have no further statement on the accident till further notice as the investigation is ongoing.

CDA Names New Assistant State Veterinarian

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp, has named Dr. Nick Striegel, of Fort Collins, assistant Colorado state veterinarian.

“We are very pleased to bring Dr. Striegel on as part of our veterinary team and believe that he will be a valuable asset to the livestock industries of Colorado,” said Colorado State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr. “His career experience and skills will be a significant benefit to the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Industry.”

Striegel, 54, is currently a veterinarian with the Colorado State University Extension in Boulder County. He also has extensive experience in livestock and small animal practices and is pursuing a Masters of Public Health from The University of Iowa.

“There are many challenges ahead for animal agriculture, the degree that I am pursuing is helping me be better prepared to work in the common arena where animal health and human health overlap,” said Striegel. “It is also enhancing my knowledge and skills in the area of animal emergency management, zoonotic diseases, foreign animal diseases, and epidemiology.”

The principal responsibility of the assistant state veterinarian is to provide support to the state veterinarian in controlling and preventing animal diseases and promoting a profitable agricultural economy. As assistant state veterinarian, Striegel will also oversee emergency animal health and veterinary response teams, participate in rulemaking processes, and provide assistance with animal care and welfare programs.

"I am excited about being able to be involved in the work of the Colorado Department of Agriculture,” continued Striegel. “I look forward to working with livestock producers in the state and in the important task of protecting the health of animals.”

Striegel’s projected start date is June 15th. For more on CDA’s Division of Animal Industry, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/animals.

Trapping program tracks movement of Emeral Ash Borer

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture and Fairfax County, is about to embark on a statewide survey to determine the extent of areas infested with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB larvae kill ash trees by feeding on the inner bark and disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. It was introduced accidentally into the United States, most likely in wood packing materials coming from Asia, and was first detected in Michigan in 2002. The first EAB detection in Virginia occurred in Fairfax County in 2003, at an elementary school where infected ash trees sent from a nursery in Michigan had been planted. To prevent the spread of EAB, all ash trees within a half mile radius of the school were cut and chipped.

Over the next few years, ongoing surveys for EAB were negative, which suggested that the infestation had been contained and effectively eradicated. Unfortunately, EAB was detected again at multiple sites in Fairfax County in 2008, which resulted in the issuance of a quarantine for ten northern Virginia counties and independent cities, including the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park. The quarantine restricts the movement of regulated articles from quarantined localities to non-quarantined localities. The regulated articles, which include ash trees, green (non-heat treated) ash lumber and ash wood products, as well as hardwood firewood, pose a significant risk of transporting EAB.

VDACS Commissioner Todd P. Haymore explained the reasons for the upcoming survey, which will start in mid-April and run through the end of August. “EAB has already killed millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio and we are aware of several infestations in Northern Virginia. The damage caused by this invasive insect can mean the loss of millions of dollars for homeowners, landowners, nursery, and forest products industries. It is extremely important to track the progression of EAB in order to alert localities to its possible spread which will help in making management decisions. If we can determine its spread, it will help unaffected localities develop options for the management of this destructive pest.”

As part of the upcoming EAB survey efforts, VDACS personnel will install 3,500 traps throughout the state. Most of the traps will be placed in the quarantine area, but a limited number of traps will also be placed at select points in every county in Virginia. The traps are easy to spot. They are purple in color, triangular in shape, and measure 14" wide by 24" long. The traps are baited with natural plant oil and covered with a non-toxic glue to catch the insects. The traps are especially useful for revealing new infestations that would otherwise remain undetected. VDACS staff will check the traps periodically to ensure proper placement, replace the lure, collect specimens, and remove the traps at the end of the survey.

Find additional information about the EAB at www.emeraldashborer.info. For additional information about EAB and other forest pest activities in Fairfax County, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/trees.htm.

Ag license plate funds farm transition workshops

The Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced the initial allocation of money generated by the sale of Virginia Agriculture license plates. For every “Farming Since 1614” plate sold, $15 of the annual fee goes to support efforts by OFP to preserve Virginia agriculture for the future. Since the introduction of the plate in 2004, sales have generated more than $62,000.

OFP used $15,300 of the license plate funds to support a wide range of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) workshops and programs designed to help Virginia farm families and their service providers develop and implement plans to transition farms and farming operations to the next generation. An additional $5,190 was awarded to VCE for three seminars and workshops that focus on building communication among family members as well as increasing the ability of service providers such as attorneys, financial planners and Extension agents to assist families with transition issues.

According to Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner, “The average age of Virginia farmers is 57+ years. So we expect that in the next ten years, a large number of farms will transfer to the next generation. However, a farm transfer involves much more than estate planning. It represents the key to the survival of the Virginia agricultural industry and the families who depend on it for their livelihood. I endorse the use of funds generated by the sale of Virginia Agriculture license plates to help farm families develop and implement transition plans that will keep Virginia farms in agricultural production and help maintain agriculture as Virginia’s largest industry.”

