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Farm News for the Mid-Atlantic Region

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Trivia Question: In 2009, there were approximately ___ million U.S. households with a food garden.
  1. 12
  2. 18
  3. 24
  4. 43

Answer: The correct answer is (4). Americans are digging in! In more parts of the county, in more sectors of society, and in more ways than ever, we’re growing food gardens - in rural areas and urban, in backyards and schoolyards, in community plots and on balconies, and they come in every shape and size imaginable. There’s even a vegetable garden at the White House for the first time since 1943. According to National Gardening Association research, 43 million U.S. households grew food gardens in 2009 — up 19 percent from 2008. For some families, food gardening is being driven by economic necessity. For others, it’s rising interest about where the food on the family table comes from and how it was grown. Still others want to use gardening to strengthen bonds of family, community, and friendship and learn new skills. Source - www.garden.org

 

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.

 




 


 

 

Part-time farmers in crosshairs of proposed bay regulations

March 1 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last fall a new initiative to get tough on cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, including proposed regulations on water quality that would reach all the way down to the small, part-time farmer.

Several bills in Congress would give that initiative the power of law. But some Virginia farmers believe the initiatives not only are impractical and expensive, but also have the potential to force part-time cattle producers out of business.

"What they’re looking at is somebody else making the decision for them whether they farm or not, because the expense of complying with these regulations could be much higher than any cash income they’d get from their livestock," said David Coleman, an Amelia County cattleman.

Cattle and calves represent the second-largest commodity in Virginia agriculture, generating almost $400 million in cash receipts in 2008. Most of those animals graze on small farms in Central, Northern and Southwest Virginia and are raised by part-time farmers who also work off the farm. That’s where proposed new regulations could really have an impact.

"One of the biggest expenses would be putting in a well, and then running your piping and putting in water troughs throughout your different pastures," Coleman said. "Especially with a well, you’ve got to have electricity, and these pastures are out in the middle of nowhere. It could be very expensive—so expensive that many of those part-time farmers might decide to just get out of the cattle business."

According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, there were about 28,000 part-time farmers in Virginia. Many raise cattle while holding down an off-farm job, as Coleman does. Many part-time cattlemen already use best management practices needed to protect water quality, fencing animals out of waterways and having soil tested before applying fertilizer. But the EPA’s computer model for nutrient sources doesn’t take any of those previous efforts into account, because smaller-scale farmers haven’t used federal cost-share dollars to pay for them.

If thousands of Virginia cattlemen leave the business, Coleman said, no one knows what will happen to their land. He’s afraid much of it could end up in development, which wouldn’t help the bay clean-up effort. And Virginia’s agriculture industry could shrink dramatically.

 

 

Corn, soybean price and production estimates revised

March 11 - A new report from the USDA indicates estimates for corn production have been reduced by 20 million bushels after receiving updated estimates of yields for Illinois and Minnesota and harvested area for Michigan. Overall corn production, however, remains a record at the revised estimate of 13.1 billion bushels.

The projected 2009/10 marketing-year average farm price for corn was lowered 20 cents on the top end of the range, to $3.45 to $3.75 per bushel. Estimates of corn stocks at the end of the marketing year were raised to 1.799 billion bushels from 1.719 estimated a month ago.

Soybean production estimates have been reduced to 3.359 billion bushels from last month's prediction of 3.361 billion bushels. If realized, this would be a record crop in the U.S..

Soybean prices were reduced 25 cents to $9.95 per bushel on the top end of the range, and raised 25 cents to $8.95 per bushel on the bottom end of the range. USDA put soybean ending stocks for the 2009-10 marketing year at 190 million bushels, down from 210 million bushels forecast last month.

Soybean meal production and ending stocks were unchanged, but average prices were reduced $10 to $310 per short ton on the top end of the range and raised $10 to $280 per short ton on the bottom end of the range.

 

 

Perdue speaks out against lawsuit; blames state agency

March 12 - A lawsuit filed by Maryland environmental groups against a chicken grower for Perdue Farms is "one of the largest threats to the family farm in the last 50 years," Perdue's chief executive told state lawmakers.

Jim Perdue, CEO of Perdue Farms, also told the Maryland legislature's Eastern Shore delegation that there would be no lawsuit if state agencies would "do their job," according to the Capital News Service.

