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State Legislators Convene to Protect Agriculture

Agenda, presentations and photos are available at www.sarl.us
The summit attendees passed 10 resolutions covering;
reciprocity in pesticide certification, support of
the dairy industry, a conprehensive farm bill,
COOL, protection of private property, protection
of GPS, control of invasive species, interstate shipment
of state inspected meat and the Universal Service Fund.
See the resolutions, presentations and photos 

::January 20-January 27, 2012 ::
Agriculture News Rural  Communities  Federal and International 

SARL members rework bill from 2011.
Iowa lawmakers combat false and edited videos
Two Iowa lawmakers are looking to combat those who obtain access to agricultural production facilities under false pretenses.  Animal rights activists have frequently taken part in clandestine activities in recent years, such as secretly filming livestock.  HF 589 sponsored by Sens. Joe Seng, Davenport, and Tim Kapucian, Keystone would create the crime of “agricultural production facility fraud.” Anyone who conspires with, aids and abets or conceals a person who commits the offense could also be held criminally liable.  However, Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, who said the legislation is “problematic” and creates a protection for the agricultural industry that is not afforded to any other sector, said he will seek to defer debate to allow time to draft changes.  Paul Shapiro of the Humane Society of the United States called the measure “a whistle-blower suppression bill...If you’re going to make it a crime to inflate or exaggerate your resume, then you’d better start investing in prisons.” Backers said they re-crafted the measure — in consultation with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office — in a way that does not restrict the recording or distribution of videos or photographs. Instead, it deals only with fraudulent statements made to obtain access or employment at an animal facility or crop operation property. localwireless.com

Yahoo claims Agriculture a Useless Degree
Yahoo Education, a news division of the search engine giant, published the piece by writer Terence Loose, listing agriculture, animal science and horticulture as three of the five “most useless” degrees available to college students. Out of a top five list their number one pick for a useless degree is agriculture; they go on to also list animal science and horticulture. Strange when you consider that agriculture has been the one strong point in an otherwise failing economy. The Yahoo piece was also highly antithetical to those who actually work in the industry and know it is one of the few bright spots in an economy that has stagnated for nearly four years. While other U.S. industries that produce tangible products, like manufacturing, have struggled to compete in a global market, U.S. agriculture is thriving, with ag exports worth $137 billion in the last fiscal year.  Farmers, editors of agriculture publications and agriculture educators responded in force against the article’s allegations, pointing out the generalizations and gaps in its argument and reminding people that, as an editorial from Drovers CattleNetwork put it, “[d]on’t criticize our chosen profession…with your mouth full.”
Western Farm Press

The press has been hard on the Court for this, but as someone that has loaded thousands of hogs, they occasionally will get hot and lay down.. they are not downer animals and pose no threat to the food supply.
US Supreme Court blocks California law on euthanizing downed livestock
The Supreme Court on overturned a California law that would require euthanizing downed livestock at federally inspected slaughterhouses to keep the meat out of the nation’s food system. California strengthened regulations against slaughtering so-called “downer” animals after the 2008 release of an undercover Humane Society of the United States video showed workers abusing cows at a slaughterhouse. In a widely expected decision, the high court ruled that the state’s 2009 law was blocked from going into effect by federal law administered by the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.  Federal law “precludes California’s effort ... to impose new rules, beyond any the FSIS has chosen to adopt, on what a slaughterhouse must do with a pig that becomes non-ambulatory during the production process,” said Justice Elena Kagan, who wrote the court’s unanimous opinion. Under California law, the ban on buying, selling and slaughtering of downer cattle also extended to pigs, sheep and goats. Pork producers sued to stop the law, saying it interfered with federal laws that require inspections of downed livestock before determining whether they can be used for meat. The Federal Meat Inspection Act allows a federal meat inspector to examine and then determine whether a downed animal is fit to be slaughtered for meat. It also says states cannot add requirements “in addition to or different than” its requirements. 
Washington Post

Supreme Court decision helps fuel activist propaganda machine
The U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, announced yesterday in National Meat Association vs Harris, offered yet another opportunity for activists to scare and confuse consumers with propaganda.
Drovers

California animal-slaughter law struck down; activists pin hopes on federal bill
LATimes.com

OK: Livestock Coalition to Address Abandoned Animals Garners Governor's Support
Coalition does what HSUS doesn’t.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin endorsed the newly formed Oklahoma Livestock Relief Coalition that provides a funding channel for people to support the efforts of livestock producers and law enforcement agencies who are often given the task of caring for abandoned and neglected livestock. Gov. Fallin encouraged the public to help the OLRC take care of these animals. “This takes money so I would like to encourage Oklahomans who want to help to make a donation to the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Foundation.”
Beef

IN: Bill Gives Farmers a Legal Tool to Stop Groundless Nuisance Suits
As HB 1091  is written, the Star's statement is wrong.  Only if the farm prevails in the lawsuit and the suit is determined by a court to be "frivolous, maliciously initiated, or groundless," would the court award attorneys' fees. This is not a guaranty.  Nevertheless, some anti-ag groups are already lining up to oppose the bill.  Kim Ferraro of the Hoosier Environmental Counsel explained "Given the significant hurdles already in place that limit the ability of CAFO communities to protect themselves,this is probably the most repulsive, underhanded and unjust piece of proposed legislation I've ever seen. Farm group industry leaders explained why the bill is necessary.  Justin Schneider, a staff attorney from Indiana Farm Bureau, testified that was bill was necessary because there have been several cases where judges decline to award court costs to successful defendants.  Michael Platt, executive director of the Indiana Pork Producers, testified that he is seeing more attorneys file suits against CAFOS with the express purpose of delaying and disrupting industry expansion. From my standpoint, Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Pork have it right. A number of lawsuits have been filed in the last few years against Indiana farms, often funded by out-of-state attorneys or in state anti-farm groups.  Nuisance suits dissuade farms from expanding.  HB 1091 seeks to address these problems..
Janzenlaw.blogspot.com

IN:Protection bill leaves bad smell
When an experienced activist attorney says she'd be inclined to advise low-income citizens not to take grievances to court if a certain bill became law, alarms ought to be ringing.
Indystar

Mobile poultry unit goes to Vt. farm for $61,000
A Vermont farm has bought the state's mobile poultry processing unit for $61,000. The owners of Tangletown Farm in Middlesex say the unit will allow them to expand their business and play a larger role.
Capital Press

NH, Maine police investigate logging damage
Police in Conway, N.H., say damage from vandalism to equipment belonging to a logging company runs into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Capital Press

KS:Bill would help cooperate hog, dairy interests
The House Agriculture Committee eased into highly controversial territory Wednesday by assessing legislation designed to weaken obstacles to establishment of corporate hog and dairy operations in Kansas. Debate 20 years ago on the subject, which produced the current mechanism allowing voters to challenge county decisions, produced protest rallies at the Statehouse. A handful of lobbyists and legislators recalled those days when neighbors were pitted against neighbors on the issue.
The Capital-Journal

