HSUS: Is the Mask Slipping Off Over Fundraising Pitch?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 2:04:00 PM
By Greg R. Lawson, Director of Communications
Is the mask used by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to cover its agenda slipping a bit lately?
Of course, HSUS is no stranger to controversies surrounding how they raise funds. So it should be no surprise that many people are raising questions about the latest pitch by HSUS to raise $1 million by the end of the year for its “2010 Animal Survivors Fund.” What is surprising is that many of those ringing the alarm bells do not usually share our opposition to HSUS.
The e-mail and web solicitation in question comes from HSUS Animal Fighting Campaign Manager, John Goodwin. In the plea, Goodwin refers to “Fay”, a rescued pit bull that had been abused in a large St. Louis area dog fighting ring. While nothing in the solicitation appears to be technically inaccurate, some are disputing HSUS’ level of involvement in this issue.
In particular, many blogs that follow animal rescues questioned whether HSUS has done much to help the dogs after the ring was busted. According to several blogs, they felt HSUS was capitalizing on major media coverage of the ring’s bust in such publications as Time Magazine in order to raise money while the hard work was done by local animal shelters and welfare groups.
While the HSUS subsequently did eventually offer to pay $5,000 for surgeries to fix some of the dog’s injuries, some blogs expressed disgust at what they felt was a disingenuous fundraising tactic by HSUS.
At Pet Connection.com, Fay’s actual foster parent initially expressed concerns about the pitch by saying,
“I am rather sad that HSUS has chosen to use Fay in their fund drive. Fay has never received a dime from HSUS. How do I know? Because I am the one that is fostering Fay. Fay is currently going through expensive surgeries to recreate medically needed lips so her teeth do not fall out, her jaw bone stops deteriorating, and she can live a normal life. HSUS never contacted us regarding Fay. In the video John states she is in a loving home…really…thanks for the compliment but Fay is LOOKING for her forever home.”
In another example, the KC Dog Blog, a blog that focuses on animal welfare issues, had this to say,
“Meanwhile, there's HSUS. While it is nice of them to give $5,000 to help Fay, that is just a drop in the bucket to the money needed to help these dogs. As the world's largest and wealthiest "humane" organization, they have a responsibility to help ALL of the dogs from this bust. There are 499 more dogs (at least 250 of which are going to be re-homed) that also need help. The $5,000 will just skim the surface on the overall need for help for these animals - and would be a drop in the bucket for an organization that brought in over $82 million in donations last year and over $150 million in cash and investment assets. Meanwhile, HSUS continues to raise money on the backs of the smaller local rescues and yet is not helping the dogs that are coming from these fighting operations.”
We at the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, see very clearly through HSUS’ mask. It appears that others are beginning to do the same.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Lugar Essay Contest winners
Putnam County Joe Littiken, and Deena Hasselgrave of Cloverdale Middle School were named winners in the Lugar essay contest
County winners of the 2009-2010 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Agricultural Essay Contest have been named.
Eighth grade students throughout Indiana wrote essays focusing on this year’s theme, “Farmers Looking at a Bright Future.” Students considered the growing global demand for food and energy resources and then creatively described what farm life may look like for future generations. They also described how Hoosier farmers can lead the industry in satisfying the growing demands and adapting to the changing landscape.
A farmer and former small businessman, Lugar created the essay contest as a way to teach Hoosier youth about the state’s agricultural heritage.
County winners will now compete at the district level. Ten district winners will be invited to attend the Indiana Farm Bureau Spring Conference, March 12-13 in Indianapolis, where they will be recognized for their achievements. State winners will be named at the spring conference.
County winners of the 2009-2010 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Agricultural Essay Contest have been named.
Eighth grade students throughout Indiana wrote essays focusing on this year’s theme, “Farmers Looking at a Bright Future.” Students considered the growing global demand for food and energy resources and then creatively described what farm life may look like for future generations. They also described how Hoosier farmers can lead the industry in satisfying the growing demands and adapting to the changing landscape.
A farmer and former small businessman, Lugar created the essay contest as a way to teach Hoosier youth about the state’s agricultural heritage.
County winners will now compete at the district level. Ten district winners will be invited to attend the Indiana Farm Bureau Spring Conference, March 12-13 in Indianapolis, where they will be recognized for their achievements. State winners will be named at the spring conference.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Crop News update
Corn Update
WASDE Update
There weren’t many changes in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s December
estimates for corn. Ending stocks were
raised by 50 million bushels, as exports
were lowered by the same. This puts
corn ending stocks at nearly the same
level they were in 2008/2009. All other
estimates (production, yield, use, and
price) remained unchanged from
USDA’s November estimates.
Issue Update
EPA Delays Ethanol Blend Assessment –
EPA announced this week that it is
delaying a decision on whether to allow
higher blends of ethanol in gasoline until
mid-2010. EPA did suggest, however, that preliminary testing indicates that newer engines can
handle more of the additive. A final decision will not come until next summer when the Energy
Department is expected to finish testing the long-term environmental impact of higher ethanol
blends. But, tests so far show that model year 2001 and newer vehicles will "likely be able to
accommodate higher ethanol blends," such as a 15 percent limit requested by Growth Energy and
ethanol manufacturers.
European Commission Backs Food Imports with GMO Corn – The European Commission
approved food imports containing the genetically modified corn MIR604. It is expected that this
move will eventually allow the resumption of soybean imports from the United States, which have
2007/08 2008/ 09
Actual Estimate November December
Planted Area 93.5 86.0 86.4 86.4
Harvested Area 86.5 78.6 79.3 79.3
Bushels 150.7 153.9 162.9 162.9
Production 13,038 12,101 12,921 12,921
Total Supply 14,362 13,739 14,605 14,605
Feed & Residual 5,913 5,254 5,400 5,400
Ethanol for Fuel 3,049 3,677 4,200 4,200
Exports 2,437 1,858 2,100 2,050
Total Use 12,737 12,065 12,980 12,930
Ending Stocks 1,624 1,674 1,625 1,675
U.S. Corn Supply and Use
2009/10 Projection
Million Acres
Yield per Acre
Million Bushels
been on hold since June because of the EU’s zero tolerance policy on the presence of unapproved
GMO varieties. Earlier in November, EU member states failed to give a majority in favor or against
the GM corn MIR604, despite the urging of the Commission, amid concerns that beef and dairy
prices in the EU could spiral upward and shortages could occur because of the embargo on
soybeans from the United States. Because EU member states failed to reach a decision, the issue
reverted back to the Commission.
Soybean Update
WASDE Update
While production estimates remained
unchanged, U.S. soybean exports were
raised by 15 million bushels to 1.34
billion bushels. Most analysts, however,
were expecting a larger increase (along
the lines of 20 to 25 million bushels)
from USDA this month due to the record
export pace seen in recent weeks for
beans. The increased demand for beans
also raised USDA’s projections for
soybean prices to a range of $8.75 to
$10.25 per bushel.
Issue Update
House Approves A One-Year Extension of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive - The House approved the
Tax Extenders Act of 2009 (HR 4213) that includes a one-year extension (through December 31,
2010) of the biodiesel tax incentive. The bill faces an uncertain outlook in the Senate. The House
passed the extenders bill by a vote of 241-185, largely along party lines. The biodiesel tax incentive
is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009. Most proponents claim that production will cease
if the tax incentive is not extended.
Wheat Update
WASDE Update
U.S. wheat production estimates
remained unchanged from last month.
Wheat use, however, saw some
adjustments as food use was lowered to
15 million bushels. This raised ending
stocks to 900 million bushels.
Global wheat supplies were increased by
1 million tons as higher production in
both Canada and the European Union
more than offset the lower production
estimates for Australia. Production in
Canada was raised by 2.5 million tons
based on the latest estimates from the
Canadian government. Global wheat
trade estimates were lowered slightly this month, largely due to lower imports in Iran.
WASDE Update
There weren’t many changes in the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s December
estimates for corn. Ending stocks were
raised by 50 million bushels, as exports
were lowered by the same. This puts
corn ending stocks at nearly the same
level they were in 2008/2009. All other
estimates (production, yield, use, and
price) remained unchanged from
USDA’s November estimates.
Issue Update
EPA Delays Ethanol Blend Assessment –
EPA announced this week that it is
delaying a decision on whether to allow
higher blends of ethanol in gasoline until
mid-2010. EPA did suggest, however, that preliminary testing indicates that newer engines can
handle more of the additive. A final decision will not come until next summer when the Energy
Department is expected to finish testing the long-term environmental impact of higher ethanol
blends. But, tests so far show that model year 2001 and newer vehicles will "likely be able to
accommodate higher ethanol blends," such as a 15 percent limit requested by Growth Energy and
ethanol manufacturers.
European Commission Backs Food Imports with GMO Corn – The European Commission
approved food imports containing the genetically modified corn MIR604. It is expected that this
move will eventually allow the resumption of soybean imports from the United States, which have
2007/08 2008/ 09
Actual Estimate November December
Planted Area 93.5 86.0 86.4 86.4
Harvested Area 86.5 78.6 79.3 79.3
Bushels 150.7 153.9 162.9 162.9
Production 13,038 12,101 12,921 12,921
Total Supply 14,362 13,739 14,605 14,605
Feed & Residual 5,913 5,254 5,400 5,400
Ethanol for Fuel 3,049 3,677 4,200 4,200
Exports 2,437 1,858 2,100 2,050
Total Use 12,737 12,065 12,980 12,930
Ending Stocks 1,624 1,674 1,625 1,675
U.S. Corn Supply and Use
2009/10 Projection
Million Acres
Yield per Acre
Million Bushels
been on hold since June because of the EU’s zero tolerance policy on the presence of unapproved
GMO varieties. Earlier in November, EU member states failed to give a majority in favor or against
the GM corn MIR604, despite the urging of the Commission, amid concerns that beef and dairy
prices in the EU could spiral upward and shortages could occur because of the embargo on
soybeans from the United States. Because EU member states failed to reach a decision, the issue
reverted back to the Commission.
Soybean Update
WASDE Update
While production estimates remained
unchanged, U.S. soybean exports were
raised by 15 million bushels to 1.34
billion bushels. Most analysts, however,
were expecting a larger increase (along
the lines of 20 to 25 million bushels)
from USDA this month due to the record
export pace seen in recent weeks for
beans. The increased demand for beans
also raised USDA’s projections for
soybean prices to a range of $8.75 to
$10.25 per bushel.
Issue Update
House Approves A One-Year Extension of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive - The House approved the
Tax Extenders Act of 2009 (HR 4213) that includes a one-year extension (through December 31,
2010) of the biodiesel tax incentive. The bill faces an uncertain outlook in the Senate. The House
passed the extenders bill by a vote of 241-185, largely along party lines. The biodiesel tax incentive
is currently set to expire on December 31, 2009. Most proponents claim that production will cease
if the tax incentive is not extended.
Wheat Update
WASDE Update
U.S. wheat production estimates
remained unchanged from last month.
Wheat use, however, saw some
adjustments as food use was lowered to
15 million bushels. This raised ending
stocks to 900 million bushels.
Global wheat supplies were increased by
1 million tons as higher production in
both Canada and the European Union
more than offset the lower production
estimates for Australia. Production in
Canada was raised by 2.5 million tons
based on the latest estimates from the
Canadian government. Global wheat
trade estimates were lowered slightly this month, largely due to lower imports in Iran.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Contact your crop insurance agent
Farmers need to contact crop insurance agent
by Dec. 10, Indiana Farm Bureau says
Harvest is nearing completion in most areas of Indiana, with only the wettest fields remaining. A few corn fields will not be harvested until the ground freezes hard enough to support equipment.
If their harvest has been delayed, farmers with federal crop insurance coverage should contact their crop insurance agents before December 10, the end of the policies’ insurance period, according to Indiana Farm Bureau.
In Indiana, the official “end of the federal crop insurance period” for corn and soybeans is Dec. 10.
“It is important that farmers submit their notice of loss to their crop agent before December 10, 2009,” said Jim Rink, director of farm/crop programs at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
“The ability to manage risk through crop insurance is a valuable tool available to Indiana farmers,” said Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. “This harvest season has been especially difficult for many Hoosier farmers. Crop insurance is the key to financial stability for farmers, enabling farmers to supply food and fiber to Hoosiers despite severe weather and other uncertainties that impact our business.”
Although Hoosier farmers made progress completing the harvest in many parts of the state, there are pockets where the wet weather conditions are still delaying harvest.
Some important reminders for insured farmers who are facing a delayed harvest:
· Submit a notice of loss with your agent if you have not already done so and request additional time to harvest in order to protect your crop insurance coverage.
· Continue to carry out normal and customary harvesting practices, if possible, utilizing available windows of opportunity.
· Yield-based policies provide coverage for loss of quality (review crop provisions for specifics), reduced yields and revenue losses (if chosen).
· If, for example, you are unable to harvest by the end of the federal crop insurance period due to extreme wet or snowy conditions, your crop insurance company may allow additional time to harvest if:
o You give timely notice of loss to your agent; and,
o It is determined and documented by the insurance company that the delay was due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o You demonstrate that harvest was not possible due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o The delay was not due to an uninsured cause of loss or because you did not have sufficient equipment or manpower to harvest.
When your crop insurance company authorizes additional time to harvest, the end of the insurance period is NOT extended. Rather, you are granted additional time to attempt to harvest the crop in order to settle any loss based on harvested production. Any additional damage to your crop (by an insured cause of loss) during the extension period is covered. Any avoidable production loss will be charged as an appraisal against the guarantee in your policy. Please be aware that if there is significant snow cover, if the crop is under water, or if extreme wet conditions exist, the crop insurance company should not (and is not required to) perform final inspections when conditions make it impossible to obtain appraisals accurately.
Ninety-one percent of the corn crop has been harvested compared to 99 percent last year and 98 percent for the 5-year average. Virtually all of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared with 100 percent this time last year and 99 percent for the 5-year average.
-30-
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has served Hoosiers for 75 years. Organized in 1934 by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., the company has grown to include insurance products for auto, life, home, business and farm. Banking and other financial services and products are also available through its local offices. With a home office in downtown Indianapolis and local offices in all 92 counties, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance serves Hoosiers with more than 480 agents and 1,200 employees living and working throughout the state. The company is the largest writer of farm insurance and the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance in the state.
by Dec. 10, Indiana Farm Bureau says
Harvest is nearing completion in most areas of Indiana, with only the wettest fields remaining. A few corn fields will not be harvested until the ground freezes hard enough to support equipment.
If their harvest has been delayed, farmers with federal crop insurance coverage should contact their crop insurance agents before December 10, the end of the policies’ insurance period, according to Indiana Farm Bureau.
In Indiana, the official “end of the federal crop insurance period” for corn and soybeans is Dec. 10.