Assateague Coastal Trust and the Waterkeeper Alliance are suing Perdue Farms and one of the poultry company's local contract farms, alleging the farm is polluting the Chesapeake Bay with manure-contaminated runoff. The complaint is based partly on results of water sampling from ditches flowing from Berlin, Md.-based Hudson Farm, which raises chickens for Perdue, into surrounding waterways.

Perdue said the Maryland Department of the Environment should have conducted testing at the farm earlier and did not act quickly enough to grant required discharge permits, opening the door to potential lawsuits, according to the article, which was carried by The Daily Times.

Dawn Stoltzfus, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of the Environment, said the groups could have brought the lawsuit even if the farm had a permit because the lawsuit alleges violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

 

 

 

Farmers will burn ruined poultry houses in Maryland

Annapolis - The Maryland Department of the Environment is allowing farmers to burn wood debris from about 40 Eastern Shore chicken houses that collapsed under the weight of recent snows, according to a report by the Baltimore Sun.

Sue duPont, spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of Agriculture, was quoted as saying snowstorms in February dumped enough snow to damage or destroy at least 41 poultry houses at 29 sites. The average facility housed 30,000 birds, she said, noting that some did not contain birds at the time of collapse.

The state's permission to burn the remnants is a relief to farmers who feared that environmental regulations would require them to haul the debris to landfills, the report quotes Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus (R-Md.) as saying. He added that the associated costs could have ranged between $45,000 and $60,000 per facility.

The state reportedly will permit farmers to burn livestock shelters damaged during the storms. Caveats include that the building was damaged during the storms, carcasses must be separated from building debris, farmers must receive a burn permit from their county governments and the debris must be burned by March 21.

Chickens that escaped without injury were transported to other houses; those that were seriously injured were euthanized, duPont was quoted as saying.

 

 

Consumers Union poll reveals concerns about genetically engineered contamination

Yonkers, NY—Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, recently released new poll data showing that two-thirds of organic food consumers are concerned about genetically engineered (GE) ingredients contaminating organic food.

 

Given the popularity of alfalfa sprouts among health-oriented eaters, officials with Consumers Union are urging the USDA to consider the overwhelming consumer concern before deciding to allow GE alfalfa on the market. USDA recently received public comment on its draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on approval of GE alfalfa.

 

“USDA’s draft EIS is inadequate, leaving farmers and consumers unprotected. This alfalfa has been engineered to allow herbicides to be used on it that would normally kill the crop. The EIS states that consumers and organic farmers don't care if their organic food is GE contaminated,” said Michael Hansen, PhD, senior scientist with Consumers Union.  “Consumers Union’s poll states the exact opposite: consumers care greatly.”

 

In 2006, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) sued USDA on behalf of farmers and others regarding its approval of Monsanto’s Roundup Ready alfalfa, saying that USDA should have prepared an EIS.  CFS won and USDA was required to prepare a full EIS analyzing the impact of approving GE alfalfa on the environment, farmers, and the public.  While USDA prepared the EIS, Monsanto appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, which will hear the case later this year. In the meantime, farmers are in limbo about the legality of planting GE alfalfa this spring.  

 

The Consumers Union poll found:

             A majority of respondents expressed some level of concern with genetic engineering contamination of organic food crops. Overall, 58% said they were extremely concerned, very concerned or somewhat concerned with this contamination. 

             Two-thirds (66%) of consumers who purchase organic food indicated being concerned versus half (50%) of those who don’t make organic food purchases.

 

“Genetically engineered corn and soy are widely grown in the U.S. and organic farmers and processors are having a very hard time keeping it out of organic food and animal feed, where it is prohibited.  Allowing GE alfalfa on the market will create a whole new set of problems for the organic industry in maintaining organic integrity.  Once an engineered variety is grown outside, it is almost impossible to contain it,” said Dr. Hansen. “We are also concerned that there is no FDA safety approval process for GE foods—companies may consult with FDA, but it is up to the companies themselves to decide if an engineered food is safe.”

 

 

Meat goats become more popular as cultures blend

DOSWELL—Many things in the United States have been influenced by other cultures, not least among them the foods Americans eat and produce.

