COSDA

Colorado Department of Agriculture on Facebook

2011-05-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Department of Agriculture strives to provide timely, accurate information. We have now joined Facebook to help share those messages.

"LIKE" our Facebook page to receive current information at www.Facebook.com/coloradoag.

COSDA 2010 Conference Video: "Communication"

2010-12-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Check out the most recent COSDA video, 'Communication,' developed in partnership with the Texas Department of Agriculture and AMS Pictures. It features insight from communication experts Peter Shankman, Karen Hughes and AMS' Natalie Glover.

COSDA 2010 Conference Video: "Welcome to Texas"

2010-11-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

The 2010 COSDA Conference was a great success! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend. For those of you who could not make it, AMS Pictures provided this video of the event. “Welcome to Texas” provides a high-level overview of the entire event, including key conference speakers and tours. If you know of colleagues who weren’t able to attend this year’s conference be sure to forward this video along to them.

You need to install or upgrade Flash Player to view this content, install or upgrade by clicking here.

New Marketing Director for Colorado Department of Agriculture

2010-11-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Tim Burleigh of Denver, Colorado has been named Markets Division Director for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Burleigh began his new position earlier this week.

“I am pleased Tim has accepted this position. The Markets Division plays a vital role in Colorado’s agriculture and his experience and leadership can help companies expand their current operations on a local, regional, national, and international level,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Stulp.

Burleigh has a wealth of experience in agricultural marketing:

Most recently, Burleigh was the Regional Director for the US Soybean Export Council in the Middle East. His duties include overseeing the management and implementation of programs designed to promote the awareness, utilization, and preference for US soybeans.

Burleigh has also provided agribusiness consulting services. While in this position, he worked cooperatively with CDA’s Markets Division on a project to launch the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to Colorado’s specialty crop producers.

Burleigh has also served as the Denver branch manager and broker for Conticommodity Services, developed market opportunities for the US Wheat Associates, and has worked collaboratively with US farmers throughout the years.

“There are tremendous opportunities for Colorado to market our agricultural products; I hope my experience and knowledge will help expand those already developed and help our industry to foster new opportunities statewide, nationwide, and in the global marketplace,” said Burleigh.

Burleigh replaces Tom Lipetzky, now the Department Chief Financial and Operations Officer.

The main purpose of the Markets Division is to promote the sale of Colorado products. The Division offers assistance in promotion, research, exporting, business start-up and expansion. The Markets Division also publishes numerous directories and resource materials to help market Colorado products effectively.

The Colorado Proud program is a primary domestic marketing tool promoted through CDA’s Markets Division. Colorado Proud helps consumers, restaurants and retailers identify and purchase Colorado food and agricultural products that are grown, raised or processed in the state.

The Fruit and Vegetable Section provides a quality inspection service to the produce industry of Colorado. The inspection service ensures the shipment of high quality fruits and vegetables and enhances Colorado's reputation as a supplier of superior produce.

Whether companies are looking for domestic or international assistance or need to have produce inspected, the Markets Division is available to help. For more information, visit www.coloradoagriculture.com.

Texas Department of Agriculture's Wine Passport Program Wins Award

2010-10-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Texas Department of Agriculture's Texas Winery Passport Program won the 2010 North American Agriculture Marketing Officials (NAAMO) Agricultural Marketing Excellence award!

The winery passport program works in new and innovative ways to offer incentives to visitors experiencing Texas wine country. Through the program, more than 1 million travelers visit Texas vineyards and wineries, while meeting the winemakers who take pride in their craft. Thanks to those winemakers, Texas is the fifth-leading wine-producing state in the nation.

When travelers redeem their passports, not only does TDA send them a reward or connect them with a reward-donating winery that offers tastings, dinners or overnight stays, the agency also receives valuable feedback about consumer interests that serves as essential market research.

NAAMO awarded TDA and Texas this honor above all other U.S. states and Canadian provinces. To learn more about the Texas Winery Passport Program, visit www.gotexanwine.org.

Congratulations again to TDA's Marketing and Promotion Division for superior strategy and excellent execution!

Commissioner Farmer supports federal bills protecting producers from costly regulation

2010-10-05T10:10:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer supports federal legislation that would prevent the government from requiring farmers to get additional permits under the Clean Water Act for using pesticides that are applied consistent with federal pesticide law.

Bills filed in the U.S. House and Senate would clarify that producers who apply pesticides in compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) are not subject to Clean Water Act permits. The measures stem from a federal appeals court decision that overturned an Environmental Protection Agency rule that exempted permitting of certain pesticide applications from the Clean Water Act. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma), and Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-Arkansas) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia) have filed similar legislation to address the situation.

“The court ruling reversed decades of sound federal policy on pesticide use,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This legislation would prohibit the government from placing a costly and unnecessary burden on our producers that would result in little or no benefit to the environment.”

FIFRA was enacted by Congress to control all aspects of pesticide registration, sales and use. The EPA has never issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit under the Clean Water Act for the application of a pesticide, and in 2006 the agency specifically exempted permitting of certain pesticide applications from the Clean Water Act. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2009 that the EPA did not have the authority to exempt pesticides from the Clean Water Act.

Agricultural Finance Loans Approved

2010-10-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Sandra Gardner
(502) 564-4627 x. 223
(502) 330-2105

agpolicy.ky.gov

Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation Approves More Than $315,000 in Loans

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 1, 2010) -The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation (KAFC), chaired by Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, today approved $315,938 in agricultural loans for projects in the Commonwealth during their regular monthly business meeting.

KAFC participates with lenders to provide financing to producers making capital expenditures for agricultural projects through the Agricultural Infrastructure Loan Program. Eligible projects include permanent farm structures with attached equipment that improves the profitability of farming operations. An Agricultural Infrastructure loan was approved for a total of $100,000 in Metcalfe County.

The Beginning Farmer Loan Program is designed to assist individuals with some farming experience who desire to develop, expand or buy into a farming operation. Beginning farmers may qualify for financing to purchase livestock, equipment or agriculture facilities; to secure permanent working capital; and to make a down payment on real estate or invest in a partnership or LLC. Beginning Farmer loans totaled $215,938 and included one recipient from Daviess County.

For more information on the programs offered by the KAFC, contact Bill McCloskey, director of financial services, at (502) 564-4627 or visit the KAFC Webpage at kafc.ky.gov.

In defense of America's food supply.

2010-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Here in America, we are blessed with the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. It has always been this way for most of us, so it’s easy for us to take for granted that it will always be this way.
But the fact is that any number of conditions could affect the availability and affordability of food in Kentucky and America, for better and for worse. For one thing, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled scientific reviews for atrazine and for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter – here in Kentucky, we call it “dust” – that could make it more difficult and more expensive for Kentucky farmers to make a living.
That’s why I felt it was necessary to stand up for Kentucky family farmers and question the necessity of these reviews in letters to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
Atrazine is a critical tool in weed control for Kentucky farmers, and thousands of scientific studies have show it to have little, if any, risk to the environment and to public health. Further, there is no scientific basis for more stringent dust standards that would be the toughest in our nation’s history.
We all want to protect the environment. But if Washington tightens restrictions on atrazine and dust, it will do very little good for our air and water while raising costs for Kentucky farmers. Those costs inevitably will find their way to consumers, many of whom are strapped for cash as it is.

Mac Stone named to national organic board

2010-10-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 1, 2010
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Mac Stone of Georgetown, executive director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s marketing office, is one of five people appointed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to the National Organic Standards Board.

“Mac is a national leader in organic and sustainable agriculture,” Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “He uses organic production principles on his own farm. Mac’s knowledge and passion for organic farming will make him an outstanding addition to the National Organic Standards Board.”

Stone was named executive director of the Department’s Office of Agriculture Marketing and Product Promotion in March 2008. He joined the Department in October 2004 as director of the Division of Value-Added Plant Production. Before that, he served as manager of the Research and Demonstration Farm at Kentucky State University for 19 years. He also worked at the Spendthrift Farm thoroughbred operation and as a beef research specialist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Stone and his wife, Ann Bell Stone, own and manage Elmwood Stock Farm, a certified organic farm near Georgetown, where they produce vegetables, tobacco, Angus cattle for seed stock, organic beef, lamb and organic-raised pastured poultry. Stone has been active in Partners for Family Farms, the Organic Farming Research Foundation and the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association.

Stone hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky.

Stone and the other four appointees will serve from 2011-2016.

The 15-member National Organic Standards Board is responsible for making recommendations about whether a substance should be allowed in organic production or handling; assisting in developing standards for substances used in organic production; and advising the agriculture secretary on other aspects of implementation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.

Tayshaun Prince, Whitney Wade, Commissioner Farmer launch 'Eat to Win' campaign for 2010-2011 school year

2010-09-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Basketball star Tayshaun Prince and professional golfer Whitney Wade joined Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer to kick off the Eat to Win program for the 2010-2011 school year on Tuesday at Bridgeport Elementary School in Frankfort.

Eat to Win is a program Commissioner Farmer launched earlier this year to encourage Kentucky students to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating more fruits and vegetables, eating more Kentucky Proud foods and getting more exercise.

“Whitney and Tayshaun believe – as I do – that you need to eat the right foods to do your best in the classroom, on the field of play, and in the game of life,” Commissioner Farmer said.

Prince, Wade and Commissioner Farmer spoke to fifth-grade students from the Franklin County and Frankfort Independent school systems in an assembly in the school gymnasium.

Commissioner Farmer said sometimes it’s hard to find time to eat right and exercise. “Adopting a healthy lifestyle requires time and effort, but the benefits will last a lifetime,” he said.

Kentucky Proud foods are part of a healthy lifestyle, Commissioner Farmer said. He told the students Kentucky Proud foods come from close by, not from across the country, and Kentucky Proud fruits and vegetables arrive on their plates at their peak of nutritional value. Buying Kentucky Proud products helps Kentucky farmers make a living, Commissioner Farmer said.