Programs funded by the license plate sales include these:
• Introductory one-day workshops to increase the awareness of the entire farm family to the need to plan for the future of their farm business;
• Detailed hands-on workshops to instruct primary farm business managers and families in all aspects of transferring the farm business to the next generation;
• One-day in-service training for VCE agents to increase their knowledge and skills to better educate farm families about the need to plan for the farm business transition;
• One-day workshop to provide continuing legal education and continuing professional education credits for lawyers and Certified Public Accountants on how the legal and accounting professions can serve the needs of multi-generational farm businesses.

Find additional information about farmland preservation on the VDACS Web site at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/preservation/index.shtml.

Kentucky's Incredible Food Show!

OCTOBER 3 – 4, 2009

at

The Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena 

Featuring 2 Shows with Food Network Chef Bobby Flay! 

      LEXINGTON, KY (May 28, 2009) -- The Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show is the event of the year for everyone who loves food, cooking and entertaining. 

      Coming to the Lexington Center and Rupp Arena October 3 - 4, this two-day, food lover’s dream is packed with more than 120 exhibitors including Kentucky Proud producers and growers, specialty food companies, cooking-related equipment and wineries.  In addition, cooking demonstrations and seminars by regional and local chefs will be presented by Sullivan University culinary school.

      The Incredible Food Show is highlighted by two presentations featuring Chef Bobby Flay, author and show host of Food Network’s Throwdown, Boy Meets Grill & Iron Chef. Catch one or both at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. 

      “I am thrilled that Chef Bobby Flay is coming back to Kentucky for The Incredible Food Show,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “We will have one of the world’s most famous chefs and fresh, healthy, delicious Kentucky Proud foods all under one roof. This will be the biggest event of the year for Kentucky food lovers.”

   

 

        Tickets go on sale Friday, July 10 at the Lexington Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster Outlets.  Tickets are priced as follows:

Adult One Day Pass - $12
Children ages 4-12 One Day Pass - $5  
Children 4 and under – Free!

 

            General admission includes cooking demonstrations, food and entertainment-related presentations and product sampling on the exhibit floor. Additional tickets are required for Bobby Flay presentations.  The Bobby Flay Celebrity Kitchen Theatre tickets, which also includes admission to the food show exhibit halls, range from $35 - $75*. 

 

*$75 Ticket includes autographed copy of Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill.   

Kentucky chefs vie for seafood supremacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

 

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky chefs will vie for state seafood supremacy at the fourth annual Great Kentucky Seafood Cook Off on June 8 at the Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville.

 

Chefs are required to submit two of their best recipes using Kentucky farm-raised seafood ingredients. One pound of product will be supplied to each chef for his or her chosen recipe for the competition. The competitors will prepare their seafood dishes for an independent panel of culinary judges. Entries should be consumer-friendly and easy for the at-home chef to prepare. Dishes will be judged on taste, execution of skills and presentation, and ease of preparation.

 

The winner will represent Kentucky in the Great American Seafood Cook Off in New Orleans in July. The national competition will be covered by The Food Network and judged by National Marine Fisheries and Coastal Living and Southern Living magazines.

 

The 2009 Great Kentucky Seafood Cook Off is sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Aquaculture Association, Kentucky State University and Jefferson Community and Technical College.

 

Deadline to register to compete in the cook off is June 1. For more information, contact Angela Caporelli at (502) 564-4983 or angela.caporelli@ky.gov.

Composting may be one alternative to the problem of dead animal disposal.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

I’ve made no secret of my disappointment over the tunnel vision shown by out-of-touch Washington bureaucrats in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in their recent decision to impose an enhanced animal feed ban rule.

 

The new rule prohibits the use of certain cattle-derived materials from being used in any animal feed. It will put many of Kentucky’s small family farmers, renderers, haulers and associated businesses out of business and will have unintended consequences to public health and the environment.

 

This isn’t over; I’m going to continue to work with Kentucky’s congressional delegation to find a solution that will serve Kentucky’s livestock industry while also protecting consumers and the environment.

 

But in the meantime, I believe that on-farm composting of animal carcasses could be an alternative to rendering. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service explains the procedure in detail in a publication titled “On-Farm Composting of Animal Mortalities” (ID-166).

 

Animal mortalities are a part of animal production. Mature swine, beef, and dairy animals die at an average rate of 2 to 5 percent per year. The highest mortality rate, 10 to 12 percent, is with younger animals from birth to weaning.

 

Composting can provide animal producers with a convenient on-farm method for carcass disposal while providing a valuable soil fertilizer. Finished material can also be reused to top-dress future carcasses, speeding up the decomposition process by providing beneficial bacteria that prevents the release of odors, which attract flies, vermin and buzzards.

 

Composting is a natural decomposing process conducted by microorganisms that can be controlled under managed conditions. Composting reduces the size of the material by removing organic products, water, and energy in the form of carbon dioxide, vapor and heat. Pathogens that cause approximately 80 percent of animal mortalities are destroyed by high temperatures during the composting process.

