|





Successful farmers stay informed
with our opt-in newsletter!
|
|
Contact info:
"On the Farm" Radio
P.O. Box 137
Mount Sidney, VA 24467
(540) 363-3938
e-mail
|
| |
Farm News for
the Mid-Atlantic Region
Note: Many stories are written in
broadcast style
Niche farm product helps prevent beach erosion
VIRGINIA BEACH - Produce farmers Lewis and Mike Cullipher have found
a way to earn extra income and help the environment. The father and son grow
beach grasses that are replanted on beachfront property in Sandbridge and
along the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The grasses accumulate sand to help prevent beaches from eroding.
"Sea grass is the cement that holds the dunes together," said Lewis
Cullipher, who learned about beach grasses and their role in reducing
erosion during his 25 years as a soil specialist with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. "They are hardy plants."
The Culliphers, whose Pungo farm business consists primarily of fresh
produce, corn, wheat and soybeans, began planting four varieties of beach
grasses almost 17 years ago. The grasses are indigenous to Virginia and
North Carolina, but over time waves, winds, storms and changes in sea level
affect sand dunes and the vegetation growing on them. By planting new
grasses, "we’re trying to replicate Mother Nature," Mike Cullipher said.
The grasses are harvested on the Culliphers’ farm and replanted on dunes
between October and April. Most are sold to individual homeowners, but some
are used by contractors and transportation departments. Mike Cullipher said
he’s had homeowners tell him that if it wasn’t for beach grasses preventing
erosion, their homes might not still be standing.
"If you’re looking for plants to help cut down on erosion and stabilize the
shoreline, these grasses are the way to go," he said.
James Barton, who planted some of the Culliphers’ beach grasses on seven
properties this past winter, agreed.
"It’s the cheapest insurance a homeowner can buy," said Barton, who owns
Aloha Services, which has been doing beach restoration work in Sandbridge
for the past seven years. "You’ll never, ever stop Mother Nature, but you
can divert her."
Sweet potatoes out-yield corn in ethanol production study
August 20 - Sweet potatoes grown in Maryland and Alabama yielded two
to three times as much carbohydrate for fuel ethanol production as field
corn grown in those states, Agricultural Research Service scientists report.
The same was true of tropical cassava in Alabama.
The sweet potato carbohydrate yields approached the lower limits of those
produced by sugarcane, the highest-yielding ethanol crop. Another advantage
for sweet potatoes and cassava is that they require much less fertilizer and
pesticide than corn.
Lew Ziska, a plant physiologist at the ARS Crop Systems and Global Change
Laboratory in Beltsville, Md., and colleagues at Beltsville and at the ARS
National Soil Dynamics Laboratory in Auburn, Ala., performed the study. The
research is unique in comparing the root crops to corn, and in growing all
three crops simultaneously in two different regions of the country.
The tests of corn, cassava and sweet potato were in the field at Beltsville,
and in large soil bins at Auburn.
For the sweet potatoes, carbohydrate production was 4.2 tons an acre in
Alabama and 5.7 tons an acre in Maryland. Carbohydrate production for
cassava in Alabama was 4.4 tons an acre, compared to 1.2 tons an acre in
Maryland. For corn, carbohydrate production was 1.5 tons an acre in
Alabama and 2.5 tons an acre in Maryland.
The disadvantages to cassava and sweet potato are higher start-up costs,
particularly because of increased labor at planting and harvesting times. If
economical harvesting and processing techniques could be developed, the data
suggests that sweet potato in Maryland and sweet potato and cassava in
Alabama have greater potential than corn as ethanol sources.
Further studies are needed to get data on inputs of fertilizer, water,
pesticides and estimates of energy efficiency. Overall, the data indicate it
would be worthwhile to start pilot programs to study growing cassava and
sweet potato for ethanol, especially on marginal lands.
The additional research could help develop new biofuel sources without
diverting field corn supplies from food and feed use to fuel.
ARS is a scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Center for Dairy Excellence launches new web site
HARRISBURG — Dairy enthusiasts will now have easier
access to the most up-to-date industry information with the Center for Dairy
Excellence’s newly improved Web site. Producers, industry representatives,
policy leaders, educators, consumers and the media will find the resources
they need to help understand and make better decisions about Pennsylvania’s
dairy industry at
www.centerfordairyexcellence.org.
“The center has put the site’s existing information into a more
user-friendly format and added new features to help our target audiences
easily find the resources they are looking for,” said John Frey, executive
director for the center. “We are excited about the new Web site’s potential
to help dairy producers build strong, viable businesses while helping key
stakeholders better understand the value Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and
its producers provide to our commonwealth.”
A few highlights on the new Web site include:
* Financials and Planning Resources – a page for dairy
producers that summarizes grants and loan opportunities in the state, as
well as other resources to help producers grow their dairy businesses.
* Consumer Resources – a variety of consumer education resources for
producers, including a template to tailor an individual farm brochure,
sample letters to the editor and general resources, like the center’s
consumer brochures, are available for free.
* Resources to Help Producers – a list of resources for industry
representatives to help their dairy producer customer/clients improve
profitability, including benchmark comparison charts and a link to the
University of Pennsylvania’s Dashboard Dynamics.
* Calculate Dairy’s Value – a page for policy leaders, consumers and the
media to learn the worth of the dairy industry in their local communities,
and to determine the loss in their local dairy industry has cost in the past
10 years.
* More extensive information on the center’s key programs, including the
Dairy Profit Team Program and the Dairy Advocacy and Resource Team , or
DART, with recent meeting highlights and a place to register for upcoming
events.

West Virginia publishes new agritourism directory
Charleston - West Virginia farmers and rural
communities now have a central database to promote and market their
farm-based attractions and programs. Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R.
Douglass unveiled the new directory and website at the State Fair of West
Virginia.