Donations pay for WA Wildlife Department bear dogs
When Washington Fish and Wildlife agents are tracking down bears that threaten homes or people they depend on Karelian bear dogs. The department owns four of the dogs but the program is funded by donations.
Capital Press

U.S. agriculture secretary critical of Pa. plan to tie food stamps to assets ...
Pennsylvania's plan to tie food-stamp benefits to people's assets will save the state nothing and create more problems than it solves. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said the asset test "is not going to save the commonwealth a single dime," and would, in fact, cost the state money to implement. Mayor Nutter, at a City Hall news conference with Vilsack, was more pointed. "This is one of the most mean-spirited, asinine proposals to come out of Harrisburg in decades," he said. "I literally cannot understand what problem they are trying to solve."  The asset test, as described by the Department of Public Welfare, would deny food stamps to senior citizens with $3,250 or more in savings and assets. For people under 60, the figure is $2,000.  Houses and retirement benefits would be exempt from counting as assets. If a person owns a car, that vehicle also would be exempt, but any additional vehicle worth more than $4,650 would be considered a countable asset.
Philadelphia Inquirer

Ala., Ga. farmers adjust planting after immigration crackdown
Brett Hall, Alabama's deputy agriculture commissioner, said nurseries across south Alabama are trying to find workers to fill about 2000 jobs ahead of the spring growing season. Some producers said they have begun changing their plans for planting and harvesting this year's crops. Some farmers said they might reduce the number of acres they plant or shift to less labor-intensive crops, while others are bracing for higher labor prices and have turned to new recruiting tools to attract workers. Many nursery growers are staffing job fairs.
USA TODAY

Mo. treasurer reaches agreement with federal agriculture officials on farm loan guarantees
More loans may be available to first-time farmers in Missouri, under a new agreement between the state treasurer's office and the USDA. Treasurer Clint Zweifel  says first-time farmers qualifying for loans under the state's low-interest Linked Deposit Program could receive a 95 % loan guarantee from the federal Farm Service Agency. Zweifel said that guarantee could save money on interest. The federal agency might also waive loan origination fees, depending on how much money is available for the program. Farmers can use the money for land, buildings, new and used farm equipment and livestock.
The Columbus Indiana Republic

Buy-local fueling agriculture growth, farmers say
Maine farmers are optimistic about opportunities in the industry, especially if more "buy local" campaigns are initiated and existing ones improved, according to a survey from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The extension, in partnership with the Maine Business School, surveyed about 200 farmers over last year to get their impressions on the future of farming through 2012, according to VillageSoup. The farmers expected both large and small farms to continue to expand and diversify. Farmers were optimistic about the growing buy-local movement and said that outreach efforts to encourage consumers to support local food producers would be important in sustaining future growth in the agriculture industry in the state. Some respondents said efforts to supply locally grown food to institutions such as hospitals and schools should be expanded. Respondents also cited the willingness of farmers to help each other as another bright spot.
MaineBiz

Florida Agriculture Issues in State Legislature
The Senate Agriculture Committee turned out the lights on a proposal aimed at preventing people from secretly taking pictures on farms. With the proposal causing controversy,
the committee removed it from a broader agriculture bill (SB 1184). The proposal was aimed primarily at animal-rights groups that falsify videos related to the treatment of animals on farms. Supporters of the proposal, which was approved earlier this month in a House committee, have said it would protect private property rights and prevent misunderstandings and potential espionage. The Senate committee voted 7-0 to approve the rest of SB 1184, which deals with issues such as stormwater-management fees, citrus-harvesting equipment and animal feed.  Senate committee approved SB 1132 which would limit oversight of beekeeping to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and prevent cities and counties from imposing restrictions on such things as the location of honeybee colonies. Sponsor Alan Hays, Umatilla, said the bill comes after some local governments have approved ordinances in “kneejerk reaction” to beekeeping. “We do need uniform, statewide standards,” Hays said. The Florida League of Cities expressed concerns, but the Senate Agriculture Committee voted 7-0 to approve the measure. Despite objections from cities and counties, the Senate Agriculture Committee also approved a bill that would prevent local regulation of “agritourism” on farm land. The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 6-1 to approve SB 1496, sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, Baker. Agritourism can involve a variety of activities, such as farms offering tours and educational activities. But Stephen James, a lobbyist for the Florida Association of Counties, is concerned that the bill is overly broad. He said some farm land is close to densely populated areas and that problems could arise if owners wanted to hold festivals that could affect such things as parking.
Southeast AgNet

FL: State, environmental groups continue to wrestle over water cleanup plan
A lawsuit-fueled four-year battle over safety and health standards for Florida waters inched toward a possible resolution in the Legislature. A House committee unanimously accepted a proposal by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to bypass stricter federal water pollution rules and instead apply its own state standards.The proposal — which proponents say attempts to balance environmental concerns against additional burdens on businesses and homeowners — still must be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and withstand a legal challenge from a statewide environmental advocacy group .
The Tampa Bay Times

SARL Member: Iowa’s Kibbie honored as ‘father’ of Iowa’s community college system
Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie holds up a commemorative gavel given to him after presiding over his final joint session of the Iowa Legislature, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at the Statehouse in Des Moines.  An online search of retiring Senate President Jack Kibbie’s name reveals a reference to Kibbie as the “father” of Iowa’s community college system, Rep. Mary Mascher said in a crowded Statehouse rotunda Thursday.
The Gazette

Colo. city looks to develop own ‘natural’ beef brand
Officials in Boulder, Colo., want to create the city’s own brand for “natural beef,” the Boulder Daily Camera reported. The city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department wants to partner with a “mystery company,” as the newspaper describes it, to convert 200 acres of open space into a “farm-to-table” facility as part of an effort in local food production. The department already owns some 14,000 acres of land it leases to local farmers. About 78 % of that agricultural property is used for grazing, and city officials say their tight restrictions on pesticides on the pastures would allow cattle raised there to be labeled as “natural beef.” Officials are mulling antibiotic-use restrictions as well. “There would be substantial advantage to develop a ‘Boulder brand’ for natural beef,” a memo to the city council states, as reported by the Boulder Daily Camera. “The Boulder brand for natural beef, which would require clear requirements and definitions, would allow lessees access to more consistent local markets and progress toward community interests.”
Meatingplace.com

AVMA Legislative Update
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie recently signed into law S. 2923 makes changes to holding and transfer requirements for shelters, and includes requirements for microchip scanning and creation of a registry of animal- rescue organizations. The law also establishes the Pet Sterilization Pilot Program requiring sterilization before dogs or cats can be adopted in certain counties. S. 1797 allows a student with a disability, access to a service animal in school buildings.  The Colorado Board of Veterinary Medicine adopted amendments to update continuing education requirements, create a waiver for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in emergency situations and adopt a fining schedule for violations. The revised definition of "practice of veterinary medicine" includes several reproductive services and clarify supervised practice of unlicensed individuals by veterinarians. The Iowa Pharmacy Board issued regulations addressing Internet sales of prescriptions by pharmacies, including pharmacy accreditation and a requirement that a valid patient-practitioner relationship exist. Nevada and Kansas revised their veterinary practice regulations.  Regulations in New York finalize continuing education requirements for licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Regulations issued in Oregon amended controlled-substance rules  and updated its regulations of certified euthanasia technicians.Texas approved a rule on radiation safety requirements.The year-end 2011 state legislative report is now available on the AVMA website.
AVMA.org

