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Tractor Supply brings back "Chick Days"

March 6 - As national economic and environmental concerns continue to make headlines, more American families are taking control of what they put on the dinner table.  While reducing the strain on the family budget, they’re also sourcing food locally to gain peace of mind by knowing their food’s origination and how it was produced.

An example of this trend that is increasingly turning up next to the vegetable garden is the backyard chicken coop.  In rural and suburban areas alike, backyard chickens are gaining in popularity for the eggs they produce.

Tractor Supply’s popular Chick Days event returns to area stores on March 14. As a general guide, a flock of 15 hens will produce about a dozen eggs per day during their peak. But the benefits don’t stop there.  Not only will your chickens provide fresh eggs, but they will also provide fresh fertilizer, fresh material for composting, and insect control. Also, the eggs are more nutritious and many claim taste better than ones you buy in a supermarket.

Some essential planning is necessary prior to buying your first chicks, starting with ensuring you’re in compliance with local ordinances.  Also, a well-constructed coop is necessary to keep chickens productive and safe from predators.  And while relatively low maintenance, chickens do require regular feeding and water, and a clean coop.

Many people are initially concerned about the smell or noise involved in raising backyard chickens, but it’s actually not the chickens that smell, but what they leave behind, just like any other pet or animal. So, a clean coop is certainly important in that regard. Concerns over noise pollution aren’t warranted either due to the fact that roosters aren’t necessary for hens to produce eggs – something you’re neighbors will appreciate during the early morning hours.

Once planning is complete, people can purchase chicks at their local Tractor Supply Company store during Chick Days, which returns to area stores from March 14 through April 25. People can also log onto TractorSupply.com/ChickDays to learn more about raising chickens.

Customers can also take advantage of Tractor Supply’s special order program that allows them to have their birds – including baby turkeys - shipped directly to their home in quantities of 25 or more.

West Virginia FFA Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale helps teens

March 12 -- FFA Ham, Bacon and Egg Sales have been an annual tradition in West Virginia for decades, and changes spearheaded by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) are ensuring that these programs remain a fixture for decades to come.

“These young adults are the ones who may be producing the pork you buy at the grocery store in the future. Pork is a nutritious protein choice. We know that no threat exists from the H1N1 virus, it is a good source of Vitamin B6 and Phosphorus, and a very good source of protein, Thiamin, Niacin and Selenium. Plus, many cuts of pork meet the government guidelines for “lean” or “extra lean,” said West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.

With technical assistance and encouragement from WVDA, the nearly 100 schools operating FFA programs have upgraded existing facilities or built new ones in recent years so that students will understand the requirements for commercial meat production, and will take that knowledge into the real world when they graduate.

All hams and bacons are now processed in state-of-the-art facilities that meet commercial kitchen standards. For example, processing facilities must have sanitary walls that are impervious to liquids and can easily be cleaned, floors must be sloped to drains and work areas must be able to stand up to the salts used in cure mixtures. Hand-washing sinks must be foot, knee or elbow-operated and students must have a dress-in/dress-out room where they can change into clean clothes when entering the facilities.

The facilities must also keep daily temperature logs which ensure that hams and bacons are being cured at the correct temperature. Curing at either too high or too low a temperature affects the quality of the cure thus the quality of the meat. Hams are also tested for proper salt content and shrinkage prior to auction. Removing the proper amount of moisture from hams is another critical component to achieving an optimum cure.

“These young farmers put a tremendous amount of work into their FFA projects and they learn more than just how to process and cure meat,” said Commissioner Douglass. “They learn responsibility, they learn business skills, and they have an opportunity to walk away with some money they can apply to their college costs or next year’s project. We must take advantage of every opportunity to support tomorrow’s food producers and future leaders. Please support FFA and 4-H.”

Honey production down 23 percent in PA

Harrisburg - Pennsylvania honey production in 2009 (from producers with five or more hives) totaled 840,000 pounds, down 23.9 percent from 2008. There were an estimated 21,000 colonies statewide, which was down 2,000 colonies from the previous year.

The average yield was 40 pounds per colony compared to 48 pounds in 2008. Total stocks of honey, as of December 15, 2009, were 319,000 pounds, 15.6 percent more than the previous year. Honey producers in Pennsylvania received an average price of 199 cents per pound for the 2009 crop. Total value of honey produced in 2009 is estimated at $1.67 million for Pennsylvania production.