Commissioner Farmer launched Eat to Win in response to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that revealed that:

Only 13.2 percent of Kentucky’s youth eat fruits and vegetables five or more times a day, compared with the national average of 21.4 percent;
40.5 percent of Kentucky students drink one or more soft drinks per day, compared with the national average of 33.8 percent;
59 percent of American high school students skip breakfast three or more times a week; and
37 percent of Kentucky youth are either obese or overweight.

Prince is a former University of Kentucky basketball star and Southeastern Conference Player of the Year who plays for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association. Wade, a native of Glasgow, plays on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour and the Duramed FUTURES Tour.

More information about the Eat to Win program is available by going to www.eattowinky.com.

Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, left, speaks to fifth-grade students about the importance of healthy eating as Whitney Wade, center, and Tayshaun Prince listen Tuesday in Frankfort. (Photo by Chris Aldridge)

Time to welcome the world to our old Kentucky home

2010-09-16T09:50:00.001-07:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

The Alltech 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games will be Kentucky’s time to shine. The eyes of the world will be on the Commonwealth Sept. 25-Oct. 10. Kentucky is ready to put her best foot forward.

The Office of the State Veterinarian literally has been preparing for years to receive hundreds of equine athletes for the Games. Led by State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout and Rusty Ford, the equine program manager, the dedicated men and women of the state veterinarian’s office are ready to safeguard the horses that come to Kentucky for the Games as well as those already housed at the Kentucky Horse Park. This is the largest, most complicated event they’ve ever managed, but they’ve worked big events before, and they’re among the foremost experts in the world on equine health. The horses could not be in better hands.

Some of Kentucky’s leading kitchen wizards will join forces with celebrity chefs from throughout the nation for the Cookin’ in the Bluegrass dinner series during the Games. Sponsored by the James Beard Foundation, the dinner series will give the local and national chefs the opportunity to showcase some of our great Kentucky Proud foods. This event will put Kentucky’s culinary heritage, and our talented chefs, on a national stage.

I encourage all our visitors to stop by The Kentucky Experience, an interactive facility where you can enjoy Kentucky’s culture, history, natural wonders and, of course, food. The Kentucky Proud pavilion will enable guests to sample some of Kentucky’s outstanding food products – and even take some home. Whether you’re from down the road or around the globe, I hope you’ll visit the Kentucky Proud pavilion and check out all the fine foods Kentucky has to offer.

Company’s coming, Kentucky! Let’s welcome our guests with the best Southern hospitality and show them why we love our old Kentucky home.

Kentucky wineries strike gold at Indiana, Iowa competitions

2010-08-12T08:29:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky wineries brought home 32 medals, including two double golds and five golds, at the Indy International Wine Competition Aug. 4-6 in West Lafayette, Ind.

“Throughout the country, wine lovers are discovering what we already know: Kentucky’s wine industry is back,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said.

Acres of Land Winery of Richmond earned double gold and Best of Class for its Concord wine (the second year in a row its Concord won Best of Class at Indy) along with a silver medal. Jean Farris Winery of Lexington picked up gold medals for its Petite Sirah (which also was Best of Class) and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as three bronze medals. Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery won double gold in the French-American Blush/Rosé class for its Diamond/Concord wine. Its Diamond wine earned a gold medal and Best of Class in the Diamond and American Late Harvest categories, and its Concord was a gold medal winner. The Shepherdsville winery also brought home four silver medals.

Other Kentucky wineries that won medals at Indy International were Black Barn Winery of Lexington, Black Oak Vineyard of Princeton, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery of Nicholasville, Equus Run Vineyards of Midway, Horseshoe Bend Vineyards and Winery of Willisburg, Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery of Lawrenceburg, Purple Toad Winery of Paducah, River Valley Winery of Carrollton, StoneBrook Winery of Camp Springs, Talon Winery and Vineyard of Lexington, and Wildside Winery of Versailles.

More than 50 judges evaluated commercial wines from 39 states and 12 countries at the Indy International competition, the largest scientifically organized and independent competition in the United States. A complete list of results is available at www.indyinternational.org/competition/2010/.

In July, three Kentucky wineries brought home 12 medals, including four golds, from the 2010 Mid-American Wine Competition in Ankeny, Iowa.

Harkness Edwards Vineyards of Winchester won three medals, including gold medals for its Vat 32 Viognier wine and for the wine’s label in the Most Unique category. Wight-Meyer won gold for its Diamond wine and earned five medals in all, the most among Kentucky wineries. Elk Creek Vineyards of Owenton won a gold medal for the Best Series label on its Orchard Creek Series and three bronze medals.

The fourth annual Mid-American Wine Competition on July 9-11 was open only to commercial wineries in Kentucky and 15 other states across the Midwest. Proceeds from the competition support the Enology International Internship program at Des Moines Area Community College, which hosted the event. Results of the 2010 competition are available at www.midamericanwine.org/.

To find out more about Kentucky’s growing wine industry, go to www.kentuckywine.com.

COSDA Conference 2010

2010-06-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

The COSDA 2010 annual conference will be held November 7-10 in Austin, Texas.

Signing up for the COSDA 2010 Conference is quick and simple. Due to challenging economic times for many states, this year the COSDA board voted to wave the conference registration fees. However, we request you renew your membership at the low cost of $50 for full members and $20 for associate members. By completing this form you can register for the Texas COSDA Conference and ensure your membership is up to date.

Hotel Accommodations:
Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel
701 Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701
(512) 457-8800
(512) 721-7259
austin.guestservices@ihg.com
www.austin.intercontinental.com
More details here

Contact Event Organizers:
Texas Department of Agriculture
Elizabeth Longoria
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-7664
(800) 909-8581
elizabeth.longoria@texasagriculture.gov
www.texasagriculture.gov/cosda

For more information on the event, visit the COSDA 2010 website.

Horse Confirmed with Rabies in Colorado

2010-04-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture is encouraging livestock and pet owners to discuss animal health concerns, including the rabies vaccine, with their local veterinarian after a horse in eastern Arapahoe County tested positive for rabies.

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

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in 2009, there were a total of 103 rabies cases in 20 Colorado counties; one of those cases included a horse. In September 2009, a horse in El Paso County was euthanized and subsequent tests determined the horse was infected with rabies; public health experts believe the horse was exposed in July 2009 to a skunk on its home property in the Black Forest area.

As of April 12, a total of 28 animals have tested positive for rabies in Colorado in 2010: 25 skunks (13 from Elbert County), 1 domestic cat from Prowers County, 1 muskrat from Morgan County, and the 1 horse from eastern Arapahoe County.

Rabies is a viral disease infecting the brain and central nervous system. The clinical appearance of rabies typically falls into two types: “aggressive” and “dumb.” Aggressive rabies symptoms include combativeness and violent behavior and 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.

Rabies can be passed from animals to humans. Elisabeth Lawaczeck, state public health veterinarian at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment added, “The best way to protect your family from rabies is to keep your pets currently vaccinated for rabies through your local veterinarian, humane society, or animal shelter. Rabies vaccination performed by owners will not be recognized by local public health or animal control agencies for licensing or in the event of an exposure to a rabid animal.”

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.

“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.

Examples of unusual behavior include: wild mammals that show no fear of people and pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; and bats found on the ground, in swimming pools or that have been caught by a pet. Rabid carnivores, such as skunks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and cats, may become aggressive and may attempt to bite people, pets and livestock.

In addition to ensuring that pets and livestock are vaccinated properly against rabies, residents are encouraged to follow 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 a skunk, bat, fox or raccoon.
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, especially in areas of the state where skunks have been diagnosed with rabies.
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.
Do not allow pet dogs or cats to roam freely, as this increases the chance they may be exposed without your knowledge. Keep dogs in a fenced in yard.
Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to wander.

Additional Resources

Colorado Department of Agriculture

www.colorado.gov/ag/animals

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/

Colorado Division of Wildlife

http://wildlife.state.co.us/About/OfficesAndPhone/

http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/LivingWithWildlife/

Colorado State University

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/livestk/01819.html

http://csuvets.colostate.edu/equinehospital/Equine_Rabies_For_North_Forty_News_March_2009.pdf

http://www.dlab.colostate.edu/

Colorado Plants Travel the Globe

2010-04-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

CDA Inspects for Safe Travel

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Phytosanitary Certification Program has issued 2,318 “phyto” certificates since July 1, 2009; those products are destined for distribution to 85 countries around the globe.

The Phytosanitary Certification Program makes it possible for Colorado producers to export produce, seeds, and other plant commodities to foreign countries through inspection and issuance of phytosanitary export certificates.

“CDA’s phytosanitary program inspects shipments for harmful pests and plant diseases to prevent them from hitchhiking their way to foreign countries,” said Laura Pottorff, CDA’s phytosanitary coordinator. “This program provides a vital service for plant health around the globe.”

CDA’s Top “Phyto” Countries

Based on July 1, 2009 to March 19, 2010 timeline

Country	Total Cert. Issued	Primary Phyto Commodities Inspected
Mexico	1542	potatoes, pinto beans, onion, sunflower seeds (grain), popcorn
Canada	75	seed, annual and perennial bedding plants, poinsettias
Turkey	35	sunflower seeds (grain)
Malaysia	33	millet
Australia	32	seed, pinto beans
Republic of Korea	32	seed, millet

Those commodities inspected add to Colorado’s ability to export high quality products around the world; in 2009, Colorado’s total agricultural export value was approximately $1.2 billion.

For more information on CDA’s phyto program, visit www.colorado.gov/ag and click on “Phytosanitary Certification Program.” You will also be able to view a complete list of the countries CDA issues phyto certificates for, the number of phyto certificates issued per country, and a world map highlighting the countries.

Colorado Governor Honors Program that Affects Every Coloradan

2010-02-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

“Every citizen and every business has a direct financial interest in seeing that all transactions are fair to both the buyer and seller.” –Steve Bornmann

Governor Ritter has issued a proclamation heralding the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s consumer protection efforts; Colorado’s Weights and Measures Week is March 1-7, 2010.

“From weighing products at the grocery store to weighing coal trains, CDA’s Inspection and Consumer Services division affects almost every person in Colorado,” said Steve Bornmann, division director. “Our goal is to protect consumers and promote equity and integrity in the marketplace. The measurement standards programs and metrology laboratory play integral part in that goal.”

