Kentucky Agricultural News

Emerald Ash Borer quarantine specifics addressed

2009-07-09T11:37:00.000-04:00

The Kentucky Office of the State Entomologist, in consultation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture...more.

Antifungal Pepper Compound Has Potential in Agriculture and Medicine

2009-07-09T11:24:00.001-04:00

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090709.htm

@Rooster--Ag In The News, July 9

2009-07-09T11:17:00.001-04:00

The Rooster

Agriculture in the news on Thursday, July 9

Ky. sends representatives to H1N1 Preparedness Summit

FRANKFORT (Gov.’s office) — Kentucky sent representatives today to Bethesda, Md., to discuss H1N1 preparedness efforts with federal Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and leaders from across the country.

Joined by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan, Sebelius and federal leaders are hosting an all-day H1N1 Flu Preparedness Summit to further prepare local, state and national leaders for the possibility of a more severe outbreak of H1N1 flu.

The Summit hopes to serve as a springboard for a national influenza campaign by bringing emergency responders, business owners, educators and others together with public health experts to build on and tailor states’ existing pandemic plans. The Summit will also serve as an opportunity for states to share best practices and lessons learned during the spring and summer H1N1 wave as well as discuss preparedness priorities to combat future outbreaks most effectively.

The Summit will provide a diverse offering of panels and discussions, including: Putting the Principles of Risk Communications to Work: H1N1 Flu Outbreak Case Study, School Preparedness and H1N1 Flu Preparedness Lessons Learned from States and Localities.

“The opportunity to share best practices with other state and national leaders is an important opportunity for Kentucky officials,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “Through this collaborative effort, we will be able to respond more effectively to the threat of a future outbreak in Kentucky as well as nationally.”

Kentucky officials attending the Summit include policy advisor John Esham, senior Public Health official Dr. William Hacker, senior education advisor Ruth Webb, Homeland Security advisor Mike Embry and senior communications official Jill Midkiff.

Kentucky has had approximately 113 H1N1 cases out of the 21,000 people in the U.S. that have been affected by the virus. For more information about the Summit, visit www.flu.gov.

Two Kentuckians among Farm Credit Services interns

LOUISVILLE (FCS) — Two students from Western Kentucky University are among 10 from colleges in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee serving as interns for Farm Credit Services (FCS) of Mid-America, a $15.5 billion agriculture lending cooperative headquartered in Louisville.

Kyle Adams of Glasgow, Ky., and Korey Young of Louisville are among the students that started working in paid internships in FCS offices throughout the four-state territory in late May and will wrap up the 10-week program in mid-August with formal presentations to the organization’s senior leaders.

“Our interns have the opportunity to work and learn in a real work environment with mentors and professionals who work in agriculture. It’s a great way for them to practically apply the skills they are learning in college and an exciting way to learn about the skills they will need in the workforce after they complete college,” said Stacy Mullins, recruitment specialist with Farm Credit.

The interns attended a mid-term retreat, which included touring Heaven Hill Distilleries in Kentucky, and Huber Farms and Riverview Farms in southern Indiana. “The main objectives with the intern retreat were to foster support and camaraderie among peers and to expose interns to different types of agriculture,” said Mullins. “It also gives us the chance to address any questions they might have had as they prepare for their senior leadership presentations.”

Certainly, the intern program is a benefit to the students. But Mullins said the program offers advantages to Farm Credit too. “These students bring a much needed diversity to our offices, offering fresh perspectives and varying backgrounds for our staff and our customers,” she said. “We really feel like we learn from them and about the needs and expectations of the next generation of employees.”

The opportunity to network and have a better understanding of what people do in the field of finance are certainly motivating factors for interns. And like many Farm Credit interns before, the experience may help them decide to enter the world of agricultural finance after their college career.