While goat cheese and goat’s milk have been readily available for years, goat meat is now growing in popularity. Virginia meat goat producers are saying it’s time to take note of goat.

“This is probably the fastest-growing livestock sector in the state,” said Glenn Martin, a Caroline County meat goat producer. “I know this year we have sold about 250 head.”
Martin has raised cattle and pigs, but in the past few years he’s turned a small dairy goat operation into a successful meat goat business. And he isn’t alone.

Much of goat market growth comes from the diet preferences of immigrant populations. People coming from the Caribbean, Mexico, the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East and Africa have a tradition of eating goat. Most go directly to the farmer to purchase it.

An estimated 741 million goats are raised worldwide to meet demand for their meat and milk. Almost 96 percent of the world’s goats are in developing countries, but Europeans like them too, with 15 million raised there.

There are an estimated 62,000 goats in Virginia. Of those, 57,500 are meat goats, according to the latest statistics from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

“I have done very little advertising,” Martin said. “Most of my business is word of mouth.”

His customers usually buy two or three goats at a time and slaughter them off the farm. Demand for goat meat is high in the spring.

“If you sell them at the stockyard market, you can expect between $40 and $65,” Martin said. “By marketing them right here on the farm, with the culled nannies, I will get about $100 per goat. Being willing to deal directly with the clientele and market directly off the farm, I can take a real advantage of the market that way.”

Most of the meat goats raised in Virginia are the Boer breed, originally from South Africa, crossed with Nubians or Spanish Kiko, a feral goat.

 

 

West Virginia farmers reminded of AGR-LITE deadline

Charleston - West Virginia farmers interested in protecting against a significant decline in income have until March 15 to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Risk Management Agency’s Adjusted Gross Revenue Lite (AGR-Lite) program.

Unlike traditional crop insurance, which is based on yields, AGR-Lite provides a guarantee against a significant decline in overall farm income from the average of the most recent five-year period.

The program is limited to $1 million in coverage and covers livestock as well as crops. More information is available from local crop insurance agents, or from local Farm Service Agency offices. A list of agents is available at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.

 

 

 

Farmers use social media to take a stand

RICHMOND—The Australian company that produces Yellow Tail wines got a sense of how many farmers use social media after it announced a $100,000 donation to the Humane Society of the United States.

Farmers from across the nation responded on Twitter and Facebook.

Within hours of the announcement, Yellow Tail’s Facebook page was loaded with messages from agriculture supporters blasting the company for its support of the animal rights organization. Within days thousands of comments were all over other social media sites and blogs.

“I think people in agriculture are really starting to use social media to work for them,” said Jimmy Maass, a Dinwiddie County beef and hay producer and safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau. He researched available tax information on HSUS and then posted his findings on the Yellow Tail Facebook page.

HSUS leads the public—and companies such as Yellow Tail—to believe their donations support local animal shelters and abused animals. In reality, 2008 tax filings with the Internal Revenue Service show that only a small portion of HSUS’ 2008 budget went into grants to hands-on pet shelters.

“I know HSUS is trying to put an end to animal agriculture,” Maass said. “The Yellow Tail Facebook page has information on how to pair steak and chicken with wine. I believe the company had no idea who they were supporting with this donation. The people who work in agriculture had to tell them.”

According to Yellow Tail, this is the first time it has given money to HSUS.

Casella Wines, which produces Yellow Tail wines, released a statement to ABC News saying the company will look to support non-political groups in the future.

“Being farmers ourselves, we acknowledge those who care for their land and their environment, just as we do,” said John Casella, managing director. “We are proud of our rural heritage and value a solid relationship with agricultural communities around the world.”

 

 

 

Trout sales highly variable in Mid-Atlantic region in 2009, down 4 percent nationwide

Feb. 26 - Trout sales in the Mid-Atlantic region were highly variable in 2009 according to a recent USDA report.

  • West Virginia - $1.5 million (up 101% from 2008)

  • Virginia - $1.6 million (up 1%)

  • Pennsylvania - $5.1 million (down 5%)

  • North Carolina - $7.2 million (up 1%)

The total value of fish sales received by trout growers in the United States totaled 76.9 million dollars for 2009, a decrease of 4 percent from 2008. Idaho accounted for 47 percent of the total value of fish sold.