Grazing cattle improve wildlife habitat
Cattle are being put to work to improve the habitat of the Columbian whitetail deer. All the cows have to do is graze. The Bureau of Land Management is using 11 of rancher George Sandberg's cows in an experiment to improve forage for the once endangered whitetails.   "There's a lot of overburden in there," said Sandberg. "Grazing that off will allow the subclover and new grass to come in. That (is what) deer like to browse on. The key for deer is that the protein and nutrition level of the new growth is really high and when it comes to fawning, that's important."  Larry Cooper, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife  said cattle have been used to improve habitat for wildlife in some Eastern Oregon areas with no negative results.
Capital Press

Wisconsin DNR to landowners: Get ready to kill wolves
The state Department of Natural Resources is telling landowners they can start hunting problem wolves next week.
Capital Press

Missouri officials: Company must halt meat processing
State agriculture officials have ordered a mid-Missouri company to temporarily stop processing meat because of sanitation problems.
Capital Press

Raw milk, alcoholic beverages likely at Portland farmers markets
Customers at the city's farmers markets may soon be able to buy unpasteurized local milk, hard cider, beer and wine to go with their fresh vegetables, meats and baked goods.
The Forecaster

New York meat processing plant to break ground this summer
More than a year after securing a federal grant covering most of its construction costs, a meat processing plant in Sullivan County, N.Y., will break ground this summer. The Southern Catskills Red Meat Processing Facility has won final site plan approval from officials in the town of Liberty and construction will begin in early summer. A search for a meat processing firm to run the 5,000-sq.-ft. plant will begin once an official request for proposal is issued. The plant is expected to open for business sometime in 2012.The federal government agreed to provide $800,000 toward the $1.7-Miln facility in September of 2010, with an additional $150,000 coming from Sullivan County.
Meatingplace.com

Saving the family farm is goal of tax change proposal
An adjustment in the Maryland estate tax would benefit him and other farmers, allowing them to continue working and owning family farms.
Delmarva Daily Times

New Idaho rules will simplify organic certification
New state rules adopted by an Idaho legislative committee will simplify the certification process for Idaho's 250 organic farmers and collectively save them thousands of dollars. After discovering that a few of its own requirements for certifying organic operations were more strict than USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture proposed new rules that are equal to federal guidelines.
Capital Press

Prosperity a Blow to Ag Banks
Like the lonely Maytag repairman, rural bankers are finding it's hard to peddle loans when farmers are flush with cash.  Farm prosperity meant farmers had the funds to push many land values up 20% to 40% last year, but now many operators are also retiring debts. "We've been hearing anecdotally since last summer that when farmers walked in the door at their bank, they'd pay off their operating loans," said Jason Henderson, Omaha branch executive and an economist for the Kansas City Federal Reserve. "It helps their farm balance sheets, lowers their debt and lowers their leverage ratios. And they're still able to make investments." Strong farm incomes sent Corn Belt and Great Plains land values surging 20% to 40% through the third quarter of 2011, the Fed said. But lenders are also reporting substantially fewer short-term loans for livestock and operating expenses.
DTN

UK vets welcome EU welfare initiative, but emphasize implementation
The British Veterinary Association has broadly welcomed the European Commission’s new animal welfare strategy but is urging the European Commission to ensure robust implementation and enforcement of existing and proposed measures to improve animal welfare in the European Union. Lack of enforcement of EU legislation by Member States is seen as a major compliance issue, adversely affecting animal welfare in the EU, as is the lack of sufficient economic incentives for compliance, said the association. Another gap is the lack of sufficient knowledge about welfare amongst many of those who handle animals.  The new four-year strategy adopted by the Commission aims to address these issues by setting up a comprehensive animal welfare legislative framework focusing on welfare outcomes and on the education of all concerned parties, as well as the reinforcement of current Commission actions. “We must continue to strive for the highest possible standards of welfare for the animals we keep and this latest move by the Commission is to be welcomed," said Carl Padgett, British Veterinary Association president. "Effective implementation and enforcement of legislation throughout the EU is essential if we are to make a significant difference to the welfare of animals."
Wattagnet.com

Dairy industry eyes foreign markets
Opportunities abound in countries with growing populations and growing incomes that cannot supply all their own food, but only if suppliers learn how to do business there, experts told attendees at the recent 2012 International Dairy Foods Association Dairy Forum. Bob Thompson, a professor emeritus at the University of Illinois now associated with the Johns Hopkins University and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, told dairy processors that parts of Asia are already using so much fertilizer and irrigation it is hard to see how farmers there can increase production to meet rising demand.
AgWeek

USDA revamps plant hardiness map
For the first time since 1990, the USDA has revamped the zones in its Plant Hardiness Map. While this is big news for America’s 80 Miln gardeners, it’s also important for farmers. USDA’s Risk Management Agency uses the zone designations to set some crop insurance standards, and scientists use the plant hardiness zones as a data layer in many research models such as modeling the spread of exotic weeds and insects. The new map—jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service and Oregon State University's PRISM Climate Group—is available at www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov. At this website, gardeners can search for their zone by zip code. Static images of national, regional and state maps are also available and can be printed.
AgWeek

Waterkeepers Attack Family Farm
In keeping with this new targeting, a local Waterkeeper accused the Hudson family (fourth-generation poultry farmers) of allowing runoff from a pile of chicken litter to enter the Chesapeake Bay. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) investigated the allegation and found improperly stored treated fertilizer, not poultry litter. Indeed, MDE inspectors reported that “no animal manure piles were observed outside.” The Hudsons promptly complied with an MDE directive to move the fertilizer. Case closed, right? Wrong.
Center for Consumer Freedom

States are poised to institute pet-abuse registries
Legislation is pending or will soon be introduced in Florida, Maryland, Colorado, Arizona and New York that would establish a pet-abuse registry with such features as listing pet abusers for five years and requiring them to pay an annual fee for upkeep of the registry. Registries exist in two New York counties, which also require shelters and pet stores to cross-reference names of those seeking to buy or adopt pets against the list.
Los Angeles Times/Nation Now blog

Rare outbreak caused by Ashley Falls milk
Sales at a small dairy here have been halted while state health officials investigate the possibility that its raw milk may be contaminated with a rare, infectious bacteria.The Department of Public Health is investigating the first human case of brucellosis in more than two decades after Robert Kilmer, the owner of Twin Rivers Farm, was diagnosed with the bacterial infection
Berkshire Eagle

Are raw milk advocates getting a raw deal?
Raw milk activists brought raw milk from Wisconsin to Illinois during a rally last month. If you have been following the Republican presidential race, you have probably heard a lot of talk, especially from folks like Ron Paul, about less government and the supremacy of individual rights.
WBEZ