Meat industry loses a legend as third Oscar Mayer dies

MADISON, Wis. (Meatingplace.com) — The meat processing industry has lost a legend with the passing of Oscar G. Mayer, retired chairman of the Madison-based firm that carries his grandfather's name and lives on as an iconic, $1.5 billion brand for Kraft Foods. He was 95.

Mayer died Monday of complications related to old age, Kraft spokeswoman Sydney Lindner said. "With Oscar G. Mayer's passing the food industry and the Madison area have lost an innovator, an advocate and a friend," she stated in an e-mail. "Oscar was an inspiring leader who worked tirelessly for the company his grandfather founded and for the entire Madison community. All of us at Kraft Foods are deeply saddened by his passing and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family. Oscar will truly be missed."

Mayer was the third Oscar Mayer in the founding family. His grandfather, Oscar F. Mayer, died in 1955. His father, Oscar G. Mayer Sr., died in 1965.

The grandson began working for his grandfather at Oscar Mayer Foods in 1936 after graduating from Cornell University and completing post-graduate work at Harvard Business School. Described as "a hard-working, tall and dignified man," Mayer rose through the ranks of the company. He began as a production trainee, and by 1955 he was named president. In 1966, Mayer became chairman of the board. In 1977, after 41 years with Oscar Mayer, he retired as chairman of the executive committee.

The Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame honored him as one if its first inductees. "He lived a life of generous contribution," Lindner said. "His leadership made Oscar Mayer and our community a better place. He had continued to be involved in the business, meeting on a regular basis with our past and current presidents, Rick Searer and Nick Meriggioli."

KFB Young Farmer Summer Outing runs Friday to Sunday

BOWLING GREEN (GOAP) — The Kentucky Farm Bureau Young Farmer Summer Outing runs tomorrow through Sunday at Holiday Inn University Plaza in Bowling Green.

The event is a highlight of the year's young farmer activities, providing a relaxed atmosphere for farm families to socialize with each other, tour local agriculture-related sites and gain a better understanding of the organization. For more information, visit www.kyfb.com/federation/program-links/young-farmers/young-farmer-summer-outing.

Dress like a cow and get free food tomorrow at Chick-fil-A

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. (Meatingplace.com) — In honor of the fifth annual Cow Appreciation Day celebration – a nod to the Chick-fil-A Cows and the "Eat Mor Chikin" ad campaign – Chick-fil-A Restaurants are offering a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who visits one of its 1,440 restaurants dressed as a cow on Friday.

Customers dressed from head to hoof as a cow will receive a free entrée, side item and beverage. Those dressed partially in cow attire will get a complimentary entrée.

Chick-fil-A has a Web site, www.CowAppreciationDay.com, which includes cow costume tips as well as downloadable cow accessories. It will also host online photo contests for adults and kids.

This Morning’s Market Prices

Corn	$3.40 per bushel	up $.006	Cattle	$83.35 per cwt.	down $.850
Soybeans	$10.87 per bushel	up $.030	Hogs	$58.93 per cwt.	down $1.775

Source: AgricultureOnline

The Rooster is compiled and edited by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Public Relations. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Department or the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Where does your food come from?

2009-07-09T10:54:00.000-04:00

Where does your food come from?

The average food item in America now travels at least 1,491 miles from farm to plate.

Search for Kentucky Proud products here.

Search for Kentucky Proud members here.

Visit Kentucky Proud here.

Kentucky's state of the art Motor Fuel and Pesticide Testing Laboratory is open for business.

2009-07-09T10:47:00.003-04:00

Top: Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer discusses the operation of the KDA's new state of the art motor fuel and pesticide testing laboratory with members of the General Assembly's Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture. The committee toured the new facility July 8. (Ted Sloan photo.) Bottom: KDA's Bill Day discusses the lab's operation with legislators. (Ted Sloan photo.)

ARS Food and Nutrition Research Briefs Issued

2009-07-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090708.htm

Looking for Kentucky Proud produce?

2009-07-07T17:12:00.003-04:00

Here's our produce availability chart. The full-size version is here.