The number of trout 12 inches and longer sold during 2009 totaled 41.1 million fish, up 2 percent from the previous year. The average price per pound was $1.40, up 2 cents from 2008.

 

 

Management skills vital on modern dairy farms

Blacksburg - Today’s dairy farmers have a lot on their minds: the slower economy has reduced the demand for milk and decreased its price, while at the same time the costs of feed and fuel are up. Operating a profitable dairy takes strong management skills – something Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Improving Dairy Herd Management program is helping farmers focus on.

The effort is funded through the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association and aims to help farmers improve their reproductive programs. “We found that the No. 1 production concern of dairy farmers we surveyed was reproduction,” says Beverly Cox, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in Franklin County. “This program was designed to help improve long-term farm profits by increasing the reproductive efficiency of cows.”

According to John Currin, Extension specialist in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, “Farming is big business and dairy farms are no exception. We are trying to increase producers’ awareness of how profitability can increase with better reproductive management. And, we’re hoping that by demonstrating these techniques on local farms, other producers will be able to see the results firsthand.”

Extension agents Chase Scott in Wythe County, John Welsh in Rockingham County, and Cox deliver the program to dairy farms by facilitating meetings of an individual farm’s entire management team. They bring together the owners, managers, and their veterinarian and provide a structure that helps the group look for weak spots in their reproductive program. The management team then sets goals and benchmarks for what they want to achieve.

"We’re not teaching any new science,” says Scott. “What we’re doing is making sure that they are communicating effectively with each other, and that they are using the data and techniques they already have to their best advantage.”

 

 

Pennsylvania organic farm sales exceed $200 million

Feb. 19 - 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 February 3 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 586 Pennsylvania 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 53,624 acres of land, of which 30,290 acres were harvested cropland, 9,236 acres of other cropland, and 14,098 acres were pasture.

In Pennsylvania, 2008 organic sales totaled $212.7 million, including $126.6 million in crop sales and $86.2 million in sales of livestock, poultry, and their products, 47 percent of which were sales of organic milk. Pennsylvania organic farms averaged $386,096 in sales. Over 61 percent of sales took place within 100 miles of the farm. Pennsylvania producers marketed 94 percent of their products through wholesale channels. Production expenditures averaged $293,131 per organic farm. In Pennsylvania, 1.8 percent of sales were direct to retail operations, including supermarkets, and 4.5 percent of sales were direct to consumers, via farm stands, farmers markets, CSA networks, and other arrangements. In Pennsylvania, 75 percent of survey respondents indicated that they plan to maintain or increase their organic production over the next five years.

 

 

North Carolina revises nitrogen recommendations for wheat

RALEIGH – N.C. State University and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are advocating a new approach for deciding how much nitrogen to put out on wheat. The revised guidelines take into account crop biomass and often call for significantly less nitrogen than previous recommendations. Growers lucky enough to have a stand, despite the poor planting conditions last fall, may be able to use the new guidelines to reduce input costs without compromising yield.

Split applications of nitrogen are likely to be necessary this year, said Ben Knox, NCDA&CS regional agronomist. The first step in determining nitrogen needs involves a tiller count at green up.

“If the tiller count is low, g rowers should put out some nitrogen as soon as possible,” Knox said. “If there are fewer than 50 tillers per square foot of row, growers need to apply up to half (about 60 pounds) of the spring nitrogen now. For counts between 50 and 70 per square foot, 30 to 40 pounds of nitrogen should be applied. If the tiller count is high, but the wheat is yellow, an application of 30 pounds of nitrogen is appropriate.

“I have seen fields with as few as 15 to 20 tillers per square foot at this time of year end up making good wheat,” Knox said. “A timely nitrogen application followed by some dry weather and warm temperatures can yield surprising results. However, even if the wheat is thin and has to be abandoned, the nitrogen will not have been wasted. It will have made the wheat a better cover crop.”

 

 

Biodiesel production expected to increase

Feb. 22 - The Environmental Protection Agency's final regulations for the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) requires 1.15 billion gallons of biodiesel be used domestically by the end of 2010. This figure represents the sum of biomass-based diesel requirements for 2009 (500 million gallons) and 2010 (650 million gallons) included in the federal energy bill passed in 2007.

