Colorado Department of Agriculture on Facebook

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.

New Marketing Director for Colorado Department of Agriculture

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.

Horse Confirmed with Rabies in Colorado

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

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

“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.

Lowes Receives $35,000 Fine

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

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/.

CDA Urges Pet Safety during Cold Weather

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Cases Confirmed: Colorado Livestock Affected by Rabies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorado Schools Encouraged to Buy Local Products

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

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

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

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

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

CDA Biochemistry Lab Achieves International Accreditation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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