“It is important that farmers submit their notice of loss to their crop agent before December 10, 2009,” said Jim Rink, director of farm/crop programs at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
“The ability to manage risk through crop insurance is a valuable tool available to Indiana farmers,” said Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. “This harvest season has been especially difficult for many Hoosier farmers. Crop insurance is the key to financial stability for farmers, enabling farmers to supply food and fiber to Hoosiers despite severe weather and other uncertainties that impact our business.”
Although Hoosier farmers made progress completing the harvest in many parts of the state, there are pockets where the wet weather conditions are still delaying harvest.
Some important reminders for insured farmers who are facing a delayed harvest:
· Submit a notice of loss with your agent if you have not already done so and request additional time to harvest in order to protect your crop insurance coverage.
· Continue to carry out normal and customary harvesting practices, if possible, utilizing available windows of opportunity.
· Yield-based policies provide coverage for loss of quality (review crop provisions for specifics), reduced yields and revenue losses (if chosen).
· If, for example, you are unable to harvest by the end of the federal crop insurance period due to extreme wet or snowy conditions, your crop insurance company may allow additional time to harvest if:
o You give timely notice of loss to your agent; and,
o It is determined and documented by the insurance company that the delay was due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o You demonstrate that harvest was not possible due to an insured cause of loss; and,
o The delay was not due to an uninsured cause of loss or because you did not have sufficient equipment or manpower to harvest.
When your crop insurance company authorizes additional time to harvest, the end of the insurance period is NOT extended. Rather, you are granted additional time to attempt to harvest the crop in order to settle any loss based on harvested production. Any additional damage to your crop (by an insured cause of loss) during the extension period is covered. Any avoidable production loss will be charged as an appraisal against the guarantee in your policy. Please be aware that if there is significant snow cover, if the crop is under water, or if extreme wet conditions exist, the crop insurance company should not (and is not required to) perform final inspections when conditions make it impossible to obtain appraisals accurately.
Ninety-one percent of the corn crop has been harvested compared to 99 percent last year and 98 percent for the 5-year average. Virtually all of the soybean acreage has been harvested compared with 100 percent this time last year and 99 percent for the 5-year average.
-30-
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has served Hoosiers for 75 years. Organized in 1934 by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., the company has grown to include insurance products for auto, life, home, business and farm. Banking and other financial services and products are also available through its local offices. With a home office in downtown Indianapolis and local offices in all 92 counties, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance serves Hoosiers with more than 480 agents and 1,200 employees living and working throughout the state. The company is the largest writer of farm insurance and the second largest writer of auto and homeowners insurance in the state.
Friday, December 4, 2009
FB news
I attended an Indiana Farm Bureau Public Relations workshop in Indy today to get any new information. The State FB is planning a big Legislative kickoff on January 6th. We will be planning a Statehouse visit sometime in January along with having our Legislative Update sessions here in our Greencastle FB Boardroom on the 3rd Saturdays of Jan-March at 8am.
We will be having an Education Roundtable allowing the County Superintendents and school board members to meet with the legislators on Dec. 14th. We are also on US Representative Ellsworth's agenda for an Ag Roundtable on January 23rd.
I was asked recently what FB has been doing for Ag? Well the above list is just a start. We are also continuing our efforts to protect Animal Agriculture, the Indiana FB members were successful in getting the Estate Tax exemption passed in the US House, and we will continue to push for equal caps on property tax along with slowing down the increases in assessed value of farmland. For questions or if you are not a Farm Bureau member and would like to be contact Steve Cash at spcash@tds.net.
We will be having an Education Roundtable allowing the County Superintendents and school board members to meet with the legislators on Dec. 14th. We are also on US Representative Ellsworth's agenda for an Ag Roundtable on January 23rd.
I was asked recently what FB has been doing for Ag? Well the above list is just a start. We are also continuing our efforts to protect Animal Agriculture, the Indiana FB members were successful in getting the Estate Tax exemption passed in the US House, and we will continue to push for equal caps on property tax along with slowing down the increases in assessed value of farmland. For questions or if you are not a Farm Bureau member and would like to be contact Steve Cash at spcash@tds.net.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Climate bill delayed till spring
Climate Bill Put Off Until Spring (2010) Last Tuesday, leaders from the Senate announced that climate legislation will be taken up "some time next spring," said Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV). Issues taking priority over the climate bill are health care reform, overhauling of the financial markets and job creation. The midterm 2010 elections may also be a factor in setting aside climate legislation.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
State Farm Bureau Convention pictures
Re-elected Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock speaks during the 2009 State Convention in Fort Wayne.
Kimmie Gauck accepts a Young Farmer award with her family. Kimmie is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore.
Joe Mann and his family accept top honors in another Young Farmer category, following the footsteps of his brothers in Farm Bureau recognition.
Walter Bond, former NBA Basketball player, entertained the audience with his special insights during the final session of the convention. Walter mentioned being the best you can be at what you do along with the fact of the value of smiling and being friendly. He noted that everyone buys cookies from the Girl Scouts.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
State FB Convention
Check back as I have pictures to publish as soon as I can.
Young farmers from Decatur, Putnam counties win statewide contests
The winners of two of Indiana Farm Bureau’s highest honors for young farmers are Steve and Kimmie Gauck of Decatur County and Joe and Angela Mann of Putnam County.
The Manns won the Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award, and the Gaucks are the winners of IFB’s Excellence in Agriculture Award. The announcement came Nov. 21 at IFB’s state convention in Fort Wayne.
The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes young farmers whose farm management techniques and commitment to their communities set a positive example for those involved in production agriculture, while the Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers who are involved in agriculture in ways other than as farm owners.
The Manns and the Gaucks will represent Indiana in January at the young farmer and rancher contests at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in Seattle.
The Manns are partners in White Oaks Farms with Joe’s father and two brothers. More than 7,500 crop acres are under production, producing corn, soybeans and wheat. White Oaks Farms also includes a wean-to-finish swine operation marketing 20,000 hogs per year. The couple also owns Rolling Meadows Plant Farm, a retail greenhouse business. The Manns live near Cloverdale with their three children, Brady, 6, Emily, 3, and Nathan, 2.
As winners of the Young Farmer Achievement Award, the Manns win a $6,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, $500 from Dodge, one year’s (or 350 hours’) use of a Kubota tractor, and the David Leising Award, which includes a $200 savings bond, as well as the trip to the national convention.
The Gaucks have a small cattle herd and freezer meat business, MapleWay Meats. Kimmie manages the company and is a vendor at the local farmers market. Steve works off-farm for Beck’s Hybrids and helps on the family farm, which raises corn, sod, soybeans, wheat and hogs. They live near Greensburg with their son Christopher, 6, and daughter Addie, 3.
As first-place winners, they will receive a John Deere Gator, courtesy of Farm Credit Services, a $3,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and a $500 cash prize from Dodge. They also win a trip to the 2009 national convention.
Note Kimmie Gauck is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore.
Young farmers from Decatur, Putnam counties win statewide contests
The winners of two of Indiana Farm Bureau’s highest honors for young farmers are Steve and Kimmie Gauck of Decatur County and Joe and Angela Mann of Putnam County.
The Manns won the Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award, and the Gaucks are the winners of IFB’s Excellence in Agriculture Award. The announcement came Nov. 21 at IFB’s state convention in Fort Wayne.
The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes young farmers whose farm management techniques and commitment to their communities set a positive example for those involved in production agriculture, while the Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers who are involved in agriculture in ways other than as farm owners.
The Manns and the Gaucks will represent Indiana in January at the young farmer and rancher contests at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in Seattle.
The Manns are partners in White Oaks Farms with Joe’s father and two brothers. More than 7,500 crop acres are under production, producing corn, soybeans and wheat. White Oaks Farms also includes a wean-to-finish swine operation marketing 20,000 hogs per year. The couple also owns Rolling Meadows Plant Farm, a retail greenhouse business. The Manns live near Cloverdale with their three children, Brady, 6, Emily, 3, and Nathan, 2.
As winners of the Young Farmer Achievement Award, the Manns win a $6,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, $500 from Dodge, one year’s (or 350 hours’) use of a Kubota tractor, and the David Leising Award, which includes a $200 savings bond, as well as the trip to the national convention.
The Gaucks have a small cattle herd and freezer meat business, MapleWay Meats. Kimmie manages the company and is a vendor at the local farmers market. Steve works off-farm for Beck’s Hybrids and helps on the family farm, which raises corn, sod, soybeans, wheat and hogs. They live near Greensburg with their son Christopher, 6, and daughter Addie, 3.
As first-place winners, they will receive a John Deere Gator, courtesy of Farm Credit Services, a $3,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and a $500 cash prize from Dodge. They also win a trip to the 2009 national convention.
Note Kimmie Gauck is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
4-H Achievement Awards
Presented tonight at the Fairgrounds the following 4-H er's were awarded various honors.
Spirit of 4-H Award sponsored by Bittles & Hurt/Hopkins-Rector Funeral Homes
was presented to John Sims
Outstanding 1st Year 4-H er sponsored by Past Presidents Club of the Putnam Co. Extension Homemakers went to Angelina Becker.
"Top Notch" Jr Leaders
First Year Jr Leaders - sponsored by Jerry & Sandra Williams and Merry J's Extension Homemakers
went to Miriah Cherry & Katie McKean
Regular Top Notch winners were Tyler Heavin, Rachelle Overbay, and John Sims
Outstanding Home Economics 10 Year Member sponsored by the Extension Homemakers Council went to Shayna Wahl
Spirit of 4-H Award sponsored by Bittles & Hurt/Hopkins-Rector Funeral Homes
was presented to John Sims
Outstanding 1st Year 4-H er sponsored by Past Presidents Club of the Putnam Co. Extension Homemakers went to Angelina Becker.
"Top Notch" Jr Leaders
First Year Jr Leaders - sponsored by Jerry & Sandra Williams and Merry J's Extension Homemakers
went to Miriah Cherry & Katie McKean
Regular Top Notch winners were Tyler Heavin, Rachelle Overbay, and John Sims
Outstanding Home Economics 10 Year Member sponsored by the Extension Homemakers Council went to Shayna Wahl
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Ohio vote
Here are the results of the vote in Ohio on the Livestock Care Commission…..It was a success for the Ohio FB and other Ag groups and supporters that worked to get this initiative on the ballot and passed….
The vote was 63.66% Yes and 36.34% No…..
Below is a statement from the Ohio group that helped organize the campaign to support the ballot initiative.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 3, 2009
COLUMBUS – The Ohioans for Livestock Care Political Action Committee (PAC)
today released the following statement in response to the passage of State
Issue 2. The statement can be attributed in part or in its entirety to
John Lumpe, president, Ohioans for Livestock Care PAC.
“Ohioans have spoken and clearly understand that a board of experts
is the appropriate entity to make decisions on behalf of animal
agriculture and food production in our state. Passage of Issue 2 is
a win for everyone who acknowledges the essential relationship
between excellent farm animal care and a safe, affordable, locally
grown food supply. Voters agree with Ohio’s farm community and our
diverse base of supporters - decisions about food and farming should
be made in Ohio, by Ohioans.
“We would like to thank Governor Strickland and our legislative
leaders for their support in getting this resolution on the ballot,
our collective farm community for their continued commitment to
responsible farm management and animal care, the more than 500 state
organizations and individual endorsers, and Ohio voters for
recognizing the need for such a board in our state. It is clear that
all Ohioans – rural and suburban, Republican and Democrat – have come
together and recognize just how important agriculture is to the
state.
“The Livestock Care Standards Board created through passage of Issue
2 will provide an effective mechanism for determining and enforcing
guidelines for the care and well-being of livestock and poultry, and
for ensuring the quality, safety and availability of locally produced
food in Ohio.
“We look forward to working with the Ohio General Assembly on the
implementing legislation.”
The vote was 63.66% Yes and 36.34% No…..
Below is a statement from the Ohio group that helped organize the campaign to support the ballot initiative.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 3, 2009
COLUMBUS – The Ohioans for Livestock Care Political Action Committee (PAC)
today released the following statement in response to the passage of State
Issue 2. The statement can be attributed in part or in its entirety to
John Lumpe, president, Ohioans for Livestock Care PAC.
“Ohioans have spoken and clearly understand that a board of experts
is the appropriate entity to make decisions on behalf of animal
agriculture and food production in our state. Passage of Issue 2 is
a win for everyone who acknowledges the essential relationship
between excellent farm animal care and a safe, affordable, locally
grown food supply. Voters agree with Ohio’s farm community and our
diverse base of supporters - decisions about food and farming should
be made in Ohio, by Ohioans.
“We would like to thank Governor Strickland and our legislative
leaders for their support in getting this resolution on the ballot,
our collective farm community for their continued commitment to
responsible farm management and animal care, the more than 500 state
organizations and individual endorsers, and Ohio voters for
recognizing the need for such a board in our state. It is clear that
all Ohioans – rural and suburban, Republican and Democrat – have come
together and recognize just how important agriculture is to the
state.
“The Livestock Care Standards Board created through passage of Issue
2 will provide an effective mechanism for determining and enforcing
guidelines for the care and well-being of livestock and poultry, and
for ensuring the quality, safety and availability of locally produced
food in Ohio.
“We look forward to working with the Ohio General Assembly on the
implementing legislation.”
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Quote from HSUS President "Kind word and a gun"
Quote of the Week
Last night in Los Angeles, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) president Wayne Pacelle showed why he’s been able to turn a group that sounds as if it’s all about protecting puppies and kittens into an animal-rights lobbying force with talons. He’s looking to sink those talons into people who have the audacity to eat or sell meat, wear leather, go to circuses, or enjoy hunting and fishing – in other words, 99 percent of America.
In front of a hand-picked crowd of HSUS supporters who attended last night’s “town hall meeting” at the Ebell of Los Angeles, Pacelle rallied the troops with a fight song:
"We have to create a clamor for change ... You can get further with a kind word and a gun than a kind word alone."
He attributed the latter quote to notorious gangster Al Capone, who seems like an odd inspiration for a supposedly peaceful movement. But animal-rights extremists are far from peaceful. One of Pacelle’s own staffers, Josh Balk, told the HSUS-sponsored “Taking Action For Animals” that “there are very few instances that companies just refuse to move with a friendly conversation … The animals can’t wait for people to come to a revelation themselves. Sometimes it does take force.”
HSUS sounds more and more like PETA and the terrorist Animal Liberation Front every day.
It’s been well documented that HSUS spends only a tiny fraction – less than four percent – of its budget directly funding animal shelters. If you’re wondering how it spends the other roughly $100 million in its budget every year, you might consider the cost of renting out the posh Wilshire Ebell Theatre, providing the supporters-only crowd with a catered coffee service, and hiring four burly security guards to keep out the riff-raff.
Sorry, Wayne. We got in anyway.
Last night in Los Angeles, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) president Wayne Pacelle showed why he’s been able to turn a group that sounds as if it’s all about protecting puppies and kittens into an animal-rights lobbying force with talons. He’s looking to sink those talons into people who have the audacity to eat or sell meat, wear leather, go to circuses, or enjoy hunting and fishing – in other words, 99 percent of America.