Kentucky Horse Park needs Milns from state to balance budget
As most state agencies brace for dramatic budget cuts, the Kentucky Horse Park could be getting millions of additional dollars.  In Gov. Steve Beshear's recommended budget, the Horse Park faces no budget cuts. Instead, it would receive a $3.5 million increase this fiscal year, plus an additional $1.6 million each year of the next two-year budget. State officials told lawmakers that the money was needed to cover operational shortfalls that stem from utility costs for roughly 264,000 square feet of new facilities built at the park for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  The park has never been entirely self-supporting. It has received General Fund money — typically $2 million to $3 million a year — since its creation in 1978.  The total economic impact of Horse Park activities was $179 Miln, along with $17.1 Miln in state taxes.
Lexington Herald Leader

National Geographic features Montana Ranchers
Harsh isolation didn't deter homesteaders from making a life along northern Montana's Hi-Line. Their tight-knit descendants show no less resolve.
National Geographic

Efforts to control the 'Mighty Mississippi' result in flooded farmland and permanent damage, research shows
When the water in the Mississippi River rose to 58 feet with a forecast of 60 feet or higher in May 2011, the emergency plan to naturally or intentionally breach the levees, established over 80 years prior, was put in motion. The flood of 1937 did top the frontline levee and water passed into and through the New Madrid Floodway, but being floodfree since then caused area landowners to oppose the plan being put into action.
Science Daily

Big or small, if you sell food, know what you’re selling, even organic
Jones' Mock Salt recall as a collision of two distressing trends: contamination of herbs and spices, and safety issues with organic products. It's made by June Jones, a hairdresser in Tacoma, Wash., who invented the seasoning a few years ago, after one of customers complained that the salt-free seasonings in the supermarket tasted terrible. Her little start-up has been a success.  But one of the ingredients in Jones's secret recipe is organic celery seed. And that's the source of the trouble. Over the past few months Safeway and other big retailers have recalled organic celery seed because a batch of the seeds positive for salmonella, which can cause fatal infections. No illnesses have been reported, but the suspect seeds were distributed from last May through December.We called up June Jones to find out what went wrong. "My supplier actually sent to me a recall letter," she said. Her business will survive, she says, but she has taken a big hit financially.Were the seeds irradiated? "We won't purvey irradiated herbs," the supplier said. "Even if it's not organic we don't." But organic certification doesn't measure food safety; it's only about how a food was grown. Recalls of organic tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce for contamination with salmonella and other deadly pathogens are, alas, common. Consumers think organic is safer," says Doug Powell, a professor of food safety at Kansas State University. But it doesn't. It's just a word. It really doesn't mean much aside from how it was grown
foodsafety.ksu.edu

Telemedicine Helps Save Lives In Rural Areas
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe was in the River Valley Wednesday night to talk medicine. Since 2005, Sparks Hospital in Fort Smith has been certified in responding to strokes. A new technology now gives others the opportunity to save lives, even if they're 100 miles away. Telemedicine in Fort Smith is only one of three of its kind in the state of Arkansas.
KHBS-TV, Fort Smith Arkansas

State support for education slumps again
The news will come as no surprise to the public college administrators and faculty members who've seen their budgets slashed over the past year. But an annual study of state spending on higher education finds that state appropriations for colleges and students sunk by 7.6 % in 2011-12, the largest such decline in at least a half century.
Inside Higher Ed

Kraft to cut 1,600 jobs in North America
Kraft Foods Inc. announced plans to cut about 1,600 jobs in North America as part of its move to ensure its North America-based snacks and grocery businesses will become two independent public companies before the end of 2012..
meatpoultry.com

Elanco says it will acquire ChemGen
Indiana-based Elanco Animal Health has announced it is acquiring ChemGen Corporation – a privately held company specializing in food enzyme products for poultry, egg and meat production.
Brownfield

Manganese may be “magic bullet” to fight E. coli infections
A new study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University is showing promising results in helping cells fight off the effects of Shiga toxin, a deadly poison produced by strains of E. coli and Shigella that result in diarrhea, intestinal complications and other serious conditions.
Meatingplace.com

HSUS Purchases Fast-Food Stock
HSUS has become a shareholder of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's chains in order to influence their animal-welfare practices.
vegnews.com

The (Un)usual Suspect: Why Organic Spices Aren't Always Safe
Over the past few months Safeway and other big retailers have recalled organic celery seed because a batch of the seeds tested positive for salmonella, which can cause fatal infections. No illnesses have been reported, but the suspect seeds were distributed from last May through December. But organic certification doesn't measure food safety; it's only about how a food was grown. Recalls of organic tomatoes, lettuce, and other produce for contamination with salmonella and other deadly pathogens are, alas, common.
National Public Radio

Raw milk: passion or confusion?
From 2000-2008, 50 disease outbreaks in the U.S. were attributed to the consumption of raw milk. In Michigan, outbreaks of food-borne illnesses attributable to raw milk consumption occurred in 2010 and 2011. Despite this evidence, what motivates consumers to risk exposure to pathogens in raw milk? A recent survey in Michigan revealed that the reasons for preferring unpasteurized milk products are complex,  including culinary taste and the desire to support local farmers. These are personal choices that are difficult to contradict. A majority of respondents also perceived that raw milk improves health. However, the nutritional value of pasteurized milk doesn’t differ from raw milk in nutrients such as protein and minerals, and because of supplementation during processing, has added vitamin D. Although public sale of raw milk is not permitted in Michigan, consumers can become part owners of milking animals, through what are termed as “cow-share” programs. Shareholders can personally observe the milking, housing and care of the animals, assuring them of the source and quality of their milk. While their interest is admirable, most consumers are unable to appraise the quality of milk harvested on the farm.
dairyherd

Morality and Cake Pans: The Rural Library
If public libraries didn’t already exist, the poor sucker who thought to propose them would probably get run out of town. Imagine telling the Grover Norquist types that you wanted public money to pay for puppet shows and mystery novels. (Hippie!) Imagine telling publishers and record companies that you wanted to buy a single copy of a book or album and then allow multiple people to use it. (Freeloader!) In one of his last essays, the historian Tony Judt wrote that if we lose the railways, “we shall have acknowledged that we have forgotten how to live collectively.” The persistence of the public library as civic institution suggests that we haven’t forgotten, not entirely, not yet.
Daily Yonder

Wash. Farmers link up with emergency food providers
Overcoming barriers between farmers and emergency food providers is the stated purpose of Harvest Against Hunger, a collaboration of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Rotary First Harvest and the Washington Food Coalition. For example, the subject of liability came up, he said. An orchardist pointed out that gleaners are not necessarily professional pickers, and in gathering fruit they may damage the trees or be injured themselves. Organizers plan to write an insurance package for farmers and possibly get lawyers involved on a pro bono basis.
Capital Press