Commissioner Farmer Joins Dignitaries in Honoring Kentucky Agribusiness Unit

2009-07-07T13:46:00.002-04:00

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.”

Kentucky Proud blueberries

2009-07-07T11:20:00.004-04:00

Kentucky Proud Blueberry Treat

July is National Blueberry Month. Enjoy some delicious, Kentucky Proud blueberries this July. Here's an idea:

Kentucky Proud Blueberry Treat

1 1/2 cup fresh Kentucky Proud blueberries
1 pint whipped cream
1 banana (medium or large)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut
Angel food cake

Wash and drain the fresh blueberries. Cut banana into small cubes or very thin slices. Chop walnuts and remove the pieces from the dusty part. You will not be using the dusty parts. Whip the cream and blend in the blueberries, banana and walnut pieces. You may add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries to the mixture for variation.

Cut angel food cake into slices about 3 inches thick. When ready to serve, spread the mixture about 1 inch thick on the slices of cake. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top to taste.

Keep mixture chilled for a short time, if necessary, but do not put on cake in advance or the cake may become soggy.

Recipe courtesy of the Kentucky Blueberry Association.

Two new, yellow-flesh peaches to hit supermarkets in 2011

2009-07-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

"Two new, yellow-flesh peaches — SummerFest and FlavrBurst — created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, W.Va., are being released to growers in cooperation with Adams County Nursery Inc., Aspers, Pa."
Read More: The Packer

ICE to focus on employers in immigration crackdown

2009-07-07T11:09:00.001-04:00

"The Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement division is reviewing the hiring records of more than 650 businesses - including some agricultural operations."
Read More: The Packer

Vegetable, melon farms target consumers directly

2009-07-07T11:08:00.001-04:00

"More than a quarter of all vegetable and melon farms sell at least some of their crop direct to consumers, and a new U.S. Department of Agriculture report says that trend is growing."
Read More: The Packer

Specialized guard will help Afghans with poppy problem

2009-07-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

From the Frankfort State-Journal:

A Kentucky Army and Air National Guard unit will soon deploy to Afghanistan to offer its farmers alternatives to growing poppies - a source of heroin used to fund the Taliban...more.

ARS Releases New Leaf Lettuce Breeding Lines with Corky Root Resistance

2009-07-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090707.htm

@Rooster--Ag In The News, July 7

2009-07-07T09:28:00.001-04:00

The Rooster

Agriculture in the news on Tuesday, July 7

Recall expands to Malt-O-Meal oatmeal, Meijer hot cocoa

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (USA Today) — What began as a small investigation into tainted milkshake powder has become a nationwide recall of related products...more.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. For a list of recalled products, visit www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/Milk.

Horse show explores move from Red Mile to Horse Park

LEXINGTON (Herald-Leader) — The Lexington Junior League Horse Show, with its high-stepping horses, red-coated ringmasters and upbeat organ music, has been an annual staple at the Red Mile for 73 years...more.

Ky. Guardsmen deploying to teach Afghans how to farm

GREENVILLE, Ky. (Glasgow Daily Times) — A group of soldiers and airmen from the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 623rd Field Artillery is preparing for deployment to Afghanistan...more.

Analyst sees pork production dropping only 1% this year

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Meatingplace.com) — Even as hog producers continue to reduce the breeding herd, Purdue University economist Chris Hurt expects heavier slaughter weights and larger litters will mean only a 1 percent decrease in pork production over the next 12 months.

"This small supply reduction will not boost prices back to profitability in 2009," Hurt wrote in a report, in which he also predicted pork exports could continue to lag in the fall when medical experts predict a second wave of H1N1 illnesses could occur. Even though pork consumption has nothing to do with contracting the virus, "simply having flu in the news likely means there will be some continued loss of pork export demand."

Hurt does, however, see some optimism in the fact that falling corn prices are cutting feed costs. He estimated hog producers will cut their losses to about $5 to $7 per head in the second half of 2009 from an estimated $20 per head loss in the first half of the year. "Profitability could return as early as late-winter 2010," he predicted.