Beginning in 2012, the RFS2 requirement for biodiesel will be at least 1 billion gallons per year. According to the final rule, biodiesel, including biodiesel made from the U.S. soybean oil, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50 percent compared with traditional petroleum-based diesel, thus qualifying it as an advanced biofuel.

"The RFS2 recognizes biodiesel's ability to reduce carbon emissions as well as its place in our future energy solution," said soybean checkoff farmer-leader Joel Thorsrud, a soybean farmer from Hillsboro, N.D., and a member of the United Soybean Board's (USB) Domestic Marketing program. "It is important that this rule is based on accurate scientific data, which soybean checkoff-funded research helped demonstrate."

Soybean oil remains the dominant feedstock for biodiesel production in the United States, and the soybean checkoff funds a large portion of the biodiesel research and promotion through the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). Thanks in part to these efforts, U.S. biodiesel production increased from 25 million gallons in 2004 to an estimated 475 million gallons in 2009. According to NBB, biodiesel represents the only advanced biofuel currently being produced in commercial-scale quantities nationwide.

Last year, the checkoff provided funding to NBB to conduct its Sustainability Analysis and Awareness project, which provided scientific research to clarify some of the misinformation about biodiesel and the concept of indirect land use change (ILUC). This concept threatened to exclude biodiesel from consideration as an advanced biofuel in the RFS2 by not giving it full credit for its ability to reduce carbon emissions. The project found several inaccuracies in the EPA's methodologies and calculations. Though the final rule includes ILUC in its calculations of life-cycle GHG emissions and its evaluation of biofuels, the methodology the EPA used in the final rule gives biodiesel credit for reducing GHG emissions by 57 percent. And one EPA analysis recognizes that biodiesel could reduce GHG emissions by as much as 85 percent.

 

 

 

Less sheep, more goats in PA

Harrisburg - According to a recent report from the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, the number of milk goats in Pennsylvania totaled 17,000 head on January 1 of this year, up 17 percent from a year ago. In comparison with other states, Pennsylvania is considered 5th for the state having the largest number of milk goats.

There were 42,000 meat goats on January 1, 2010, no change from the number reported year ago. Pennsylvania is currently tied with Kansas at14th for the largest number of meat goats in the United States.

All sheep and lamb inventory in Pennsylvania on January 1, 2010 totaled 94,000, down 6 percent from the previous year.

Total inventory included 63,000 breeding ewes one year old and older, down 2 percent from January 1, 2009. Rams one year old and older were at 5,000 head, a decrease of 1,000 from last year’s inventory. There were 12,000 replacement lambs, 2,000 less than a year ago. Market sheep and lambs totaled 14,000 on January 1, 2010, a drop from the 2009 estimate of 16,000. Of this total, 12,000 were market lambs and 2,000 were market sheep. The 2009 lamb crop of 65,000 head was down 11 percent from 2008. The 2009 lambing rate was 102 lambs per 100 ewes one year old and older on hand January 1, 2009, a decrease of 14 lambs from the 2008 lambing rate.
 

 

 

 

North Carolina receives grant from Altria to protect agricultural water resources

RALEIGH  - The N.C. Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation has received a $100,000 grant from Altria Group Inc. to develop a “Strategic Plan for Protecting Agricultural Water Resources for North Carolina.”

“The need for planning is simple: We don’t want to come out of a drought both hungry and thirsty,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “A statewide survey of agricultural water use showed that farmers withdraw only about 1 percent of the water used daily in North Carolina, but often the perception of the public and even government is that they use too much. By planning now, we can avoid highly reactionary policy measures brought on by future droughts and population growth.”

The plan will identify water resources, future needs and ways to better manage water resources. The project will also guide farmers to improve efficiency, conservation and supply of water resources. In addition, the foundation also plans to offer demonstrations focused on these objectives. The project is targeted for completion by October.

The plan’s development will be guided by the Agricultural Water Work Group, a collection of 14 representatives from agriculture, government, academia and conservation. Troxler and North Carolina Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten co-chair the group.

“Competition for water resources is expected to increase significantly over the next 20 years,” Wooten said. “We need to protect our water resources and our state's number one industry – it’s that simple. This plan will identify the specific things that we can do to reduce water usage, increase our capacity to store water, and keep agriculture growing well into the future.”