Nationally, honey production in 2009 from producers with five or more colonies totaled 144 million pounds, down 12 percent from 2008. There were 2.46 million colonies producing honey in 2009, up 5 percent from 2008. Yield per colony averaged 58.5 pounds, down 16 percent from the 69.9 pounds in 2008, and is the lowest yield since 1989.

Russia agrees to re-open its borders to U.S. pork

March 6 - The United States and Russia have reached an agreement to reopen the Russian market to U.S. pork and pork products, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said March 5.

The National Pork Producers Council today applauded the agreement. By the end of 2009, Russia had delisted virtually all U.S. pork facilities, prohibiting them from shipping pork to the country.

"We are very pleased that Russia is re-opening its market to U.S. pork; it's a very important destination for our products," said NPPC President Don Butler. "NPPC also is very appreciative of the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative in getting this deal done."

In 2008, the United States shipped $476 million of pork to Russia, making that country the No. 5 market. Last year they fell to $289 million because of a several-months ban on U.S. pork over concerns about the H1N1 flu, the global economic downturn and Russia delisting a number of U.S. pork facilities.

Exports to Russia, which were just $7.6 million in 2003, have soared since the United States and Russia signed a meat agreement in 2004.

Farm "Mom of the Year" sought

March 9 - Women play a critical role in agriculture. Many of these women are wives and moms, which is the inspiration behind Monsanto's America's Farmers Mom of the Year, a new nationwide program tied to Mother's Day recognizing the countless contributions that farm moms bring to their families and their communities.

Applications for the America's Farmers Mom of the Year are now being accepted at www.AmericasFarmers.com. From the nationwide call for entries, five regional winners will be announced, with each winning a $5,000 cash prize.

The five winners will be selected based on their contributions to family, farm and community and will be chosen from submissions describing how each nominee embodies the values and hard work that make up the family farm way of life. The American Agri-Women, a national coalition of women's farm, ranch and agribusiness organizations, will partner with Monsanto on this promotion to spearhead the judging process.

One of the five regional winners will then be selected the week before Mother's Day as the America's Farmers Mom of the Year based on online voting on the America's Farmers Web site and receive an additional $2,500 prize.

"Today's farm moms are not only passionate about their families, they also share a common passion and commitment to agriculture," says Tami Craig Schilling, Monsanto community relations spokesperson and southern Illinois farm mom. "These women play key roles in agriculture as they manage varied components of their farm operations, nurture and care for their families, and mentor the next generation of farm leaders. The past, present and future of American farming depends on these women, and we are honored to recognize some special farm moms through America's Farmers Mom of the Year program."

Eligible nominees must be female, at least 18 years old, a mother to one or more natural born or adopted persons or are the legal guardian of one or more persons, and live on a farm that produces at least 250 acres of corn, soybeans, cotton, vegetables and/or specialty crops (canola, sorghum, wheat or alfalfa); and/or at least 40 acres of fruits and vegetables; and/or raise at least 100 head of cattle or hogs; and/or maintain at least 50 head of dairy cows and/or at least 20,000 poultry (broilers or layers) within the United States.

Complete eligibility requirements and official rules for America's Farmers Mom of the Year can be obtained online at www.AmericasFarmers.com or by calling 1-866-735-5267 or sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year promotion, 914 Spruce St., St. Louis, Mo. 63102.

Farm practices have impact on WV water quality

Charleston - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s “Potomac Headwaters Water Quality Report” shows that water quality in the state’s Eastern Panhandle is in good condition overall, and has been relatively stable over the past 10 years.

The report was compiled from more than 25,000 water samples gathered from 10 sub-watersheds between July 1998 and June 2008 and documented levels of nutrients, sediment and fecal coliform. An abbreviated version of the report is available at www.wvagriculture.org.

WVDA began its water quality testing program in 1998, shortly after seven streams in the region were placed on the state’s list of “impaired waterways” for fecal coliform contamination.

“What this report shows is that – contrary to the fears of some – agricultural practices did not kill our streams,” said West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. He noted that Chesapeake Bay Program models show that agriculture has achieved 50 percent of the goals laid out for it, while urban sources of pollution currently stand at more than negative 60 percent of their goals because of continued sprawl and development.