In front of a hand-picked crowd of HSUS supporters who attended last night’s “town hall meeting” at the Ebell of Los Angeles, Pacelle rallied the troops with a fight song:
"We have to create a clamor for change ... You can get further with a kind word and a gun than a kind word alone."
He attributed the latter quote to notorious gangster Al Capone, who seems like an odd inspiration for a supposedly peaceful movement. But animal-rights extremists are far from peaceful. One of Pacelle’s own staffers, Josh Balk, told the HSUS-sponsored “Taking Action For Animals” that “there are very few instances that companies just refuse to move with a friendly conversation … The animals can’t wait for people to come to a revelation themselves. Sometimes it does take force.”
HSUS sounds more and more like PETA and the terrorist Animal Liberation Front every day.
It’s been well documented that HSUS spends only a tiny fraction – less than four percent – of its budget directly funding animal shelters. If you’re wondering how it spends the other roughly $100 million in its budget every year, you might consider the cost of renting out the posh Wilshire Ebell Theatre, providing the supporters-only crowd with a catered coffee service, and hiring four burly security guards to keep out the riff-raff.
Sorry, Wayne. We got in anyway.
Monday, November 2, 2009
New website to see
incorn.org
is a new website for Corn Growers. Please visit and check it out yourself.
is a new website for Corn Growers. Please visit and check it out yourself.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Farming among most Dangerous Jobs
Amanda Nolz October 21st, 2009
At times, it feels like the general consumer doesn’t understand what we do on our farms and ranches. In the past few years, it has become evident that the public mistrusts the American farmer and rancher, which is unfortunate, because we have the same worries and concerns as they do. Like our consumers, we worry about animal care, the environment, food safety and sustainability. Yet, so often, the plight of the ranchers themselves is forgotten. Profitability, good health and a well-balanced lifestyle are sometimes hard to achieve in the 24/7 business of producing food, but it hardly seems like the media is ever concerned about that. However, this week in MSN Careers, Career Builder Editor Kate Lorenz identifies America’s Most Dangerous Jobs, and she lists the challenges farmers face in her countdown. Finally, a media source that remembers humanity and recognizes the hard and dangerous work farmers and ranchers do on a daily basis. Read on for an excerpt of her article… And, please remember to be safe and smart this harvest season. God Bless.
America’s Most Dangerous Jobs, By Kate Lorenz
While many of us go to our jobs every day without even thinking that we might suffer a paper cut, there are thousands of other workers in peril every time they punch the clock. From inner city violence to acts of nature, professionals put their lives at risk to keep the community safe, keep store shelves stocked with food, keep our utilities running, and build our roads, cars and homes.
Jobs with the highest fatality rates: Farmers ranked fifth with a rate of 39.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers.Jobs with the most fatalities: Agriculture work ranked fifth again with the most common accidents being highway-related.Most dangerous industries: Agriculture work ranked third with 651 deaths in 2008.
BEEF Daily Quick Fact: Remember to practice farm safety rules to avoid tragic accidents. To review these rules with your family, check out Farm Safety Just 4 Kids.
At times, it feels like the general consumer doesn’t understand what we do on our farms and ranches. In the past few years, it has become evident that the public mistrusts the American farmer and rancher, which is unfortunate, because we have the same worries and concerns as they do. Like our consumers, we worry about animal care, the environment, food safety and sustainability. Yet, so often, the plight of the ranchers themselves is forgotten. Profitability, good health and a well-balanced lifestyle are sometimes hard to achieve in the 24/7 business of producing food, but it hardly seems like the media is ever concerned about that. However, this week in MSN Careers, Career Builder Editor Kate Lorenz identifies America’s Most Dangerous Jobs, and she lists the challenges farmers face in her countdown. Finally, a media source that remembers humanity and recognizes the hard and dangerous work farmers and ranchers do on a daily basis. Read on for an excerpt of her article… And, please remember to be safe and smart this harvest season. God Bless.
America’s Most Dangerous Jobs, By Kate Lorenz
While many of us go to our jobs every day without even thinking that we might suffer a paper cut, there are thousands of other workers in peril every time they punch the clock. From inner city violence to acts of nature, professionals put their lives at risk to keep the community safe, keep store shelves stocked with food, keep our utilities running, and build our roads, cars and homes.
Jobs with the highest fatality rates: Farmers ranked fifth with a rate of 39.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers.Jobs with the most fatalities: Agriculture work ranked fifth again with the most common accidents being highway-related.Most dangerous industries: Agriculture work ranked third with 651 deaths in 2008.
BEEF Daily Quick Fact: Remember to practice farm safety rules to avoid tragic accidents. To review these rules with your family, check out Farm Safety Just 4 Kids.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Farmcast Introduction by HAT
Indiana Farm Bureau Launches Farmcast 10/13/2009
Indiana Farm Bureau is launching its first podcast. Distributed over the internet, the Farmcast program will feature an in-depth discussion with key Farm Bureau leaders about issues important to Indiana Agriculture. IFB president Don Villwock will be the first guest on Farmcast, which will debut this Thursday. “We are really excited about this new podcast: Farmcast. It represents a 21st century method to communicate with our members and all Indiana farmers.” The Farmcast program is being produced in cooperation with Hoosier Ag Today.A new program will be produced each week and will feature a different topic. Villwock said, unfortunately, there is no shortage of issues impacting agriculture, “We have a long list of national and state issues that need to be explored in detail.” Topping the list of national issues is Cap and Trade. “I prefer to call it Cap and Tax,” said Villwock. Other issues on Villwock’s list include bioenergy, health care reform, and animal welfare. Topping the list of state issues that will be covered on Farmcast is property taxes, “It is a do or die year in 2010 as the legislature wants to put into the state constitution these unequal caps that truly discriminate against farmers, landowners, equipment owners, and building owners.” Villwock said this will be a atopic that is visited many times on Farmcast.Villwock says the convience of the podcast technology will allow Farm Bureau members to access the information whenever they want. It can also be loaded on portable digital audio players and i-pods for listening in the combine, the truck, or the car. Many cellular phones and other portable wireless devices are capable of downloading podcasts. Links to the audio program can be included in e-mails that farmers can send to their neighbors or elected officials. The Farmcast can be accessed at Hoosier Ag Today and, soon, on the IFB web site. Listeners can also subscribe to the podcast and have it sent directly to their i-tunes of other podcast program. According to Farmcast producer Gary Truitt, each program will last about 10 minutes, “This will give us a chance to get deep into an issue and discuss in detail the implications for Indiana agriculture.” The first program will be a general overview with Villwock followed next week by an in-depth discussion of the property tax issue and upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Indiana Farm Bureau is launching its first podcast. Distributed over the internet, the Farmcast program will feature an in-depth discussion with key Farm Bureau leaders about issues important to Indiana Agriculture. IFB president Don Villwock will be the first guest on Farmcast, which will debut this Thursday. “We are really excited about this new podcast: Farmcast. It represents a 21st century method to communicate with our members and all Indiana farmers.” The Farmcast program is being produced in cooperation with Hoosier Ag Today.A new program will be produced each week and will feature a different topic. Villwock said, unfortunately, there is no shortage of issues impacting agriculture, “We have a long list of national and state issues that need to be explored in detail.” Topping the list of national issues is Cap and Trade. “I prefer to call it Cap and Tax,” said Villwock. Other issues on Villwock’s list include bioenergy, health care reform, and animal welfare. Topping the list of state issues that will be covered on Farmcast is property taxes, “It is a do or die year in 2010 as the legislature wants to put into the state constitution these unequal caps that truly discriminate against farmers, landowners, equipment owners, and building owners.” Villwock said this will be a atopic that is visited many times on Farmcast.Villwock says the convience of the podcast technology will allow Farm Bureau members to access the information whenever they want. It can also be loaded on portable digital audio players and i-pods for listening in the combine, the truck, or the car. Many cellular phones and other portable wireless devices are capable of downloading podcasts. Links to the audio program can be included in e-mails that farmers can send to their neighbors or elected officials. The Farmcast can be accessed at Hoosier Ag Today and, soon, on the IFB web site. Listeners can also subscribe to the podcast and have it sent directly to their i-tunes of other podcast program. According to Farmcast producer Gary Truitt, each program will last about 10 minutes, “This will give us a chance to get deep into an issue and discuss in detail the implications for Indiana agriculture.” The first program will be a general overview with Villwock followed next week by an in-depth discussion of the property tax issue and upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Joe and Angela Mann YF finalists
Finalists named for statewide Young Farmer awards
Finalists have been selected for the two statewide awards given to young farmers by Indiana Farm Bureau.
Young Farmer Achievement Award finalists are Paul Rumple, Adams County; Orville and Jessica Haney, Kosciusko County; and Joe and Angela Mann, Putnam County. Finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture Award are Mark and Denise Scarborough, LaPorte County; Jason and Erin Tower, Dubois County; and Steve and Kimmie Gauck, Decatur County.
The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes young farmers whose farm management techniques and commitment to their communities set a positive example for those involved in production agriculture, while the Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers who are involved in agriculture in ways other than as farm owners.
The winners in both competitions will be announced at the Indiana Farm Bureau state convention, which will be held Nov. 19-21 in Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The state winners will then represent Indiana at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in Seattle in January.
Finalists have been selected for the two statewide awards given to young farmers by Indiana Farm Bureau.
Young Farmer Achievement Award finalists are Paul Rumple, Adams County; Orville and Jessica Haney, Kosciusko County; and Joe and Angela Mann, Putnam County. Finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture Award are Mark and Denise Scarborough, LaPorte County; Jason and Erin Tower, Dubois County; and Steve and Kimmie Gauck, Decatur County.
The Young Farmer Achievement Award recognizes young farmers whose farm management techniques and commitment to their communities set a positive example for those involved in production agriculture, while the Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers who are involved in agriculture in ways other than as farm owners.
The winners in both competitions will be announced at the Indiana Farm Bureau state convention, which will be held Nov. 19-21 in Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The state winners will then represent Indiana at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in Seattle in January.
Chris Mann talks with HAT
Chris Mann Among 2009 Master Farmers 09/22/2009Andy Eubank
Being named an Indiana Master Farmer is always a humbling experience. It is a unique honor that puts the farmer in a class with decades of successful Indiana farmers. The history of the award was not lost on Chris Mann from Cloverdale in Putnam County, one of this year’s winners.When HAT congratulated him for the achievement, humble was one of the first words we heard. “Thank you very much. I’m very honored and humbled to be considered an Indiana Master Farmer. I was shocked when I learned I had received the award, but I’m very honored and humbled to join such a distinguished group of farmers in the state.”Mann has been farming since 1995 with his father and three brothers in a general partnership arrangement. It’s a group that is strengthened by different educational backgrounds. “We all work together as a team and find tremendous value in that. Two of my brothers are economists, but I’m an agronomist and engineer, so I focus on the agronomic components of our farm and the engineering projects we do with our farm. That’s the area I focus to help make our farm as efficient and profitable as possible.”The Mann operation is what he calls a typical Indiana farm of corn, soybeans, and wheat. They grow 7500 acres of mostly corn and beans, plus there is livestock. Mann told HAT, “We finish 20,000 head of finished hogs per year, so we’re a diversified farm which there are less and less of in Indiana. But we find a tremendous strength to that even though the hog market hasn’t been real good lately. Hogs have been very good to our farm over the decades.”
It doesn’t take long talking with Chris Mann to learn of his passion for education and involvement, and his optimism for the future of agriculture. He explained, “We are by far the foundation of the economy for this great nation. We’ve added fuel to the mix of ag products and I’m very excited about our future. We have challenges with certain regulations that are just going to keep coming at us in agriculture. But it think it’s important that farmers be involved with political action, with Farm Bureau and other organizations, to make sure at least the regulations are science-based, and keep things as common sense as possible. But I think our future is very bright.”Learn more about Chris Mann at the HAT blog site, hatchat.net.The 2009 Master Farmers were recognized in late July by Indiana Prairie Farmer and Purdue University Extension and College of Agriculture.
Being named an Indiana Master Farmer is always a humbling experience. It is a unique honor that puts the farmer in a class with decades of successful Indiana farmers. The history of the award was not lost on Chris Mann from Cloverdale in Putnam County, one of this year’s winners.When HAT congratulated him for the achievement, humble was one of the first words we heard. “Thank you very much. I’m very honored and humbled to be considered an Indiana Master Farmer. I was shocked when I learned I had received the award, but I’m very honored and humbled to join such a distinguished group of farmers in the state.”Mann has been farming since 1995 with his father and three brothers in a general partnership arrangement. It’s a group that is strengthened by different educational backgrounds. “We all work together as a team and find tremendous value in that. Two of my brothers are economists, but I’m an agronomist and engineer, so I focus on the agronomic components of our farm and the engineering projects we do with our farm. That’s the area I focus to help make our farm as efficient and profitable as possible.”The Mann operation is what he calls a typical Indiana farm of corn, soybeans, and wheat. They grow 7500 acres of mostly corn and beans, plus there is livestock. Mann told HAT, “We finish 20,000 head of finished hogs per year, so we’re a diversified farm which there are less and less of in Indiana. But we find a tremendous strength to that even though the hog market hasn’t been real good lately. Hogs have been very good to our farm over the decades.”
It doesn’t take long talking with Chris Mann to learn of his passion for education and involvement, and his optimism for the future of agriculture. He explained, “We are by far the foundation of the economy for this great nation. We’ve added fuel to the mix of ag products and I’m very excited about our future. We have challenges with certain regulations that are just going to keep coming at us in agriculture. But it think it’s important that farmers be involved with political action, with Farm Bureau and other organizations, to make sure at least the regulations are science-based, and keep things as common sense as possible. But I think our future is very bright.”Learn more about Chris Mann at the HAT blog site, hatchat.net.The 2009 Master Farmers were recognized in late July by Indiana Prairie Farmer and Purdue University Extension and College of Agriculture.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Farm Safety
2008 Report Starts Farm Safety and Health Week on Sober Note 09/20/2009Andy Eubank
This is National Farm Safety and Health Week and it begins with sobering news from the 2008 Indiana farm fatality report released over the weekend. In 2006 there were just eight farm-work-related fatalities, the lowest number ever recorded. But the number jumped to 24 in 2007 and jumped again last year to 28.Dr. Bill Field, Professor in Agriculture and Biological Engineering at Purdue, said tractors and machinery were the leading fatality causes last year. That’s been the norm the last thirty years. “It’s the single biggest problem out there,” said Field. “Tractor overturns accounts for about 25% percent on average of all the fatalities. So if we’re going to focus our energies on any one particular area, it would be tractor overturns, because we know that’s the single biggest killer.”The most recent census of agriculture shows an increase in small farms, and data over the last few years suggests that a disproportionate share of fatalities is happening in those operations. Field also said there is concern about a growing number of injuries and fatalities across the Midwest from bull attacks. “And I think it’s related to small farm operators who are starting a small beef herd and they end up with a bull or two, and the bull gets a little bigger than they expect. And then we’re seeing some of them causing injuries and property damage, and some of those are not very pleasant because bulls become very aggressive once they start breeding.”Field reminds farmers their most important assets are the employees on the farm, and those employees, “need to be given priority over getting a crop in, or production rates, or trying to achieve some goal as far as timeliness. Once we start pressing people into unrealistic kinds of environments, or having unrealistic expectations for them, they begin to make mistakes and that’s when we see a lot of these things occurring. I think once we realize what the priorities are we’re going to take a lot fewer risks.”