“The agritourism trend provides alternative income options for West Virginia
farmers. With the highest percentage of family farms in the nation, West
Virginia families have the potential to lead the nation in this niche,” said
Commissioner Douglass. “Coupled with the strong tourism product already in
existence, visitors to our rural communities will experience unique cuisine,
world-class hospitality and West Virginia's rural heritage.”
Following the national trend of diversified enterprises, agritourism
enterprises are gaining popularity in West Virginia, as attested by visitors
to the state who visit farms, fairs, festivals, wineries and other
nature-based attractions.
“Nationally, more than 52,000 farms are engaged in agritourism activities,”
said WVDA Marketing Specialist Cindy Martel. “Surveys suggest that more than
75 percent of travelers use the internet to find and book activities. The
combination of a print publication and internet resources will provide the
traveling public with up-to-date information about our state’s superb
attractions.”
The new agritourism directory lists more than 250 owner/operators and is
indexed by the existing Division of Tourism regions. General contact
information is provided for readers to contact the individual attractions. A
detailed listing, website link and photos will be available on the new
website at www.visitwvfarms.com on
August 20, 2008.
|

Percentage of farm premises by state registered with
National Animal Identification System
-
Maryland
18%
-
Virginia 24%
-
North Carolina
34%
-
Delaware
42%
-
West
Virginia 52%
-
Pennsylvania
70%
Source: USDA APHIS
|
Transitioning farms requires research, perseverance
RICHMOND - Scott Sink - like many young farmers -
figured out a way he could farm without taking over his father’s operation.
"I rent land so that I can farm," said Sink, a fifth-generation producer.
Because his grandfather and other family members are still involved with the
family dairy farm, he wasn’t able to become part of the operation.
"Patience isn’t my forte," Sink told those attending the recent
International Farm Transition conference in Richmond. Ultimately, he came up
with an alternative.
In 2000, Sink partnered with another young farmer, and together they bought
land on which to grow produce. He also rents land on which he grows hay and
raises beef cattle.
"It takes a lot of luck and a lot of networking" to find farmland, Sink
said. He rents from landowners who are retirees. Most of them inherited
farmland from their parents, but never farmed it.
Farm transition has become an important issue because the average American
farmer is in his or her mid-50s. It’s so critical that the Virginia General
Assembly in 2001 established the Virginia Farm Link program to provide
assistance with the transition of farm businesses and properties from
retiring farmers to active ones or to people who want to start farming.
This spring a searchable online database of farm owners willing to discuss
selling or leasing their farms to new buyers, and of potential buyers
interested in becoming farmers, was launched by the Office of Farmland
Preservation in the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services. The database is available at
www.vafarmlink.org.
"There’s really a strong need for this kind of service," said Kevin Schmidt,
coordinator of the Office of Farmland Preservation. "This is just the tip of
the iceberg in terms of what kind of service is needed for farm transition,
but it’s a beginning step in getting farm owners and farm seekers together."
Virginia crop forecast updated
August 12 - Winter wheat yield in Virginia is now
forecast at a record 73 bushels per acre compared with 64 bushels per acre a
year earlier. Production is expected to total 18.9 million bushels which is
up 45 percent from the previous year. Harvested acreage is up 55,000 acres
from 2007 to 260,000 acres.
Soybean producers currently expect to harvest 530,000 acres with an average
yield of 29 bushels per acre. Production is expected to total nearly 15.4
million bushels, up 19 percent from last year.
Virginia’s corn yields are expected to be 104 bushels per
acre, up 19 bushels per acre from last year. Production is estimated at 37.4
million bushels, up 9 percent from 2007. Harvested acres are estimated at
360,000.
Cotton yield is forecast to average 833 pounds per acre, up slightly from
last year’s 829 pounds per acre. If realized, production would be 111,000
bales, up 9 percent from last year. Producers expect to harvest 64,000 acres
in 2008, up 8 percent from last year.
Peanut harvest is expected to be 22,000 acres, up 5 percent
from last year. Yield is forecast at 2,900 pounds per acre, up 200 pounds
from last year’s yield. Resulting production will be 13 percent above 2007
at 63.8 million pounds.
Virginia hay producers expect to harvest 100,000 acres of alfalfa hay with
an average yield of 2.9 tons per acre. Production is expected to total
290,000 tons, up 5 percent from 2007. There are nearly 1.4 million acres of
other hay expected to be harvested in Virginia. The yield for other hay is
expected to average 2.0 tons per acre. Production is expected to total 2.70
million tons, up 22 percent from the previous year.
Barley yields averaged 85 bushels per acre, up 14 bushels per acre from last
year. The resulting production will total almost 3.1 million bushels. Barley
producers harvested 36,000 acres, which was up 6,000 acres from last year.
Flue tobacco producers currently expect yields to average 2,300 pounds, up 1
percent from 2007. Production will total 39.1 million pounds from 17,000
acres. Harvested acreage decreased 1,000 acres from last year.
Burley yields are expected to average 2,000 pounds, up slightly from last
year. Production is expected to total 4.2 million pounds, down 3 percent
from 2007. Producers expect to harvest 2,100 acres, down 100 acres from the
previous year.
Fire-cured tobacco yields are expected to average 2,000 pounds per acre, up
slightly from 2007. Production is expected to total 800,000 pounds, up 4
percent from 2007. Producers expect to harvest 400 acres in 2008, unchanged
from last year.
Report: Cattle prices should remain steady in near-term
August 14 - A recent survey of American Agricultural
Economics Association members showed they expect fairly steady cattle
inventories and prices through 2009. That's according to the University of
Missouri's weekly Cattle Outlook report.
Prices forecast for Choice steers by quarter were: $96.55
per hundredweight for third quarter 2008; $100.42 per cwt for fourth quarter
2008; $100.36 per cwt for first quarter 2009; $103.16 for second quarter
2009, $98.72 per cwt and $102.72 per cwt, respectively, for third and fourth
quarter of 2009.