“Voluntary agricultural conservation programs implemented in the mid-1990s have been shown to protect water quality,” Commissioner Douglass added.

Those programs focused on implementing best management practices (BMPs) such as nutrient management plans, litter and manure storage structures, relocation of livestock feeding areas, and buffers that reduce runoff from farmland.

Farmers in the Eastern Panhandle have spent millions of their own dollars on cost-share programs. Thanks to those efforts, the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River was removed from the impaired streams list in 2002, one of the few such success stories in the country.

However, farmers in West Virginia’s rural panhandle counties are facing a new federal regulatory initiative from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the form of a new total maximum daily load (TMDL) program intended to restore water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

President Barack Obama signed an executive order in May 2009 calling for a substantial acceleration of efforts to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. States remain responsible for implementing pollution reduction measures, but EPA may take over state programs that do not meet deadlines or that do not result in the pollution reductions sought.

“I find it fitting that the State Seal of West Virginia features a farmer and a coal miner,” said Commissioner Douglass. “The agricultural community is about to find itself in the same position that the coal industry has been in for the past year – defending itself for producing essential goods in an efficient and dependable manner.”

Commissioner Douglass added that farmers need to continue to build upon the environmental progress that they have already made. “Farmers were the first environmental stewards. They know better than anyone that their economic well-being is tied directly to the quality of the natural resources available to them,” said Commissioner Douglass.

“My fear is that the relatively small number of farmers will be a far easier target for EPA than the rest of the nearly 17 million mostly urban residents of the watershed. As small farms are forced out of business, it will be American consumers who suffer through higher food prices and an increased dependence on foreign food producers,” he said.

NC offers cost-share grants to assist farmers with on-farm food safety efforts

RALEIGH -- Fruit and vegetable farmers can now apply for two cost-share grants offered through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to assist with the costs of water analysis and independent certification of an operation’s good agricultural practices.

“Food safety remains a top priority for growers and consumers, and these grants will help food safety efforts on the farm,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Farmers can apply for both grants, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.”

This is the second year for the Water Analysis Cost Share grant program, which will reimburse growers up to $200 for certified laboratory analysis of irrigation and packing house wash water for the presence of generic E.coli bacteria. Growers can be reimbursed for one water test or multiple tests throughout the year.

For more information or to obtain an application for the Water Analysis Cost Share program, contact Kevin Hardison at (919) 733-7887, ext. 234.

The department also offers the Good Agricultural Practices Certification Assistance Program, which covers up to $600 for independent audits of a farm’s GAP or good handling practices. To be eligible, growers must have a third-party audit in 2010 from an approved government agency or company that verifies GAP or GHP efforts, and the grower must submit an application to participate in the program prior to the audit. The audit can be for farm review, field harvest and field packing activities, packing house facility, storage and transportation, and traceback.

For more information or to obtain an application for the GAP Certification Assistance Program, contact Shirley Nicholson at (919) 733-7887.

“GAP certification is becoming more and more important for marketing produce,” Troxler said. “Buyers are demanding assurances from growers that their produce is safe. It’s going to become more difficult for farmers to market their fruits and vegetables if they don’t have a program in place to make sure their produce is free of contamination.” Funding for both NCDA&CS-managed grants comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Maryland farmers advised on cleanup from recent winter storms

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Feb. 26, 2010) – The Maryland Department of the Environment has offered provisions for emergency burning of debris as part of the clean up from the recent snow storms. 

Officials say information and financial incentives for energy efficient equipment and/or solar photovoltaic systems for those who may want to build or rebuild in greener and more energy efficient ways will be available in the coming days.

West Virginia poultry farm honored for environmental efforts

Feb. 19 - Evans Poultry of Dorcas, W.Va., was one of five farms across the United States to receive the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2010 International Poultry Expo held recently in Atlanta. The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, based in Tucker, Ga., sponsors the annual awards in recognition of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

Evans Poultry is owned and operated by Allen and Beverly Evans. They started in 1972 with five acres and built their first chicken house in 1977. They eventually built five more houses, raising broiler chickens, and now own 800 acres with forage, row crops and cattle.