And it’s the time of year for motorists to be prepared to share the road with those who produce our food. Field says, “It’s not a big task. It’s not something that’s going to change your lifestyle if you just move a little bit slower as more equipment gets moved out onto the highway.”The annual report is compiled by the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program and is viewable online.
This is National Farm Safety and Health Week and it begins with sobering news from the 2008 Indiana farm fatality report released over the weekend. In 2006 there were just eight farm-work-related fatalities, the lowest number ever recorded. But the number jumped to 24 in 2007 and jumped again last year to 28.Dr. Bill Field, Professor in Agriculture and Biological Engineering at Purdue, said tractors and machinery were the leading fatality causes last year. That’s been the norm the last thirty years. “It’s the single biggest problem out there,” said Field. “Tractor overturns accounts for about 25% percent on average of all the fatalities. So if we’re going to focus our energies on any one particular area, it would be tractor overturns, because we know that’s the single biggest killer.”The most recent census of agriculture shows an increase in small farms, and data over the last few years suggests that a disproportionate share of fatalities is happening in those operations. Field also said there is concern about a growing number of injuries and fatalities across the Midwest from bull attacks. “And I think it’s related to small farm operators who are starting a small beef herd and they end up with a bull or two, and the bull gets a little bigger than they expect. And then we’re seeing some of them causing injuries and property damage, and some of those are not very pleasant because bulls become very aggressive once they start breeding.”Field reminds farmers their most important assets are the employees on the farm, and those employees, “need to be given priority over getting a crop in, or production rates, or trying to achieve some goal as far as timeliness. Once we start pressing people into unrealistic kinds of environments, or having unrealistic expectations for them, they begin to make mistakes and that’s when we see a lot of these things occurring. I think once we realize what the priorities are we’re going to take a lot fewer risks.”
And it’s the time of year for motorists to be prepared to share the road with those who produce our food. Field says, “It’s not a big task. It’s not something that’s going to change your lifestyle if you just move a little bit slower as more equipment gets moved out onto the highway.”The annual report is compiled by the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program and is viewable online.
Monday, September 14, 2009
USDA Crop Report
USDA Forecasts Plentiful Soybean Crop 09/11/2009From USDA News
U.S. farmers successfully battled soggy July weather and remain on target for producing the largest soybean crop in history, according to the Crop Production report, released Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).Soybean production is forecast at a record-high, 3.2 billion bushels, up 8 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 41.7 bushels per acre, up 2.1 bushels per acre from 2008. If realized, this will be the fourth largest soybean yield on record.Corn production is forecast at 12.8 billion bushels, up 5 percent from last year, but down 2 percent from the 2007 record. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 159.5 bushels per acre, up 5.6 bushels from last year. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record. Growers are expected to harvest 80 million acres of corn for grain, down 100,000 acres from June, but up 2 percent from last year.
All cotton production is forecast at 13.2 million bales, up 3 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 816 pounds per harvested acre, up 3 pounds from last year. Producers expect to harvest 7.77 million acres of all cotton, up 3 percent from last year.
Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.54 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the July 1 forecast, but down 18 percent from 2008. Based on August 1 conditions, the U.S. yield is forecast at 44.2 bushes per acre, up from last month, but 3 bushels below last year. Harvest in 18 major producing states was 85 percent complete by August 2.
The August Crop Production report contains NASS’s first estimates of yield and production for corn, soybeans and other spring-planted row crops. Nearly 28,000 producers in major producing states, which usually account for about 75 percent of the U.S. production, were interviewed to obtain probable yield. These growers will continue to be surveyed throughout the growing season to provide indications of average yields.
U.S. farmers successfully battled soggy July weather and remain on target for producing the largest soybean crop in history, according to the Crop Production report, released Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).Soybean production is forecast at a record-high, 3.2 billion bushels, up 8 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 41.7 bushels per acre, up 2.1 bushels per acre from 2008. If realized, this will be the fourth largest soybean yield on record.Corn production is forecast at 12.8 billion bushels, up 5 percent from last year, but down 2 percent from the 2007 record. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 159.5 bushels per acre, up 5.6 bushels from last year. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record. Growers are expected to harvest 80 million acres of corn for grain, down 100,000 acres from June, but up 2 percent from last year.
All cotton production is forecast at 13.2 million bales, up 3 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 816 pounds per harvested acre, up 3 pounds from last year. Producers expect to harvest 7.77 million acres of all cotton, up 3 percent from last year.
Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.54 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the July 1 forecast, but down 18 percent from 2008. Based on August 1 conditions, the U.S. yield is forecast at 44.2 bushes per acre, up from last month, but 3 bushels below last year. Harvest in 18 major producing states was 85 percent complete by August 2.
The August Crop Production report contains NASS’s first estimates of yield and production for corn, soybeans and other spring-planted row crops. Nearly 28,000 producers in major producing states, which usually account for about 75 percent of the U.S. production, were interviewed to obtain probable yield. These growers will continue to be surveyed throughout the growing season to provide indications of average yields.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hahn interim director for ISDA
Hahn also to Serve as ISDA Interim Director
Just days after Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced a change at the top of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, she has appointed Tony Hahn the Deputy Agriculture Director. Hahn moves over from ISDA Chief of Staff. ISDA will be without a director when Anne Hazlett leaves and before new director Joe Kelsay begins.Hahn told HAT, “During that short period of time I will be acting as the director, and our focus is going to be implementing the action items from our strategic plan. That will be our focus for the month before Joe can get here when Anne leaves to go back to that great opportunity in Washington D.C. Again our focus is going to be implementation of this plan, as well as continuing that advocacy piece that’s so important right now for the agricultural world
Just days after Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced a change at the top of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, she has appointed Tony Hahn the Deputy Agriculture Director. Hahn moves over from ISDA Chief of Staff. ISDA will be without a director when Anne Hazlett leaves and before new director Joe Kelsay begins.Hahn told HAT, “During that short period of time I will be acting as the director, and our focus is going to be implementing the action items from our strategic plan. That will be our focus for the month before Joe can get here when Anne leaves to go back to that great opportunity in Washington D.C. Again our focus is going to be implementation of this plan, as well as continuing that advocacy piece that’s so important right now for the agricultural world
Monday, August 31, 2009
New Head of IN Dept of Ag
NEWS RELEASE: Lt. Governor Skillman Announces Transition in Leadership at State Department of Agriculture
Today, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced a transition in leadership at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Joe Kelsay, a sixth generation dairy and crop farmer, has been selected to serve as the next Indiana Agriculture Director. Later this fall, Kelsay will succeed Anne Hazlett who will then serve as Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry under ranking member U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.
"Anne's passion for agriculture helped the State Department of Agriculture surge forward, strengthen partnerships, and set the course for the future," said Lt. Governor Skillman. "Talent like that doesn't go unnoticed. Fortunately, in her new position, she will continue to work everyday to allow agriculture to flourish in Indiana and across the country."
A 1999 graduate of Purdue University in agricultural economics, Kelsay farms full-time with his father and brother in rural Johnson County. In addition to milk production, Joe and his wife Amy operate a farm tour business, Kelsay Farm Tours LLC, which teaches thousands of children and families each year about life on the farm. Beyond his experience in production and business development, Kelsay has held a wide variety of leadership positions in the agriculture industry. He was the Indiana FFA State Vice President from 1995 to 1996. He currently serves as Chairman of the State Young Farmer Committee in Indiana Farm Bureau and is president of the Indiana Professional Dairy Producers. Further, he is a member of the Purdue University Dean of Agriculture's Advisory Council as well as the ISDA Agriculture Advisory Board.
In his role as the Indiana Agriculture Director, Kelsay will lead the state's efforts to promote and strengthen the agriculture industry. "I cannot think of a person more suited for this critical leadership role than Joe Kelsay," Skillman said. "With his zeal for agriculture, proven leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial spirit, Joe will be a tremendous asset for all facets of Indiana agriculture. I am very much looking forward to working with him as we continue to grow the agriculture sector to an even greater piece of our state's economic revitalization."
Kelsay will assume his responsibilities in early November upon completion of the 2009 harvest.
Today, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced a transition in leadership at the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). Joe Kelsay, a sixth generation dairy and crop farmer, has been selected to serve as the next Indiana Agriculture Director. Later this fall, Kelsay will succeed Anne Hazlett who will then serve as Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry under ranking member U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.
"Anne's passion for agriculture helped the State Department of Agriculture surge forward, strengthen partnerships, and set the course for the future," said Lt. Governor Skillman. "Talent like that doesn't go unnoticed. Fortunately, in her new position, she will continue to work everyday to allow agriculture to flourish in Indiana and across the country."
A 1999 graduate of Purdue University in agricultural economics, Kelsay farms full-time with his father and brother in rural Johnson County. In addition to milk production, Joe and his wife Amy operate a farm tour business, Kelsay Farm Tours LLC, which teaches thousands of children and families each year about life on the farm. Beyond his experience in production and business development, Kelsay has held a wide variety of leadership positions in the agriculture industry. He was the Indiana FFA State Vice President from 1995 to 1996. He currently serves as Chairman of the State Young Farmer Committee in Indiana Farm Bureau and is president of the Indiana Professional Dairy Producers. Further, he is a member of the Purdue University Dean of Agriculture's Advisory Council as well as the ISDA Agriculture Advisory Board.
In his role as the Indiana Agriculture Director, Kelsay will lead the state's efforts to promote and strengthen the agriculture industry. "I cannot think of a person more suited for this critical leadership role than Joe Kelsay," Skillman said. "With his zeal for agriculture, proven leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial spirit, Joe will be a tremendous asset for all facets of Indiana agriculture. I am very much looking forward to working with him as we continue to grow the agriculture sector to an even greater piece of our state's economic revitalization."
Kelsay will assume his responsibilities in early November upon completion of the 2009 harvest.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
FB Blog survey
Please comment on this post as to this blogs value. Do we need more pictures, ag articles, basic ag information, FB information, or markets? Your response is my (Steve Cash) only indication that anyone is checking this as no one but Bill Dory has ever offered a comment. Please take a moment to reply via anonymous if you don't have an account. I would really appreciate it.
Friday, August 7, 2009
North Dakota Benchmarks for cattle
The average CHAPS producer exposed 218 cows to bulls. The cows had an average age of 5.7 years. Of the 218 cows exposed to the bull, 93.5% were pregnant in the fall, 92.9% calved in the spring and 90.9% weaned a calf in the fall.
During the calving season, 63.9% calved during the first 21 days, 88.9% during the first 42 days and 95.6% within the first 63 days of the calving season.
On average, the calves were weaned at 189 days, weighed 565 lbs. and had a frame score of 5.8.
These growth numbers translated into a 3.01-lb. weight gain per day of age and a 639-lb. adjusted 205-day weight. For every cow exposed, CHAPS producers weaned 505 lbs. of calf.
During the calving season, 63.9% calved during the first 21 days, 88.9% during the first 42 days and 95.6% within the first 63 days of the calving season.
On average, the calves were weaned at 189 days, weighed 565 lbs. and had a frame score of 5.8.
These growth numbers translated into a 3.01-lb. weight gain per day of age and a 639-lb. adjusted 205-day weight. For every cow exposed, CHAPS producers weaned 505 lbs. of calf.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Pet Parade and Pedal Pull action at the Fair
Hot Action at the Pedal Pull during the county fair
Best Group during the Pet Parade was Jacob and Aiden Beadlesand their Guinea Pigs Darby and Daisy
Grace Merrell with her Best Trained Dog Lacey
Wyatt McKinney and his dog Faith was awarded Prettiest Pet
Beth Ann & Kelly Hansen paraded the Most Unusual Pets
Beth Ann & Kelly Hansen paraded the Most Unusual Pets
Steenie and Treenie - Giant Madagscar Hissing Roaches
Saturday, August 1, 2009
2009 Indiana Master Farmers includes Chris Mann
2009 Indiana Master Farmers Honored at Purdue 07/30/2009Andy Eubank
The level of experience of the newest crop of Indiana Master Farmers, introduced at Beck’s Ag Center at Purdue yesterday, ranges from fifteen years to nearly fifty years. They can all agree that changes during their time in farming include technology, like computers and the size and capability of equipment.Master Farmer Maurice Robeson is from Carroll County, and told HAT, “Satellite auto-steer has made things much easier. You’re not near as tired at night. You can put people on not quite as experienced, but the younger aged know computers real well, so it’s easier for them to learn to drive tractors.”HAT heard of a range of thoughts about what the master farmers of the next generation will need to succeed. R.D Wolheter from northeast Indiana points to people management skills. “The Master Farmers in the future are going to be more like a CEO. Because of the size of operations they have to know how to manage the people, motivate the people, and get the excellent quality of work out of people. We use part time help. My son and I have no fulltime labor, but we have some very dedicated people willing to work and only go on three or fours sleep when it’s busy. In the future, that may not be the case. You may have to have set crews that only work a certain number of hours.”
Chris Mann from Putnam County puts producer education at the top of his list. He says, “You have to have education to be able to market your grain, manage your finances, and then all the agronomic changes that are occurring. It’s just tremendously important to have a good, strong education. For a young person, I couldn’t recommend anything more important than to focus on their education. Once you get that knowledge foundation you can somewhat learn on your own, but education I think is by far the most important, and the ability to work hard. Nothing comes easy in life, and you just have to get up and strap your work boots on everyday, and just go at.”Mann added, “There will be days that things aren’t going to go your way, but if you keep at it long enough, the victories will outweigh the losses and you’ll gain success in life.”Also honored Thursday were Rodney Hager of Orleans and Honorary Master Farmer Bruce McKenzie, who retired from Purdue in 1993. In the coming weeks HAT will feature the four 2009 Master Farmer winners.Indiana Prairie Farmer, Purdue Extension, and the Purdue College of Agriculture present the annual event.Pictured left to right is the 2009 Master Farmer Class: McKenzie, Wolheter, Robeson, Hager, and Mann.