 

Kentucky law (KRS 257.160(1)(f)) allows disposal of animal carcasses by composting if the disposal is performed in an approved facility and according to the Kentucky State Board of Agriculture’s administrative regulations.

 

Obtaining permits and constructing the composting facility are essential steps to beginning the process. A $25 permit from State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Stout is required, and all animal composting facilities are subject to inspection by the state veterinarian’s office.

 

The composting area should not be built in a floodplain or within 300 feet of a water well, stream, sinkhole, pond, property line or public road. The compost area may be covered with a roof to control moisture runoff, and a water supply should be nearby to add water to the compost pile as needed.

 

Other than animal carcasses, an ingredient necessary for composting is a bulking agent. Some sort of ground-up wood product – such as sawdust, wood shavings and wood mulch – works best because it is high in carbon and can wick up moisture. Chipped wood can be acquired at little or no cost through tree removal companies. Horse muck and corn stover can also be used.

 

A couple of tools are necessary to manage composting facilities. A front-end loader may be needed to place carcasses in the compost pile, move the composting material, turn or flip the pile contents and section the carcasses. A long-stemmed compost thermometer is also useful to monitor the decomposition process.

 

You can read the UK Extension report through a link on the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web site. Go to www.kyagr.com, click on the “Programs” icon at the top of the page, select “State Veterinarian” from the list and under “Animal Carcass Disposal,” click on the last item, “On Farm Composting.”

Commissioner Farmer says test your forages.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer advises forage and livestock producers to test their forages. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture provides a forage testing service for a small fee.

 

“Testing provides livestock producers with valuable nutritional information,” Commissioner Farmer said. “By knowing the nutritional value of their forages, producers can minimize the cost of their feed while maximizing the production of their livestock.”

 

The Department tests samples for $10 per lot (same field, same cutting). Producers receive a laboratory analysis of their forage’s nutritional value and an “Interpreting Forage Quality Report” from the KDA. The analysis helps forage producers determine a fair market value for their product and helps livestock producers formulate the most nutritious and economical feed ration for their animals.

 

For producers who wish to sell their forages, a KDA inspector will make a visual evaluation and list the product in the Department’s online Hay Sales Directory. Each listing describes a lot’s type, cutting date and number, bale size and weight, color, odor, relative feed value (RFV) and other characteristics. Listings may be sorted by any combination of county, RFV, bale size and type of hay.

 

Producers and brokers looking to buy or sell hay also may contact the KDA’s toll-free Hay Hotline at (888) 567-9589. The Department makes no guarantees or claims to the quality, price or nutritional value of hay and forages submitted through the hotline.

 

The KDA has a forage testing van used for testing and educational purposes. The van may be booked for hay contests, meetings, fairs and other events by calling toll free 1-800-248-4628.

 

For more information on the KDA’s Forage Testing Program, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs, and click on Forage Testing, Hay for Sale (Tested) or Hay Hotline, or contact Kim Field at Kimberly.field@ky.gov or 1-800-248-4628.

Recent outbreaks show the need for animal disease surveillance.

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Over the past five months, we certainly have seen how important it is to have a diligent, well-funded animal disease surveillance system staffed by experts in their fields.

 

Last December, routine surveillance turned up a case of contagious equine metritis in a central Kentucky quarter horse stallion. An investigation turned up 18 stallions in six states (including four in Kentucky) and five mares in three states that tested positive for CEM. Approximately 750 horses in 47 states were exposed to the organism that causes the disease. Thanks to quick and aggressive action by our state veterinarian’s office, our partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and private practitioners, Kentucky is well on its way to regaining CEM-free status with minimal disruption of the 2009 quarter horse breeding season.

 

That action did not come without a cost. At the recent annual conference of the Southern Animal Health Association in Lexington, our state veterinarian’s office reported that testing and treatment of horses in Kentucky infected or exposed to CEM has cost the state Department of Agriculture in excess of $160,000 so far.

But the cost of inaction would have been far greater. A CEM outbreak in Kentucky in 1978 cost the Thoroughbred industry an estimated $1 million a day.

 

Now a new hybrid flu strain is spreading in the United States and around the world. While this strain has not been identified in Kentucky (at this writing) and has not been found in swine or any other animal, State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has increased surveillance at Kentucky livestock markets and has alerted the state’s livestock disease diagnostic laboratories in Lexington and Hopkinsville to test all swine samples for this strain.

 

Understandably, people have reacted to this outbreak with great concern. Unfortunately, sales of pork products have fallen sharply as a result of the outbreak, even though experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA repeatedly have stated that people cannot catch this strain by eating properly handled and cooked pork products. Once again, the value of careful surveillance and a source of timely, accurate information is evident.

 

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a consumer protection and service agency that touches every Kentuckian every day. Make sure your legislators know you value the Department’s services.