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass congratulated the Evans family on the honor. “Allen and Beverly are well known among poultry farmers for their excellent operation and their efforts to preserve the environment,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Through his work in the West Virginia Legislature, Allen has been an ambassador for agriculture in the Mountain State. This award will help draw even more positive attention to the great farmers living and working in West Virginia.”

Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs. The Evans use a nutrient management plan for applying litter to their land, along with a composter for chicken mortality. Also, rainwater running off the roofs of the chicken houses and other buildings goes through grass buffers or sediment traps before reaching surrounding streams. To help enhance wildlife, several areas of the Evans’ land are designated as permanent woodlands with trees and ponds. Evans Poultry grows chickens for Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation.

Maryland officials announce record conservation  efforts by farmers in 2009

ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has released its 2009 annual report highlighting the 25th anniversary of the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program in helping Maryland farmers do their part to protect water quality in the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay.

According to the report, during its fledgling year in 1984, MACS provided Maryland farmers with $434,000 in grants to install roughly 130 conservation projects on their farms. Twenty-five years later in 2009, MACS provided Maryland farmers with a record $19 million in conservation grants to install 2,370 capital and special projects on their farms to control soil erosion, manage nutrients and protect water quality in streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

“Farmers who received MACS grants over the last 25 years invested more than $14 million of their own money into these conservation projects and agree to shoulder additional maintenance and upkeep expenses for a minimum of 10 years,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Earl F. Hance.  “Such action on the part of Maryland farmers dispels the notion that conservation takes a back seat—even in tough economic times."

According to the report, in FY 2009, $10.7 million in MACS grants were used to help Maryland farmers plant 239,000 acres of cover crops statewide.  Doubling the acreage planted in cover crops is a prominent feature in Governor Martin O’Malley’s suite of 27 ambitious two year milestones aimed at accelerating the Bay cleanup.  Expanding the amount of manure transported annually out of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed from poultry farms with high soil phosphorus levels is another milestone outlined in Governor O’Malley’s Bay restoration plan.  In FY 2009, MACS helped Maryland poultry farmers transport 52,000 tons of poultry litter out of the Bay Watershed, exceeding the milestone goal by 168 percent.

Farm Bureau files legal action against EPA

Date: Feb: 19, 2010

Source: American Farm Bureau Federation news release

Statement by Bob Stallman, president, American Farm Bureau Federation:

"The American Farm Bureau Federation has filed a legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency's December finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. The agency's action constitutes the first step toward economy-wide regulation of greenhouse gases. It is an effort to achieve through regulation what has failed to pass Congress and failed as well at the Copenhagen talks.

"EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from farms and ranches through the Clean Air Act could lead to costly and burdensome mandates on America's food, fiber and renewable fuel producers. It is imperative that the U.S. Court of Appeals conduct a thorough review of the EPA's endangerment finding."

Food trend embraces local farm products

Richmond - Like everything else, food trends for the coming year will be influenced by the economy.

In 2009 more people were cooking at home instead of dining out. While consumers still might be cost-conscious about their food choices, they’re likely to be paying more attention to where foods are produced and by whom, according to chef John Maxwell.

Maxwell is director of the Food Service Management Program at the Culinary Institute of Virginia and hosts a cooking segment on Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program. He already is seeing food trends that embrace local products.

“In 2010, there is still an emphasis on local foods,” he said. “Sustainability is a very big concern for the consumer. We see that everything involving living green is still very important.”

However, “we are seeing people increasing their use of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and not as much emphasis on proteins on the plate.”

Local wine sales are continuing to grow. “The local wines give people a sense of home, of comfort,” Maxwell said. In 2010, 25 percent of the U.S. population will be 55 or older, and consumers are showing greater interest in nutrition-enriched foods.

“With our aging population, more people are nutritionally aware of what is in their foods, or what isn’t,” Maxwell said. “Middle-aged consumers are looking for vitamin-enriched beverages and less carbonated soft drinks.” Another hot trend is in the beverage isle. “People aren’t taking pills anymore to help them sleep. They are looking for beverages with herbs and ingredients that help to calm them down,” Maxwell said.

Social media is also changing the way consumers think about food, he added. Restaurants are using Twitter to alert customers to their specials. “I believe that we will see social media food trends continue to grow as more people use handheld devices.”