The economists forecast beef production would be up 1.3
percent for the third quarter of 2008; down 1.8 percent for the fourth
quarter; down 0.5 percent for the first quarter of 2009; down 2.5 percent
for the second quarter; and the same as a year earlier in both the third and
fourth quarters of 2009.
They forecast that prices for 750- to 800-pound medium frame
Number One steers at Oklahoma City will average $105.13 per cwt for 2008 and
$107.28 per cwt for 2009.
"Even with higher feed prices, these price levels are likely
to hold the cattle herd close to current levels," University of Missouri
economists Glenn Grimes and Ron Plain wrote in their weekly report. "In
other words, unless we have a drought in beef cow country, the herd is not
likely to reduce very fast at this price level for feeder cattle."
EPA decision on renewable fuels mandate draws mixed reaction from Ag
industry
August 8 - The recent debate
concerning the renewable fuels industry and its impact on the overall
economy and American agriculture just become more intense.
U.S. EPA Administrator
Stephen Johnson announced Aug. 7 the denial of the renewable fuels standard
(RFS) waiver request submitted by Texas Gov. Rick Perry. As a result,
Johnson said the required total volume of renewable fuels to be blended into
the nation’s fuel will remain 9 billion gallons for 2008 and 11.1 billion
gallons in 2009. “The renewable fuels standard is not causing severe
economic harm,” he said, adding that the agency determined there is “no
compelling evidence” that the RFS has been a factor in the impact that high
commodity prices have had on the economy.
The federal decision is drawing a wide array
of responses from various organizations.
The
Virginia Poultry Federation quickly expressed disappointment
at the EPA's decision. "Ethanol production, mandated by the RFS and
subsidized with billions in federal tax dollars, is expected to utilize more
than 30 percent of the current corn crop and nearly 40 percent within a year
as production capacity ramps up to meet the escalating mandate," said VPF
president Hobey Bauhan.
“We are disappointed that EPA made the wrong decision on this
critical issue," said Bauhan. "EPA’s blindness to the severe economic impact
of federal food to fuel policy upon farmers and consumers is truly
astounding. Federal ethanol policy has driven up feed costs for the
livestock and poultry industry in Virginia by hundreds of millions of
dollars and contributed to higher food bills for consumers. These policies
are hurting family farms and Virginia families trying to cope with rising
food bills,” observed Bauhan.
Meanwhile, America's largest farm
organization is applauding the EPA stance, saying it
"sends a positive signal regarding the substantial economic benefits of
renewable fuels." American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman
said “We’re pleased that the EPA did not turn its back on the promise of
renewable fuels."
“In addition to strengthening the first-generation biofuels industry, the
RFS plays a crucial role in fostering the continued development of second-
and third-generation biofuels including cellulosic ethanol, biomass-based
biodiesel and other advanced biofuels,” said Stallman.
Virginian Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R) is
the leading Republican on the House Agriculture Committee and responded to
the EPA decision by saying the RFS "increased too fast, too soon." Goodlatte
asserted that "doubling the RFS in a single year is more than the
agriculture sector can handle, and has created economic hardships for our
livestock producers and the American consumer,” said Goodlatte.
Goodlatte said he is concerned about the impact of the mandate on Virginia’s
economy. He says the increased production costs for livestock and poultry
producers coupled with higher food costs for consumers will result in an
estimated net loss of $863 million in Virginia.
“We are seeing the impacts of using food for fuel now, even before the
mandate is reached. We must ensure that there are not unintended economic
distortions to either grain or livestock as a result of this mandate. Corn
and soybeans’ most valuable market has always been, and will continue to be,
the livestock producers,” said Congressman Goodlatte.
Already the ethanol industry has come out to
praise the EPA for their ruling. POET, one of the largest ethanol producers
in the world, issued a statement saying the ruling preserves the market for
cellulosic ethanol. While the cellulosic and grain-based ethanol mandates
are differentiated in the RFS, POET spokesman Nathan Schock said "it would
send a very bad signal to the investment community if parts of the RFS of
any kind are rolled back." He said the cellulosic industry needs the
grain-based ethanol industry because "it’s building out infrastructure,
leading to the production of more flex-fuel vehicles as well as building
consumer acceptance for the product."
Officials say that of the total 36 billion
gallons of ethanol required by 2022, 21 billion gallons are to come from
“advanced biofuels,” 16 billion gallons of which are to be cellulosic.
Ground turkey sales increase
August 11 - Sales of
ground turkey have increased 10 percent since 2005. That's according to a
study just released by the National Turkey Federation.
The 2008 Marketplace Survey found that ground turkey sales reached 403
million pounds in 2007, up from almost 365 million pounds in 2005.
"Ground turkey growth in the marketplace is a reflection of its versatility
and excellent national profile, which makes it easy to use in an array of
dishes, such as burgers, chili and meatloaf," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, vice
president of marketing and communications for the organization.
The survey, which was conducted by research and analysis firm AgriStats,
revealed that the top turkey products in the market are whole birds, cooked
white meat, deli meat, and ground turkey.
Country-of-Origin-Labeling law to take effect soon
Washington, DC - The U.S.
Department of Agriculture has issued an interim final rule for the mandatory
country of origin labeling (COOL) program that will become effective on
Sept. 30.
The rule covers muscle cuts and ground beef (including veal), lamb, chicken,
goat, and pork; perishable agricultural commodities (fresh and frozen fruits
and vegetables); macadamia nuts; pecans; ginseng; and peanuts -- as required
by the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills. USDA implemented the COOL program for fish
and shellfish covered commodities in October 2004.
Commodities covered under COOL must be labeled at retail to indicate their
country of origin. However, they are excluded from mandatory COOL if they
are an ingredient in a processed food item.
USDA has also revised the definition of a processed food item so that items
derived from a covered commodity that has undergone a physical or chemical
change (e.g., cooking, curing, smoking) or that has been combined with other
covered commodities or other substantive food components (e.g., chocolate,
breading, tomato sauce) are excluded from COOL labeling.