Given current feed prices and expectations based on futures markets, Hurt estimated summer production costs at about $48 per live hundredweight, dropping to $46 per hundredweight in the fall and averaging $46 to $47 per hundredweight in 2010. He forecast live hog prices will average in the higher $40s this summer, the mid-$40s in the fourth quarter, then into the mid-to-higher $40s this winter. He expects prices to further move into the lower $50s in the spring of 2010 and into the low-to-mid $50s by next summer.

U of L neurologist says farmed fish may pose risk for BSE

LOUISVILLE (KyPost.com) — University of Louisville neurologist Dr. Robert Friedland questions the safety of eating farmed fish in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, adding a new worry to concerns about the nation’s food supply...more.

Latest herd retirement removes over 101,000 dairy cows

ARLINGTON, Va. (CWT) — Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has finished the farm audits of its seventh herd retirement round since the program was started in 2003, removing 101,040 cows that produced almost two billion pounds of milk.

At the completion of the on-farm auditing process at the end of June, CWT removed 367 herds in 41 states, comprised of nearly 101,000 cows that produced 1.96 million pounds of milk. These figures reflect the final number of dairies that successfully were audited in the herd retirement process in May and June.

CWT had received 538 bids from 41 states during the bidding process in April. As has been the case with its previous herd retirement rounds, most of the cows removed were in the western regions of the country. This round also removed 818 bred heifers.

“Even though this was by far the largest of CWT’s seven herd retirement efforts, we were able to move quickly in May and June to audit the participating farms,” said Jim Tillison, chief operating officer of CWT. “The national dairy herd will be noticeably smaller this summer as a result of CWT.”

CWT auditors were sent to each of the farms whose bids were accepted. Once the information submitted by the farmers with their bid was verified, each of the cows had a special CWT ear tag applied, and the farmers were a brief amount of time to sell their cows for processing. Once the sales receipts for the animals are verified and ear tags are returned to CWT by the processing plants, farmers are issued payment, and their names are posted at www.cwt.coop.

Tillison said some farmers’ names have yet to be posted online from this seventh round, but will be in coming weeks as they are sent their payments. He added that additional CWT herd reduction activities are likely in 2009, given the depressed state of milk prices and the continuing imbalance between supply and demand.

In the Southeast region, of which Kentucky is a member, 52 farms have been audited and 6,400 cows have been retired, removing 107.2 million pounds of milk.

U.S. pork producers urged to use antibiotics cautiously

WASHINGTON (Meatingplace.com) — Emphasizing the importance of export markets to the U.S. pork industry, the National Pork Board is urging producers to use caution in administering antibiotics to their animals in order to meet residue limits of international markets.

In a letter to pork producers, National Pork Board President Steve Weaver specifically addresses the use of feed/water tetracycline-class antibiotics such as tetracycline, oxytetracycline or chlortetracycline. Russia recently banned imports of pork from two Farmland Foods plants, citing findings of tetracycline.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, however, said the amounts detected were in line with U.S. standards. Nonetheless, Weaver said U.S. pork producers who sell to packers that market product globally should take steps to help keep such markets open.

"Specifically, we need to follow the voluntary 14-day withdrawal period for all feed or water tetracycline class antibiotics," Weaver wrote. "Based on currently available information, a withdrawal of 14 days when using feed or water forms of tetracycline class antibiotics should meet the residue limits of international markets for U.S. pork."

Exports contributed to $40.56 for every pig sold in the United States in 2008, Weaver noted, citing data from University of Missouri economists Ron Plain and Glenn Grimes. Exports in 2009 are expected to fall below the record levels of 2008, but the economists say exports still have a positive impact on hog prices.

Deadline to register for Breeders’ Incentive Fund is Aug. 1

LEXINGTON (KHRC) — The Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund (KBIF) yesterday announced the registration deadline for mares covered in 2009 is Aug. 1.