The level of experience of the newest crop of Indiana Master Farmers, introduced at Beck’s Ag Center at Purdue yesterday, ranges from fifteen years to nearly fifty years. They can all agree that changes during their time in farming include technology, like computers and the size and capability of equipment.Master Farmer Maurice Robeson is from Carroll County, and told HAT, “Satellite auto-steer has made things much easier. You’re not near as tired at night. You can put people on not quite as experienced, but the younger aged know computers real well, so it’s easier for them to learn to drive tractors.”HAT heard of a range of thoughts about what the master farmers of the next generation will need to succeed. R.D Wolheter from northeast Indiana points to people management skills. “The Master Farmers in the future are going to be more like a CEO. Because of the size of operations they have to know how to manage the people, motivate the people, and get the excellent quality of work out of people. We use part time help. My son and I have no fulltime labor, but we have some very dedicated people willing to work and only go on three or fours sleep when it’s busy. In the future, that may not be the case. You may have to have set crews that only work a certain number of hours.”
Chris Mann from Putnam County puts producer education at the top of his list. He says, “You have to have education to be able to market your grain, manage your finances, and then all the agronomic changes that are occurring. It’s just tremendously important to have a good, strong education. For a young person, I couldn’t recommend anything more important than to focus on their education. Once you get that knowledge foundation you can somewhat learn on your own, but education I think is by far the most important, and the ability to work hard. Nothing comes easy in life, and you just have to get up and strap your work boots on everyday, and just go at.”Mann added, “There will be days that things aren’t going to go your way, but if you keep at it long enough, the victories will outweigh the losses and you’ll gain success in life.”Also honored Thursday were Rodney Hager of Orleans and Honorary Master Farmer Bruce McKenzie, who retired from Purdue in 1993. In the coming weeks HAT will feature the four 2009 Master Farmer winners.Indiana Prairie Farmer, Purdue Extension, and the Purdue College of Agriculture present the annual event.Pictured left to right is the 2009 Master Farmer Class: McKenzie, Wolheter, Robeson, Hager, and Mann.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Manure runoff
Applying manure to a tiled field doesn't have a negative effect on nearby water - in terms of carbon - when compared to other fertilizer systems, according to a Purdue University study. Using six years of drainage data, Ron Turco and Sylvie Brouder, both professors of agronomy, found that the use of swine manure lagoon effluent in a tiled agricultural field did not increase carbon getting into nearby waterways. The results of their study were detailed in a recent issue of the Journal of Environmental Quality."It was surprising in a way that carbon loads were relatively low at the discharge points," Brouder said. "The assumption was that manure was adding significantly."Tiles set below the surface of agricultural fields direct excess water out of the soil and, eventually, into a nearby stream. There has been a concern that tiles flush manure, manure components such as dissolved carbon, or other soil nutrients into water systems faster, damaging water quality. Carbon is a concern because bacteria, such as E. coli, consume carbon. Adding carbon to a stream could improve conditions for microbial growth, including harmful bacteria. Manure lagoon effluent, the liquid formed and used as fertilizer after manure is stored in lagoons, contains a high amount of carbon."In general, we didn't see more carbon in manure systems, but rainfall near an application event did promote some movement," Turco said. "However, we didn't see a huge fluctuation out of any of these agricultural systems, but we are still looking at the nitrogen data."Turco and Brouder, along with former graduate student Matt Ruark, measured the carbon emissions from 1999 to 2004 at the Purdue Water Quality Field Station, a research facility that allows scientists to study the effects of farm management practices on water quality. The study included four blocks of 12 plots each with different crop rotations and varied fertilizer-application practices.Carbon emission into streams was the same in tiled fields fertilized with manure as in tiled fields using other sources of fertilizer. The amount of carbon reaching waterways increased in all fields during years with higher rainfall totals. "We saw a few blips, things where there was a heavy rain after a manure application, but nothing that was statistically significant," Turco said.The U.S. Department of Agriculture funded Turco and Brouder's research
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Putnam County Fair Rolls on
Got some free time, especially during the day? Virgil could use some help in the milk barn selling white and chocolate milk. Just for an hour break would be great. Farm Bureau members are getting ready for the shows. The Goat show was completed last night with the dogs being shown today. Swine will kick off the week Monday, followed by Beef on Tuesday, Sheep on Wednesday, Dairy Thursday with showmanship's Round Robin that night, the livestock auction will start to wrap things up on Friday. Lots to see and do at this year's fair. Twice as many food stands as in the past so there should be something for everyone. Park in the back forty but get a ride to the fairgrounds. Carnival will begin today for those that like that sort of thing.
See you at the Fair,
Steve Cash
Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.
See you at the Fair,
Steve Cash
Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Putnam County Fair
Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc. will be visible at the fair with the following activities:
Queen Contest - $100 donated to Chelsey Clark on July 11th
Milk Barn - all week
Saturday, July 18th - Sponsor of Beef Ultrasound program
Thursday, July 23 5 pm - Pet Parade
- Tenure Awards presented - donated by FB
Friday, July 24th at 3:00 pm - Pedal Pull
- Master Gardner Award - donated by FB
- Livestock Auction
Queen Contest - $100 donated to Chelsey Clark on July 11th
Milk Barn - all week
Saturday, July 18th - Sponsor of Beef Ultrasound program
Thursday, July 23 5 pm - Pet Parade
- Tenure Awards presented - donated by FB
Friday, July 24th at 3:00 pm - Pedal Pull
- Master Gardner Award - donated by FB
- Livestock Auction
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Putnam Co. Farm Bureau news
First off we would like to welcome Clayton McCammack and Forest Knapp to the board as Clayton was elected at the annual meeting and Forest was appointed at our last meeting. At our meeting Monday the Cloverdale FFA updated the board on their activities. They are currently making plans for their exhibit at the County Fair where they will have animals available for the children to pet. At the meeting the board agreed to provide "Champions in Animal Care" t-shirts for all ten year members who exhibit animals at the fair. Other Farm Bureau activities at the fair will include providing a $100 award to the new Fair Queen, supporting the Beef Ultrasound program, awarding the Master Gardner Award, purchasing a 4-H member's Livestock Sale Animal, providing 4-H Tenure awards, and conducting the Pet Parade on Thursday along with the Pedal Pull on Friday afternoon. Our Infamous Milk Barn will once again be open under the guidance of past FB President Virgil Arnold. Any FB member wishing to help in the Milk Barn need only to stop in and see Virgil during the fair. We look forward to seeing everyone at the fair.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Three bills of concern in Washington.
Climate Change HR 2454
CLIMATE CHANGE: Full House expected to Vote Before the Fourth of July Holiday - The Bill Will Hurt Farmers. Your messages needed NOW!
Climate Change legislation is moving quickly through Congress. Costs for producers will rise and farm income is expected to fall. The outcome will unquestionably have an enormous impact on U.S. agriculture.
Analysis from EPA shows that energy prices would rise. Fertilizer costs and electricity rates would jump as well. And while U.S. farmers are trying to absorb these huge costs and regulations, foreign competitors will not face the same restrictions.
Rushing to make a decision of this magnitude without having all the facts and information for an informed decision is bad policy! Legislators are being asked to vote before USDA has even had a chance to figure the costs to farmers. The agriculture sector is being asked to accept higher costs from the Climate Change bill; while all farmers will face potentially higher costs, only a few stand to benefit.
We need you to speak out today to your members of Congress. Let them know that voting for a Climate Change bill is bad for agriculture, bad for farmers and will threaten any chances at a meaningful economic recovery!
Clean Water S 747
*** UPDATE *** CLEAN WATER: Legislation Regulates Farm Ponds & Ditches Senate Committee to Vote. Tell Your Senators Not to Support
Farm Bureau members were extremely successful last Congress in stopping this damaging bill from moving from the House. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced S. 787, which would greatly expand the regulatory reach of the Clean Water Act to the detriment of U.S. economic growth and agricultural operations.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will mark-up the bill the week of May 7. We expect the Committee to pass the bill with little changes and then it moves to the full Senate.
If passed, nearly every wet area in the nation -- even if water is only present for a few days could become regulated by the federal government! This could include everything from ditches, to farm ponds, to prior converted cropland and possibly groundwater.
This proposal would move the CWA beyond protecting wetlands and waterways, and create a regulatory nightmare for farmers, ranchers and property owners.
Legislation to Restrict Antibiotic Use Introduced Ask Members of Congress to Oppose
The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act will restrict access to antibiotics traditionally used in livestock and poultry production. FARM BUREAU OPPOSES THIS BILL.
IMPACT: The proposed bill would remove important antibiotics and classes of antibiotics from the market, handicapping veterinarians and livestock and poultry producers in their efforts to maintain animal health and protect our nation's food supply.
Farmers use antibiotics carefully to treat, prevent and control disease in our flocks and herds. These products are critically important to the health and welfare of the animals and to the safety of the food produced.
CLIMATE CHANGE: Full House expected to Vote Before the Fourth of July Holiday - The Bill Will Hurt Farmers. Your messages needed NOW!
Climate Change legislation is moving quickly through Congress. Costs for producers will rise and farm income is expected to fall. The outcome will unquestionably have an enormous impact on U.S. agriculture.
Analysis from EPA shows that energy prices would rise. Fertilizer costs and electricity rates would jump as well. And while U.S. farmers are trying to absorb these huge costs and regulations, foreign competitors will not face the same restrictions.
Rushing to make a decision of this magnitude without having all the facts and information for an informed decision is bad policy! Legislators are being asked to vote before USDA has even had a chance to figure the costs to farmers. The agriculture sector is being asked to accept higher costs from the Climate Change bill; while all farmers will face potentially higher costs, only a few stand to benefit.
We need you to speak out today to your members of Congress. Let them know that voting for a Climate Change bill is bad for agriculture, bad for farmers and will threaten any chances at a meaningful economic recovery!
Clean Water S 747
*** UPDATE *** CLEAN WATER: Legislation Regulates Farm Ponds & Ditches Senate Committee to Vote. Tell Your Senators Not to Support
Farm Bureau members were extremely successful last Congress in stopping this damaging bill from moving from the House. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced S. 787, which would greatly expand the regulatory reach of the Clean Water Act to the detriment of U.S. economic growth and agricultural operations.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will mark-up the bill the week of May 7. We expect the Committee to pass the bill with little changes and then it moves to the full Senate.
If passed, nearly every wet area in the nation -- even if water is only present for a few days could become regulated by the federal government! This could include everything from ditches, to farm ponds, to prior converted cropland and possibly groundwater.
This proposal would move the CWA beyond protecting wetlands and waterways, and create a regulatory nightmare for farmers, ranchers and property owners.
Legislation to Restrict Antibiotic Use Introduced Ask Members of Congress to Oppose
The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act will restrict access to antibiotics traditionally used in livestock and poultry production. FARM BUREAU OPPOSES THIS BILL.
IMPACT: The proposed bill would remove important antibiotics and classes of antibiotics from the market, handicapping veterinarians and livestock and poultry producers in their efforts to maintain animal health and protect our nation's food supply.
Farmers use antibiotics carefully to treat, prevent and control disease in our flocks and herds. These products are critically important to the health and welfare of the animals and to the safety of the food produced.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
HSUS must be stopped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nation’s Leading Anti Group Establishes a “Humane Society University”
The world of Higher Education may never be the same. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) now has plans to educate the next generation of anti-hunting, animal rights activists.
The HSUS recently announced that it had received “a license as a higher education degree-granting institution by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission.” The Humane Society University is not a typical university with a single central classroom. Instead, it offers both on-site and Internet based courses including those devoted to advocacy. The HSUS has even partnered with the Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement to provide a curriculum leading to both a Bachelor’s degree in “Humane Leadership” and a Master’s in “Community Leadership.”
Most concerning is the advocacy being offered. A potential activist can become a “Certified Advocacy Management Specialist” by completing five courses that focus on research and planning, influencing corporate behavior, message development, becoming a citizen lobbyist, and building a grassroots movement.
The world of Higher Education may never be the same. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) now has plans to educate the next generation of anti-hunting, animal rights activists.
The HSUS recently announced that it had received “a license as a higher education degree-granting institution by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission.” The Humane Society University is not a typical university with a single central classroom. Instead, it offers both on-site and Internet based courses including those devoted to advocacy. The HSUS has even partnered with the Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement to provide a curriculum leading to both a Bachelor’s degree in “Humane Leadership” and a Master’s in “Community Leadership.”
Most concerning is the advocacy being offered. A potential activist can become a “Certified Advocacy Management Specialist” by completing five courses that focus on research and planning, influencing corporate behavior, message development, becoming a citizen lobbyist, and building a grassroots movement.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Indiana Ag Dept. advocates Indiana Ag - Duh
State Government Now Advocate for Agriculture
The long awaited revision in the strategic plan of the State Department of Agriculture has been unveiled. The revisions were based on feedback from industry partners and research from Purdue‘s Dept of Agriculture Economics. The plan, which will guide the activities and programs of the department for the next 4 years, has three main priorities: Advocacy, “Serve as an advocate for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level;” Economic Development, “Define and nurture economic opportunity, including technology development, in the food, fuel and fiber sectors,” and Environmental Stewardship, “Enhance the stewardship of natural resources on agricultural land in a manner that creates value-added opportunity for producers and assists agriculture stakeholders with current and future regulatory challenges.“ Making the ISDA an advocate for agriculture is a new concept admits Director Anne Hazlett.
The long awaited revision in the strategic plan of the State Department of Agriculture has been unveiled. The revisions were based on feedback from industry partners and research from Purdue‘s Dept of Agriculture Economics. The plan, which will guide the activities and programs of the department for the next 4 years, has three main priorities: Advocacy, “Serve as an advocate for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level;” Economic Development, “Define and nurture economic opportunity, including technology development, in the food, fuel and fiber sectors,” and Environmental Stewardship, “Enhance the stewardship of natural resources on agricultural land in a manner that creates value-added opportunity for producers and assists agriculture stakeholders with current and future regulatory challenges.“ Making the ISDA an advocate for agriculture is a new concept admits Director Anne Hazlett.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
More on the Clean Water Act
Government Land-Grab Moves Forward
Jun 23, 2009 11:08 AM
The nation took a step closer to the largest federal land grab in the nation�s history last week, according to the National Cattlemen�s Beef Association (NCBA).That�s thanks to passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA) by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.In basic terms the CRWA (S. 787) would grant the federal government authority of all water � both navigable, which it now presides over, as well as non-navigable.Without defining and confining federal authority to navigable waters, an NCBA spokesman said, ��the CWRA would expand federal regulatory control to unprecedented levels � essentially putting stock tanks, drainage ditches, any puddle or water feature found on family farms and ranches � potentially even ground water � under the regulatory strong-arm of the federal government.�Though the bill was amended last week, NCBA officials explain, �The amendment is a smoke screen that allegedly takes care of agricultural concerns by exempting prior-converted croplands from federal jurisdiction. Cattle are generally not grazed on prior-converted croplands, so this amendment does nothing to mitigate the potential damage to livestock production from this legislation. The amendment is a diversion from the real issue, which is the removal of the word �navigable� from the definition of waters.�NCBA and Public Lands Council oppose the legislation because it obviously infringes on private property rights, but also because it limits the state partnerships and flexibility that have made the current Clean Water Act successful.