Food service establishments, such as restaurants, lunchrooms, cafeterias,
food stands, bars, lounges, and similar enterprises are exempt from the
mandatory country of origin labeling requirements.
The rule outlines the requirements for labeling covered commodities. It
reduces the recordkeeping retention requirements for suppliers and
centrally-located retail records to one year and removes the requirement to
maintain records at the retail store. The law provides for penalties for
both suppliers and retailers found in violation of the law of up to $1,000
per violation.
The rule will become effective on Sept. 30, 2008. To allow time for covered
commodities that are already in the chain of commerce -- and for which no
origin information is known or been provided -- to clear the system, the
requirements of this rule will not apply to covered commodities produced or
packaged before Sept. 30, 2008.
The rule prescribes specific criteria that must be met for a covered
commodity to bear a "United States country of origin" declaration. In
addition, the rule also contains provisions for labeling covered commodities
of foreign origin, meat products from multiple origins, ground meat
products, as well as commingled covered commodities.
USDA plans to conduct education and outreach activities during the six
months following the rule's effective date to help the industry comply with
the law.
Copies of the interim final rule and additional information can be found at:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/COOL
West Virginia farmers' market upgrades facilities
Charleston, W.Va. –
Inwood Farmers’ Market recently unveiled a new look and a new name, "The
Shops at Inwood Farmers’ Market." West Virginia Commissioner of
Agriculture Gus R. Douglass was on hand to officially introduce the new
improvements.
“Local foods continue to
grow in popularity as consumers seek fresher, better tasting alternatives,”
said Commissioner Douglass. “I think people are also beginning to realize
that locally grown foods can be an engine for local economies, and that they
are good for communities because they help preserve green spaces and our
rural lifestyle here in West Virginia.”
Improvements to the Market include a freshly painted exterior, new main
identification signs, new attraction signs on Interstate-81, new signage at
I-81 Welcome Centers, interior improvements and the addition of new lines of
merchandise.
The Shops at Inwood Farmers’ Market boasts the area’s best and widest
selection of West Virginia Specialty Food Products, W.Va. Wines, Apiary
Supplies, and W.Va. Gifts. The Market also offers Bio-Diesel Fuel.
The site of The Shops at Inwood Farmers’ Market also houses a cold storage
facility that is available for friendly lease terms to local farmers and
growers. Retail space has been recently opened for vendors interested in
becoming a part of the new Shops at Inwood Farmers’ Market.
The improvements to the Market were made possible by an appropriation by the
West Virginia Legislature to the WVDA for the improvement of existing
state-operated farmers’ markets, as well as development of new farmers’
markets in the state.
Williamsburg to host international oxen symposium
Williamsburg -
Oxen have long been a key feature of Colonial Williamsburg. In the fall,
they will become the main attraction when the Colonial Williamsburg
Foundation hosts an oxen symposium Oct. 30-Nov 1.
Colonial Williamsburg features oxen in its Rare Breeds program, which
represents animals that would have been a part of everyday life in
18th-century Virginia. Relied upon for strength and intelligence, and as a
food source, oxen were colonists’ main beasts of burden until the late 19th
century, when horses and mules replaced them.
The symposium, "Oxen in the Old and New Worlds," will examine the ways oxen
were utilized in centuries past, as well as practical applications today,
and will consist of lectures, demonstrations and panel discussions by oxen
experts from the United States and Great Britain.
"Oxen had an immense role in agriculture and still do in other parts of the
world," said Richard Nicoll, the Bill & Jean Lane director of coach and
livestock operations at Colonial Williamsburg. "In places like Africa and
the Far East, oxen are used instead of tractors."
The symposium is open to the public for a registration fee of $195 per
person, with optional dinner tickets for $55. Reservations can be made by
calling 800-603-0948, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. For
more information, call Deborah Chapman at 757-220-7255 or visit
www.history.org/conted.
|
Feds propose complete ban on slaughter of downer cattle
Washington, DC - The USDA has announced a proposed
rule to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to initiate a complete
ban on the slaughter of cattle that become non-ambulatory after initial
inspection by Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection program
personnel.
This proposed rule follows the May 20 announcement by Secretary of
Agriculture Ed Schafer to remove the provision that states that FSIS
inspection program will determine the disposition of cattle that become
non-ambulatory disabled after they have passed ante-mortem, before
slaughter, inspection on a case-by-case basis. Under the proposed rule, all
cattle that are non-ambulatory disabled at any time prior to slaughter,
including those that become non-ambulatory disabled after passing
ante-mortem inspection, will be condemned and properly disposed of.
"To maintain consumer confidence in the food supply, eliminate further
misunderstanding of the rule and, ultimately, to make a positive impact on
the humane handling of cattle, I believe it is sound policy to simplify this
matter by initiating a complete ban on the slaughter of downer cattle," said
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer.
On July 13, 2007, FSIS published the final rule, "Prohibition of the Use of
Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for the Disposition
of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle; Prohibition of the Use of Certain
Stunning Devices Used To Immobilize Cattle During Slaughter," (SRM final
rule). The SRM final rule allowed a case-by-case reinspection of cattle to
address the rare situations where an animal that is deemed by FSIS as fit
for human food at ante-mortem inspection subsequently suffers an acute
injury.
Under the proposed rule, cattle that become non-ambulatory disabled from an
acute injury after ante-mortem inspection will no longer be eligible to
proceed to slaughter as "U.S. Suspects." Instead, FSIS inspectors will tag
these cattle as "U.S. condemned" and prohibit these animals from proceeding
to slaughter. Establishments will be required to notify FSIS personnel when
cattle become disabled after passing ante-mortem inspection.
Of the nearly 34 million cattle that were slaughtered in 2007, less than
1,000 cattle that were re-inspected were actually approved by the
veterinarian for slaughter. This represents less than 0.003 percent of
cattle slaughtered annually.
Comments on this proposed rule must be received on or before September 29th,
2008. Comments can be sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2534 South Agriculture Building,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250. All submissions must
reference the Food Safety and Inspection Service and include the docket
number FSIS-2008-0022.