Breeders may register online by going to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) web site at www.khrc.ky.gov and clicking on Breeders’ Incentive Fund. Registration fee is $60. Online registration instructions are available on the Web site, as well as registration forms for breeders who prefer to pay by check.

To qualify for the program, the mare must have been covered by a Kentucky stallion and remain in Kentucky from the time of cover until foaling. Registering the mares bred this year will allow the 2010 foal to be eligible for breeder incentive awards during the foals’ racing careers. More than $15 million was awarded on 2008 races won by Kentucky-breds eligible for KBIF funds.

The KBIF was implemented in 2005 to ensure the strength and growth of the horse industry in Kentucky. Since the fund’s inception, more than $40 million has been awarded to thoroughbred breeders as an incentive to breed their mares in Kentucky and keep them in the state.

For more information about the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund visit the KHRC web site at www.khrc.ky.gov or call (888) KYBRED.

Two more cases of H1N1 flu reported in Franklin County

FRANKFORT (State Journal) — Franklin County can expect more mild cases of swine flu, according to Tammie Bertram, director of nursing for the Franklin County Health Department...more.

Man attacked from behind by sandwich-craving black bear

VERNON, N.J. (AP) — A northwestern New Jersey man said he was mugged in his driveway by a sandwich-craving bear.

Henry Rouwendal said he was packing his car when he was hit from behind and knocked to the ground. He said the culprit was a black bear who took his Italian sandwich...more.

This Morning’s Market Prices

Corn	$3.45 per bushel	up $.020	Cattle	$84.43 per cwt.	down $.450
Soybeans	$12.01 per bushel	up $.012	Hogs	$60.65 per cwt.	up $.675

Source: AgricultureOnline

Commissioner Farmer joins dignitaries honoring Kentucky Agribusiness Unit bound for Afghanistan.

2009-07-07T09:09:00.000-04:00

Top: Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer addresses the members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Unit in a ceremony Monday in Frankfort. Bottom:

Members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Unit receive a round of applause in a departure ceremony Monday in Frankfort.

US Military Develops Influenza Monitoring System

2009-07-07T08:22:00.000-04:00

eMaxHealth

According to the Institute of Medicine, “The DoD–Global Emerging Infections System, through its avian influenza/pandemic influenza activities at the [DoD] ...

Texas Ranchers, Regulators Weary from Cattle Fever Tick War

2009-07-06T16:28:00.001-04:00

News Release
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

For immediate release:

Texas animal health officials have cast another wide net in the battle to eradicate cattle fever ticks in South Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has temporarily quarantined 152,716 acres in Starr and Hidalgo counties. In nearby Zapata County, five-mile quarantine perimeters are being drawn around fever-tick infested pastures. A foreign pest, the cattle fever tick has the capability to carry and transmit Babesia, a blood parasite that can kill adult cattle. Although it prefers cattle, the fever tick can survive and be carried on horses, deer, elk, aoudad sheep and a number of other deer species.

Since October 2008, (the beginning of the 2009 federal fiscal year) 127 fever tick-infested premises in eight South Texas counties have been detected and quarantined. Of these, 68 premises are in Zapata County, 51 are in Starr County, and the remainder are scattered among Maverick, Brooks, Cameron, Kinney, Dimmit and Webb counties. This year’s infested premises tally will eclipse last year’s count of 132, and could meet or beat the record set during the 1973 fever tick outbreak -- 170 infested premises.

“The Starr-Hidalgo temporary quarantine is the fifth since July 2007 and was implemented less than 70 days after we released nearly 375,000 acres from temporary quarantine in Webb, Dimmit and Maverick counties,” said Dr. Hillman. “We had very good results in Webb, Dimmit and Maverick Counties, where the tick-infested premises count has dropped to five. About 250,000 acres remain under temporary quarantine in the three counties.