Inspectors and metrologists within the Measurement Standards program ensure the accuracy of scales, meters, and packaged products at supermarkets, warehouses, packing plants, storage facilities, and other retail stores through inspections. CDA’s Metrology Laboratory calibrates the standards used by the inspectors and licensed scale repair companies. Both protect the consumer and help ensure fairness in the marketplace.

“It is the responsibility of weights and measures officials to make tests of commercially used weighing and measuring devices and report their condition to the owners,” continued Bornmann. “If the devices are correct, they are approved and sealed. If incorrect, they are rejected for use until corrected.”

Scales and other measuring devices can become obsolete or out of adjustment just like any other mechanical equipment. Unlike many other devices, they continue to give quantity determinations, although incorrect, until they are tested, corrected, and replaced.

For more information on CDA Weights and Measures programs, visit www.colorado.gov/ag and click on “Measurement Standards” or “Metrology Laboratory.”

The proclamation states:

WHEREAS, The Colorado Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures Programs serve to meet the public need for uniform weights and measures in our state; and

WHEREAS, employees within the Weights and Measures Programs ensure all weighing and measuring devices used in commerce are accurate in both their design and operation; and,

WHEREAS, weights and measures activities have an annual estimated economic impact of more than $75 billion in Colorado; and,

WHEREAS, each year the first week in March is set aside as Weights and Measures Week to commemorate the nation’s first Weights and Measures Law – enacted on March 2, 1799 – and to raise public awareness of the importance of this law; and

WHEREAS, the State of Colorado recognizes the dedicated efforts of our state servants who ensure our weights and measures meet the national standard and encourages the public to learn more about this important service and the impact it has on their lives;

Therefore, I , Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim March 1 – 7, 2010, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WEEK in the State of Colorado.

Texas Dept. of Agriculture, Attorney General, Governor Challenge EPA’s Authority to Regulate Greenhouse Gases

2010-02-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

AUSTIN - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today joined Attorney General Greg Abbott and Gov. Rick Perry in challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The petition outlines how EPA has ignored major scientific conclusions, and questions the federal government decision to regulate greenhouse gas emissions based on fragile claims.

"EPA's move to regulate greenhouse gases would impose devastating rules on those Texans who fuel one of our state's largest economic sectors - farmers and ranchers," Commissioner Staples said. "As a regulatory agency, the Texas Department of Agriculture is required to impose rules based on sound science - not political science. Not only does state law require this, but it is also a fundamental principle by which regulators all across the U.S. have always lived. EPA has ignored extensive research on greenhouse gas emissions and based this significant regulation on faulty data."

Last December, EPA ruled that greenhouse gases were harmful to the environment, despite scientific evidence that suggests otherwise. Now the agency is planning to regulate greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Air Act, which could mean costly mandates for farmers and ranchers.

Attorney General Abbott's legal challenge will focus on the inadequacies of the process EPA followed in triggering Clean Air Act regulation. Global climate change is an issue that requires careful analysis of all available data and options. EPA failed to perform the precise study required, and instead relied on flawed theories.

"Ninety-seven percent of land in Texas is privately owned, and more than 80 percent of land in the state is in some form of agricultural use," Commissioner Staples said. "Agriculture is a $106 billion industry in Texas, and as some of our state's first environmentalists, farmers and ranchers know they must take care of the land in order for it to take care of them. For centuries they have invested in science and research to ensure not only the preservation of our natural resources, but the availability of the safest, most affordable and most abundant food supply in the world."

Watch video from the press conference:

Lowes Receives $35,000 Fine

2010-01-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – An investigation by the Colorado Department of Agriculture into pesticides being sold at Colorado Lowes HIC, Incorporated stores has resulted in a $35,000 fine for the home improvement chain. Of the $35,000 fine, Lowes has paid CDA a total of $19,025; the final $15,975 will be suspended unless further violations are discovered.

“Lowes was selling a product, Tomcat Ground Squirrel Bait, that cannot legally be sold or used in Colorado,” said John Scott, CDA’s pesticides program manager. “These violations of the Pesticide Act spanned a number of years, and use of this product presents risks to wildlife, resulting in such a significant fine.”

All of the poison baits that can legally be sold or used on ground squirrels in Colorado are “restricted use” pesticides that can only be sold to and used by pesticide applicators licensed by CDA.

CDA inspectors first found Tomcat Ground Squirrel Bait being offered to customers in the spring of 2006 at two different stores resulting in two violations. Lowes quickly removed this unregistered rodenticide from store shelves and indicated they had fixed the problem. In 2008, CDA inspectors found the product on shelves in five different Colorado Lowes stores resulting in five violations.

In a written response to CDA, Lowes has indicated that according to their records, they believe that 54 units of Ground Squirrel Bait were sold in Colorado stores between June 6, 2006 and May 7, 2008. These sales were made after CDA’s original Cease and Desist Order and despite orders from Lowes headquarters to stop further sales.

If consumers believe they purchased Tomcat Ground Squirrel Bait and have questions concerning its application or possible damages, they are encouraged to contact Lowes or Laura Quakenbush with CDA’s pesticide program at (303) 239-4147. It was sold in pails containing three pounds of bait. Any remaining product should be returned to a Lowes store to make sure it is disposed of properly and to obtain a refund.

To learn more about CDA’s pesticide program, visit www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi and click on “pesticides programs.”

Contest Winner Shares Prize with Those in Need

2009-12-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-13T07:27:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-06-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 3 – 4, 2009

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

2009-05-26T07:40:00.001-07:00

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.

2009-05-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-05-04T08:53:00.001-07:00

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.

Springtime turns CDA Bugs into a Hot Commodity

2009-04-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Photo: Bindweed Gall Mite
The Colorado Department of Agriculture took an innovative approach to pest control over 60 years ago and established the Palisade Insectary dedicated to the biological control of noxious weeds and pest insects. This is the time of year when there is a high demand for three little bugs.

Bindweed Gall Mites (Aceria malherbae)

The bindweed gall mite is a microscopic, wormlike mite used to suppress the field bindweed. It stunts the growth of the plant and reduces seed production. For more information on the mite and field bindweed, visit http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1215504131010

Leafy Spurge Flea Beetles (Aphthona spp)

The Insectary collects and releases several hundred thousand flea beetle adults every year. The beetles lay eggs on the soil surface and their offspring dig into the soil where they find and feed on the roots of leafy spurge. For information on this beetle and leafy spurge, visit http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1215504130098&pagename=Agriculture-Main%2FCDAGLayout

Toadflax Stem Weevil (Mecinus janthinus)

This weevil has shown good promise for control of Dalmatian toadflax. It is capable of killing a large portion of the above-ground plant by boring into and killing the stems. For more information on the weevil and Dalmatian toadflax, visit http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1215504130978&pagename=Agriculture-Main%2FCDAGLayout

“Many noxious weeds in Colorado devalue rangelands, pose a threat to livestock, compete with crops, crowd out valuable native plants, use precious water and degrade wildlife habitat” said Dr. Dan Bean, CDA’s Insectary manager. “Biocontrol is an inexpensive and environmentally sound method of suppressing the spread of these noxious weeds.”

The Insectary, located in Palisade, is among only a handful of programs across the U.S. that provides farmers, ranchers and resource managers with dozens of species of beneficial insects and mites as tools for use in Integrated Pest Management programs. It produces and releases about 30 different species of biological control agents to combat noxious weeds and insect pests spreading throughout Colorado.

Bugs from the Insectary are available for purchase through CDA’s Request-a-Bug program. For more information on the Palisade Insectary, including how to request a bug, visit http://www.palisadeinsectary.com/. Noxious weed infestation maps are available at http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1178305815669

Texas Ag Commissioner helps Texas Ranchers Rebuild after Hurricane Ike

2009-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 25, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples led an effort to rebuild fences on ranches that were hit by Hurricane Ike more than six months ago. Through “Operation New Fences,” Commissioner Staples, state agency officials, local community leaders and volunteers distributed more than $100,000 worth of donated fence posts and barbed wire to nearly 100 ranchers in the Hurricane Ike surge zone in Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Liberty and Orange counties. Each rancher received 250 fence posts and 10 rolls of barbed wire, enough to rebuild a half-mile of fence.

View a slideshow of Operation New Fences here:

“Seven months ago the skies were dark when Hurricane Ike ripped through this region, but today the true spirit of Texas is shining brightly,” Commissioner Staples said. “It is a tribute to our grand state to see these donors and volunteers helping their fellow Texans overcome adversity and build a new future one fence post at a time.“

Watch video of Operation New Fences here:

Commissioner Staples announced “Operation New Fences” last month after learning many ranchers were still leasing pastures for their livestock in other areas of the state because of a lack of resources to rebuild fences destroyed by Hurricane Ike. The Texas Department of Agriculture created a Web page specifically for this effort where producers could sign up for this one-time assistance.

“Operation New Fences” was a successful collaboration among TDA, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, M&J Fertilizer, Fellowship of Christian Farmers International, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Texas Animal Health Commission and many industry associations, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Independent Cattlemen’s Association.

More about Hurricane Ike’s Impact on Rural Southeast Texas

Prior to Hurricane Ike’s landfall on Sept. 12, 2008, approximately 30,000 cattle roamed in Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson, Liberty and Orange counties. Today, only about 7,000 are able to graze the land because of the lack of fences and the high salinity content of the soil. In the days following Hurricane Ike’s landfall, TDA participated in an emergency relief effort called “Operation No Fences” that resulted in the delivery of more than 9,000 hay bales, 165 tons of feed and 400 water troughs for ranchers who were unable to feed their cattle.

Kentucky Proud takes the lead at 2009 Derby Breakfast.

2009-04-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 27, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Visitors to the 2009 Kentucky Derby Breakfast on May 2 can enjoy Kentucky Proud foods – and take some home with them.

Kentucky Proud vendors will offer sauces, sweets, cheeses, herbs, mushrooms and other products for sale during the annual event at the state Capitol. A farmers’ market also is scheduled to be offered.