Maryland emphasizes agriculture education

Feb. 22 - The Institute of Applied Agriculture in partnership with the Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation received a Teach Ag Day Grant to host a VIP Campus Visit for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in agricultural education.  A dozen students from around the state will spend Thursday, March 11 on the University of Maryland campus, learning about our programs and what it is like to be an agricultural science teacher.

Effective Fall 2008, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources teamed with the College of Education to create a program for students who want to become ag educators.  The program allows students to pursue a four-year double major in Agricultural Science and Secondary Education-Science or, for graduates of the University of Maryland with a  Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology, to complete the certification requirements through the Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.

National Teach Ag. Day is a day set aside to celebrate agricultural education, and for teachers to share with their students the possibilities of a career in the profession.  There is a shortage of agricultural educators in the United States, and National Teach Ag Day is part of a campaign to raise awareness of career opportunities in this field.

National Teach Ag Day is a part of the National Teach Ag Campaign, and initiative of the National Council for Agricultural Education, led by the National Association of Agricultural Educators.  For more information about teaching agriculture, visit www.naae.org/teaching.  The National Teach Ag Campaign is sponsored by Campbell's Soup and Landmark Nurseries as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

USDA releases final rule on organic pasture requirements

Feb. 12 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.

"Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The final rule published today will give consumers confidence that organic milk or cheese comes from cows raised on pasture, and organic family farmers the assurance that there is one, consistent pasture standard that applies to dairy products."

Officials say the final rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture based system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season.

Specifically:

• Animals must graze pasture during the grazing season, which must be at least 120 days per year;

• Animals must obtain a minimum of 30 percent dry matter intake from grazing pasture during the grazing season;

• Producers must have a pasture management plan and manage pasture as a crop to meet the feed requirements for the grazing animals and to protect soil and water quality; and,

• Livestock are exempt from the 30 percent dry matter intake requirements during the finish feeding period, not to exceed 120 days. Livestock must have access to pasture during the finishing phase.

The final rule becomes effective June 17, 2010. Operations which are already certified organic will have one year to implement the provisions.

USDA organic survey reveals marketing and production trends

Feb. 4 - The nation's organic farms and ranches have higher average sales and higher average production expenses than U.S. farms overall, according to results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

"This was USDA's first wide-scale survey of organic producers, and it was undertaken in direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, businesses, policymakers and others," said Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "The information being released today will be an important building block for future program and policy development."

The survey counted 14,540 U.S. farms and ranches that were either USDA certified organic or were exempt from certification because their sales totaled less than $5,000. These operations comprised 4.1 million acres of land, of which 1.6 million acres were harvested cropland and 1.8 million acres were pasture or rangeland.

While there were organic farms or ranches in all 50 states, nearly 20 percent of the operations were in California. California also led the nation in organic sales, with $1.15 billion -- or 36 percent of all U.S. sales. Nationwide, 2008 organic sales totaled $3.16 billion, including $1.94 billion in crops sales and $1.22 billion in sales of livestock, poultry and their products.

The nation's certified and exempt organic farms had average sales and production expenses that were higher than those of U.S. farms overall. Organic operations had an average of $217,675 in sales, compared with $134,807 for all farms as reported in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Production expenditures averaged $171,978 per organic farm, compared with the nationwide average of $109,359 for all farms.

Most U.S. organic producers sold their products locally, with 44 percent of sales taking place less than 100 miles from the farm. Nearly 83 percent of organic sales were to wholesale channels, including processors, millers and packers. Just over 10 percent of sales were direct to retail operations, including supermarkets. Only 7 percent of sales were direct to consumers, via farm stands, farmers' markets, community supported agriculture and other arrangements.

NC poultry plant fined for fatal ammonia release

Feb. 8 - The North Carolina Division of Air Quality announced it has fined Mountaire Farms Inc. $27,410 for improper handling of hazardous materials that led to a fatal ammonia release.

The penalty was assessed on the Lumber Bridge, N.C. processor for violations that contributed to the release of anhydrous ammonia at the plant on June 20, 2009 which killed one employee and injured three others.

The company was cited for violating rules aimed at ensuring the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials, as specified under Section 112(r) of the federal Clean Air Act. The rules require affected companies to develop a risk management program to make sure they properly store hazardous materials, train their employees on safe handling methods, and prepare plans for responding to emergency releases.