 

 

 

Farmers may provide alternative fuels for "Great Green Fleet"

Jan. 22 - The USDA and the Department of the Navy have announced that leadership from the two departments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage the development of advanced biofuels and other renewable energy systems. The goal is to establish a "Great Green Fleet" and to reduce dependence on foreign energy.

"This agreement is part of President Obama's vision of a coordinated federal effort to build a clean energy economy, create new jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "USDA looks forward to working with the Navy and other public and private partners to advance the production of renewable energy by sharing technical, program management and financial expertise."

Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus emphasized how partnering with USDA supports his vision for energy reform. Mabus' overarching goal is to increase warfighting capability. "In order to secure the strategic energy future of the United States, create a more nimble and effective fighting force, and protect our planet from destabilizing climate changes, I have committed the Navy and Marine Corps to meet aggressive energy targets that go far beyond previous measures."

From a strategic perspective the objective is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels from volatile areas of the world. Tactically, on the battlefield, the costs of transporting fuel is exponentially increased; in extreme cases a gallon of gasoline could cost up to $400. Mabus continued "Even more serious and sobering, we are putting our Sailors and Marines in harms way as fuel convoys often meet a lethal enemy." To address this reality Mabus recently announced several ambitious energy targets for the Navy and Marine Corps. Biofuels are a major component of those goals, summarized below:

*When awarding contracts, appropriately consider energy efficiency and the energy footprint as additional factors in acquisition decisions.

*By 2012, demonstrate a Green Strike Group composed of nuclear vessels and ships powered by biofuel. By 2016 sail the Strike Group as a Great Green Fleet composed of nuclear ships, surface combatants equipped with hybrid electric alternative power systems running on biofuel, and aircraft running on biofuel.

*By 2015 cut petroleum use in its 50,000 non-tactical commercial fleet in half, by phasing in hybrid, flex fuel and electric vehicles.

*By 2020 produce at least half of shore based installations' energy requirements from alternative sources. Also 50 percent of all shore installations will be net zero energy consumers.

*By 2020 half of DoN's total energy consumption for ships, aircraft, tanks, vehicles and shore installations will come from alternative sources.

 

 



Tractor sales expected to remain weak in 2010

Jan. 21 - Agricultural machinery manufacturers anticipate overall continued weakness in U.S. tractor sales in 2010, according to the annual "outlook" survey of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

"The recession reached the agricultural sector in 2009, and the drop in equipment sales in most categories is attributed to a combination of the fall in commodity prices, significant drops in net farm income, the tightening of credit throughout the ag equipment distribution channel, and the overall reduction in economic confidence," commented AEM Vice President of Agricultural Services Charlie O'Brien.

"The recession is expected to continue to drive negative growth rates in many equipment categories in 2010. However, it is important to keep in mind that the larger equipment has been coming off of some very good production years, specifically the 100 HP tractors, which were at a 25-year-high watermark in 2008," O'Brien continued.

"Other influencing factors fueling market uncertainty include legislative issues such as cap and trade, the ongoing debate on increasing food production while reducing agriculture's contribution of approximately 30 percent of the world's greenhouse gases, Country Of Origin Labeling, and emission standards that will raise the cost of powered equipment," O'Brien stated.

Combine sales in 2010 are expected to decrease 12 percent in the U.S., followed by a 7-percent drop in 2011 and no growth (down 0.3 percent) in 2012.

Sales of four-wheel-drive tractors in 2010 are predicted to decline 19 percent in the U.S. Business is then expected to increase 2 percent in 2011 and 3 percent in 2012.

U.S. sales in 2010 for two-wheel-drive tractors in the 100-HP-and-over range are expected to drop 9 percent, followed by flat growth (up 0.7 percent) in 2011 and 4-percent growth in 2012.

For tractors in the 40-100-HP range, U.S. sales are expected to decrease 6 percent in 2010 and then gain 9 percent in 2011 and 8 percent in 2012.

Sales of under-40-HP two-wheel-drive tractors in 2010 are expected to decrease 8 percent. Improvement is then foreseen with 2011 growth of 8 percent and 2012 growth of 11 percent.

 

 

 


Virginia couple wins "Excellence in Agriculture" Award from American Farm Bureau

Jan. 13 - Scott and Mendy Sink have won American Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award. They competed at the recent American Farm Bureau Convention held in Seattle. Scott and Mendy will receive a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge.