“The Kentucky Derby Breakfast attracts visitors from all over the state to celebrate ‘the greatest two minutes in sports’ and enjoy a hearty breakfast on our beautiful Capitol grounds,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I invite all Kentuckians to attend the Derby Breakfast, and while you’re here, visit the Kentucky Proud vendors and the farmers’ market. When you buy Kentucky Proud, you’re buying food you can serve your families with confidence while helping Kentucky producers make a living.”

The Derby Breakfast will include Kentucky Proud items such as Penn’s Country Ham, Purnell’s Sausage and assorted muffins made with Weisenberger Mill flour. Kentucky Department of Parks employees also will serve boneless fried chicken breast, juice, coffee and water. Cost is $1 for each item except coffee and water.

Visitors to the Derby Breakfast also can experience a hot air balloon ride (weather permitting), enjoy live entertainment, see and purchase Kentucky arts and crafts, tour the Capitol, and take part in children’s activities. The Derby Breakfast is 8 a.m.-noon EDT. Admission is free, and the public is invited.

Visit Kentucky Proud here.

Visit the 2009 Governor's Derby Celebration page here.

Commissioner Farmer blasts FDA over new rule that will harm American animal agriculture.

2009-04-22T14:16:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today blasted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for imposing an enhanced animal feed ban rule that will create severe economic and environmental hardship for Kentucky livestock producers, businesses and consumers.

“I am disappointed that the FDA and out-of-touch Washington bureaucrats have made the decision to become enemies of animal agriculture,” Commissioner Farmer said. “The new rule will put many small family farmers, renderers, haulers and associated businesses out of business. I understand that we need to minimize the risk of mad cow disease in the United States. But the risk is already extremely low, the controls that are already in place work very well, and there are better ways to achieve what the FDA wants to do. They simply chose not to listen.

“The FDA’s own announcement said some of the comments they received talked about a heightened risk of mad cow disease from imports of live cattle from Canada. Doesn’t it make more sense to restrict imports from countries with a higher risk of mad cow disease than to destroy American animal agriculture?”

The FDA today announced that an enhanced feed ban rule will take effect on Monday. The agency set a compliance date of Oct. 26 to allow renderers additional time to comply with the rule.

Officials and livestock industry leaders fear the new rule could make it difficult, if not impossible, for many producers to dispose of carcasses properly. Means of disposal other than rendering, such as composting, incineration and digesting, are expensive and impractical. The state no longer is able to provide grants to counties for dead animal removal because of lack of funding.

“The FDA doesn’t have the resources to efficiently or effectively enforce this rule. They can’t keep up with the responsibilities they already have,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Producers can’t afford the additional costs the final rule will impose on them. The state doesn’t have the resources to dispose of tens of millions of pounds of animal carcasses. The FDA simply did not give enough consideration to the unintended consequences of the new rule.

“Washington succeeded in killing the tobacco quota program, and now they’re going after animal agriculture,” Commissioner Farmer continued. “The FDA threw out sound science and common sense when it made this rule.”

Commissioner Farmer said he is continuing to work with Kentucky’s congressional delegation to find a solution that will protect Kentucky’s livestock industry while also protecting consumers and the environment.

“This isn’t over,” Commissioner Farmer said.

The final rule prohibits the use of certain cattle-derived materials from being used in any animal feed. The cattle materials prohibited in animal feed (CMPAF) include the brains and spinal cords of cattle 30 months old and older; the entire carcass of cattle 30 months old and older not inspected and passed for human consumption from which the brains and spinal cords were not removed; the entire carcass of cattle that test positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); and other materials.

Western Kentucky backyard flocks test negative for avian influenza.

2009-04-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 9, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

Gwenda Bond

(502) 564-6786 ext. 3325

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Backyard poultry flocks near the western Kentucky poultry farm where avian influenza was discovered tested negative on initial testing for the disease, State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout announced today. Additional tests are pending.

The non-pathogenic or low-pathogenic strain that was detected last week poses minimal risk to human health and is not the high-pathogenic strain associated with human and poultry deaths in other countries.

State animal health workers took samples from poultry in backyard flocks within a two-mile radius of the farm, which produces hatching eggs for Perdue Farms Inc. The farm will remain under quarantine until the poultry houses on the farm are cleaned and disinfected, Dr. Stout said.

The state is developing plans to expand the testing radius for backyard flocks to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), Dr. Stout said. “We will take all necessary steps to assure residents, consumers and international trading partners that the disease has been contained and eradicated,” he said.

Dr. Stout pointed out that animal health workers wear personal protective equipment to conduct the testing to comply with routine protocol established by federal and state authorities.

Dr. Kraig E. Humbaugh of the Kentucky Department for Public Health stressed that there is no evidence that the disease has been transmitted from birds to humans in this outbreak and there never has been documented human-to-human transmission of low-pathogenic avian influenza in the United States. Dr. Humbaugh advised that eggs and poultry products for human consumption always should be cooked to recommended temperatures.

The Barren River District Health Department and the Lincoln Trail District Health Department are working in collaboration with the Kentucky Department for Public Health to follow up on any potential human exposure to low-pathogenic avian influenza.

The disease was detected as a result of testing by Perdue and state and national laboratories after a minor drop in egg production was noticed last month. No virus has been isolated and no poultry at the farm died or became sick because of the disease.

Avian influenza is a virus that affects domestic poultry and some wild birds. It is spread to healthy birds by direct contact with infected birds or infected material, often through feces from infected birds. Avian influenza is not transmitted through eggs. Low-pathogenic avian influenza causes little if any illness in poultry and is rarely fatal to poultry.

Texas Ag Commissioner Visits Iraq and Romania to Encourage Trade

2009-04-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

At the end of March, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Staples headed to Iraq and Romania for an agricultural trade and development mission. The purpose of his trip was to expand the exportation of Texas products overseas, as well as help rebuild the areas’ agricultural economies.

On March 22, he started his trip to Iraq as an invitee of the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M and guest of the Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations - Iraq. Commissioner Staples met with General Ray Odierno, the Commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq in Al Faw Palace.

Commissioner Staples also toured the Case-New Holland assembly plant in the Iskandariah Industrial Complex, northern Babil Province, Iraq. The plant manufactures tractors, greenhouse frames, irrigation systems, farm trailers and other farm implements.

One of the highlights of Commissioner Staples’ trip was meeting with Texas soldiers of the 413th Civil Affairs Battalion stationed in Iraq.

Between meetings, Commissioner Staples found time to say hello to some children in the International Zone of Baghdad.

Commissioner Staples also visited the Karbala Greenhouse Extension and talked with Iraqi agricultural experts.

Then on March 30, Commissioner Staples traveled with the non-profit Emanuel Agriculture Development Organization to Emanuel University in Oradea, Romania.

There, Commissioner Staples made a presentation to business students on how lucrative farming can be to both the producer and the economy.

While in Romania, he and his assistant, Cody McGregor, visited the Romanian Parliament Building in Bucharest. It is the second-largest office building in the world, after the Pentagon.

Commissioner Staples met with the Romanian Minister of Agriculture, senators and university and academia representatives.

He also met with officials at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, including officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce and USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service.

Watch a slideshow of Commissioner Staples travels to Iraq and Romania here:

Colorado Department of Agriculture Uses Technology to Connect Colorado Producers with Israeli Buyers

2009-04-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

With tough economic times, travelling across the globe may not be an option for Colorado companies interested in selling products to buyers in Israel. However, with the power of new technology, the Colorado Department of Agriculture is connecting producers with buyers from around the world.

In March several Colorado companies gathered in a conference room to meet food buyers from Israel, not in person, but through a webinar. Representatives from Colorado companies talked to buyers in Israel through a computer link that included presentations and Israeli store pictures. One Colorado company even accessed the presentation from South America while he was on a buying trip. This seminar was the first step in connecting Colorado producers with supermarket buyers in Israel.

Now that the foundation has been laid, it is time to get Colorado products to buyers to sample. In April and May the Colorado Department of Agriculture will coordinate efforts to ship products to Israel for a product showcase.

Companies are first asked to have their products and company included in a list of products to be reviewed by the USDA team in Israel. The team will review products and gauge interest from importers.
Companies will then ship products to Israel for a showcase to importers. CDA will arrange shipping via U.S. Embassy mailing address allowing producers to ship samples at domestic postage rates.

Finally, companies will attend the Video Center sampling. Producers will be in Denver on a video connection while the importers and USDA staff are in Tel Aviv sampling products.

“Thanks to the age of technology, producers can export their products without having to travel to foreign countries; this helps Colorado producers and consumers in Israel,” said Tim Larsen, CDA’s International Marketing Specialist. “You can have your products shown to top Israeli food importers while you are in a Colorado studio watching their reaction and talking to them about your products!”

Despite of the global economic slowdown, agricultural and food imports to Israel in 2008 increased 30% compared 2007 (from $3.4 billion to $4.4 billion), $1.81 billion (41%) were food and beverages products. In addition, the depreciating U.S. dollar combined with good economic growth in Israel has increased the competitive advantage of U.S. agriculture and stimulated demand for American food and agricultural products.

Colorado’s processed food exports grew over 36 percent in the past two years, and many of Colorado’s products match the list of best export prospects from the USDA staff in Israel. In 2008, agricultural and food imports to Israel from the U.S. increased 30 percent to a total of $1.81 billion. While there is a small market for non-kosher items, those certified as kosher make up 60-70 percent of the Israeli market.

Avian influenza found on Kentucky poultry farm.

2009-04-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 3, 2009

For more information contact:
bill.clary@ky.gov

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — State and federal authorities are investigating a finding of suspected non-pathogenic or low-pathogenic avian influenza in a single broiler/breeder poultry farm in western Kentucky. The strain poses minimal risk to human health and is not the high-pathogenic strain associated with human and poultry deaths in other countries.

State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has quarantined the farm, which produces hatching eggs for Perdue Farms Inc. Perdue plans to depopulate 20,000 chickens in two houses on the farm.