Based on its investigation, Mountaire was fined $25,000 — the maximum penalty that can be assessed for a single violation — due to the severity of the incident and previous problems at the facility. The assessment also included $2,410 to cover DAQ's investigative costs.

The DAQ investigation found that Mountaire did not have a complete and proper risk management program even though it had cited the company for RMP shortcomings the previous year. In March 2008, DAQ assessed the company $4,506 for earlier violations of risk management rules.

Pennsylvania strawberry production down from previous year

Feb. 4 - Pennsylvania’s strawberry production, harvested from 1,100 acres for fresh market and processing was 65,000 cwt., down 11 percent from 2008.

Average value per cwt. was $208.00, compared with $211.00 per cwt. in 2008.

By comparison, U.S. strawberry production in 2009 was 28.0 million cwt., up 11 percent from 2008. Acreage harvested was 58,080; the average value per cwt. was $75.80, up from $75.00 a year ago.

Maryland farmers asked to participate in economic survey

Annapolis - The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct its Agricultural Resource Management Survey starting in February. Officials say the survey will provide farmers with an opportunity to provide accurate, real-world data that will help shape the policies, programs and issues that affect them.

“ARMS asks a small, but representative, sample of farmers about their operation in order to understand the current financial state of Maryland agriculture,” said Barbara Rater, director of the NASS Maryland Field Office. “Participation in ARMS is so important because government and agricultural leaders use the information needed to make sound decisions that impact the future of farmers, their families, their businesses and their communities.”

The survey will be conducted between February and March. In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to nearly 35,000 producers nationwide. Out of Maryland’s 12,800 farms, only 200 will be surveyed. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operating expenditures, capital improvements, labor use, assets and debt, production costs and household characteristics.

“Only 1 in 64 farms in Maryland will be surveyed. Given the current state of the national economy, it is critical that farmers participate in Agricultural Resource Management Survey,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “This survey is the best means of telling Washington how farmers are really faring down on the farm. It provides information that is not available anywhere else.

WV, VA and TX cattlemen organizations recognized by NCBA

The Independent Cattlemen's Association of Texas (ICATX), the West Virginia Cattlemen's Association (WVCA) and the Virginia Cattlemen's Association (VCA) were all named 2009 Outstanding Affiliates of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association at an awards breakfast during the cattle industry's annual winter convention.

The award recognizes NCBA affiliates for exceptional efforts to boost NCBA membership at the national level.

Dave Murdock and Jarrod Angstadt, hay and forage specialists with award sponsor New Holland, were on hand to congratulate recipients and present plaques. Accepting were Rosalee Coleman, president and NCBA director and Bill Hyman, executive director, ICATX; Jim Bostic, executive director, WVCA; and Bill McKinnon, executive secretary, VCA.

Each winning affiliate receives a one-year lease (or 1,500 bales, whichever comes first) on a New Holland round baler.

Monsanto to establish research center in Kannapolis, NC

Jan. 28 - Officials with Monsanto Company have announced plans to become a part of the North Carolina Research Campus, a one-of-a-kind facility under development in Kannapolis, N.C., and a strategic alliance with the David H. Murdock Research Institute.

Envisioned and founded by David H. Murdock, owner of Castle & Cooke Inc., and majority owner of Dole Foods Company Inc., the NCRC brings together academia and industry, and fosters collaborative research in nutrition, agriculture and biotechnology to accelerate the development of foods with enhanced flavor and greater nutritive value to improve human health.

Monsanto has signed a long-term lease to establish research facilities focused on the taste and nutritional composition of vegetables, and enhanced nutrition in food-focused row crops such as soybeans.

"I commend David for his vision in pulling together such diverse institutions that are leaders in their fields," said Robb Fraley, chief technology officer for Monsanto. "The research center holds great promise and the potential to make a significant contribution to human health, nutrition and agriculture. The synergy that exists at a campus like this could lead to truly innovative research and products with long-term benefits for consumers."

Last year Monsanto announced a five-year collaboration with Dole to develop vegetable varieties with consumer-focused attributes such as flavor, texture, aroma and nutrition. Only 29 percent of adults eat the recommended three to five servings of vegetables per day, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control. Only 16 percent eat the recommended two to four servings of fruit.