“In rural Zapata County, there are no appropriate roads or easily identified boundaries for establishing a temporary quarantine. Therefore, to accomplish adequate tick surveillance in Zapata County, premises within five miles of an infested pasture are being temporarily quarantined.” Dr. Hillman explained that ranchers in the temporary quarantines can move livestock after the animals undergo a clean tick inspection and treatment by the USDA Tick Force or TAHC.

Dr. Hillman explained that Tick Force and TAHC teams work inward from the outer edges of the temporarily quarantined area, inspecting ranches with cattle, horses and wildlife hosts to determine the outermost spread of the fever tick infestation. Not only do animals become tick-infested, but so do the pastures, as fever ticks may wait in the grass for months, before finding a suitable onto a host animal.” said Dr. Hillman.

“When infested premises are detected, the animals and pasture are quarantined for nine months or longer, and a variety of tick eradication measures are taken. Cattle are inspected and run through dipping vats spray boxes charged with the pesticide CO-RAL. Another treatment being evaluated in field trials is injectable doramectin. Horses are sprayed, and wildlife are provided medicated feed or enticed to treatment stations where their ears and neck rub against pyrethrin-coated posts while they eat.

Alternatively, once cattle are ‘tick-free,’ the cattle may be moved to a new site, allowing the pasture to be ‘vacated’ for months, causing the ticks will starve. Greater success is achieved, however, by leaving cattle in place and continuing to inspect and treat the animals every 14 days with CO-RAL or every 25 to 28 days with doramectin. Ticks picked up from the grass by the cattle and destroyed by treatment, eventually leaves the pasture free of the pest. This long and costly process is a burden to the ranchers who must hire helicopters and cowboys time after time to round up the cattle from the thick brush,” said Dr. Hillman.

“With each new infested premises, costs rise for the fever tick programmore equipment, more personnel, more products and more time. Sadly, because we have worked so hard to keep this outbreak contained to South Texas, it is not fully recognized as a national animal health issue, with potential international consequences,” said Dr. Hillman, Texas’ state veterinarian and head of the TAHC, the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. “The longer it takes to eradicate this fever tick incursion, the greater are the chances fever ticks will be spread to other states, which will raise the costs exponentially. More people, more national resources and new tick-fighting products are needed now to get this potentially deadly pest out of the U.S.”

Dr. Hillman said the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is helping ranchers with land management techniques to help reduce cattle fever ticks, including, but not limited to, cross-fencing, brush management, prescribed burning and prescribed grazing to help with livestock handling, to destroy cattle fever tick habitat, and to help manage wildlife.

For the 2010-2011 biennium, the Texas Legislature appropriated an additional $500,000 a year in state funds for the fever tick program. The TAHC will some of the funds to hire five new fever tick personnel. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tick Force has received some funding to hire temporary and term workers, but sustainable, ongoing funding of about $15 million per year is needed to support this program, eradicate the current outbreak and prevent future problems. I urge industry and lawmakers to support fever tick eradication while it is still a brush fire confined to South Texas. The situation with this foreign pest could become a wildfire, particularly if ticks begin transmitting Babesia, and we have cattle deaths. We don’t need a replay of the 1800s, when thousands of cattle died from tick fever,” he said.

Although the fever tick was declared eradicated from the U.S. in 1943, it has never been wiped out in Mexico, which serves as a continuous source for tick reinfestation in Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tick Force has fewer than 60 riders to patrol the 900 miles of the Rio Grande on horseback from Del Rio to Brownsville, and apprehend ‘ticky’ Mexican cattle, horses, deer, elk and susceptible species that cross the river. Detecting ticks in this narrow permanent fever tick buffer zone is expected, due to the prevalence of the tick in Mexico, explained Dr. Hillman. “Finding them farther inland indicates that our defenses are inadequate and that wandering wildlife or stray or smuggled livestock are spreading the foreign ticks. Today, 60 percent of the fever tick infestations are encroaching deeper into the ‘free’ areas of the state,” said Dr. Hillman.