Geoengineered Food? Climate Fix Could Boost Crop Yields, But With Risks
For a few years now, a handful of scientists have been proposing grandiose technological fixes for the world's climate to combat the effects of global warming — schemes called geoengineering. Climate change has the potential to wreak all kinds of havoc on the planet, including the food system. Scientists predict that two variables farmers depend on heavily — temperature and precipitation — are already changing and affecting food production in some arid parts of the world where there isn't a lot of room for error. And if the problem worsens on a larger scale, it could do a lot of damage to agricultural yields and food security. At some point, governments may decide "to do something desperate to protect our food and our people," Ken Caldeira, an environmental scientist at Stanford University, tells The Salt. And that "something desperate" could be geoengineering.
National Public Radio

There’s something magical about milk
Another week, another study documenting the health advantages of milk. This time, it’s a study from New Zealand discussing the possibility that enriched skim milk may be able to reduce gout flare-ups. "This is the first reported controlled trial of dietary intervention in patients with gout, and suggests that (enriched skim milk powder) may reduce the frequency of gout flares,” the authors write.
dairyherd.com

AVMA Message Hits Times Square JumboTron
It isn’t often that the AVMA makes a splash in Times Square, but we can now say that we’ve arrived. The AVMA and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant collaborated on a public-service announcement that is airing on the CBS JumboTron Super Screen in the Big Apple. The message? That improper disposal of medications can be harmful to people, animals and the environment.
AVMA.org

Magical Manufacturing Thinking: Manufacturing NOT the Bright Spot in the U.S. Economy
A great deal of economic thinking in the U.S. has become based on fads and popular delusions and the current one that says manufacturing is back and leading the recovery is a prime example. Don’t worry about the United States losing a greater share of its manufacturing jobs in the last decade than we did in the Great Depression, this thinking goes, manufacturing is coming back! The New York Times journalist Floyd Norris’s recent article is emblematic of such thinking. But what Norris overlooks is the loss of manufacturing jobs in this recession was the largest ever with a loss of 15 percent. Compare that to the ‘90-‘91 recession where manufacturing lost just 3 percent of its jobs. So of course manufacturing jobs will come back somewhat. Yet compared to other recessions, they are not coming back all that strong.
Innovationpolicy.org

Raw milk is suspected in human brucellosis case
Public health officials are investigating a Massachusetts dairy that sells raw milk after the dairy's owner was diagnosed with the brucellosis, which is characterized by flulike symptoms that can progress to severe disease in the central nervous system, bone and heart. The dairy's herd has been vaccinated for brucellosis, according to the owner.
The Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.)

A Meeting of Veterinary Minds
In response to the ongoing challenges facing veterinary economics and veterinary medical education, the AVMA participated in an historic meeting at the North American Veterinary Conference earlier this month with the deans from our veterinary colleges. It was a lively and constructive gathering, bringing together the major players who are all trying to address the issues that have an impact on both today’s and tomorrow’s veterinarians. The AVMA Executive Board, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and 35 veterinary school deans began a dialogue that will bring us toward a common understanding of the economic issues, pressures, and stresses felt across the profession.
AVMA.org

Gates Foundation focuses on hunger
Right now, just over 1 Biln people—about 15 % of the people in the world—live in extreme poverty. On most days, they worry about whether their family will have enough food to eat. There is irony in this, since most of them live and work on farms. The problem is that their farms, which tend to be just a couple acres in size, don’t produce enough food for a family to live on. Fifteen % of the world in extreme poverty actually represents a big improvement. Fifty years ago, about 40 % of the global population was poor. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, in what is called the “Green Revolution,” Norman Borlaug and other researchers created new seed varieties for rice, wheat, and corn  that helped many farmers vastly improve their yields. In some places, like East Asia, food intake went up by as much as 50 percent. Globally, the price of wheat dropped by two-thirds. These changes saved countless lives and helped nations develop. We have the ability to accelerate this historic progress. We can be more innovative about delivering solutions that already exist to the farmers who need them. Knowledge about managing soil and tools like drip irrigation can help poor farmers grow more food today. We can also discover new approaches and create new tools to fundamentally transform farmers’ lives. But we won’t advance if we don’t continue to fund agricultural innovation, and I am very worried about where those funds will come from in the current economic and political climate.
Gatesfoundation.org

Legislators attempt to strip courts of power
In an effort to rein in "activist justices," legislators in New Hampshire and Tennessee are attempting to get rid of judical review of legislation.
Stateline

Renewables
and Energy

Other Deposits in Ohio Shale Draw Chesapeake Despite Gas Pullback
Chesapeake Energy's decision to scale back natural gas drilling because of low prices shouldn't hurt Ohio because the state's deep-shale deposits include other valuable resources like oil and ethane
The Dayton Daily News

Vermont officials weigh next move in Vermont Yankee case
The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant can continue to operate beyond March, a federal judge ruled Thursday, slapping down a state law that tried to shut down the facility.
Burlington Free Press

MN:Wind farm will seek permit to legally kill eagles
A controversial wind farm proposed near Red Wing plans to ask for federal permission to legally kill eagles, making it one of the first in the nation to participate in a new federal strategy aimed at managing the often-lethal conflict between birds and turbine blades.
Minneapolis Star Tribune...

Neb. lawmaker explains why he joined the Keystone XL fight
When the Obama administration rejected the Keystone XL oil pipeline, it cited concerns over the project's route through Nebraska as one reason for its decision. That segment of the pipeline is now being rerouted, in response to Nebraskans who spent years persuading lawmakers to move the tar sands pipeline—intended to carry crude oil from Alberta, Canada to U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast—out of the Nebraska Sandhills, a fragile ecosystem that overlies the Ogallala aquifer. Nebraska state Sen. Ken Haar played a key role in the movement's success.  I would say: be vigilant. Stay involved as citizens. This isn't over. You've got to stick with this forever. That's what citizenship means.
Cattle Network

Can Expanding State Clean Energy Funds Help Drive U.S. Energy Policy?
Many are looking to the states to provide leadership in the continued development of renewable energy. A new paper released this week by a Washington think tank says that nearly two dozen state clean energy funds  "stand as one of the most important clean energy forces at work in the nation" and "offer at least one partial response to the failure of Washington to deliver a sensible clean energy development approach." Mostly northern states have adopted an array of CEFs as vehicles to invest in clean energy projects with revenues often derived from small public-benefit surcharges on electric utility bills. The study cites efforts in a number of states, including California, New York and Massachusetts, that can show how states can broaden use of the CEFs to "jumpstart a new, creative period of expanded clean energy economic development and industry creation, to complement and build upon individualistic project financing."
25 X 25  

AK: Lawmaker wants to expand rural energy assistance program
Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Dillingham, wants to expand a program that helps rural Alaskans pay for the cost of electricity. He sees the HB294 as a way to have a broader discussion on rural energy costs and the Power Cost Equalization program, or PCE. Edgmon says energy costs are a major concern for his constituents. He says he hasn't seen any other proposal that would provide immediate relief for rural Alaskans paying high energy costs.
The Anchorage Daily News

Renewable Energy in Your Community
Over the past three years, USDA has taken important steps to help meet President Obama’s goal of building a secure energy future for our nation.  USDA launched a new energy website to serve as a one-stop shop for data about energy efficiency and renewable energy programs at  USDA.  www.USDA.gov/energy.  Using your computer, you can click on a State, County or a Congressional District and view the renewable energy investments that have been made by USDA in the area. USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. 
USDA