“The state and federal government and Perdue are acting aggressively to contain and eliminate the disease,” Dr. Stout said. “There is no evidence that any infected poultry are in the human food supply as a result of this infection. We will do what is necessary to minimize the disruption to overseas trade.”

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is conducting surveillance on backyard flocks within a two-mile radius of the farm.

A minimal drop in egg production at the farm was noticed in mid-March. Perdue’s veterinary services laboratory took samples from chickens at the farm and found antibodies for avian influenza. Testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, resulted in a presumptive positive finding for the H7 strain. Subsequent testing by NVSL and the Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville confirmed the finding.

No virus has been isolated and no poultry deaths have been found in connection with the infection.

“I have been in constant contact with state, federal and industry officials since this came to light,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The people of Kentucky and our trading partners should rest assured that we are doing everything possible to address the situation.”

Avian influenza is a virus that affects domestic poultry and some wild birds. It is spread to healthy birds by direct contact with infected birds or infected material, often through feces from infected birds. Avian influenza is not transmitted through eggs. Low-pathogenic avian influenza causes little if any illness in poultry and is rarely fatal to poultry.

Visit the State Veterinarian's office here.

Visit KDA's avian influenza page here.

More avian influenza news is here.

State vet says Kentucky stallions free from CEM

2009-03-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 30, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The last Kentucky stallion known to have been exposed to contagious equine metritis (CEM) has been released from quarantine, State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has announced.

The western Kentucky quarter horse completed a testing and treatment regimen and was found to be free of the organism that causes the venereal disease. Four stallions that were infected with the organism were declared free of the organism earlier this month after completing treatment and testing. The infected stallions were housed on the central Kentucky farm where the outbreak was discovered in December.

“Kentucky has addressed this outbreak with minimal disruption to the quarter horse breeding season,” Dr. Stout said. “The success of this operation is the result of more than three months of hard work by employees of my office, the University of Kentucky, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky field office, and private veterinarians.”

The infected stallions arrived at the index farm for the first time for the 2008 Kentucky breeding season. None of them had resided in Kentucky prior to December 2007. After extensive investigation of each possible source, the state veterinarian’s office has determined that the most probable source of introduction of the organism to Kentucky was a horse that entered the state from Wisconsin for the 2008 breeding season. The source of introduction to the United States has not been determined. USDA and Wisconsin officials continue to investigate the source and spread of the disease.

The state veterinarian’s office and the UK Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center first discovered the organism in December in a 16-year-old quarter horse during routine testing prior to shipment of semen to Europe. The state veterinarian’s office and USDA’s Kentucky office established the protocol for identifying, locating and treating infected and exposed horses. They joined with practicing veterinarians to carry out the protocol.

A nationwide traceback identified 16 infected horses (including the four Kentucky horses that since have been released from quarantine) and nearly 700 exposed horses, according to the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web site.

“Kentucky was fortunate to have the experience and expertise to identify CEM and address it,” Dr. Stout said. “This incident should serve as a reminder that foreign animal disease surveillance is not a luxury – it is an absolute necessity to protect Kentucky equine and livestock operations as well as consumers.”

Commissioner Farmer praises legislation that will strengthen Kentucky agriculture.

2009-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said two bills passed in this year’s state legislative session will strengthen Kentucky’s Grain Insurance Fund and enable the state to continue providing certain agricultural services.

“These bills will help the Kentucky Department of Agriculture better serve Kentucky’s agriculture industry,” Commissioner Farmer said. “That’s important to the whole state, but especially to Kentucky’s rural areas that depend on agriculture for much of their economic activity. I thank the General Assembly for passing these bills and Governor Steve Beshear for signing them.”

House Bill 462 increases the cap for assessing Kentucky grain producers for the state Grain Insurance Fund from $4 million to $10 million. The maximum claim from a grain elevator failure was raised from $100,000 to $200,000. The Grain Insurance Fund is administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Regulation and Inspection.

House Bill 485 increases the annual fee for registering pesticides in the state from $125 to $250. The pesticide fees are used for the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom (KAEC), Rinse and Return and Chemical Collection programs, and cost-sharing for soil and water conservation projects.

KAEC helps teachers educate school children about the importance of agriculture and the environment in their everyday lives. Rinse and Return is a voluntary, cooperative program sponsored by the KDA and the Agri-Business Association of Kentucky that collects rinsed pesticide containers for recycling. The Chemical Collection program collects outdated or unwanted pesticides for proper disposal.

Commissioner Farmer applauds FDA decision to delay implementing feed ban rule.

2009-03-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 19, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today praised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for delaying implementation of an enhanced feed ban rule that would have made it far more difficult and expensive for livestock producers to dispose of dead animal carcasses.

“I’m grateful that the FDA listened to the people whose livelihoods will be affected by this rule,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This delay will provide additional time for producers, renderers and haulers to determine how we can comply with the rule and still make sure farmers have an affordable and accessible means of disposing of dead animals.”

The FDA extended the effective date of the enhanced feed ban rule 60 days from the original effective date of April 27. Publication of the notice in the Federal Register will open a 30-day comment period during which comments will be taken on whether the rule should be delayed more than 60 days.

In a meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture last month in Washington, Commissioner Farmer met with his counterparts from other states, congressional leaders and officials in the Obama administration to seek a delay in implementation of the rule.

The new rule requires removal of the brains and spinal cords of cattle more than 30 months old for any material from those animals to be used in animal feed. The FDA estimates it will cost the rendering industry between $64 million and $80.5 million per year to comply with the new rule. The agency estimates U.S. cattle producers will lose between $28 million and $39 million per year due to lower cattle prices to offset segregation and disposal costs at slaughter, loss for cattle no longer rendered, and increased dead stock collection fees.

Officials and livestock industry leaders fear the new rule could make it difficult, if not impossible, for many producers to dispose of carcasses properly, which could have unintended environmental and public health consequences. Means of disposal other than rendering, such as composting, incineration and digesting, are expensive and impractical. The state no longer is able to provide grants to counties for dead animal removal because of lack of funding.

COMMISSIONER FARMER ASKS SENATORS TO BACK BILL PROHIBITING EPA FROM REGULATING LIVESTOCK

2009-03-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 16, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer urged Kentucky’s U.S. senators, Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning, to support federal legislation that would prohibit the federal government from regulating livestock under the Clean Air Act.

“I believe that this legislation is necessary to protect the livelihood of Kentucky’s animal agriculture producers, who collectively are responsible for nearly $3 billion in farm sales in the Commonwealth, and whose continued prosperity is essential for the future of rural Kentucky,” Commissioner Farmer wrote in a letter to Kentucky’s senators.

Senate Bill 527 would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from requiring livestock operations to obtain Clean Air Act Title V permits for greenhouse gas emissions caused by biological processes.

An EPA report states that greenhouse gases from the entire U.S. agricultural sector represented just 6.4 percent of the total greenhouse gases of carbon dioxide equivalents, Commissioner Farmer wrote. He noted that producers can provide soil carbon sequestration and renewable energy sources as carbon offsets.

Texas Ag Commissioner Touts Healthy School Breakfasts

2009-03-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples continued his campaign to remind children all across the great state of Texas about the importance of starting their day with a healthy, nutritious breakfast during National School Breakfast Week March. 2-6.

FOX 7 News interviewed Commissioner Staples live from Lucy Reed Pre-Kindergarten School to showcase the quality meals available all across Texas. More than one million students participate in the national School Breakfast Program every day in Texas.

You can watch the interview here:

Kentucky Ag Commissioner hails new law establishing agriculture trust fund.

2009-03-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 9, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today applauded the Kentucky General Assembly and Gov. Steve Beshear for enacting legislation that sets up a trust fund to help pay for Kentucky agricultural programs.

“This law will help the Kentucky Department of Agriculture carry out the programs Kentuckians expect and deserve,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I want to thank the legislature for passing this bill and Gov. Beshear for signing it.”

House Bill 100 creates a revolving fund to be used for the Department’s agricultural programs. Revenue for the fund will come from voluntary contributions from anyone who applies for or renews a Kentucky farm truck license registration. Anyone registering or renewing registration for a farm truck may opt out of making the contribution. The fund also may accept contributions from other sources, and balances in the fund at the end of the fiscal year will carry forward into the next year.

The bill took effect when the Governor signed it into law on Friday.

The Department’s funding has been reduced by one-third in the past 10 years (adjusted for inflation). The KDA has cross-trained some employees and utilized new technology in an attempt to compensate for the decline in its budget. But the Department no longer has the funding to carry out some programs, and its ability to meet its statutory responsibilities has been strained because of a lack of funding and personnel.

2009-03-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

Colorado’s Beef Exports Make History

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The beef industry is the largest segment of Colorado’s agricultural industry, accounting for more than half the State’s total cash receipts from livestock and crop production.

Although industry profitability has been under pressure due to high production costs and lower market prices, exports continue to be a bright spot for the beef industry, with exports of beef and beef variety meats from Colorado reaching a record high of $497 million in 2008. In fact, current levels of beef exports from Colorado have, for the first time, exceeded levels reached prior to the closure of most major markets to U.S. beef in 2003 following the discovery of BSE in the US herd.

“Exports help generate added revenues to the industry. Some cuts and products are purchased by customers in international markets at prices higher than could otherwise be received in the US,” said CDA’s markets division director, Tom Lipetzky.

According to the most recent 2008 statistics:

·Exports of beef and beef variety meats from Colorado surged 55 percent from
2007 levels to $497 million. Total US exports increased 42 percent to just
over $3 billion.
·Colorado ranks second among all states in total exports of
fresh chilled beef and third among all states in total exports of beef and beef
variety meats.
·Colorado is the number one supplier of beef and beef variety
meats to Canada and the number two supplier to Mexico and Japan.
·Colorado was the number one supplier of fresh chilled beef to Korea.

“Potential for future growth in exports remains quite positive as Korean consumers are again welcoming US beef and a full opening of Japan’s market could add significantly to exports,” continued Lipetzky. “More and more, it’s looking like its Colorado beef that is what’s for dinner for customers around the world.”

