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.

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." ###

New web site for Forestry

Check out the new website http://www.indianaforestproducts.com also listed with the sites on the right.

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. ###

Purple panels - Emerald ash borer locator

Purple panel traps help detect devastating invasive insect Emerald ash borer has had a devastating affect on the ash tree population of Indiana and that is why state and federal agencies are once again using purple panel traps as part of a detection survey throughout the state. The traps, which are bright purple and resemble box kites, are baited with manuka and phoebe oils and lined with glue, which attract and trap nearby emerald ash borers (EAB). "The EAB population has been increasing in Indiana," said Jodie Ellis, Purdue University entomologist. "As that happens, the purple panel trap program becomes even more vital because it helps us locate infestations and quarantine infested areas appropriately." The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service sponsor the survey program, which will include 3,125 traps, the highest concentration of which will be placed in high-risk areas near the Ohio River in the southern part of the state. "These traps ultimately help us protect non-infested areas of our state and the states that surround us," Ellis said. "Once we know where the insect is located, we can help residents understand how to protect valuable trees, choose replacement trees and inform them of ways to slow EAB's spread." In high-risk areas, the state survey also will include the use of 225 trap trees, which are ash trees that have been wounded to attract emerald ash borers already in the area. "Another important survey tool, especially at this time of the year, is visual observation and reporting by area residents," said Phil Marshall, state entomologist with IDNR. "It is especially important to report trees with heavy woodpecker activity. Woodpeckers knock off the bark in search of EAB larvae, which they eat." Woodpeckers tend to attack high in the tree, where they knock off bark ridges, giving the bark a mauve color. Residents also can look for other signs of emerald ash borer, such as small D-shaped exit holes in an ash tree's bark, die-back of the tree's leaves or water shoots sprouting around the bottom of the tree trunk. To report a find, call (866) NO EXOTIC (663-9684). For more information on emerald ash borer detection surveys and symptoms of infestation, visit http://www.entm.purdue.edu/eab.

Where are the camera's now....

Calving season is wrapping up at Rocking P Ranch. Although breeding season has begun (through artificial insemination) we have two cows that for one reason or another were scheduled to calve later than the others. One of the cows was due to calve Monday, so my husband vigilantly watched for signs that the cow was nearing parturition.
As her time drew near Sunday morning, Jim knew by the cow’s behavior that something wasn’t quite right. He called our veterinarian with a “head’s up” that we might need his help if there were indeed complications with the birth. A friend who is also a cattleman came by to see if he could be of assistance. By 9:30am, it was time to stick an arm in to determine the position of the calf. When a tail was felt instead of front legs, it was obvious the calf was breech and we would need more help.
Doc got the message on his cell phone as he left church. He arrived at our place minutes later with wife and kids along. Leaving a basketball game to make a farm call or making a farm call on the way home from church is not an unusual occurrence for this dedicated animal doctor and his family.
Three hours later when all was said and done, two stillborn calves lie in the walking alley of the barn and a cow with a torn uterus lie in the stall, barely hanging on to life. Despite valiant effort by three grown men, the calves were lost and the cow drew her final breath Monday night.
I am certain that any of you who raise or have raised livestock have similar experiences in your life story. You know that it makes no difference how closely you watch and tightly you manage, the man or woman responsible for the care and well-being of the livestock cannot control every situation.
Replaying the Sunday afternoon scene in my mind, I have some mixed emotions. While animal agriculture in the country is under attack and vigilante vegetarians with video cameras slither into livestock farms, hoping to expose abuse and mistreatment of animals, there are so many of us out here doing the right thing.
Where was the video camera when those three men fought to save the lives of the calves and the cow for three hours Sunday? No video camera captured the obvious disappointment in the eyes of all three men as they walked out of the barn, heads hanging in defeat, physically and emotionally exhausted.
No video cameras were rolling when Jim carried buckets of water to the cow, talking to her in the soothing voice of a man who truly cares for his livestock. There were no pictures taken as he stroked the cow’s rump and thanked her for all she had done for us, doing what he could to make her comfortable in her final hours.
While we mourn the loss of a good cow, we also take a sizeable economic hit. It adds up quickly when you figure in the cost of keeping the bred cow for a year, the cost of the drugs, the vet’s farm call and the loss of the cow and her future productivity. As a man of husbandry, Jim did not once consider just letting the cow die or ending its life when it was confirmed the calf was breech and big enough that it’s birth would probably take the cow’s life as well.
My husband is trained and experienced in animal husbandry, but he also has this innate knowledge and connection with livestock that simply amazes me. He can diagnose a cow’s condition from across the pasture and sense their needs as though they are talking to him. It is an awesome thing to see.
As HSUS and PETA spend millions of dollars to convince the unknowing public that those of us who raise livestock are irresponsible and barbaric, I ask again, where are the video cameras when we’re checking cows in ten below zero temperatures in the middle of the night?
How do you want the world to see animal agriculture in this country? If you want them to know the truth – to know your story – you’re going to have to tell it. Write a letter. Make a call. Take some pictures and shoot some of your own video.
We can’t let them win.