Jun 23, 2009 11:08 AM
The nation took a step closer to the largest federal land grab in the nation�s history last week, according to the National Cattlemen�s Beef Association (NCBA).That�s thanks to passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA) by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.In basic terms the CRWA (S. 787) would grant the federal government authority of all water � both navigable, which it now presides over, as well as non-navigable.Without defining and confining federal authority to navigable waters, an NCBA spokesman said, ��the CWRA would expand federal regulatory control to unprecedented levels � essentially putting stock tanks, drainage ditches, any puddle or water feature found on family farms and ranches � potentially even ground water � under the regulatory strong-arm of the federal government.�Though the bill was amended last week, NCBA officials explain, �The amendment is a smoke screen that allegedly takes care of agricultural concerns by exempting prior-converted croplands from federal jurisdiction. Cattle are generally not grazed on prior-converted croplands, so this amendment does nothing to mitigate the potential damage to livestock production from this legislation. The amendment is a diversion from the real issue, which is the removal of the word �navigable� from the definition of waters.�NCBA and Public Lands Council oppose the legislation because it obviously infringes on private property rights, but also because it limits the state partnerships and flexibility that have made the current Clean Water Act successful.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Clean Water Act - negative to Farming
Patti & I spoke to Legislators Ellsworth, Lugar, and Bayh last fall on a similar bill that gives EPA control of every drop of water in the country. In that bill a cow could not put manure in a grassed waterway without being subject to the clean water act.....
Clean Water Act Passes out of Committee 06/18/2009
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the Clean Water Restoration Act by a 12 to 7 vote Thursday. Under provisions of the act, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says farmers and ranchers would be required to obtain permits for common, everyday activities like driving a tractor near an irrigation ditch or grazing cattle near a mud hole.Tamara Thies, Chief Environmental Counsel for NCBA, says this bill has nothing to do with cleaner water. Instead, she says it reflects activists’ goals of having the federal government controlling our land use and waters. She says the bill takes away rights to use private property in ways that make environmental and economical sense. Thies called for the bill to be stopped.An amendment submitted by Senator Max Baucus received the support of the National Farmers Union Board of Directors. The board said by placing existing regulatory exemptions in legal statute and legislatively clarifying the exemptions for prior converted cropland - farmers and ranchers would be able to predict what resources are subject to Clean Water Act regulation with greater certainty.
Clean Water Act Passes out of Committee 06/18/2009
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed the Clean Water Restoration Act by a 12 to 7 vote Thursday. Under provisions of the act, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association says farmers and ranchers would be required to obtain permits for common, everyday activities like driving a tractor near an irrigation ditch or grazing cattle near a mud hole.Tamara Thies, Chief Environmental Counsel for NCBA, says this bill has nothing to do with cleaner water. Instead, she says it reflects activists’ goals of having the federal government controlling our land use and waters. She says the bill takes away rights to use private property in ways that make environmental and economical sense. Thies called for the bill to be stopped.An amendment submitted by Senator Max Baucus received the support of the National Farmers Union Board of Directors. The board said by placing existing regulatory exemptions in legal statute and legislatively clarifying the exemptions for prior converted cropland - farmers and ranchers would be able to predict what resources are subject to Clean Water Act regulation with greater certainty.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
You have got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WASHINGTON - The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants the flyswatter in chief to try taking a more humane attitude the next time he's bedeviled by a fly in the White House.
PETA is sending President Barack Obama a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside.
"We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said Wednesday. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."
PETA is sending President Barack Obama a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside.
"We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said Wednesday. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."
Monday, June 15, 2009
Indiana FFA Covention
80th Indiana FFA State Convention Begins Three Day Run 06/14/2009
"Live with Pride Serve with Passion" will serve as the theme for the 80th Indiana FFA State Convention to be held on the campus of Purdue University Monday through Wednesday this week. The convention is the yearly gathering of the 9,500 members of the Indiana FFA Organization.The 2009 convention is highlighted by three keynote speakers who will bring their experiences to several of the general sessions offered. Speakers scheduled to participate include Tom Zupancic, the Senior Vice President for the Indianapolis Colts Marketing and Sales, Chad Hymas, a motivational speaker, and the National FFA President, Paul Moya. Additionally, state winners in each of the 47 Supervised Agricultural Experience areas will be awarded while this year’s class of Hoosier FFA Degree recipients will be honored. FFA members who have reached the state level of their respective Career Development Events will also be credited on stage for their work.The Indiana FFA Organization was established in 1929 and today serves over 9,500 members of the Indiana FFA who are committed to creating real-world success through agricultural education and leadership development programs.
"Live with Pride Serve with Passion" will serve as the theme for the 80th Indiana FFA State Convention to be held on the campus of Purdue University Monday through Wednesday this week. The convention is the yearly gathering of the 9,500 members of the Indiana FFA Organization.The 2009 convention is highlighted by three keynote speakers who will bring their experiences to several of the general sessions offered. Speakers scheduled to participate include Tom Zupancic, the Senior Vice President for the Indianapolis Colts Marketing and Sales, Chad Hymas, a motivational speaker, and the National FFA President, Paul Moya. Additionally, state winners in each of the 47 Supervised Agricultural Experience areas will be awarded while this year’s class of Hoosier FFA Degree recipients will be honored. FFA members who have reached the state level of their respective Career Development Events will also be credited on stage for their work.The Indiana FFA Organization was established in 1929 and today serves over 9,500 members of the Indiana FFA who are committed to creating real-world success through agricultural education and leadership development programs.
Friday, June 12, 2009
More Dairy Trivia
Hoosier Ag Today Dairy Trivia Contest
June is dairy month and Hoosier Ag Today and the American Dairy Association of Indiana want to test your dairy IQ. Here is today’s dairy trivia question:
Milk is the only food product never touched by human hands. True or False?
The answer is True!
June is dairy month and Hoosier Ag Today and the American Dairy Association of Indiana want to test your dairy IQ. Here is today’s dairy trivia question:
Milk is the only food product never touched by human hands. True or False?
The answer is True!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dairy Month Trivia
Hoosier Ag Today Dairy Trivia Contest
June is dairy month and Hoosier Ag Today and the American Dairy Association of Indiana want to test your dairy IQ. Here is today’s dairy trivia question:
How long does it take to milk a cow?
It takes about 20 minutes to milk a cow.
However, Dairymen may milk 4, 8, 16, 32 or more cows at once depending on their milking parlor setup. Milking 4 at a time we could milk 40 cows in one hour.
June is dairy month and Hoosier Ag Today and the American Dairy Association of Indiana want to test your dairy IQ. Here is today’s dairy trivia question:
How long does it take to milk a cow?
It takes about 20 minutes to milk a cow.
However, Dairymen may milk 4, 8, 16, 32 or more cows at once depending on their milking parlor setup. Milking 4 at a time we could milk 40 cows in one hour.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June is Dairy Month !
Hoosier Ag Today Dairy Trivia Contest
June is dairy month and Hoosier Ag Today and the American Dairy Association of Indiana want to test your dairy IQ. Here is today’s dairy trivia question:
How good is a Cow’s sense of smell?
On a day with a light wind, a cow can smell things 6 miles away.
June is dairy month and Hoosier Ag Today and the American Dairy Association of Indiana want to test your dairy IQ. Here is today’s dairy trivia question:
How good is a Cow’s sense of smell?
On a day with a light wind, a cow can smell things 6 miles away.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Indiana Animal Agriculture wins one !!!!!!!!
Court Declares Indiana Right to Farm Act Constitutional
06/04/2009 Andy Eubank
A legal ruling in Indiana earlier this year is being called a landmark decision on right to farm act issues across the U.S. The Lindsey family of rural Huntington County filed a nuisance suit in late 2003. They claimed the nuisance included manure smells and flies from the neighboring DeGroot Dairy operation. The Indiana court of appeals rejected the Lindsey’s argument and declared the Indiana Right to Farm Act constitutional. That law was passed in 1981 to shield farmers from nuisance law suits.Attorney, and former Kansas cattle and wheat farmer, Todd Janzen, of Plews Shadley Racher & Braun in Indianapolis, litigated the case for DeGroot. He told Hoosier Ag Today, “This is one of the few cases in the whole United States where courts have examined this particular point and upheld right to farm acts on constitutional grounds. So I think it is certainly an important case for Indiana farmers, because it means if you build a farm or expand an existing farm in an established agricultural area, you cannot be judged a nuisance by a court of law just because your farm creates those smells, and sights, and sounds that are commonly associated with farming.”The Indiana case is very significant because the Iowa Supreme Court had previously invalidated the Iowa Right to Farm Act, calling it government taking without compensation. Janzen said, “The logic of the Iowa Supreme Court was that if you allow one land owner to place sounds and smells from their land onto the land of another, and then you create a statutory immunity for that person, then in essence you have taken someone’s property without compensating them.”
Janzen told HAT the Lindsey’s made the same argument against DeGroot Dairy, but fell short in the appeals court in January. “Fortunately the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected this argument and said that, we find nothing in Indiana’s law that suggests that Indiana has adopted this unique holding from the Iowa jurisdiction. And so, the Indiana Right to Farm Act is constitutional.”The litigation against DeGroot continued even after the farm had been transferred to another owner.Here more from Todd Janzen at hatchat.net, and read a portion of the Indiana Court’s opinion at the Indiana Law Blog.
06/04/2009 Andy Eubank
A legal ruling in Indiana earlier this year is being called a landmark decision on right to farm act issues across the U.S. The Lindsey family of rural Huntington County filed a nuisance suit in late 2003. They claimed the nuisance included manure smells and flies from the neighboring DeGroot Dairy operation. The Indiana court of appeals rejected the Lindsey’s argument and declared the Indiana Right to Farm Act constitutional. That law was passed in 1981 to shield farmers from nuisance law suits.Attorney, and former Kansas cattle and wheat farmer, Todd Janzen, of Plews Shadley Racher & Braun in Indianapolis, litigated the case for DeGroot. He told Hoosier Ag Today, “This is one of the few cases in the whole United States where courts have examined this particular point and upheld right to farm acts on constitutional grounds. So I think it is certainly an important case for Indiana farmers, because it means if you build a farm or expand an existing farm in an established agricultural area, you cannot be judged a nuisance by a court of law just because your farm creates those smells, and sights, and sounds that are commonly associated with farming.”The Indiana case is very significant because the Iowa Supreme Court had previously invalidated the Iowa Right to Farm Act, calling it government taking without compensation. Janzen said, “The logic of the Iowa Supreme Court was that if you allow one land owner to place sounds and smells from their land onto the land of another, and then you create a statutory immunity for that person, then in essence you have taken someone’s property without compensating them.”
Janzen told HAT the Lindsey’s made the same argument against DeGroot Dairy, but fell short in the appeals court in January. “Fortunately the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected this argument and said that, we find nothing in Indiana’s law that suggests that Indiana has adopted this unique holding from the Iowa jurisdiction. And so, the Indiana Right to Farm Act is constitutional.”The litigation against DeGroot continued even after the farm had been transferred to another owner.Here more from Todd Janzen at hatchat.net, and read a portion of the Indiana Court’s opinion at the Indiana Law Blog.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Stopping HSUS in Indiana may not be enough......
California Proposition 2 Bills Moving Quickly
Jun 3, 2009 10:42 AM, Source: Hoosier Ag Today
Legislation shifts may impact farmers
The seed planted by the Humane Society of the United States in California last November is growing several new offshoots. Since voters approved Proposition 2 in November several measures have moved quickly from one chamber to the other. Others are now working through committees. In fact, the California Senate Appropriations Committee has now approved legislation that would limit the use of antibiotics by licensed veterinarians to prevent and control disease in animal agriculture.One California Senator says the legislature is undergoing a monumental shift in attitudes, saying Prop. 2 changed a thought process. And an Assembly Member that didn’t even support Proposition 2 says the voters spoke loudly and the legislators need to listen. That’s why he introduced a measure to require all eggs sold in California come from chickens able to stretch their wings without touching a wall. That measure was passed by the Assembly shortly after legislation to ban tail docking was approved in the Senate.Humane Society of the United States President Wayne Pacelle says it took 100 years to get farm animal legislation moving - but just 10 minutes to get these bills. Elsewhere in the U.S. Maine recently passed a ban on veal and gestation crates and it’s been reported HSUS will pursue a voter initiative similar to Proposition 2 in Ohio, and is pushing for one in New York.
Jun 3, 2009 10:42 AM, Source: Hoosier Ag Today
Legislation shifts may impact farmers
The seed planted by the Humane Society of the United States in California last November is growing several new offshoots. Since voters approved Proposition 2 in November several measures have moved quickly from one chamber to the other. Others are now working through committees. In fact, the California Senate Appropriations Committee has now approved legislation that would limit the use of antibiotics by licensed veterinarians to prevent and control disease in animal agriculture.One California Senator says the legislature is undergoing a monumental shift in attitudes, saying Prop. 2 changed a thought process. And an Assembly Member that didn’t even support Proposition 2 says the voters spoke loudly and the legislators need to listen. That’s why he introduced a measure to require all eggs sold in California come from chickens able to stretch their wings without touching a wall. That measure was passed by the Assembly shortly after legislation to ban tail docking was approved in the Senate.Humane Society of the United States President Wayne Pacelle says it took 100 years to get farm animal legislation moving - but just 10 minutes to get these bills. Elsewhere in the U.S. Maine recently passed a ban on veal and gestation crates and it’s been reported HSUS will pursue a voter initiative similar to Proposition 2 in Ohio, and is pushing for one in New York.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Vilsack visit report
Vilsack Visits Indiana To Talk Stimulus Package Not Agriculture 06/02/2009
by Gary Truitt
US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made his first visit to Indiana on Tuesday, but the purpose of this visit had very little to do with agriculture. The Secretary started his day in Terre Haute where he announced a grant of $3.3 million for the Honey Creek Watershed Project. Funding for the Honey Creek Project will be matched by $600,000 in local funding to construct approximately six miles of dikes along Thompson Ditch. Within this six miles of dike will be approximately 2,600 feet of floodwall. The project is expected to generate $1.97 million in annual benefits to 390 homes, 190 businesses, and 1,300 acres of crops and pasture. This is just one of several projects in Indiana that are part of more than $8.1 million in floodplain easements in Indiana through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Secretary then traveled to Indianapolis where he announced additional funding for Indiana watershed projects, “The funding I‘m announcing today will help reduce the impact of future storms. This funding will not only protect rural communities, but also protect the environment in rural areas from repeated flooding." The $8.1 million investment in Indiana floodplain easements will help protect 3,016 acres of land with 13 projects in various counties throughout the state. These projects are located in Davies County, Gibson County, Knox County, Posey County, Sullivan County, Tippecanoe County, Warren County, and White County. Vilsack said the reason for his visit was to draw attention to the efforts the Obama administration was making to provide relief to states and communities hit hard by the troubles in the auto industry, "USDA is working every day to distribute resources across the nation, including funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to support our auto communities and workers as we begin to rebuild the American economy." The Secretary did not, during his visit, meet formally with State Ag leaders or Indiana farm or commodity organizations. At a town hall meeting held in Hendricks County Tuesday afternoon, Vilsack did field a number of agricultural related questions from the mostly farm-oriented audience. Questions ranged from renewable energy, to conservation, to food safety. None of the attendees at the town hall event asked about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. More coverage of the town hall meeting will be available on HAT on Thursday.