For additional information and statistics, visit www.colorado.gov/ag and click on “Colorado Beef Exports.”

Colorado has become a leader in the beef industry on the global level and that is a reflection of our beef producers. The following information has been provided by Colorado’s beef industry organizations.

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA)

“A key ingredient for the beef industry in working our way out of these trying
economic times is to open new export markets for our product,” said CCA
President Paul Bernklau. “World food supplies will be in tight demand by 2012
and beef producers should be empowered to provide our safe, nutritious, and
readily available product to those country’s through expansion of
trade.”

Website: http://www.coloradocattle.org/
Contact
information: Amy Bader, Director of Communications, (303) 431-6422 or
email info@coloradocattle.org

Colorado Livestock Association (CLA)

“This past years increase in beef exports is directly correlated to the worlds
demand for the high quality, nutritional and wholesome beef products that are
produced in Colorado’s ranching, feeding and packing industries,” said Colorado
Livestock Association CEO, Bill Hammerich.

Website: http://www.coloradolivestock.org/
Contact information: Bill Hammerich, 822 7th Street, Suite 210, Greeley, CO
80631, bhammerich@coloradolivestock.org,
(970) 378-0500

Colorado Beef Council

“As demand for high quality beef increases throughout the world our exports
should, and will, continue to grow. Consumers outside of the United States are
looking for a safe, wholesome and nutritious product and will continue to turn
to U.S. beef,” said Colorado Beef Council Executive Director, Fred
Lombardi.

Website: http://www.cobeef.com/
Contact information:
Fred Lombardi, 789 Sherman Street, Suite 105, Denver, CO or call (303)
830-7892

KDA, UK played key roles in containing CEM outbreak nationwide.

2009-03-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Kentucky’s equine industry averted a crisis in the contagious equine metritis outbreak thanks to the expertise of the state veterinarian’s office and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Practicing veterinarians, horse owners and federal employees at the state level also were instrumental in diagnosing and containing the disease. We are confident that Kentucky again will be CEM-free in a few weeks.

The disease was first identified Dec. 10 in routine testing of an American quarter horse for export of semen. Authorities identified the farm where the stallion stood and found three more positive stallions. The infected stallions were treated and test bred. Another six exposed stallions tested negative.

Statewide and nationwide traces were performed to locate stallions exposed to the positive horses on the Kentucky farm and mares that were inseminated by the positive stallions. Approximately 750 mares were determined to have been bred via artificial insemination to the infected stallions, of which 35 were located in Kentucky. To date only three mares and 11 stallions nationwide have tested positive for CEM.

Early in the outbreak Kentucky was the de facto lead agency in the nationwide response. Our equine experts worked with U.S. Department of Agriculture authorities in Washington to develop testing and treatment protocols that were put in place for the entire country.

All the stallions on the farm arrived there for the first time for the 2008 Kentucky breeding season. None of them had resided in Kentucky prior to December 2007. After extensive investigation of each possible source, the Kentucky state veterinarian’s office has determined that the most probable source of introduction of the disease to Kentucky was a horse that entered the state from Wisconsin for the 2008 breeding season. The source of introduction of this foreign animal disease to the United States has not been determined. USDA and Wisconsin officials continue to diligently investigate the source and spread of the disease.

Kentucky’s response to the CEM outbreak has been a success by any measure. If all goes well, the disease will be eradicated in Kentucky with little disruption of the breeding season. The state’s expertise and quick, decisive action enabled Kentucky to avoid more strict interstate and international restrictions (other than a ban imposed by Mexico) that could have been crippling to the Commonwealth’s quarter horse breeders, most of which are small family operations. The outbreak did not affect the state’s Thoroughbred population in any way.

The outbreak also tested the ability of state government, our partners at UK and USDA, our counterparts in other states and private stakeholders to respond to an animal disease crisis. We all learned valuable lessons from this experience that may be put to good use in another – perhaps more serious and faster-moving – disease outbreak.

The disruption to Kentucky’s equine industry was kept to a minimum because the disease was detected early and because Kentucky had the experience and expertise to address the outbreak. This case should serve as a wake-up call to remind us all that animal disease surveillance is not a luxury. In this case, routine surveillance prevented a larger outbreak that could have cost horse breeders millions of dollars and driven some of them out of business.

The Office of the State Veterinarian/Division of Animal Health has had its budget and staff cut to the breaking point. A strong surveillance program is absolutely necessary to prevent the introduction of animal disease that could wreck Kentucky’s $3 billion livestock industry and threaten public health. Let your legislators know that you value the services of the state veterinarian’s office and you want to see it fully funded.

Wisconsin stallions must test negative for CEM before entering Kentucky.

2009-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 26, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky now requires stallions from Wisconsin to test negative for contagious equine metritis (CEM) before they can enter the state for breeding purposes under an order issued today by State Veterinarian Dr. Robert C. Stout.

The order stems from Kentucky’s investigation of the CEM outbreak that was discovered in December. The state’s investigation found that a paint horse that moved from Wisconsin to Kentucky for the 2008 breeding season was infected with the organism that causes CEM in mares.

Under the order, swabs taken from a Wisconsin horse must be tested by culture in an approved CEM laboratory and reported negative for the organism during the 28 days preceding entry into Kentucky. A certification statement must be made by the attending veterinarian that the stallion was not bred, nor was semen collected from the stallion, after the samples were collected.

A quarter horse stallion tested positive for CEM during routine testing for export of semen. The state veterinarian’s office, the University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky office have quarantined infected and exposed horses and placed them on a strict testing and treatment protocol. A total of four infected stallions have been found in Kentucky. Nationwide, three mares and 11 stallions have tested positive for CEM.

The state veterinarian’s office expects Kentucky again to be free of CEM in the coming weeks. The order was issued to minimize the opportunity for the organism to be reintroduced into Kentucky while the Wisconsin investigation continues.
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. The outbreak did not enter Kentucky’s thoroughbred population.

—30—

To find out more about the CEM investigation and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's equine program, click here.

Budget cuts threaten state vet's ability to protect state's livestock industry.

2009-02-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Kentucky is home to 1.17 million head of beef cows, the most of any state east of the Mississippi River.

To help the Commonwealth maintain its lofty status, State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Stout and his staff in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) are on the job conducting surveillance, controlling and eradicating infectious and communicable diseases for animals in Kentucky and those entering from other states. But budget cuts in recent years have made it more difficult for the State Veterinarian’s office to do its job.

The office enforces state regulations to protect the health and well-being of the state’s vibrant cattle industry. The regulations establish health requirements for entry, movement, sale and exhibition of livestock in Kentucky.

The Department’s voluntary bovine programs help keep Kentucky cattle as disease free as possible.
The Johne's Program is for producers who wish to control and eliminate Johne's (pronounced "yo-knees") disease from their herds. The disease is a contagious, chronic, debilitating and often fatal infection that affects ruminants, especially cattle.

Many beef and dairy producers have participated in a voluntary Johne’s management program supported by KDA and USDA.

Unfortunately, funding for this program has decreased significantly, resulting in less participation and lost momentum. Kentucky has had as many as 115 dairy herds and 50 beef herds enrolled in the program.
The program has helped reduce the numbers of cattle infected with Johne’s disease. For example, of the 14,000 animals tested annually in Kentucky, the infection rate recently dropped from 4.5 percent to 2.5 percent in one year.

The Registered Brand Program enables producers to register livestock brands, which would identify the source of animals in the event of a disease outbreak. Registered brands are regarded as evidence of ownership and will take precedence over brands that are not registered with the state.

Accreditation and certification programs have helped keep Kentucky free of tuberculosis since 1987 and brucellosis since 1997. The Tuberculosis Accreditation and Brucellosis Certification programs provide cattle, bison or cervid owners with “tuberculosis accredited herd status” or a “brucellosis certified-free herd” status, which will help them sell their animals.

Controlling and eradicating disease in animals is among the many ways the Kentucky Department of Agriculture affects the lives of all Kentuckians every day. These programs are vital to Kentucky’s agricultural economy and to public health.

The recent outbreak of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in quarter horses was discovered on a routine test for exportation of semen. If the CEM infection had gone undetected, it could have spread to many stallions nationwide, resulting in increased restrictions on interstate travel and international movement of horses and semen. Hundreds of family quarter horse operations would have lost millions of dollars in the height of the breeding season.

That didn’t happen because we at KDA and the University Of Kentucky College Of Agriculture had the experience, expertise and procedures in place to prevent it. They are every livestock producer’s insurance policy against diseases that could threaten your business.

If you agree with me that all the things the Kentucky Department of Agriculture does for the citizens of Kentucky are important, then let your state legislators know. Go to http://www.lrc.ky.gov/ and find their e-mail addresses or leave them a message toll free at 1-800-372-7181. Please ask them to fully fund the KDA’s budget and keep 50 percent of Kentucky’s share of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement devoted to agriculture.

Kentucky Department of Agriculture fuel lab aces first test.

2009-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s new motor fuel testing laboratory performed on a par with some of the best labs in the United States in a round-robin exercise earlier this month.

The fuel lab, located in Frankfort, is operated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“I congratulate the fuel lab staff on their excellent work,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “These results prove our commitment to quality and accuracy as we strive to protect Kentucky consumers. We will get even better as we gain experience.”

Kentucky was tested for octane testing, distillation testing and relative vapor pressure testing. The Great Lakes Region Sample Exchange Group exercise included 28 labs from the eastern half of the country. Other participating labs were with major refineries such as BP, Citgo, Marathon, Mobil and Murphy Oil USA; top commercial laboratories such as Intertek-Caleb Brett, Southwest Research, and Waukesha, and government labs in Michigan and Missouri.

KDA technicians are continuing to install fuel testing equipment. The lab is testing fuel in response to consumer complaints, and the Department plans for the lab to begin testing random samples and seek contracts to test for outside agencies later this year.

The $1.65 million lab opened in 2008. When fully operational, the lab will have the capacity to test more than 20,000 samples per year –enough to more than adequately sample motor fuels in Kentucky and offer contract services to other agencies and other states.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is responsible for testing motor fuel to make sure it is at the correct octane level and is free of irregularities and banned substances such as MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether). The KDA also tests motor fuel pumps for accuracy.