Maryland farmers invited to ag export workshop
ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Agriculture is
hosting an export training workshop on Sept. 3 for farmers and
agribusinesses at its headquarters in Annapolis. The featured speaker will
be Mary Beth Wesdock, marketing manager for the Southern United States Trade
Association (SUSTA).
All producers and agribusinesses with U.S.-produced/grown agricultural
products are welcome to attend the workshop. These products include: fresh
produce, high-value food products, snack foods, condiments and sauces,
specialty food items, beverages, aquaculture, some wood products, hides and
skins, pet foods and ornamental horticulture.
Participants will learn how to apply for matching funds to help pay for
their international marketing activities. Under the Market Access Program
(MAP) Branded, SUSTA has provided over $5 million to support the cost of
marketing brand-name U.S. products overseas through promotional activities
such as advertising, in-store demonstrations, exhibiting at trade shows, and
modifying packaging and labeling to meet import requirements.
There is no fee to attend the workshop, but registration is required by
Friday, August 29. For more information or a registration form, contact
Theresa Brophy, MDA, at (410) 841-5770.
Tens of thousands of acres of forest in WV hit by Gypsy Moth
infestation
Charleston, W.Va. – More than 81,000 acres of state, federal
and private forestland in West Virginia were defoliated by gypsy moths
in 2008, up from nearly 78,000 acres in 2007, according to studies
conducted by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA).
“This is a troubling trend in West Virginia, particularly when you
consider the severe cuts in federal funding that we expect for next
year’s spray program,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.
“The area defoliated this past year is nearly the size of Pleasants
County (86,400 acres). That is a substantial amount of lost forest
productivity, as well as a visual blight to residents and visitors
alike.” Defoliation was recorded in 10 eastern West Virginia counties:
Berkeley, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral,
Monroe, Morgan and Pocahontas. The heaviest defoliation was recorded in
Greenbrier and Monroe Counties which experienced 26,717 and 26,989 acres
of defoliation respectively – roughly 85 square miles of defoliation in
the total.
Commissioner Douglass still urged owners of forestland to sign up for
aerial spraying during the 2009 Cooperative State/County Landowner
Program. Signup for 2009 closes August 31. Applicants can withdraw if
they later decide their portion of the cost-share program is too high,
but must register by the deadline to determine eligibility.
Application forms and brochures detailing the program are available
at local WVU Extension offices, and at WVDA field offices in Elkins
(304-637-0290), Inwood (304-229-5828), Morgantown (304-285-3133), New
Creek (304-788-1066), and Moorefield (304-538-2397). More information on
WVDA’s gypsy moth programs is available at
http://home.comcast.net/~wvdanewcreek.
The gypsy moth feeds on over 500 species, including numerous West
Virginia hardwoods. Defoliation by gypsy moth caterpillars can kill
trees, or weaken them substantially, making them more susceptible to
other pests and diseases. Originally introduced into Massachusetts in
1869, the gypsy moth has slowly spread north to Maine and south to North
Carolina. Despite control efforts, the infestation continues to move
south and west. Moths were first documented in West Virginia in 1972,
and the first caterpillars were found in 1978. Each year, gypsy moths
affect tens of thousands of acres of West Virginia forest and cause
millions of dollars in lost forest productivity.

Delaware reduces poultry litter relocation rates
August 15 - At a recent meeting of the Delaware Nutrient Management
Commission, officials voted to reduce the rates for transporting excess
poultry litter-manure. This action was taken in response to increased grower
participation in the Manure Relocation Program and a higher demand for
poultry litter at alternative markets without an available funding increase
for the Program.
The reduction is an overall 25% rate reduction and a three dollar cut in the
cap. The rates changed from $0.16 per ton mile for the transporter to $0.12
per ton mile and the cap was reduced from $18 to $15. Program Administrator,
Bill Rohrer said the rates were decreased “because the budget does not
sustain the current demand and we feel that current markets for poultry
litter-manure help pay for the transportation cost.” Rohrer added that the
rate reduction would allow for more litter-manure to be moved for the same
amount of money.
Officials say poultry litter in Delaware is regulated by the Nutrient
Management Law to prevent over-application and application at the wrong time
of the year. Poultry litter-manure is exported from a farm with inadequate
land or high Phosphorus levels and shipped to alternative markets. The
alternative markets for excess litter are distant crop fields and Perdue
AgriRecycle’s fertilizer plant.
“It costs an average of $11.24 per ton to move about 93,000 tons of excess
litter in 2008,” said Rohrer. “The cost was over a million dollars and we
can no longer cannibalize other parts of our program to pay for relocation.
The cuts will continue to assist the market and balance our budget. Program
funding includes state funds, federal funds and funds from the poultry
companies operating in Delaware.”
HEE HAW returns to television on RFD-TV
NASHVILLE - One of the most popular and longest
running variety shows in the history of television, HEE HAW returns to a
regular weekly TV slot for the first time in over ten years when it
premieres on RFD-TV Sunday, September 7. The vintage HEE HAW episodes will
anchor RFD-TV’s new Sunday night line-up at 8pm EST. The show will also
repeat Monday mornings.
“HEE HAW should be of particular interest to RFD-TV viewers,
as this classic show, by far, has been the #1 request to be added to our
program line-up for the last three years,” said Patrick Gottsch, RFD-TV
founder & president. “RFD-TV is proud to announce the addition of HEE HAW to
anchor our Sunday evening family-oriented programming line-up. HEE HAW and
RFD-TV is a match made in heaven.”
During its more than 20 years on the air in its original run, HEE HAW did
more than just make people laugh; it made an indelible mark on country music
and became, says show co-host Roy Clark, “an American institution.” The show
began as a summer replacement for CBS’ Smothers Brothers Show on June 15,
1969, moved to first run syndication after 51 episodes, and became
appointment Saturday evening television for fans tuned in across the
country. At its height, HEE HAW was the nation's No.1-rated, non-network
show with the residents of Kornfield Kounty reaching 90 percent of U.S.
households on 220 television stations.