Don't throw Japanese Yew trimmings over the fence!

Don't Let Spring Yard Cleanup Kill Your Cows
It's the time of year when lots of people perform yard and home cleanup. Most cattlemen are aware that various yard “trimmings” can be toxic to cattle, but in progressively urbanizing states, neighboring homeowners may not be aware that some yard vegetation can be deadly when consumed by livestock. Stan Smith, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, says in the April 8 OSU Beef Cattle Letter that it behooves farm owners, and especially cattlemen, to establish acquaintance with neighbors, sharing with them seasonal concerns. “Perhaps during this time of year, the greatest risk may come from those who need a place to discard their yew bush trimmings. As little as ½lb. of yew trimmings, consumed by a 500-lb. calf can be fatal,” he says. The most common symptom of poisoning from this evergreen ornamental bush is sudden death within 24 hours, he adds, though occasionally death may be precluded by respiratory difficulty, shaking or muscle weakness. As there’s no known antidote for yew poisoning, prevention is critical. As spring progresses and new plants begin rapid spring growth, additional vegetation with the potential to harm livestock will emerge and leaf out, Smith says. For more info on plant toxicity, go to www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/comlist.htm.

Wind Energy meeting

Commercial wind energy meeting planned in Kosciusko County

Kosciusko County Farm Bureau and the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation will host a meeting on Wednesday, April 15, to provide information about commercial wind energy development to landowners, local officials and other interested citizens.
Two speakers will be featured. Jimmy Bricker, Purdue Extension educator and director from Benton County, will discuss lessons learned from the Benton County wind development projects while Justin Schneider, staff attorney with Indiana Farm Bureau, will address concerns with easements and leases for commercial wind energy development. Representatives of J.D. Great Lakes Wind have been invited to attend.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in the Shrine Building. Refreshments will be provided.
No RSVP is necessary and Farm Bureau membership is not required to attend.
For more information, contact Kosciusko County Farm Bureau President Jon Goon, 574-453-0409.

DCP and ACRE program sign-up extension

USDA Extends Sign-Up For DCP And ACRE
USDA announced an extension to Aug. 14 of the sign-up deadline for both the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the forthcoming Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “Extending the DCP and ACRE sign-up deadline will help ensure that America's farmers have enough information and time to determine whether to participate in the ACRE Program. The DCP and ACRE programs play a critical role in the farm safety net and it is vital that we act to support the hard work of the farmers we depend on.” -- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, DC correspondent

New Director of ISDA-DSC from Greencastle

Jerod Chew is New Director of ISDA-Division of Soil Conservation 03/31/2009
There is a new Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture-Division of Soil Conservation. Jerod Chew will begin his new position effective Monday, April 6, 2009. For more than seven years, Chew has had various roles in the Division of Soil Conservation. The last four years he has served as Assistant Director of the ISDA-DSC and has been responsible for managing the Division’s field staff and technical services.The mission of the ISDA-DSC is to provide technical, financial, and educational assistance needed to implement economically and environmentally compatible land and water stewardship decisions, practices, and technologies. The ISDA-DSC employs district support specialists and resource specialists across the state who work with local, state and federal partners to implement resource stewardship projects.Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Agriculture Becky Skillman said, “Jerod has a strong commitment to conservation. His dedication to Indiana’s soil and water resources and the partnerships that get conservation on the land will play an essential role in moving our resource stewardship initiatives forward.”Indiana Agriculture Director Anne Hazlett told HAT, “We are very excited about the background and passion that Jerod will bring to this position in conservation. We really see conservation playing an increased priority for the department in the next four years. There is a lot of opportunity and challenge right now in production agriculture in this area, and certainly Jerod’s expertise will make him well suited for this position.
Chew’s experience also includes working as an Outdoor Educator for Bradford Woods, a wildlife research assistant for Indiana State University, and in various natural resources education positions.“It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to this position,” said Chew. “I look forward to the opportunity to further serve Indiana agriculture and communities across the state in my new capacity.”Chew is a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Life Science with an Ecology emphasis. He currently lives in Greencastle with his wife Amy and sons Keaton and Landon.