KDA changes fees associated with CEM importation program.

2009-02-17T09:45:00.001-08:00

In December, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture presented proposed regulatory changes to the Kentucky General Assembly. These changes require a Fee Structure to be utilized in the CEM Importation Program. Kentucky’s Legislative Body approved the proposed changes and overtime rates...more.

Kentucky farmers rack up $4.82 billion from sales of farm products in 2007.

2009-02-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky farmers took in $4.82 billion from the sale of farm products in 2007, according to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. That’s an average of $56,586 per farm and a 57 percent increase over the last census in 2002.

“Kentucky farmers really outdid themselves in 2007,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “They achieved $4.82 billion in sales while tobacco income was 22 percent lower than in the previous census. That shows Kentucky’s investments in agricultural diversification are working.”

Leland Brown, director of the Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, pointed out that the sales number includes multiple sales of livestock, such as sales of cattle between farmers and then from the farmer to the stockyard.

The number of tobacco farms in Kentucky declined 72 percent since 2002 to 8,113, according to the census. Tobacco acres harvested fell 21 percent from 2002. The federal tobacco quota and price support system was eliminated after the 2004 growing season.

The census showed that slightly fewer people farmed slightly more acres in Kentucky in 2007 than in 2002. Eighty-nine percent of Kentucky’s 85,260 agricultural operations are still run by individuals or families, and most are still small farms. The number of farms declined 1 percent from 2002, but the size of farms increased 1 percent from an average of 160 to 164 acres.

The number of full-time farmers in Kentucky dropped from 54 percent in 2002 to 40 percent in 2007. The average age of farm operators was 56.5 years old, up from 55.2 in 2002.

Twenty-seven percent of agricultural producers were women in 2007, and the number of women who were principal operators increased 10 percent from 2002. African American principal operators dropped from 687 to 505 in the five years after 2002.

Fayette County led the state in equine sales at nearly $410 million and led every U.S. state in that category.
Kentucky continues to have the largest beef cow inventory east of the Mississippi River, numbering 1.17 million head. Total cattle inventory was reported at 2.4 million head, same as 2002.

For more information, visit the Web site for the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Kentucky office, www.nass.usda.gov/ky, and click on “Census of Agriculture for Kentucky.”

View Kentucky ag census data here.

Visit the Kentucky Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, a cooperative effort of KDA and the United States Department of Agriculture here.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Awards $10 Million To Home-Delivered Meal Providers

2009-02-06T13:48:00.001-08:00

AUSTIN - Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced on Jan. 28 the Texas Department of Agriculture is awarding approximately $10 million to almost 200 agencies that serve meals to homebound elderly and disabled Texans. The grants are provided through TDA's Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program and are funded by the Texas Legislature.

"In these tough economic times, this program makes it possible for home-delivered meal providers to expand their services and feed more hungry Texans," Commissioner Staples said. "Texas ranks third in the nation for food insecurity, meaning one in five adults and one in four children in our state are hungry, and that is simply unacceptable. With an ever-growing number of seniors and a challenging economy, we must take care of those who spent much of their lives taking care of us."

The Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program is a result of House Bill 407, passed during the 80^th Session of the Texas Legislature. The bill was created to give extra funding to home-delivered meal providers for 2008 and 2009. The grants, based partly on the number of meals eligible applicants served the year prior to applying, can only be used to supplement and expand existing services related to the delivery of meals.

Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is receiving $1.6 million - the largest amount in the state.

"Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is truly grateful to the Texas Department of Agriculture for administering the Texans Feeding Texans program," Carla Jutson, executive director of Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County said. "We were able to serve 320,651 additional meals in 2008 utilizing this new source of funding. Many of our clients rely solely on Meals On Wheels for their daily nutrition, and this funding enabled us to provide breakfast meals, in addition to lunch, for these clients who are significantly at risk of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition."

"Texans Feeding Texans is also an investment," Commissioner Staples said. "By providing food to elderly Texans in their own homes, which helps maintain their independence, this grant program saves about $30,000 in tax dollars annually for each senior who depends on state-supported services. I want to thank the legislators who approved this critical funding that enables us to assist Texans who need a helping hand."

Last year, TDA awarded $9.5 million to home-delivered meal providers who served 8.4 million meals statewide, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. In 2009, TDA will award almost 200 grants, totaling $10 million. For more information on this program or for a complete list of recipients, visit the Texans Feeding Texans: Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program Web site.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture looks for ways to cope with budget cuts.

2009-02-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Massive state budget cuts have made it more challenging for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to perform its duties and provide the services that the citizens of the Commonwealth expect and deserve.

In this budgetary environment, the Department is constantly looking for ways to give you more and better service for your tax dollars. Recently the KDA adopted two Internet-based systems that enable us to carry out our pesticide regulation and environmental enforcement duties more efficiently, improving customer service and staff productivity.

Companies that sell pesticide products in Kentucky can now register new pesticide products, renew existing pesticide products and pay fees online through the Pesticide Product Registration System. Also, 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 staffs have worked very hard to make these systems easy to use and able to provide accurate information in a timely manner. They help KDA work more efficiently, which benefits both consumers and pesticide businesses.

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 hours a day, seven days a week for companies to access at their convenience.

I commend our Environmental Services and Information Technology staffs for their hard work in implementing both of these important innovations. They help the Department provide the taxpayers of Kentucky with more services, productivity and efficiency out of fewer tax dollars.

This is just the latest in a number of actions the Department has taken to stretch our shrinking budget and provide you the services you expect and deserve. In the past year we have left dozens of positions open as a result of retirements. But there is only so much more we can do with less.

Our pesticide regulation program is just one of many ways the Kentucky Department of Agriculture affects the lives of all Kentuckians every day. When you fill your car up with gas, buy clothes at a department store or perform any other transaction in commerce, the Department has been there to make sure you pay the right price.

But continued state budget cuts are making it harder for our dedicated employees to carry out their important duties, like safeguarding Kentucky’s livestock, helping farmers across the Commonwealth market their products, inspecting eggs and performing many other responsibilities that are essential to our way of life. Go to www.kyagr.com and see all the things the KDA does for you.

If you agree with me that all the things the Kentucky Department of Agriculture does for the citizens of Kentucky are important, then let your state legislators know. Go to www.lrc.ky.gov to find out how to contact them, or leave them a message toll free at 1-800-372-7181. Please ask them to fully fund the KDA’s budget and keep 50 percent of Kentucky’s share of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement devoted to agriculture.
Thank you in advance for your support of Kentucky agriculture.

Poster and essay contest deadline extended.

2009-02-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has extended the deadline for submitting entries to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s annual Poster and Essay Contest because of severe winter weather that has caused dozens of schools throughout the Commonwealth to close for several days.
Entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 20. The Department will notify winners in each grade by Feb. 27.

“Every child who wants to participate in this contest should have the opportunity,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This contest is one of the most important things the Department does because it educates our young people about the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives.”

This year’s contest theme is “I Am Kentucky Proud.” Students are invited to create posters and write essays about the Kentucky Proud movement, how it helps Kentucky farmers stay on the farm, and how it helps consumers find fresh food raised or produced close to home that they can serve to their families with confidence.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade may enter a poster, an essay or both about Kentucky Proud. Statewide winners in each grade will be awarded a $100 savings bond and will be honored at the annual Kentucky Agriculture Day luncheon March 10 in Frankfort.

Poster contest entries must be in color on white paper, must demonstrate the theme and must include the theme in the artwork. Entries should be submitted rolled in a tube or wrapped flat. Essay contest entries must be no more than 150 words for participants in kindergarten through third grade and no more than 250 words for those in fourth through eighth grade.

Entries must be mailed to Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Poster and Essay Contest, 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 5th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601.

For complete contest rules and an entry form, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web Site, www.kyagr.com, click on Education Resources under the Programs menu, click on Agriculture Education and click on 2009 Poster & Essay Contest Rules and Entry Forms. For more information, contact Elizabeth McNulty at (502) 564-4983 or elizabeth.mcnulty@ky.gov.

Commissioner Farmer calls for disaster declaration

2009-02-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

Kentucky National Guard vehicles from the 201st Engineer Battalion travel the roads of Wolfe county and Breathitt County, Ky. to provide support to local officials in response to the ice storm that hit the state on Jan. 28. (U.S. Army photo by Cdt. Bryson Perry/201st Engineer Battalion)

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer today called on U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare an agricultural disaster in Kentucky as a result of a winter storm that disrupted feed and water supplies to livestock and left untold numbers of producers without electricity.

“Our farmers are struggling to keep their animals safe and healthy,” Commissioner Farmer said. “Power is out all over the state, and that makes it tough on livestock producers who need to pump fresh water to their animals or milk their dairy cows. Downed trees and limbs have hit power lines and damaged fences. Kentucky farmers need quick and decisive action from USDA to recover from this storm.”

Washington County Extension agent Rick Greenwell said power lines are lying in pieces in many fields in his county. He said a feed store he visited Thursday couldn’t mix feed because it didn’t have power.

Greenwell said Washington County “is in survival mode” due to power outages. “Through it all, people find time to help each other,” he said. “That’s the thing that’s keeping them going.”

Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, said hay supplies are dwindling and many producers are unable to provide fresh water to their animals because of power outages. He said some producers are losing sheep and goats because of stress from the weather.

David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association-Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, said horse owners are reporting problems with damaged fencing, extensive debris from downed trees and limbs, water line breaks and a few damaged structures. Switzer pointed out that the Thoroughbred foaling season is under way and the breeding season starts in about two weeks.

Barren County Extension agent Gary Tilghman said ice and flooding have damaged many fences in his county. He said today some dairy operations that were unable to operate last week because of power outages are back online. Barren County is Kentucky’s leading milk-producing county.

Department officials were told last week some Kentucky dairies had to dump milk because milk hauling trucks could not get to the dairies.