Since RFD-TV plans to air HEE HAW episodes in the order they
originally aired, viewers will see the cavalcade of guests in the order in
which they appeared, beginning with Country Music Hall of Famers Loretta
Lynn and Charley Pride, who perform “Your Squaw is on the Warpath” and
“Kaw-Liga” respectively in the premiere episode.
For more information, visit www.rfdtv.com
NCGA says ethanol production good for livestock producers
August 19 - When the U.S. Department
of Agriculture recently came out with corn production numbers that were
revised upward to a bountiful 12.3 billion bushels, two areas of corn demand
also saw an increase – the amount projected for ethanol use was increased by
150 million bushels to 4.1 billion bushels, and the corn for livestock feed
was boosted 100 million bushels to 5.3 billion.
Although the USDA estimates that more corn will go into livestock feed than
any other use, these figures leave out another important statistic,
according the National Corn Growers Association – the amount of livestock
feed that will be produced from the same corn that goes into ethanol.
In fact, if the USDA projection holds true, then there will be an additional
equivalent of 1 billion bushels of livestock feed derived from the corn for
ethanol, in the form of distiller grains (25.3 million metric tons), corn
gluten feed (2.6 million metric tons) and corn gluten meal (500,000 metric
tons).
“Critics lament how much corn goes into ethanol but often ignore the
co-products and calculate too high a figure,” said NCGA President Ron
Litterer. “Distillers grains offer a high-protein feed for livestock and
help us meet all needs.”
While the industry is evolving and becoming more efficient, each bushel of
corn, Litterer notes, can produce approximately 2.8 gallons of ethanol, in
one of two different ways:
* In the dry milling process, each bushel of corn produces 17.5 pounds of
distillers dried grains with solubles in addition to the ethanol. A
high-protein livestock feed, corn distillers grains contain all the
nutrients from the incoming corn minus the starch.
* In the wet milling process, 13.5 pounds of gluten feed are produced from
each bushel of corn used. Corn gluten feed is rich in highly digestible
fiber and is processed as either dry pellets or wet feed. These feeds are
widely used for dairy and beef cattle, poultry, swine and pets. This process
also results in 2.6 pounds of gluten meal, a high-protein concentrate that
is excellent cattle feed providing a high level of rumen bypass protein.
Finally, this process also results in 1.5 pounds of corn oil from each
bushel used.
“When you take into account the use of co-products, and shift a billion
bushels of corn from the ethanol to the feed category, you get a better
sense of where the corn is really going,” Litterer added. “Actual ethanol
production – as projected by the USDA for 2008 – will consume approximately
22 percent of the total 2008-09 corn supply of 13.9 billion bushels.”
Pork, beef exports growing
August 18 - The outlook for U.S.
livestock producers recently received a big boost from meat sales in
overseas markets of both pork and beef.
June pork exports were double the volume of last year's June exports. The
192,667 metric tons valued at $451 million pushed the six month total of
2008 to 1,018,467 metric tons valued at $2.3 billion, which is 67% more than
2007 in terms of volume and 58% more in terms of value. China and Russia had
the most growth as far as imports of U.S. pork but Mexico, Japan and Korea
also saw an increase in imports.
"A significant rise in pork values has been led by strong prices for export
items such as trimmings, hams and picnics," said Erin Daley, manager of
research and analysis for the U.S. Meat Export Federation. "The rise in
prices for these items indicates continued strong export demand into
August."
The top export markets for U.S. beef continue to be Mexico and Canada,
although rebuilding of market share in Japan continues and a major
breakthrough was made with the resumption of exports to South Korea. Japan
and South Korea were first and third respectively in terms of the largest
markets of U.S. beef prior to the 2003 BSE case in the U.S. and the
subsequent ban.
Daley said that while this year's beef exports won't be able to match the
peak levels achieved earlier in this decade, the beef industry is getting
close to reaching the same level of value. While beef exports exceeded $3.8
billion in 2003, she forecasts that assuming no major disruptions of trade
this year's exports could total as high as $3.5 billion.
USDA projects cotton crop to be down from 2007
August 12 - All U.S. cotton production is now
forecast at 13.8 million 480-pound bales, down 28 percent from last year’s
19.2 million bales. Yield is expected to average 842 pounds per harvested
acre, down 37 pounds from
the record yield in 2007. Upland cotton production is forecast at 13.2
million 480-pound bales, 28 percent below 2007.
Producers in the Southeast region are expecting increased
yields from last year, while producers in Texas expect a lower yield than
the record high received in 2007. American-Pima production is forecast at
521,800 bales, down 39 percent from last year. Producers expect to harvest
7.85 million acres of all cotton and 7.66 million acres of upland cotton,
both down 25 percent from last year and the lowest harvested acreage since
1983. American-Pima harvested area is expected to total 193,900 acres, down
33 percent from 2007.
Virginia cotton yield is forecast to average 833 pounds per
acre, up slightly from last year’s 829 pounds per acre. If realized,
production would be 111,000 bales, up 9 percent from last year. Virginia
farmers expect to harvest 64,000 acres of cotton in 2008, up 8 percent from
last year.
Pennsylvania forecasts apple and peach crop
August 12 - Pennsylvania apple production is now
forecast at 400 million pounds, down 15 percent from last year's crop and
2006. Officials say continuous wet weather increased the incidence of
insects and disease throughout the State. Despite good sizing for this time
of year, apple quality is expected to be low.
Pennsylvania peach producers expect to harvest 24,700 tons
of peaches from their orchards in 2008, up 27 percent from 2007. This
estimate is up 1,700 tons from the July 1 forecast. Most growers reported a
good to excellent peach crop with large size. Operators have received
adequate rain
this year. Thirty percent of PA peaches were harvested as of the 3rd of
August.