The Sinks operate SES Agricultural Enterprises, which encompasses beef cattle, hay, agritourism and agricultural services and a concessions operation. The couple also are partners in Little River Produce, which raises sweet corn, pumpkins and other seasonal products.

Officials say the Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition. Participants were judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community).

 

 



USDA releases Mid-Atlantic region corn production data for 2009

Jan. 13 - Corn for grain production was highly variable last year in the Mid-Atlantic farming region. That's according to a new report from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

In Pennsylvania, corn for grain production totaled 131.56 million bushels, up 12 percent from last year's production. Corn acres harvested for grain was estimated at 920,000 and the average yield was 143 bushels per acre, up 10 bushels from 2008. Corn for silage production at 8.19 million tons, was down 2 percent from production in 2008. Acres harvested for silage totaled 420,000, down 7 percent from 2008. Silage yield was 19.5 tons per acre, up 1.0 ton per acre from the 2008 yield.

In Maryland, farmers planted 470,000 acres of corn in 2009, up 2 percent from 2008. Of the acreage planted, 425,000 acres were harvested for grain, 40,000 acres were cut for silage, and the remaining 5,000 acres were abandoned. Yield for grain averaged 145 bushels per acre, up 24 bushels from last year and the highest yield per acre since 2004. Production totaled 61.6 million bushels, up 27 percent from 2008, when 48.4 million bushels of corn were produced from 400,000 acres. Silage yield is estimated at 19 tons per acre, up 27 percent from last year, for a total production of 760,000 tons of silage.

In Virginia, corn for grain yields averaged 131 bushels per acre, up 23 bushels from the previous year’s yield. Production is estimated at 43.2 million bushels, 18 percent above the 2008 production. Corn for grain harvested area was 330,000 acres, down 10,000 acres from last year. Corn silage harvested acreage totaled 135,000 acres, with an average yield of 18.5 tons per acre.

North Carolina corn for grain yield is estimated at 117 bushels per acre, up 39 bushels from last year. Production is estimated to total 93.6 million bushels, 45 percent more than 2008. Total harvested acres in North Carolina are estimated at 800,000 acres, down 30,000 acres from 2008.

West Virginia acreage planted to corn for all purposes in 2009 totaled 47,000 acres, up 4,000 acres from 2008. Harvested area for grain totaled 30,000 acres, up 4,000 acres from 2008. The average yield of 126.0 bushels per acre was down 4 bushels per acre from 2008. Production was 3.8 million bushels, up 12 percent from 2008.

Delaware farmers planted 170,000 acres of corn in 2009, up 6 percent from 2008. A total of 163,000 acres were harvested for grain and 5,000 acres were harvested for silage. Heavy rain and snow delayed harvest; however average yields were not adversely affected. Yield for grain is estimated at 145 bushels per acre, for a total production of 23.6 million bushels. Silage production decreased marginally to 75,000 tons from 78,000 tons produced in 2008, an average 15 tons per acre. The increase in corn acreage was matched by a decrease in soybean acreage.

 

 




Agriculture groups band together for animal welfare

RICHMOND—Virginia Farm Bureau has united with other organizations to tell animal agriculture’s story.

Farm Bureau and 11 other agriculture-related industry groups have formed the Virginia Alliance for Animal Agriculture to support the state’s animal agriculture industry and inform the public about how farmers care for their livestock.

The average American is now at least three generations removed from the farm. "Unfortunately, consumers don’t know much about farming and only see headlines about agriculture when it’s negative news," said Lindsay Reames, assistant director of governmental relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

"Animal agriculture often finds itself on the defensive, but we need to tell Virginians the good news of how our producers take care of their animals in order to produce a safe, plentiful food supply for everyone."

Alliance members are the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Virginia Cattleman’s Association, Farm Bureau, the Virginia Horse Council, the Virginia Livestock Marketing Association, the Virginia Pork Industry Association, the Virginia Poultry Federation, the Virginia Sheep Producers Association, the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

"We plan to provide a unified voice on animal care and want to serve as a body of knowledge for policy-makers," Reames said.