Truly Sustainable Renewable Future
Advanced Biofuels are high-energy liquid transportation fuels derived from: low nutrient input/high per acre yield crops; agricultural or forestry waste; or other sustainable biomass feedstocks including algae. The key word is “sustainable.”
Advancedbiofuelsusa.info

USDA Announces Streamlined Access to Energy Investment Information
Getting information about funding opportunities like REAP got easier this week when USDA unveiled its new energy website, which provides stakeholders and prospective applicants fast and efficient access to program information, energy efficiency data and renewable energy data.
USDA

The Latest Victim of Shale Gas — Clean Energy Technology
Clean-technology investment is in the throes of going bust, at least in the United States. That includes solar, wind and biofuels.  Citi Group analyst Edward Morse concludes that shale gas … could fuel a U.S. industrial renaissance, specifically in energy-intensive products such as chemicals, plastics and housewares. But to the degree that Morse is right, it is coming at a cost, which is a “clean tech meltdown,” according to Eilperin: Because natural gas has gotten so cheap, there is no longer a financial incentive to go with renewables.
Advancedbiofuelsusa.info

USDA awards $25 Miln for Iowa biodiesel plant
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $25 Miln to an eastern Iowa plant for its project to turn garbage into fuel.  Maryland-based Fiberight LLC is building the plant, which would work with a local landfill to obtain municipal trash that will be turned into cellulosic ethanol. The 55,000-sq. foot plant near Blairsburg is expected to produce 6 Miln gallons of ethanol when it becomes operational next year.
Capital Press

POET, DSM form landmark cellulosic ethanol joint venture
In South Dakota, Poet has teamed with Dutch-based Royal DSM to create a 50/50 joint venture called Poet-DSM Advanced Biofuels that will produce cellulosic ethanol and license the technology to other plants. DSM and POET will each hold a50% share in the joint venture, whose initial capital expenditure in Project Liberty will amount to about $250 Miln. At the same time, POET dropped plans to use a DOE loan guarantee.
Biofuels Digest

Arizona on path to become algae farming leader
A Tucson lawmaker is pushing to have algae farms and related facilities defined — and taxed — like any corn field or packing plant. Rep. Matt Heinz, has introduced two bills the he said will allow for the growth of algaculture, or algae farming. The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee endorsed HB 2225, which would expand the definition of agricultural lands to include algaculture research, development and commercial production on state trust land.
Western Farm Press

PA:Shale gas estimate plummets
The shale has shrunk. At least according to the U.S. Energy Department, which released new reserve estimates for the Marcellus Shale on Monday that severely cut the amount of natural gas estimated to be in the rock formation.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Renewable fuels groups applaud Obama’s push for more
Renewable fuels groups are applauding President Obama’s State of the Union address for pushing for more production of home grown fuels. 

Brownfield

Will Brazilian Ethanol Really Compete With US Ethanol?
 However, the lack of expected competition from Brazil has been the reason for today’s ethanol market.  That market has US ethanol being shipped to Brazil, just the opposite of what had been predicted.  But how long will that be the case, and could it change?
Farm Gate Blog

Tell them Willie and Ike are Here
A Fine for Not Using a Biofuel That Doesn’t Exist
, shouts the New York Times. But what are the facts, the risks? Who’s betting that construction of 2012′s cellulosic biofuels capacity won’t be completed, and why? The science is done, the engineering is done, the permits are in place, the construction finance is set. It’s not about a bet against biofuels. It’s a bet against Willie the Welder, and Ike the Ironworker, they they won’t get their work done on time. We have faith, here at the Digest, that Willie and Ike will get the job done.
Biofuelsdigest.com

USDA backs biofuels beyond corn ethanol with large cellulosic plant grant
The USDA has conditionally committed $232.5 Miln to a project that will make ethanol and bio-chemicals from agricultural waste and other biomass. If all goes as projected, the $390.5 Miln ZeaChem Boardman Biorefinery, LLC facility will open in Boardman, Ore., by late 2014. ZeaChem currently operates a small demonstration plant on an adjacent site.
Meatingplace.com

SARL VP, Pennsylvania Senator Brubaker on FRRCC committee
EPA committee completes report on ag issues
The U.S. EPA’s federal advisory committee on agricultural issues, the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC), has submitted its report to the agency on agricultural and water quality issues. The report offers recommendations on the most effective approaches for dealing with water quality issues related to agricultural production and improving water quality across the United States. It also provides suggestions for increasing support for certainty programs, increasing stewardship, and coordinating resources with USDA, land grant universities, and the farm community to support a strong partnership effort. The report emphasizes the importance of trust and the value of state programs, flexibility, and voluntary conservation practices in achieving water quality goals. It notes the willingness that the agency has shown in maintaining and advancing an open dialogue with key stakeholders on how to address agricultural nonpoint source pollution as a critical first step.
Pork Network

SARL members passed resolution seeking assurance that GPS would not be disrupted.
LightSquared Network Would Disrupt GPS
A federal committee says there is no way to keep the proposed network from interfering with GPS systems.
Ag Web

Poultry groups peck at EPA’s CAFO rule
Poultry groups today submitted comments expressing concerns about a U.S. EPA proposed rule that seeks detailed information from CAFOs. The rule, proposed on Oct. 21, 2011, would require CAFOs to provide detailed location information and farm demographics for nearly all family farms that produce commercial poultry and egg products. Officials with the National Chicken Council, the National Turkey Federation and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association disagree with the EPA’s claim that the Clean Water Act authorizes them to require such information to determine whether a CAFO is violating federal law. The poultry groups contend that none of the information EPA is seeking would even help the agency do so. “We’re convinced the authority EPA claims … oversteps what Congress intended when the law was written,” NCC President Mike Brown. EPA’s rule also asks the industry to report progress on alternative methods to improve environmental stewardship. “We are pleased EPA recognizes the benefit of developing programs that can assist poultry and egg producers with further tools to extend their stewardship efforts,” Joel Brandenberger, president of the National Turkey Federation, said. “We urge EPA to follow this course rather than initiate an information collection exercise that will do nothing to enhance water quality.”
Meatingplace.com

UEP counters column on HSUS agreement
Andy Vance’s Jan. 2 viewpoint in Feedstuffs accuses the United Egg Producers and egg farmers, through its joint legislative initiative with The Humane Society of the United States, of putting the fox in charge of the henhouse. No, Mr. Vance, UEP and our members are trying to put the farmers in charge of the henhouse. In this legislative proposal, HSUS has recognized that enriched colony cage egg production can be humane. HSUS has also agreed to end any organized state ballot initiatives on eggs, given a single national standard. This does not seem much like the conduct of an organization that wants to put animal agriculture out of business when meaningful discussions are another option. Egg farmers believe a single national standard is the only way to shape their own future as sustainable, family-owned businesses. It is the only way to have some control over their own destiny, and avoid a bleak future of overlapping, inconsistent, unworkable state-based animal welfare standards that will result from ballot initiatives that our industry cannot win even if –- as we did in California in 2008 –- raise Milns of dollars to try to educate the public. If ballot initiatives were decided on the basis of science, we would be confident of a positive outcome. Unfortunately, this is not how it works. Instead voters’ emotions are paramount and when animal welfare issues are decided on emotion and ignorance of farming practices, we lose.
Feedstuffs