Officials say they hope that by developing produce varieties with fantastic flavor and real nutritional benefits, people will enjoy eating more fruits and vegetables and be healthier in the process.
 

WV announces recipients of Specialty Crop Grants

Jan. 15 - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has selected 12 projects to share in nearly $185,000 of USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funding in 2010, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass.

“These grants are an important means of improving the competiveness of West Virginia’s small family farms,” said Commissioner Douglass. “This infusion of dollars will be used to fund a wide variety of research and marketing improvement projects that will pay dividends in the coming years.”

The projects receiving funding include West Virginia State University research into methods of constructing economical and eco-friendly “high tunnel” structures that West Virginia farmers can use to extend the growing season for fresh produce.

WVSU will also conduct research into the cultivation of fresh blackberries. Although blackberries can be found in the wilderness, cultivated berries are a lucrative crop unfamiliar to most West Virginia farmers.

West Virginia University will evaluate 14 varieties of wine grapes to determine their suitability for use by West Virginia wineries. Specialty crop funds also will be used to fund scholarships to WVU’s 2010 Small Farms Conference, which provides a wide variety of educational offerings for participants each year. Check the WVU Extension Service webpage for more details.

Over the past three years, WVDA has distributed approximately $270,000 in funding to 85 projects throughout the state through a competitive grant award program. The Specialty Crops Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

The grant program encourages cooperative efforts to integrate technology at the farm level, improve marketing and promotion of locally grown specialty crops, and increase production efficiency through research projects. Specialty crops
 

Five named to American Poultry Industry Hall of Fame

The American Poultry Historical Society announced it will honor five individuals by inducting them into the American Poultry Industry Hall of Fame.

The 2010 inductees are:

* Donald Dalton, past president of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association;
* Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim, who has served as senior chairman of the board, co-founder and majority owner of Pilgrim's Pride Corp.;
* Paul B. Siegel, a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech;
* Robert D. Sparboe, who started Sparboe Chick Co., which later led to the formation of several companies now known as Sparboe Farms Inc.; and
* J. Paul Thaxton Jr., founder of Embrex Inc., the world's first biotechnology company dedicated to poultry, and a professor of poultry science at Mississippi State University until his death in 2007.

A bronze plaque bearing the image of each inductee will be on permanent display in the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville, Md.

The American Poultry Historical Society was formed at the 1952 Boston Poultry Show. It has remained dedicated to preserving historical records and honoring distinctive personal achievement. Preserved records are maintained in the National Agricultural Library in Beltsville.

Organic growers in Virginia may be reimbursed for certification costs

Jan. 21 - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced that funds are now available for organic growers in Virginia to apply for partial reimbursement to offset their organic certification costs. Organic growers who were certified between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 are eligible to apply for cost share funds through a program offered by VDACS.

The 2008 Federal Farm Bill allows for reimbursement of 75 percent of the cost of organic certification, up to a total of $750 per applicant. Reimbursement funds were issued in 2009 and are again available on a first come, first served basis.

To apply, growers must complete the Virginia Organic Certification Cost Share Application Form available at www.virgniagrown.com. Click on the USDA Organic Cost Share Program to get to the application. The form must accompany a current copy of the producer’s organic certificate from a USDA accredited Certifying Agency, a copy of the dated, paid invoice form the certifier showing the total cost of services rendered and a W-9 form, a copy of which is available on the VDACS organic site. The form and documents should be returned to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by November 1, 2010. VDACS encourages producers to apply early while funds are available. Producers with questions should contact Kent Lewis at 804.786.3951.
 

Pennsylvania farmers changing tillage practices

A recent survey of farmers in Pennsylvania by the USDA NASS reveals that, in 2009, conventional tillage was used on 22.2% of the major crop acreage in Pennsylvania, down significantly from the 30.1% recorded in 2008.

No-till was practiced on 56.8% of the major crop acreage, and other conservation tillage practices were used on the remaining 21%. Corn and soybeans are the two crops with the highest acreages.

Conventional till was used on 23% of the corn acreage, no-till was practiced on 57% of the acreage, and the remaining 20% of the corn acreage used other conservation tillage practices.