Some Kentucky poultry operations are being maintained on generators, but in some cases – especially in western Kentucky – fuel for the generators is in short supply, and electricity may not be restored for weeks. The birds require constant temperatures, lighting and feed, and even slight variations can put them in danger.

“Kentucky’s needs are many, and they are urgent,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I urge Secretary Vilsack to act with all deliberate speed to get our farmers the help they need now.”

Cattle Industry Leaders Discuss the Largest Trading Relationship in the World

2009-01-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2009
Contacts: Christi Lightcap, Colorado Department of Agriculture, (303) 239-4190
Jennifer Cook, Consulate General of Canada, (303) 589-8782

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Consulate General of Canada in Denver hosted a roundtable to discuss local and international issues facing today’s cattle industry.

Nearly 50 industry leaders and students gathered on Sunday, January 18, 2009, at the National Western Stock Show complex. The program was led by Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Stulp and Consul General of Canada Dale Eisler. The dialog covered a variety of cattle-related issues including country-of-origin labeling and air and water quality.

“The movement of live cattle and beef products between the United States and Canada totals nearly $3 billion annually and Colorado’s beef industry plays a major role in that relationship,” said Stulp. “The goal of this roundtable was to discuss challenges facing the cattle industry in both countries in order to continue building on that relationship.”

The consul General echoed the Commissioner’s comments: "The closely integrated Canada-U.S. cattle industry is a key part of our trading relationship. So these kinds of discussions are important to ensuring our economies remain open and strong," said Eisler.

The United States and Canada are each other’s largest trading partners, with total trade between the two countries projected to top $600 billion for 2008.

In 2007, over one-fifth of total U.S. exported goods went to Canada ($249 billion) and for 36 states, Canada was the #1 destination for exports.
Total U.S. exports to Canada have risen by more than 150 percent since the enactment of NAFTA in 1994. During this same time, exports of agricultural products from Colorado have grown by more than 300 percent from $81 million to $343.5 million in 2007.
In 2007, total combined trade of agricultural products between the U.S. and Canada totaled $32.5 billion. Of this amount, exports totaling $343.5 million originated from Colorado, including $125 million in beef.
For January through November of 2008, Colorado exports of fresh, chilled and frozen beef to Canada are reported at $160 million – a level 48 percent higher than the same period in 2007.

For more on Colorado’s agricultural exports, visit http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1221475092115.

To learn more about the Canada–U.S.A. agriculture trading relationship, visit
www.agr.gc.ca/usadvocacy.
###

Contagious equine metritis update.

2009-01-26T07:18:00.001-08:00

The latest update from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health is here.

The Agricultural Development Fund is an economic development success story.

2009-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

by Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer

Everyone knows the economy is down. But one investment portfolio right here in Kentucky has yielded a 9 percent annual return since 2001, and a few of the investments in that portfolio have returned in excess of 24 percent.

That “portfolio” isn’t the product of some high-end investment firm. It’s the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, which invests tobacco settlement money into projects that help Kentucky farmers and businesses add to their income.

In a report released in November, the University of Kentucky said that grants for individual agricultural development projects yielded $1.87 in new income to farmers for every $1 invested. That $1.87 is turning over multiple times in Kentucky’s economy.

Kentucky farmers set a record with $4.7 billion in cash receipts in 2008. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund helped make that possible.
The fund uses half of Kentucky’s master tobacco settlement money to share the costs of projects to improve agricultural operations and find new markets for Kentucky Proud farm products. No tax dollars are used in these investments.

More than $279 million has been invested in Kentucky agriculture since the fund was created in 2001. These investments are helping farmers while at the same time creating jobs and generating economic activity.

Broadbent B&B Foods opened a new pork processing plant and retail store in Lyon County last spring. Ronny and Beth Drennan’s business employs 12 full-time and another dozen seasonal workers. The retail store offers Kentucky Proud products from about 40 other producers. The Agricultural Development Fund helped pay for the new facility and made it possible for the Drennans to secure the rest of the financing they needed.

A greenhouse and a multipurpose facility in Cumberland County were built in part with cost share funds from the Agricultural Development Fund. The greenhouse at Cumberland County High School teaches students how to raise plants but also how to run a business and work with customers. The multipurpose facility gives local producers and crafts people an indoor, climate-controlled venue from which to sell their products.

Trunnell’s Farm Market in Daviess County was financed with help from the Agricultural Development Fund. A forgivable loan provides incentive for Trunnell’s to stock products from Kentucky Proud producers.

Agricultural development funds made it possible for Madison County farmer Eddie Warren to improve and expand his beef cattle operation to make up for lost income due to a sharp decline in tobacco production. Agricultural development funds made it possible for dairy farmer Don Kinslow of Barren County to renovate his milking parlor and build a free-stall barn that enables him to run his 500-cow operation more efficiently.

I could tell you dozens of other stories just like these.

The economic impact of these investments goes far beyond that return on investment in the UK report. These farmers and business people will spend their new income in their local communities for groceries, clothes for their children and other necessities of life. Their employees will do the same. Kentucky Proud vendors who ring up new sales through retailers such as Broadbent and Trunnell’s will spend those dollars in their respective communities. So will their employees. They all will pay taxes to their local governments for law enforcement, fire protection, schools, libraries and other vital services.

No other state is doing what Kentucky is doing with its tobacco settlement money. Some other states used part or all of their funds to plug holes in their budgets. That money is gone, never to be seen again. The investments Kentucky has made in its agriculture industry will continue to pay dividends for years to come.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund has succeeded in generating new farm income. It has succeeded with no tax dollars. And it has enabled some 50,000 Kentuckians throughout the Commonwealth to improve their standard of living. I urge you to contact your legislators and tell them to continue these wise, successful investments in Kentucky’s future.

Contagious equine metritis update.

2009-01-16T06:38:00.000-08:00

KDA revises CEM testing and treatment protocols.

Click here for the revision.

KDA announces new entry requirements for CEM-exposed and at-risk mares. Click here for announcement.
The latest update from the Division of Animal Health is here.

A fact sheet about contagious equine metritis is here.

KDA's equine health page is here.

Kentucky Proud takes the lead at first black-tie inaugural ball.

2009-01-16T06:32:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 16, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Guests at the Bluegrass Ball will be greeted with Kentucky Proud products when they arrive at the first of the black-tie inaugural galas Monday night in Washington, D.C. Each of the nearly 1,500 guests will receive a bag containing Kentucky Proud foods and other pieces of Kentucky culture.

“I am thrilled that these Kentucky Proud products will get the national attention they deserve,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The guests at the Bluegrass Ball will find out what we in Kentucky have known all along – when it comes to Kentucky Proud, nothing else is close.”

A Kentucky Proud producer took the reins to pull together the Kentucky Proud products for the bags. Officials from the state Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet contacted Kevin McKee of KD’s Homemade BBQ Sauce in Lee County about donating a product for the ball. McKee traveled the state to talk to Kentucky Proud producers about donating products. McKee said nobody turned him away, and he ended up with products from 17 Kentucky Proud businesses.

“These bags will be flowing with good things from Kentucky,” McKee said.

Honi Marleen Goldman of the Kentucky Society of Washington said she believes Kentucky is the only state that provides such a large amount of local food for an inaugural ball. She said Kentucky Proud foods also were featured prominently at the 2005 Bluegrass Ball.

Kentucky Proud businesses that donated products for the ball include:
Age International Inc., Frankfort
Applecreek Farms, Lexington
Assmann’s, Franklin
Bluegrass Bourbon Balls, Taylorsville
Edna Mae’s Special Recipes, Versailles
Herb’n Renewal, Lancaster
KD’s Homemade BBQ Sauce, Leeco
Kentucky Specialty Sauces, Lexington
Mama’s Seasoned Products, Auburn
McDowell Farms Salsa, Germantown
Mrs. Rogers Popcorn, Lexington
Simply Kentucky Confectionery, Lexington
Southern Belle Dairy, Somerset
Southern Delight Gourmet Foods, Bowling Green
Sunflower Sundries, Mt. Olivet
Weisenberger Mill, Midway
WindStone Farms, Paris

Dignitaries expected to attend the ball at the Marriott Wardman Park include former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation.

Guest Chef Michael Paley of Proof on Main in Louisville will prepare the meal. Steve Buttleman, the official bugler at Churchill Downs, will call guests to dinner, and the Lexington band Joey and the Cruisers will provide the entertainment. The Bluegrass Ball is presented by the Kentucky Society of Washington.

Visit Kentucky Proud here.

Contagious Equine Metritis Update

2009-01-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

KDA announces new entry requirements for CEM-exposed and at-risk mares.

Click here for announcement.

Students can use words and pictures to show why "I am Kentucky Proud."

2009-01-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 5, 2009
For more information contact:
Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer invites Kentucky school children to show why “I Am Kentucky Proud” in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s annual Poster and Essay Contest.

“The Kentucky Proud movement is sweeping the Commonwealth,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This contest will help our children learn what Kentucky Proud is and how it helps consumers find healthy, great-tasting food while also helping Kentucky farmers make a living.”

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade may enter a poster, an essay or both about Kentucky Proud. Statewide winners in each grade will be awarded a $100 savings bond and will be honored at the annual Kentucky Agriculture Day luncheon March 10 in Frankfort.

Poster contest entries must be in color on white paper, must demonstrate the theme and must include the theme in the artwork. Entries should be submitted rolled in a tube or wrapped flat. Essay contest entries must be no more than 150 words for participants in kindergarten through third grade and no more than 250 words for those in fourth through eighth grade.

Entries must be mailed to Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Poster and Essay Contest, 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 5th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. Entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 13. The KDA will notify winners in each grade by Feb. 20.

For complete contest rules and an entry form, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web Site, www.kyagr.com, click on Education Resources under the Programs menu, click on Agriculture Education and click on 2009 Poster & Essay Contest Rules and Entry Forms. For more information, contact Elizabeth McNulty at (502) 564-4983 or elizabeth.mcnulty@ky.gov.

Visit KDA's Ag Education page here.

2008-12-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-22T12:24:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-12-03T08:01:00.001-08:00

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.

2008-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-19T07:36:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

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.