The boundary of the new temporary quarantined area in Starr and Hidalgo counties begins at the intersection of Military and Garza Roads in La Joya, in Hidalgo County. It follows Garza northward to the intersection with US Highway 83, where it follows the highway to the intersection with Jara Chinas Road. The boundary continues north on Jaras Chinas until it turns northwest on 14 Mile road, then north on Salazar Road to the intersection with FM 490. The boundary follows FM 490 northwest, crossing the county line into Starr County and continuing to the intersection with the fence line of El Junco Ranch. At this point, the boundary turns south, following the ranch fence line to Las Brisas Road/Pimienta Road, where it continues south to U.S. Highway 83. The boundary follows Highway 83 southeast, where it follows Montalvo Road, then Military Road to the intersection with Garza, the starting point of the zone. A map of the temporary quarantine zone is posted on the TAHC web site at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or a copy is available by mail or email by calling the TAHC at 800-550-8242, ext. 710.

Kentucky Proud Fried Chicken!

2009-07-06T16:21:00.003-04:00

In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, enjoy!

Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund Registration Deadline is Set

2009-07-06T14:12:00.000-04:00

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Public Protection Cabinet

Kentucky Horse Racing Commission

Steven L. Beshear, Governor Robert D. Vance, Secretary

Lisa E. Underwood, Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jamie Eads

(859) 246-2040

Online registration available at www.khrc.ky.gov

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 6, 2009) – The Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders’ Incentive Fund (KBIF) today announced the registration deadline for mares covered in 2009. Breeders may register online by going to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) web site at www.khrc.ky.gov and clicking on Breeders’ Incentive Fund no later than Aug. 1, 2009. The registration fee is $60. Online registration instructions are available on the website as well as registration forms for breeders who prefer to pay by check.

The KBIF was implemented in 2005 to ensure the strength & growth of the horse industry in Kentucky. Since the fund’s inception, more than $40 million has been awarded to thoroughbred breeders as an incentive to breed their mares in Kentucky and keep them in the state.

For more information about the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund visit the KHRC web site at www.khrc.ky.gov or call (859) 246-2847 or (888) KYBRED.

Junior Members’ Generosity Helps Campaign for Angus Surpass 50% of $11 Million Goal

2009-07-06T12:44:00.000-04:00

The Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus, the first capital campaign launched by the Angus Foundation and American Angus Association® to support Angus education, youth and research projects, has now raised more than $5.5 million – toward its $11 million goal set to be raised by Dec. 31, 2011.

Click here to read more...

For More Information Contact:

Kelli Armbruster at (816) 383-5175 or karmbruster@angus.org

Consumers connecting food safety and sustainability

2009-07-06T12:40:00.001-04:00

Despite the economy, consumers have not forgotten about sustainability, according to a new PMA consumer survey – and that presents opportunities for savvy produce marketers. Seventy-four percent of consumers polled recently by the Hartman Group for PMA said it is very important to them that fruit and vegetable providers support or pursue food safety (e.g., testing and public education) and pesticide reduction (59%) as part of their sustainability programs. Four in 10 noted that community support...
Read More: PMA.com

Organic Trade Association defends organic standards

2009-07-06T12:38:00.000-04:00

"The Organic Trade Association is refuting a Washington Post article that claims the U.S. Department of Agriculture's organic standards have been relaxed, saying the article is based on "old news and urban legends.""
Read More: The Packer

WEG games to highlight Kentucky Experience

2009-07-06T12:35:00.001-04:00

KDA is involved with this project. This item in the Herald-Leader is a good story about the broad outlines: http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/853439.html/

Sweet Southern Showdown Slated, July 19-25

2009-07-06T12:29:00.001-04:00

Angus enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Perry, Ga., for the 2009 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 19-25. The Georgia Angus and Junior Angus Associations will host the “Sweet Southern Showdown” at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter.

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For More Information Contact:

Shelia Stannard at (816) 383-5152 or sstannard@angus.org