 

 



USDA Report: Farmers shatter corn production records on fewer acres

Jan. 12 – The final report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the 2009 corn harvest is one for the record books. Despite poor planting conditions, a cool, wet growing season, and an abysmal harvest that still sees corn standing in fields, American farmers shattered records for both yield per acre and total production.

In the January Crop Production report, USDA estimates farmers averaged 165.2 bushels of corn per acres, up from its previous estimate of 162.9 and shattering the previous record of 160.4 in 2004. Notably, average yields are more than 11 bushels per acre higher (7 percent) than last year’s average yield. In addition, this record yield helped produce the largest corn crop ever – 13.2 billion bushels. All of this occurred despite one of the slowest and most challenging harvests on record.

“The unparalleled productivity of America's farmers continues to amaze even the most skeptical of critics,” said Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen. “Despite unfavorable weather conditions from start to finish, farmers produced considerably more corn than the food, feed, and fuel markets are demanding. Such gains in productivity undermine any claims that U.S. biofuel production will require new lands in other nations to come into production. There can be no question that American farmers have both the capability and the can-do attitude to feed the world while simultaneously helping reduce our nation’s reliance on imported oil.”

Dinneen also pointed out that the record 2009 crop was produced on 7 million less acres than were required to produce the second-largest crop on record (13.0 billion bushels) in 2007.

Despite raising total production and yield numbers, USDA left demand for all sectors, save feed use, unchanged. The fact that feed use is increasing at the same time that surplus stocks are growing drives yet another nail in the coffin of the trite feed versus fuel argument, Dinneen said. For ethanol, USDA is estimating 4.2 billion bushels of demand for the marketing year September 1, 2009-August 31, 2010. That is enough to produce 11.7 billion gallons of ethanol based on industry ethanol yield averages.

For calendar year 2009, the U.S. is expected to produce 10.6 billion gallons of ethanol and more than 30 million metric tons of livestock feed from 3.8 billion bushels of corn.
 


 





WV Commissioner of Agriculture promotes upcoming Census

Charleston - West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is urging West Virginia’s rural citizens to take approximately 10 minutes to fill out the population census form that will be arriving in the mail in March 2010.

“So often, the voice of rural America is not heard, especially in a small state such as West Virginia,” said Commissioner Douglass. “But just because our population is spread out doesn’t mean we don’t count.”

Traditionally, rural West Virginian farmers realize the importance of government surveys, he noted. West Virginia’s response rate to the 2007 Census of Agriculture was nearly 88.5 percent, while the state’s response rate to the last population census was only around 64 percent.

The Census Bureau is making a special effort in 2010 to get an accurate count of rural residents. In West Virginia, hundreds of enumerators are expected to help follow up on unreturned census forms.

“Not every rural West Virginian is a farmer, but hopefully our residents will respond at the rate our agricultural community typically does. An accurate count can result in a number of benefits for our state,” said Commissioner Douglass.

Accurate census data is important for a number of reasons. Besides being the basis for the apportionment of representatives to Congress, data is also used to locate new stores, hospitals, highways, schools and other facilities.

Individual data is strictly confidential. The Census Bureau is prohibited by law from sharing individual responses with other government agencies, including law enforcement.

The first census was conducted in 1790, and the U.S. Census Bureau was established in 1902. For more information, go to www.2010census.gov.
 

 

 

Genetic testing offered to fight sheep disease in WV

Charleston - West Virginia sheep producers are encouraged to have their rams tested for a genetic susceptibility to a mad cow-like illness called scrapie. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is offering the service free of charge as part of a national program aimed at eradicating scrapie.

“A simple blood test can determine if a ram carries the genetic susceptibility to the disease, or if it’s one that has a genetic resistance against scrapie,” said State Veterinarian Gary Kinder. “A resistant ram is good breeding stock because he won’t pass along susceptibility to his offspring.”

The long-term goal of the program is the nationwide eradication of scrapie, which annually causes significant loss of production in infected flocks and limits export marketing.

“Scrapie has plagued the farmers of this state for a long time,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “I hope our producers will take advantage of this program, which can go a long way toward eradicating this disease.”

To participate in the voluntary testing program, producers should call the WVDA Animal Health Division at 304-558-2214 to schedule genetic testing for their rams.

Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats.

 

 

 

 

 

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