There is no ‘we’ in U.S. agriculture
Let’s face it, agriculture may be an industry and/or community defined by a common cause –- namely, producing food and other natural resources through stewardship of the land and its bounty –- but our hopes, needs and desires are as different as the products of our efforts. I’ve been thinking about this philosophical dichotomy since reading a letter to the editor of Feedstuffs from Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers, an organization I took to task.Gregory’s rebuttal is cogent, concise and well-reasoned. UEP had little choice but to adhere to the maxim, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” As he points out in the letter, fighting HSUS in California proved costly and fruitless. Numerous HSUS-sponsored and –funded ballot measures across the country threatened to spawn a patchwork nightmare of animal care and housing standards for the egg industry, a regulatory hodgepodge that could well have put egg farmers out of business. My argument, since the infamous “Ohio Compromise” involving HSUS, is that we need more Patton-like resolve toward HSUS and its radical animal rights agenda, and less Chamberlain-esque appeasement. On this order, it does appear that the UEP experiment of working with Pacelle and company is less about capitulating, and more about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. By controlling the agenda on hen housing, UEP hopes to keep HSUS in check long enough for two things to happen: one, for Congress to enact reasonable federal legislation that will supersede the mishmash of state regulations governing egg production while not putting farmers out of business; and two, for agriculture en masse to get its act together and figure out how to deal with the HSUS problem before Pacelle achieves his goal of running all animal agriculture enterprises out of business. There is no “we,” in “U.S. agriculture…” There’s just us.
Feedstuffs

Federal Bill Introduced to Improve Housing for Egg-Laying Hens and Provide Stable Future for Egg Farmers
The Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers announced that they will make passage of H.R. 3798, the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012, introduced by Reps. Kurt Schrader, Ore., Jeff Denham, Calif., Elton Gallegly, Calif., and Sam Farr, Calif., a top legislative priority in Congress this year. All of these lawmakers are deeply committed to agriculture, and their federal legislation will lead to improvements in housing for 280 Miln hens involved in U.S. egg production, while providing a stable future for egg farmers..
Sacramento Bee

Farm Groups Respond Positively to State of the Union
Steve Wellman, president of the American Soybean Association was particularly happy about the President's continued commitment and emphasis of international trade. "We encourage the administration and Congress to redouble its efforts to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of export markets for American agricultural products," Wellman said. "These increased opportunities create not only valuable customer bases abroad, but jobs here at home. According to USDA, every Biln dollars in agricultural exports creates an additional 8,000 domestic jobs.  Energy was another key component of President Obama's State of the Union. ASA, NFU and other groups were pleased by his comments on renewable energy.
Farm Futures

Farmers, Humane Society Partner on Chicken-Cage Revolution
When I first saw the press release, I figured it had to be an April Fools' joke. The Humane Society of the United States, a voice of outrage against all heartless exploitation of animals, joining hands with the United Egg Producers, which represents an industry that keeps 200 million chickens in cages?
NPR

Agriculture Reacts to State of the Union
Many sectors of agriculture have weighed in on the President's annual State of the Union address. Reaction came on issues like renewable fuels, US debt reduction, trade and infrastructure. There was also disappointment that elimination of inheritance tax didn’t come up.
Hoosier Ag Today

FDA and AVMA work together on antibiotic use in animal agriculture
The FDA hopes to avoid a long, complicated legal process to relabel medically significant antibiotics to negate their use as growth promoters in the agricultural industry, said FDA deputy foods commissioner Michael Taylor. The FDA and AVMA are working together to ensure public health while keeping antibiotic decision-making for animals squarely in the hands of veterinarians.
FoodSafetyNews.com

USDA program to assist beginning, disadvantaged farmers buy land
USDA- FSA Administrator Bruce Nelson announced a new rule that expands loan opportunities for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, while also establishing a new Land Contract Guarantee Program.  The rule provides additional flexibility allowing FSA loan officers to consider all prior farming experience, including on-the-job training and formal education, when determining eligibility for FSA for farm operating and ownership loans. It also expands a previous pilot program, the Land Contract Guarantee Program, from six states to all 50 states. This program is designed to encourage farmers and ranchers to sell their property to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through the use of seller financing.
Drovers

How to help equine industry interests alive in Washington
It is important that we build relationships with our elected leaders in Washington and that they understand and appreciate the $102 billion horse industry’s contribution to the economic, sporting and recreational sectors of the U.S. and their states. 2012 is a terrific opportunity to do this because it is an election year and so many members of Congress and new candidates are running for federal office and they want to meet you.
HorseChannel.com

Obama to protect US goods globally
President Barack Obama has adopted a new strategy declaring for the first time that the United States has a national security interest to protect the nation's economic goods against terrorists, criminals and natural disasters in all corners of the globe.
Capital Press

New school lunch standards announced
First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the final regulations for the nation’s school lunch program. , the changes do offer students fruits and vegetables every day; increase whole grain foods; reduce saturated fats, trans fats and sodium and limit the total number of calories in a meal.  The changes are the product of recommendations from a panel of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine. They are designed to help fight the growing childhood obesity problem in the United States and will affect more than 32 million children.
Brownsfield

Less Meat and Potatoes in School Meals Rankle Industry Groups
The first major overhaul of the school meal standards in 15 years, came at the expense of some agriculture interests, by limiting potatoes at breakfast and dropping a requirement that meat be served at the morning meal.
Bloomberg

Ag doing what Obama wants for economy, says Vilsack
U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the emphasis on building a stronger economy and middle class – outlined by President Obama in his State of the Union speech last night – is what’s happening in Rural America.
Brownfield

Role of animal welfare on rise in Europe
A leading Danish food company told players from the Canadian pork industry attending the 2012 Banff Pork Seminar that the role of animal welfare is increasing in Europe, rapidly adding costs, increasing competitive disadvantage and in some cases creating opportunity. Henrik Baekstrom Lauritsen of Tican, said an increasing media focus and consumer pressure is leading to new animal welfare legislation in many European countries. Likewise, a new European Union directive lays down new common legislation on pig welfare.
Feedstuffs

Obama administration unveils forest management plan
Collaboration and a greater reliance on science are the keys to the Obama administration's new guidelines in managing about 193 Miln acres. It is an attempt to balance competing interests of industry and conservation groups, replacing a framework that has long been at the center of legal battles
Los Angeles Times

US to unveils forest rules
The Obama administration says new rules to manage nearly 200 Miln acres of national forests will protect watersheds and wildlife while promoting uses ranging from recreation to logging. The new rules, to replace guidelines thrown out by a federal court in 2009. Secretary Vilsack said in an interview that the rules reflect more than 300,000 comments received since a draft plan was released last year. The new rules strengthen a requirement that decisions be based on the best available science and recognize that forests are used for a variety of purposes, Vilsack said.
Sault Ste. Marie Evening News