by Gary Truitt
US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack made his first visit to Indiana on Tuesday, but the purpose of this visit had very little to do with agriculture. The Secretary started his day in Terre Haute where he announced a grant of $3.3 million for the Honey Creek Watershed Project. Funding for the Honey Creek Project will be matched by $600,000 in local funding to construct approximately six miles of dikes along Thompson Ditch. Within this six miles of dike will be approximately 2,600 feet of floodwall. The project is expected to generate $1.97 million in annual benefits to 390 homes, 190 businesses, and 1,300 acres of crops and pasture. This is just one of several projects in Indiana that are part of more than $8.1 million in floodplain easements in Indiana through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Secretary then traveled to Indianapolis where he announced additional funding for Indiana watershed projects, “The funding I‘m announcing today will help reduce the impact of future storms. This funding will not only protect rural communities, but also protect the environment in rural areas from repeated flooding." The $8.1 million investment in Indiana floodplain easements will help protect 3,016 acres of land with 13 projects in various counties throughout the state. These projects are located in Davies County, Gibson County, Knox County, Posey County, Sullivan County, Tippecanoe County, Warren County, and White County. Vilsack said the reason for his visit was to draw attention to the efforts the Obama administration was making to provide relief to states and communities hit hard by the troubles in the auto industry, "USDA is working every day to distribute resources across the nation, including funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to support our auto communities and workers as we begin to rebuild the American economy." The Secretary did not, during his visit, meet formally with State Ag leaders or Indiana farm or commodity organizations. At a town hall meeting held in Hendricks County Tuesday afternoon, Vilsack did field a number of agricultural related questions from the mostly farm-oriented audience. Questions ranged from renewable energy, to conservation, to food safety. None of the attendees at the town hall event asked about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. More coverage of the town hall meeting will be available on HAT on Thursday.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Preventing Bagworm damage on Evergreens
Bagworms survive mild winters; wreak havoc on Indiana trees
Relatively mild Indiana winters during the last several years have caused bagworm infestations to spread northward across the state, said a Purdue University entomologist."Typically, bagworms were found in the southern part of the state," said Cliff Sadof. "The last 10 winters have been somewhat mild, causing infestations to spread farther north and increase in severity throughout the state."These caterpillars, named for their habit of living in leaf-covered bags, are most commonly found in dense plantings of evergreen spruces, pines and arborvitae. They damage these trees by stripping their leaves."Homeowners who had their trees defoliated by bagworms last year should be preparing themselves and scouting their trees for this year's crop of pests," Sadof said. "There are two ways to determine whether or not a bagworm infestation has survived. The easiest way is to wait until eggs have hatched and inspect host plants for small bagworm caterpillars feeding on leaves."These insects emerged in Evansville in mid-May and will emerge in early June in central Indiana and mid-June in the northern part of the state. "The second way to determine whether or not a bagworm population survived the winter is to cut open the bags to reveal the body of the female," he said. "Break apart the female and examine the eggs. If the eggs are creamy white, they are viable and will hatch into caterpillars."Infested trees can be treated using common insecticides such as carbaryl (Sevin) or spinosad (Fertilome Borer and Bagworm Killer)."People in communities affected by bagworms have been learning just how important it is to inspect their trees in the month of June," Sadof said. "Doing so can help them identify infestations earlier and spray them with insecticides before too much defoliation occurs."For homeowners who haven't experienced bagworm issues in the past, Sadof said inspecting trees in late June for new infestations is a good idea."New infestations start in June, but symptoms won't likely start until a month has passed," he said.A Purdue Extension publication containing a complete list of pesticides available for fighting bagworms is available at http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-27.pdf. ###
Relatively mild Indiana winters during the last several years have caused bagworm infestations to spread northward across the state, said a Purdue University entomologist."Typically, bagworms were found in the southern part of the state," said Cliff Sadof. "The last 10 winters have been somewhat mild, causing infestations to spread farther north and increase in severity throughout the state."These caterpillars, named for their habit of living in leaf-covered bags, are most commonly found in dense plantings of evergreen spruces, pines and arborvitae. They damage these trees by stripping their leaves."Homeowners who had their trees defoliated by bagworms last year should be preparing themselves and scouting their trees for this year's crop of pests," Sadof said. "There are two ways to determine whether or not a bagworm infestation has survived. The easiest way is to wait until eggs have hatched and inspect host plants for small bagworm caterpillars feeding on leaves."These insects emerged in Evansville in mid-May and will emerge in early June in central Indiana and mid-June in the northern part of the state. "The second way to determine whether or not a bagworm population survived the winter is to cut open the bags to reveal the body of the female," he said. "Break apart the female and examine the eggs. If the eggs are creamy white, they are viable and will hatch into caterpillars."Infested trees can be treated using common insecticides such as carbaryl (Sevin) or spinosad (Fertilome Borer and Bagworm Killer)."People in communities affected by bagworms have been learning just how important it is to inspect their trees in the month of June," Sadof said. "Doing so can help them identify infestations earlier and spray them with insecticides before too much defoliation occurs."For homeowners who haven't experienced bagworm issues in the past, Sadof said inspecting trees in late June for new infestations is a good idea."New infestations start in June, but symptoms won't likely start until a month has passed," he said.A Purdue Extension publication containing a complete list of pesticides available for fighting bagworms is available at http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-27.pdf. ###
USDA Secretary visits Indiana
USDA Secretary Visits Indiana Tuesday 06/01/2009
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be visiting Indiana to host several events. From 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Vilsack will be joined by Indiana Congressman Brad Ellsworth to announce that USDA will distribute millions of dollars for projects that will improve water quality, increase water supply,decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat in rural communities. Thirteen states will benefit from this investment made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. That event will be held at Honey Creek Water Shed, 7th St Bridge, 4250 S. 7th Street in Terre Haute.From 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Vilsack will host a press conference to discuss Obama administration's recovery efforts for auto communities and workers. Sec. Vilsack will be joined by Congressman Baron Hill at the National FFA Center at 6060 FFA Drive in Indianapolis.Then from three until four in the afternoon the Ag Secretary will host a rural community forum where he will share information with local residents about the work USDA is doing to revitalize and rebuild rural America and ask local residents how USDA can be helpful in supporting and initiating other programs and projects to help the community participate fully and successfully in the new, 21st century economy. Vilsack will also highlight American Renewal and Reinvestment Act projects improving communities in Indiana and benefiting people throughout rural America. The forum will be at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, 1900 East Main Street in Danville
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be visiting Indiana to host several events. From 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Vilsack will be joined by Indiana Congressman Brad Ellsworth to announce that USDA will distribute millions of dollars for projects that will improve water quality, increase water supply,decrease soil erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat in rural communities. Thirteen states will benefit from this investment made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. That event will be held at Honey Creek Water Shed, 7th St Bridge, 4250 S. 7th Street in Terre Haute.From 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Vilsack will host a press conference to discuss Obama administration's recovery efforts for auto communities and workers. Sec. Vilsack will be joined by Congressman Baron Hill at the National FFA Center at 6060 FFA Drive in Indianapolis.Then from three until four in the afternoon the Ag Secretary will host a rural community forum where he will share information with local residents about the work USDA is doing to revitalize and rebuild rural America and ask local residents how USDA can be helpful in supporting and initiating other programs and projects to help the community participate fully and successfully in the new, 21st century economy. Vilsack will also highlight American Renewal and Reinvestment Act projects improving communities in Indiana and benefiting people throughout rural America. The forum will be at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, 1900 East Main Street in Danville
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Farm Safety
Machinery
Pinch points should be shielded on farm machinery. If they are not they can pull hands, hair and clothing into the pinch point and the person can be injured. Always replace guards and shields.
Slips and falls are responsible for many farm workplace injuries. They become immensely more dangerous around equipment. The potential for slips and falls can be greatly reduced by using good judgment and practicing good housekeeping on and around equipment.
Horse safety
Most serious injuries to equestrians are caused by being separated from (propelled from or fall off) the horse while riding or by falling with the horse.
Hay
When transporting large round bales, try to keep the bale on the up-side of the tractor. This will provide the best stability for the tractor to prevent an overturn.
Never try to stop a rolling bale, even with a tractor. A bale gains momentum as it moves. You wouldn't try to stop a car free-wheeling down a hill, likewise, don't try to stop a large round bale.
Stack bales on the wagon in alternate layers to give more stability to the stack and better footing. Don't permit anyone to ride on top of the bales.
Keep the bales low to maintain balance. Traveling over rough ground, stumps, or ruts can cause a tractor carrying a large round bale to overturn.
Hot day safety
Giving off excess body heat becomes more difficult when the humidity is high. Sweating does not cool the body unless the moisture evaporates. High humidity retards evaporation. Since humid air contains a high percentage of moisture it cannot easily absorb more. Wiping sweat with a cloth also prevents cooling from evaporation.
Accidents are more frequent in the heat because physical performance and mental alertness are lowered. Increased body temperature and physical discomfort promote irritability, anger, and other emotional states which could cause workers to act rash, careless, or distract them from hazardous tasks. A worker's psychological state usually will have a substantial effect on safe performance.
Lawnmowing
Cut grass on slopes carefully, so you don't slip, fall, or overturn the mower and come in contact with the spinning blade. That means you should push a walk-behind mower across slopes.
Designate a play area
Please have a designated area for children to play in that is away from machinery, livestock and chemicals. Playing on the farm should be both fun and safe!
Pinch points should be shielded on farm machinery. If they are not they can pull hands, hair and clothing into the pinch point and the person can be injured. Always replace guards and shields.
Slips and falls are responsible for many farm workplace injuries. They become immensely more dangerous around equipment. The potential for slips and falls can be greatly reduced by using good judgment and practicing good housekeeping on and around equipment.
Horse safety
Most serious injuries to equestrians are caused by being separated from (propelled from or fall off) the horse while riding or by falling with the horse.
Hay
When transporting large round bales, try to keep the bale on the up-side of the tractor. This will provide the best stability for the tractor to prevent an overturn.
Never try to stop a rolling bale, even with a tractor. A bale gains momentum as it moves. You wouldn't try to stop a car free-wheeling down a hill, likewise, don't try to stop a large round bale.
Stack bales on the wagon in alternate layers to give more stability to the stack and better footing. Don't permit anyone to ride on top of the bales.
Keep the bales low to maintain balance. Traveling over rough ground, stumps, or ruts can cause a tractor carrying a large round bale to overturn.
Hot day safety
Giving off excess body heat becomes more difficult when the humidity is high. Sweating does not cool the body unless the moisture evaporates. High humidity retards evaporation. Since humid air contains a high percentage of moisture it cannot easily absorb more. Wiping sweat with a cloth also prevents cooling from evaporation.
Accidents are more frequent in the heat because physical performance and mental alertness are lowered. Increased body temperature and physical discomfort promote irritability, anger, and other emotional states which could cause workers to act rash, careless, or distract them from hazardous tasks. A worker's psychological state usually will have a substantial effect on safe performance.
Lawnmowing
Cut grass on slopes carefully, so you don't slip, fall, or overturn the mower and come in contact with the spinning blade. That means you should push a walk-behind mower across slopes.
Designate a play area
Please have a designated area for children to play in that is away from machinery, livestock and chemicals. Playing on the farm should be both fun and safe!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Fire up that Grill !
Gearing up for Grilling Season
Amanda Nolz May 19th, 2009
Slipping on a crisp apron, the confident chef grabs his gleaming stainless steel grilling tools. He lights the coals and lays his tender beef cut on the grill. The steak sizzles as the fire dances below. As the succulent steak is finished to a perfect medium rare, the chef knows he will soon bite into a little piece of heaven. Is your mouth watering yet? Good, that means you love a good steak on the grill just as much as me. Now, the challenge is to remind the consumers how much they love beef, too!It’s as easy as starting up a conversation in the grocery aisle. Perhaps you could recommend a good recipe or give advise on which cut would work best. If that’s not your style, why not share your love for the website, www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com, where consumers can find excellent resources for all their beef questions. It’s really simple…if we are to be successful in the cattle industry, than the consumer needs to demand our beef products. Today’s challenge is to connect with someone and share your love of beef with that person. It only takes a minute, but it could be the deciding factor between a veggie pizza or steak fajitas for supper that night.
Yesterday, I ran across an excellent article to gear up for grilling season, and it should help give you a few talking points when you’re making conversation today with strangers. Printed by the Asheville Citizen-Times, the article was titled, Here’s the beef: Master the art of grilling 5 great cuts. It gives tips and tricks for grilling skirt steaks, tri-tip, flat iron, top strip loin and boneless ribeyes to heavenly perfection. Kudos to this media group for their positive coverage of America’s favorite protein!
Amanda Nolz May 19th, 2009
Slipping on a crisp apron, the confident chef grabs his gleaming stainless steel grilling tools. He lights the coals and lays his tender beef cut on the grill. The steak sizzles as the fire dances below. As the succulent steak is finished to a perfect medium rare, the chef knows he will soon bite into a little piece of heaven. Is your mouth watering yet? Good, that means you love a good steak on the grill just as much as me. Now, the challenge is to remind the consumers how much they love beef, too!It’s as easy as starting up a conversation in the grocery aisle. Perhaps you could recommend a good recipe or give advise on which cut would work best. If that’s not your style, why not share your love for the website, www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com, where consumers can find excellent resources for all their beef questions. It’s really simple…if we are to be successful in the cattle industry, than the consumer needs to demand our beef products. Today’s challenge is to connect with someone and share your love of beef with that person. It only takes a minute, but it could be the deciding factor between a veggie pizza or steak fajitas for supper that night.