Farm production expenses hit record high
Washington, Aug. 7, 2008 – The rising
cost of fuel and other products helped drive U.S. farm production
expenditures to a record $260 billion in 2007, according to the Farm
Production Expenditures 2007 summary released today by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Total U.S.
farm production expenditures rose 9.3 percent from 2006 and nearly 30
percent from 5 years ago.
Increasing petroleum costs meant farmers not only paid more for fuel, but
also for fertilizer products, chemicals and transportation services.
Indirectly, fuel prices and the growth in ethanol production also led to
higher crop prices, resulting in increased cost for livestock feed.
The NASS report shows that the average production expenditures per farm
increased 10 percent nationwide, from $114,186 in 2006 to $125,648 in 2007.
On average, U.S. farm expenditures for fertilizer, lime and soil jumped 26
percent to $8,070; feed costs rose 22 percent to $18,412; fuel costs
increased by 15 percent to $6,137; and agricultural chemicals climbed 12
percent to $4,832.
In total, U.S. producers spent $12.7 billion on fuel, including $7.71
billion for diesel, up 15 percent; $2.74 billion for gasoline, up 16
percent; $1.5 billion for LP gas, up 17 percent; and $750 million for other
fuels, up 4.2 percent.
The Farm Production Expenditures summary provides the official estimates for
production input costs on U.S. agricultural operations. These estimates are
based on the results of the nationwide Agricultural Resource Management
Survey conducted annually by NASS. The Farm Production Expenditures summary
and all NASS reports are available online at
www.nass.usda.gov.
Economists forecast pork, corn and soybean prices
August 12 - The 2008
survey of American Agricultural Economics Association members forecasts live
hog prices will average $56.88 during 2009 and that hog producers will lose
money, according to the University of Missouri's weekly Hog Outlook report.
The report said economists pegged live hog prices in the fourth quarter of
this year at $48.36, rising to $51.61 per cwt in the first quarter 2009.
They put second quarter 2009 prices at $58.46, third quarter at $60.25 and
fourth quarter 2009 at $57.01.
The prices are based on assumptions that third quarter 2008 pork production
will rise 7.2 percent from a year ago, with fourth quarter production up 2.4
percent. In 2009, the expectation is that first quarter production will be
down 2 percent, second quarter down 2.8 percent, third quarter down 3.2
percent and fourth quarter 2009 production will be down 3.6 percent from a
year earlier.
"Based on these forecasts, hog producers that cannot handle more risk should
take a long hard look at what the lean hog futures contract is now offering
for hedge opportunities," University economists Glenn Grimes and Ron Plain
wrote in their weekly report. "If the above forecasts turn out to be what
happens, and they look realistic with current information, hog producers on
average will lose money through much of 2009."
Corn, soybean meal prices
In the same survey, AAEA economists forecast corn prices at Chicago Board of
Trade will be $6.69 per bushel the first of December 2008, $7.04 per bushel
the first of March 2009 and $7.00 per bushel the end of June 2009.
For these same dates soybean meal on the Chicago Board of Trade is expected
to average $375 per ton for first of December 2008, $396 per ton for first
of March 2009 and $402 per ton for the end of June 2009.
Maryland discovers West Nile Virus in early August
ANNAPOLIS - The
Maryland Department of Agriculture announced on August 8 the first state
detection of a West Nile virus (WNV) mosquito pool in Maryland in 2008.
State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory results confirmed
the presence of WNV in mosquitoes collected by Montgomery County Department
of Health personnel on July 22 and July 29 in the Gaithersburg area of
Montgomery County. Officials say mosquito control personnel continue to work
aggressively to reduce mosquito populations across the State.
"We know that West Nile virus may be present throughout Maryland and are not
surprised to find mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus," says
Secretary of Agriculture Roger Richardson. "The confirmation of
virus-positive mosquitoes serves as a reminder to all residents to continue
protecting themselves against mosquito bites and to conduct backyard
mosquito control activities."
The MDA mosquito control office, in cooperation with DHMH, is conducting
state-wide surveillance activities to monitor mosquito populations and
detect mosquito-borne viruses of public health concern.
"Mosquito control remains
especially important to decrease the risk of infection with all mosquito
borne diseases," said Michael Cantwell, MDA acting chief of mosquito
control. "MDA is taking appropriate steps for mosquito surveillance and
mosquito control activities in participating Maryland jurisdictions through
the end of September."
Officials say there is neither a specific treatment nor a vaccine against
WNV for humans. There are, however, effective vaccines against the virus for
horses, ostriches and emus - also known as ratites. Owners are encouraged to
get their animals vaccinated and boostered in a timely manner in
consultation with their veterinarian.
Hay abundant compared to last year
RICHMOND—The drought conditions that
plagued Virginia hay crops last year appear to be less of an issue this
summer.
"The first cutting was excellent, said Spencer Neale, senior assistant
director of commodities and marketing for the Virginia Farm Bureau
Federation. "We had good weather and a decent amount of rain for the hay
crop this year."
While conditions now are hotter and dryer, farmers are hoping to cut more
hay in the early fall.
"Much of the state is experiencing a lack of rain and heat stress at the
moment, but hopefully we can break out of that pattern soon," Neale said.
"While the hay crop is better this year than last year, having a bad year
means the next year is spent trying to catch up. Hay is not overly abundant,
but it is in much better shape now than a year ago."
Hay is Virginia’s largest crop in terms of acres harvested. According to the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1.24 million acres of hay were harvested in
Virginia in 2006, the most recent year for which information is available.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has continued
to publish its "Virginia Hay Clearing House" newsletter to assist farmers
who are interested in purchasing supplemental stocks of hay. It lists
sources in Virginia and surrounding states.
The newsletter is available through the VDACS Web site at
www.vdacs.virginia.gov/marketnews/pdffiles/hay.pdf.
U.S. corn grabs 93 percent market share in Korea
August 8 -
Tightening supplies pushing corn prices higher did not impact Korea’s
commitment to purchasing high quality U.S. feed grains. Industry officials
say the United States enjoys a “lion’s share” in Korea’s corn import market
so far in 2008.