In soybeans, conventional till was used on 10% of the acreage, no-till was practiced on 70% of the acreage, and the remaining 20% of the acreage was cultivated using other conservation tillage practices. Barley showed the biggest change, with conventional tillage decreasing from 33.3% of the total acres planted to only 16.7% of the acres planted.
 

U.S. tractor sales off 21 percent in 2009

Jan. 11 - According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report," the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for calendar year 2009 were down 21 percent from the previous year. For the year 2009, a total of 155,541 tractors were sold, which compares to 197,740 sold through December 2008.

Tractor sales in December 2009 were down 9% compared to the same month last year.

For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) were down 6%, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 17%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were down 1.7% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 17% for the month.

For the year 2009, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) were down 20% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were down 29%. Sales of two-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 13%, while four-wheel-drive tractors were up 2% for the year.

Combine sales were up 3% for the month. Sales of combines for the year 2009 totaled 9,717, an increase of 15% over the same period in 2008.

 

Farm Bureau leader vows to fight criticism of modern agriculture

Jan. 12 - American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman has issued a call to action to Farm Bureau members and a stern warning to critics that farmers and ranchers will no longer tolerate opponents' efforts to change the landscape of American agriculture. Stallman spoke at the organization's annual meeting in Seattle, WA.

Calling on Farm Bureau members to rally as one during these challenging times, Stallman said there are already too many external forces tugging at agriculture's seams without farmers and ranchers being divided amongst themselves.

"Emotionally charged labels such as monoculture, factory farmer, industrial food, and big ag threaten to fray our edges," said Stallman. "We must not allow the activists and self-appointed and self-promoting food experts to drive a wedge between us."

Stallman said that Farm Bureau continues to represent all farmers and ranchers, no matter their size of farm, commodity raised or political philosophy. Farmer's missions of feeding the nation and the world, caring for the environment and respecting neighbors' rights has not changed from when AFBF was founded in 1919. But the ways in which farmers and ranchers carry out their mission have changed, said Stallman, which is not understood or respected by critics of modern agriculture.

"A line must be drawn between our polite and respectful engagement with consumers and how we must aggressively respond to extremists who want to drag agriculture back to the day of 40 acres and a mule," said Stallman. "The time has come to face our opponents with a new attitude. The days of their elitist power grabs are over."

Stallman said curtailing such "power grabs" has never been as critical as it is now because of the poor economy, a growing population and legislative and regulatory efforts that threaten agriculture's ability to feed the world.

"At the very time we need to increase our food production, climate change legislation threatens to slash our ability to do so," said Stallman. "The world will continue to depend on food from the United States. To throttle back our ability to produce food-at a time when the United Nations projects billions of more mouths to feed-is a moral failure."

Climate legislation currently in Congress would shift as much as 59 million acres of food production into forestry, which is equivalent to setting aside every acre of land used for crop and food production in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

 

Survey: Horticulture important to Maryland economy

ANNAPOLIS - The results of the most comprehensive survey of the Maryland horticulture industry to date reveal an industry with nearly $2 billion in gross receipts occupying 20,900 acres, including 19 million square feet of greenhouse space, and employing more than 18,500 people with wages totaling $451 million.

Supporting the movement toward “buying locally,” the survey also indicated a shift toward the purchase of plants from Maryland nurseries rather than importation of plant material from other states and countries. The statistical profile and economic survey, which queried 1,140 licensed nursery operations for 2007 business information with a 72 percent response rate, was officially released on January 6 at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show in Baltimore.

“The results of this survey show that horticulture is a strong, dynamic and growing agricultural industry with a long history in Maryland that continues to be very important to our State’s economy, employment and land base,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “Those making policy, lending, land use and other business choices can use this information to make informed decisions that ensure a smart, green and growing future for Maryland.”

"I believe these results underscore the importance of Maryland's collective allied horticulture businesses and what they mean to the State," said Vanessa Finney, Executive Director of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association.

While Central Maryland led the State in the value of horticulture sales and services ($740.5 million), the horticulture industry is important to all geographic regions. Regionally, Southern Maryland ($196.7 million), the Upper Eastern Shore ($120.2 million), Lower Eastern Shore ($42.9 million) and Western Maryland ($8.9 million) followed in value of sales and services.