Genetically-engineered salmon caught in tangled regulatory net
A Senate hearing placed a spotlight on the regulatory tangle surrounding the approval process for genetically-engineered salmon. Potentially the country’s first GE animal for human consumption, the salmon have raised a host of worries among critics including the impact on the environment should they escape fish farms. However, what came to the fore during the mid-December hearing was the complicated morass of government approval, oversight, and trade when dealing with the GE fish. Other GE animals are surely being developed and the current approval process outlined during the hearing seems ill-equipped to deal with the new technology.
Western Farm Press

USDA proposes streamlining poultry inspections
The Agriculture Department is proposing to reduce the number of government inspectors at poultry slaughter plants. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says about 1,000 government inspector jobs at poultry plants would be phased out as companies take over the job of looking for visual flaws like bruises in chickens on the processing line. Vilsack says the move will shift inspectors to jobs more important to food safety, like sampling for pathogens and keeping conditions sanitary.
The Columbia State

Crawford/Bishop Co-Found Chicken Caucus
Today, Congressman Rick Crawford, (AR) and Congressman Sanford Bishop, (GA) have co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Chicken Caucus. The Chicken Caucus will educate members of Congress and their staffs on the concerns and benefits of the U.S. chicken industry.
Crawford.house.gov

More job reductions, realignments possible at USDA: Vilsack
As the USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service is rolled out over the coming year, it may mean “additional early retirement opportunities based on workforce alignment” and “additional restructuring of organizational charts” internally, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said. The call largely focused on ways in which President Obama’s plans for bolstering the middle class covered in the State of the Union address are expected to play out in rural areas, such as projects to shore up aging infrastructure. But in response to a reporter’s question, Vilsack addressed the restructuring, noting that USDA’s plans must go through “the process of complying with Congressional requirements on public hearings and the like,” and reiterating that he hoped to minimize job loss overall. Nevertheless, the report has 69 recommendations for short- and long-term changes to the agency which may result in personnel shifts. 
Meatingplace.com

Fewer Cows’ Hides May Bear the Mark of Home
Federal officials have long argued that a national identification system is necessary to quickly trace outbreaks of diseases like bovine brucellosis, tuberculosis and mad cow, and that it would protect not only the health of animals and humans but also the cattle industry, which suffered in 2003 after the discovery of mad cow disease in a dairy cow in Washington State. But cattle ranchers have not been enthusiastic about mandatory ear tags. An earlier federal proposal that started with a voluntary trial met with fierce opposition and was scuttled in 2009.
The New York Time
s

USDA's apple report still on chopping block
The USDA has reiterated its intentions to cut certain fruit and vegetable reports, and despite ongoing talks with the apple industry, the annual August apple report is still on the chopping block. The apple report, the first season estimate of national apple production, is used by the U.S. Apple Association as a basis for its own forecast at the annual Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, which issues fruit and vegetable reports throughout the year, will still release an October apple production update.
The Packer

Canada seeks to carve out agriculture, telecom in EU trade talks: documents
Leaked documents suggest Canada is seeking to carve out telecommunications and agriculture from any new trade agreement with the European Union. But there is no exemption for water services, a sore point with critics of the negotiations with the world's richest market. Trade Minister Ed Fast has called a European trade, services and investment pact one of the Conservative government's top priorities, arguing it will spur about $12 Biln in additional economic activity.
Canadian Business

Mexico issues preliminary ruling on U.S. chicken leg imports
The Diario Oficial (Mexico’s official gazette), the Mexican Unit of Foreign Trade Practices published its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation against imports of U.S. chicken leg quarters. According to the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, UPCI explained that dumping duties would not be imposed until it renders a final determination, as all parties are continuing to pursue a settlement agreement. The determination notes that the investigation will continue on a parallel track to the ongoing settlement process. UPCI identified individual margins for only three companies out of all those that participated and provided sufficient information for calculating individual margins. The announced margins on the three selected companies are as follows: Tyson Foods, 129.77%; Simmons Foods, 62.90%; and Sanderson Farms, 83.845.
Meatingplace.com

In Brazil, Protection of Amazon Rainforest Takes a Step Back
Since Dilma Rousseff was elected president, the government has shifted its stance on the Amazon to side more with agricultural interests.
NYTimes.com

Disgruntled GMO firms start pulling out of EU market
Monsanto has announced it will scrap plans to sell an insect-resistant maize in France, the second move in a week by biotech company to retreat from the genetically modified foods market in Europe. Monsanto's announcement came a week after Germany's BASF said it would suspend the development of GM crops in Europe and move its plant science arm to the United States. BASF's move is a particular blow for Europe, said Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, director of agricultural biotechnology at EuropaBio. "The BASF decision is not good for Europe because I think it is the reaction of a quintessentially European company to what is a stifling political and regulatory environment,” said du Marchie Sarvaas, whose Brussels organisation represents agricultural technology companies. “Research, jobs, money will go to where it is welcomed. In this case it will be somewhere else. It's a bad day for Europe." Monsanto said it would not resume sales of MON810, a maize genetically modified to improve pest resistance, despite a French court ruling in November that overturned a 2008 government ban on the sale of MON810.
euractive.com

More AgClips

click here to view this week's More Ag Clips story summaries

Glanbia food company plans $15 Miln expansion in Idaho
Carbon dioxide is 'driving fish crazy'
Wary, Japanese Take Food Safety Into Their Own Hands
Farm implement dealers have big year with big gear
Organic Valley Dairy Producers to Receive $30 per cwt. in 2012
Agricultural Complex Gets Grant, Continues to Help Farmers
McDonald’s posts record results, unveils new restaurant plans
Natural Wines Worth a Taste, but Not the Vitriol
Improving crops from the roots up
'Miracle tree' substance produces clean drinking water inexpensively and sustainably
Patterns of antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in Galapagos reptiles
Gates defends focus on high-tech agriculture
Britain starts wall of shame for meat processors
In Mackerel's Plunder, Hints of Epic Fish Collapse
'Speed gene' in modern racehorses originated from British mare 300 years ago, scientists claim
Colville tribe to manage wolves on reservation
Busch Gardens to offer visitors a rare glimpse into veterinary care
Cargill upgrades infrastructure at beef processing plant
Meat company executives charged with selling adulterated poultry
Hemp would be a boon to Kentucky agriculture, lawmakers say
USDA announces $308 Miln for disaster-stricken states
Agriculture sector unhappy with trade agency merger proposal
Power generation is blowing in the wind
New USDA rule helps young farmers get flexible loans
Australian tree offers Texas growers biofuel alternative
Agriculture gives Georgia’s economy a leg up
Land market keeps farm credit solid
Milk Remains Nutrition Cornerstone of Cafeteria Trays in the USDA School Meal Guidelines
U.S. cattle herd smallest since 1952
Agriculture and Climate Change, Revisited
Rural Missouri road to be closed, meth-making blamed
A Ground-Level View of Greece
Cattle Ranchers Worry About U.S.D.A. Proposal for Ear Tags Instead of Branding

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