According to Byong Ryol
Min, U.S. Grains Council Director in Korea, the U.S. has supplied Korea with
4.7 million metric tons (185 million bushels) which translated into 93
percent of the nation’s total imports. This is compared to a 52 percent
share during the same period in 2007.
“The increase in corn
imports is mainly attributed to the substantial decrease in feed wheat
imports,” said Min. Korea imported only 9,000 tons of feed wheat in the
first half of this year compared with 486,000 tons in the same period last
year.
“Another win for U.S.
farmers is the fact that the Korean Corn Processing Industry Association (KCPIA)
imported 89 percent of its total requirement from the United States - far
above 9.2 percent in 2007. The local corn processing industry started buying
biotech corn for food use early this year,” Min said, citing KCPIA’s
purchase of 697,000 metric tons (27.4 million bushels) of genetically
enhanced corn in the first two months of 2008.
U.S. Grains Council
President and CEO Ken Hobbie said Korea is a vital market for U.S. producers
and expressed the Council’s commitment to sustaining the strong relationship
established through years of market development initiatives there. “The
Council will continue building and maintaining relationships with Korea’s
livestock, poultry, feed and food industries. We have not and will not relax
our commitment in Korea to implementing programs that educate and assist
end-users, biotechnology regulators and such.”
Mediation services offered to Maryland farmers
Annapolis - Farmers
and others in the agricultural community who may be embroiled in nagging
disputes with family members, neighbors, government agencies, or even
lenders can get a fresh start by trying mediation through the Maryland
Agricultural Conflict Resolution Service (Maryland ACReS). Maryland ACReS is
a quick, confidential, no- or low-cost service offered by the Maryland
Department of Agriculture (MDA) and is available to Marylanders to help
resolve agricultural related disputes before they end up in court.
"There are no winners in agriculture when a disagreement goes to court,"
said Agriculture Secretary Roger Richardson. The time and cost associated
with lawsuits and litigation strain everyone's resources and often result in
outcomes that satisfy no one. We hope farm operators and their
non-farm/off-farm neighbors will try our mediation service before a
situation becomes unbearable or goes to court."
MDA has provided U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified mediation services
for nine years, through a program previously called Farm Sense, which is now
known as Maryland ACReS. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in
which a neutral third party (the mediator) assists farmers, agricultural
lenders, agencies, families and citizens to resolve disputes in a
non-adversarial setting outside the traditional legal and regulatory
process. Mediation is based on the voluntary cooperation and participation
of all the involved parties. Working through the process, there is no
finding of right or wrong and the mediator has no power to impose a
solution. Maryland ACReS has a roster of more than 20 skilled mediators
trained to serve as non-adversarial, neutral, third parties to help resolve
disputes. An initial consultation with program staff and initial mediation
session is free of charge. If additional mediations sessions are needed,
costs are shared by the parties, with full or partial waivers of fees based
on income.
For more information about Maryland ACReS or to request mediation services,
log on to www.marylandacrs.org or
contact Eddie Johnson at 410-841-5778
|
Virginia
Cooperative Extension provides hay budgets
With hay and pasture becoming increasingly valuable
sources of farm income, several new crop budgets are being provided
by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Budgets are available for
stockpiled fescue, timothy, clover, alfalfa, etc. Spreadsheet
budgets allow for customized line items for fuel, fertilizer,
seeding, harvesting, etc.
More here>> |
Small grain acreage increases across Pennsylvania
July 12 - Based on
the July 1, 2008 forecast for yield and production, the Keystone state’s
farmers expect to produce more oats, barley, and winter wheat this year,
according to the Pennsylvania office of the National Agricultural Statistics
Service.
Winter wheat acres to
be harvested for grain in Pennsylvania are expected to total 185,000, up
30,000 acres from last year. The July 1, 2008 winter wheat yield is forecast
at 58.0 bushels per acre, which is unchanged from both the June 1 projected
yield and
last year’s final yield. The resulting winter wheat production of 10,730
million bushels will be up 19 percent from last year’s production of 8.99
million bushels.
Barley acreage for grain at
55,000 is up 13,000 acres from 2007. Barley yield is expected to be 74.0
bushels per acre this year for an expected production of 4.07 million
bushels. This production is up 33 percent from last year’s production of
3.07 million bushels.
Oat acreage for grain, at
80,000, is unchanged from last year’s harvested acres. The July 1, 2008 oat
yield is forecast at 63 bushels per acre, 7 bushels per acre above the final
yield of 2007. If realized, the
resulting oat production of 5.04 million bushels will be up 13 percent from
last year.
Delaware farmers advised to enroll land conservation program
Dover - The USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service in Delaware is advising farmers interested in
conservation assistance on their farming operations to sign up for the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The program provides
financial and technical assistance to farmers interested in making voluntary
improvements to natural resources on land they own or manage.
“NRCS is currently crafting the 2008 Farm
Bill to make our conservation programs and services, including EQIP, easier
for our farmers and landowners nationwide,” said Russell Morgan, NRCS State
Conservationist. “As we move forward to implement the new farm bill, we will
ensure our conservation practices benefit both the producer’s bottom line
and the quality of air, water and soil for all.”
Under the new farm bill, EQIP places a
priority on water conservation and promotes forest management practices and
energy conservation. In addition, limited resource, socially disadvantaged
or beginning farmers may receive additional financial assistance -- up to 90
percent cost-share. These groups may also be eligible for advance payments
to cover installation costs of conservation improvements.
Statewide, EQIP practices include, but are
not limited to: grassed waterways, waste storage facilities, nutrient
management, pest management, pasture management, tree planting, tree
thinning, poultry windbreaks, strip-cropping, conservation tillage and
wildlife habitat management.
For more information about EQIP, visit the
Delaware NRCS web site at
www.de.nrcs.usda.gov.
|
| |
|