Yesterday, I ran across an excellent article to gear up for grilling season, and it should help give you a few talking points when you’re making conversation today with strangers. Printed by the Asheville Citizen-Times, the article was titled, Here’s the beef: Master the art of grilling 5 great cuts. It gives tips and tricks for grilling skirt steaks, tri-tip, flat iron, top strip loin and boneless ribeyes to heavenly perfection. Kudos to this media group for their positive coverage of America’s favorite protein!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Supporting E-15 to EPA today
What A Move to E-15 Would Mean to Indiana. 05/12/2009by Gary Truitt
The Environmental Protection Agency is taking public comments on the request to increase the amount of ethanol in the US gasoline supply. Currently about 70% of the nation’s gasoline has 10% ethanol in it. The ethanol industry has requested the EPA increase that level to 15%. Greg Noble, manager of the POET biorefining plant in Jay County, told HAT this move would bring jobs and income to Indiana, “Nationally it will produce about 135,000 new jobs and pump $24 billion into the economy. Here in Indiana the move from 10% to 15% will put $607 million into the economy and create 3,400 new jobs.” He stressed these would be “green” jobs that could not be outsourced overseas. While not impacting a car’s performance, the move to 15% will have a big impact on the corn market, “It will create a greater demand for corn.” Noble said the time is coming soon when corn growers will need that source of increased demand to keep corn prices profitable. Noble urges the ag industry to get behind this move and write a letter of support to the EPA to counter the negative publicity that is being generated against renewable energy. He said this is a test to see just how much support there is for ethanol in ag and rural Indiana. Not only will a higher ethanol blend provide jobs and growth in corn demand, it will help revitalize the ethanol industry that has been suffering during the current recession. Noble said the increased use of ethanol will also reduce the amount of imported oil the US requires, “Moving to a 15% blend of ethanol in our gasoline supply would mean the US would have to import 700 billion fewer gallons of imported gasoline a year.”
The Environmental Protection Agency is taking public comments on the request to increase the amount of ethanol in the US gasoline supply. Currently about 70% of the nation’s gasoline has 10% ethanol in it. The ethanol industry has requested the EPA increase that level to 15%. Greg Noble, manager of the POET biorefining plant in Jay County, told HAT this move would bring jobs and income to Indiana, “Nationally it will produce about 135,000 new jobs and pump $24 billion into the economy. Here in Indiana the move from 10% to 15% will put $607 million into the economy and create 3,400 new jobs.” He stressed these would be “green” jobs that could not be outsourced overseas. While not impacting a car’s performance, the move to 15% will have a big impact on the corn market, “It will create a greater demand for corn.” Noble said the time is coming soon when corn growers will need that source of increased demand to keep corn prices profitable. Noble urges the ag industry to get behind this move and write a letter of support to the EPA to counter the negative publicity that is being generated against renewable energy. He said this is a test to see just how much support there is for ethanol in ag and rural Indiana. Not only will a higher ethanol blend provide jobs and growth in corn demand, it will help revitalize the ethanol industry that has been suffering during the current recession. Noble said the increased use of ethanol will also reduce the amount of imported oil the US requires, “Moving to a 15% blend of ethanol in our gasoline supply would mean the US would have to import 700 billion fewer gallons of imported gasoline a year.”
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Putnam County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Putnam County Farm Bureau's Annual meeting will be June 9th at 6pm in the Putnam County Fairgrounds Community Building. Randy Kron, Indiana FB Vice President, will be our guest speaker. The agenda is full and will follow another great meal by Lois Bixler. Please make plans to attend by contacting Farm Bureau at 653-9797 to make your reservations to help us prepare.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Dealing with Crop Diseases
Wet Sping May Bring Crop Disease 05/01/2009by Gary Truitt
There have been more days of rain than days of sun this spring in Indiana, and that is likely to bring on more crop diseases this year. Randy Myers, with Bayer Crop Science says a combination of factors will increase the likelihood of disease in corn and soybeans, “A wet sping will provide the chance for diseases to develop even though they may not show up until later in the year.” Another factor that will contribute to the increased likeliood of diseasses is the delay in planting, “Later p lanting will mean crops may be more vulnerable when the disease outbreak comes.” The use of fungicides by midwest growers is a relativly new occurrence, but Myers told HAT growers are getting better at managing these products, “The timing of the application and the rate used to be sort of hit and miss but now we hve a lot more experience.” He said application of products such as Stratego®, should be planned for and just a reaction when disease hits. He recomends application on corn around the brown silk stage and around R3 to R4 for soybeans. Stratego® fungicide offers broad-spectrum disease control under a wide range of environmental conditions in corn, soybeans, wheat, and other crops. With its unique plant surface retention and redistribution
There have been more days of rain than days of sun this spring in Indiana, and that is likely to bring on more crop diseases this year. Randy Myers, with Bayer Crop Science says a combination of factors will increase the likelihood of disease in corn and soybeans, “A wet sping will provide the chance for diseases to develop even though they may not show up until later in the year.” Another factor that will contribute to the increased likeliood of diseasses is the delay in planting, “Later p lanting will mean crops may be more vulnerable when the disease outbreak comes.” The use of fungicides by midwest growers is a relativly new occurrence, but Myers told HAT growers are getting better at managing these products, “The timing of the application and the rate used to be sort of hit and miss but now we hve a lot more experience.” He said application of products such as Stratego®, should be planned for and just a reaction when disease hits. He recomends application on corn around the brown silk stage and around R3 to R4 for soybeans. Stratego® fungicide offers broad-spectrum disease control under a wide range of environmental conditions in corn, soybeans, wheat, and other crops. With its unique plant surface retention and redistribution
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Unfairly portrayed??? I think not....
HSUS President Addresses Farm Broadcasters 04/28/2009
Tuesday U.S. farm broadcasters, meeting in Washington, D.C., heard from the President of the Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle. Pacelle says he believes his organization is a voice nationally to speak for dignity of animals. to make sure that all animals are treated humanely and that they have a chance to live a decent life. He adds that his group is being unfairly portrayed by agricultural groups and the ag media.HSUS policy is set by their board of directors, Pacelle said. They do not consider sound science research when they set policy for how they want animals to be cared for. Pacelle promised that HSUS was not going away and they would continue to pursue an agenda on the confinement of livestock across the country.The HSUS President cited the case of Colorado, where livestock interests in that state sat down with the HSUS with the two sides compromising on what they wanted animal confinement issues to look like in that state, and then took that compromise to the Legislature to be put into law. Similar discussions are underway in Ohio.
Tuesday U.S. farm broadcasters, meeting in Washington, D.C., heard from the President of the Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle. Pacelle says he believes his organization is a voice nationally to speak for dignity of animals. to make sure that all animals are treated humanely and that they have a chance to live a decent life. He adds that his group is being unfairly portrayed by agricultural groups and the ag media.HSUS policy is set by their board of directors, Pacelle said. They do not consider sound science research when they set policy for how they want animals to be cared for. Pacelle promised that HSUS was not going away and they would continue to pursue an agenda on the confinement of livestock across the country.The HSUS President cited the case of Colorado, where livestock interests in that state sat down with the HSUS with the two sides compromising on what they wanted animal confinement issues to look like in that state, and then took that compromise to the Legislature to be put into law. Similar discussions are underway in Ohio.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Facts about "Swine" Flu
Purdue expert: Swine flu has no connection to today's pigsNo pigs have been found with swine flu (H1N1) - only humans - but pork producers need to take precautionary measures to protect their herds from being infected with any flu virus, said a Purdue University veterinarian."Flu viruses are named after the first animal they were found in," said Sandy Amass. "This particular strain just happened to be discovered in pigs in 1930, and this is the only reason it's called swine flu. We don't even know if the virus found in humans will infect pigs."At this point, the new H1N1 virus has not been found in the U.S. pig population, said Amass, who specializes in swine production medicine. Amass has three recommendations for pork producers:* Do not permit people, including employees that have the flu or flulike symptoms, in or around barns.* Do not allow any visitors to the farm, especially international visitors who have had contact with other livestock.* If pigs show flu symptoms - coughing, runny nose, fever and a reduction in feed intake - call a veterinarian and have them tested."It's important to make sure your biosecurity procedures are being followed," Amass said. "If you have any concern, work with your vet because they know your operation best."For more information about swine flu and biosecurity measures, contact Amass at 765-494-8052, amass@purdue.edu. ###
Consumers can eat pork with no concern for swine fluShoppers should not shy away from pork products over concerns regarding reports of swine flu across the country, said Purdue University experts.Purdue Extension nutrition specialist Melissa Maulding said the flu virus is not a food-borne pathogen, and there is no risk to the food supply. "The flu is a virus that is transmitted through interaction with people," she said. "The biggest defense against catching the flu is to wash your hands."Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have indicated that influenza is not passed through food.Paul Ebner, assistant professor of animal sciences, said that while the current strain infecting humans is an H1N1 virus that is normally associated with pigs, it is not a classic swine virus. "It has changed, obviously in a dramatic way that has allowed it to more easily infect humans," he said. "Previously there were a few occurrences of humans catching the flu from pigs, but this strain is different."The Indiana Board of Animal Health confirms that this particular flu strain that is infecting humans has not been identified in Indiana's swine population.Hog futures fell sharply Monday (April 27) after reports that confirmed cases of swine flu in humans increased over the weekend in the United States. U.S. grains and oilseed prices also fell over concerns that any reduction in pork consumption would result in less demand for feed products to produce that pork. Purdue Extension economist Chris Hurt said the continuing economic impact on agriculture will depend on how the flu spreads through the human population and how the world responds."Swine flu will likely be an ongoing story over the next few weeks," he said. "We'll be watching to see whether other countries restrict pork imports, if the worlds' consumers reduce pork consumption and if the disease is significant enough to further jeopardize already fragile world economic growth." ###
Consumers can eat pork with no concern for swine fluShoppers should not shy away from pork products over concerns regarding reports of swine flu across the country, said Purdue University experts.Purdue Extension nutrition specialist Melissa Maulding said the flu virus is not a food-borne pathogen, and there is no risk to the food supply. "The flu is a virus that is transmitted through interaction with people," she said. "The biggest defense against catching the flu is to wash your hands."Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have indicated that influenza is not passed through food.Paul Ebner, assistant professor of animal sciences, said that while the current strain infecting humans is an H1N1 virus that is normally associated with pigs, it is not a classic swine virus. "It has changed, obviously in a dramatic way that has allowed it to more easily infect humans," he said. "Previously there were a few occurrences of humans catching the flu from pigs, but this strain is different."The Indiana Board of Animal Health confirms that this particular flu strain that is infecting humans has not been identified in Indiana's swine population.Hog futures fell sharply Monday (April 27) after reports that confirmed cases of swine flu in humans increased over the weekend in the United States. U.S. grains and oilseed prices also fell over concerns that any reduction in pork consumption would result in less demand for feed products to produce that pork. Purdue Extension economist Chris Hurt said the continuing economic impact on agriculture will depend on how the flu spreads through the human population and how the world responds."Swine flu will likely be an ongoing story over the next few weeks," he said. "We'll be watching to see whether other countries restrict pork imports, if the worlds' consumers reduce pork consumption and if the disease is significant enough to further jeopardize already fragile world economic growth." ###
Friday, April 24, 2009
New web site for Forestry
Check out the new website http://www.indianaforestproducts.com also listed with the sites on the right.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Avoiding Grass Tetany problems...
Expert: Beware of grass tetany, pasture bloat in cattle Beef producers should expand their knowledge about grass tetany and bloat to help keep their cows from expanding, said a Purdue University expert. The recent temperature change from cold to warm in the Eastern Corn Belt has many beef producers anxious to turn their cattle out to pasture. But Ron Lemenager, Purdue Extension beef nutrition specialist, said it presents some challenges and producers should manage their herds to prevent grass tetany and bloat. “Benjamin Franklin once said ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ and that is sure the case with these two abnormalities that we often see in some of the beef cow operations,” Lemenager said. Grass tetany, commonly called grass staggers or hypomagnesaemia, is a magnesium deficiency that usually occurs during a transition from cloudy, overcast and drizzly days to warmer temperatures, Lemenager said. Early lactating cows are the most susceptible, he said, with older cows considered more susceptible than those with their first or second calves. Older cows seem less capable of pulling magnesium reserves from their bones than younger cows, Lemenager said. He explained that when animals are deficient in magnesium they become highly excitable, which presents a challenge not only from the animal’s perspective, but also from an animal handling standpoint. So producer safety needs to be considered when moving these animals to be treated, he said. “Grass tetany incidents tend to increase in soils with higher potassium and nitrogen levels,” Lemenager said. “These are soils where maybe a lot of manure has been applied causing a mineral imbalance. “If suspicious, have your soil tested and forage analyzed. Forage containing less than 0.2 percent magnesium, more than 3 percent potassium and more than 4 percent nitrogen are likely to create grass tetany problems.” Lemenager recommended feeding a high magnesium supplement during this period of increased risk. A feed tag with an 8 to 10 percent magnesium content would be appropriate, he said. “Magnesium oxide is a common supplemental form of magnesium, but it is bitter and unpalatable, so something like molasses needs to be added to make it palatable,” he said. “Magnesium sulfate is another form and it’s more palatable, but can cause problems if a producer has been feeding byproducts such as corn gluten or dried distillers grains with solubles. This combination is too high in sulfur and can create additional problems.” Animals that have had grass tetany are more prone to grass tetany in the future, Lemenager pointed out. Producers need to think about how they are going to manage an animal that has had grass tetany in the future—whether culling it from the herd, feeding it differently or keeping a closer eye on it, he said. The second unrelated challenge producers face is pasture bloat, often called frothy bloat, a condition in which an animal is unable to get rid of gas that is a normal part of rumen fermentation. “The gas is not a free gas,” he said. “It’s actually entrapped in foam bubbles and the animal can’t get rid of it, which causes extreme discomfort and can suffocate the animal.” Pastures that are a 50/50 mix of legume/grass can help prevent both grass tetany and pasture bloat, Lemenager said. “Because bloat is more of a problem with legume pastures, particularly alfalfa and clover, it’s important to make sure the animals are full when you turn them out to pasture,” he said. “Even feeding a couple pounds of grain will help. “It’s best to not send cattle out on wet pastures. Make sure the dew is off or, if it just rained, make sure it has dried up before you put the animals out—dry forage is better than wet forage.” He added that when rotating cattle to new pasture, make sure they are full on the old pasture before moving to the new. Time rotation so that there is still forage left in the old pasture and so that animals aren’t hungry going to the new pasture. Lemenager also said an anti-bloat agent such as Poloxalene can be fed (2-4 grams per 100 pounds of live weight) and should be fed three days to a week before cattle go to grass, and then during the time period when the animal is most susceptible to bloat. Rumensin also has been shown to be of some value in minimizing bloat, he said. Another management practice that can help is planting birdsfoot trefoil—one of the non-bloating legumes—when renovating pastures. Producers also need to make sure their animals are getting enough nutrients to meet their requirements, because while the grass is greening up and it’s growing rapidly, it contains a lot of water, Lemenager said. “This means the nutrients are diluted, which can create some challenges from the animal’s ability to eat enough to meet their nutritional requirements,” he said. “I can’t stress prevention enough,” Lemenager said. For more information about grass tetany and pasture bloat, visit http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/beef/, or contact Lemenager at 765-494-4817, rpl@purdue.edu. ###
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