Vice President Biden announced yesterday the availability of $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring broadband service to un-served and underserved communities across America. This is the first round of Recovery Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access to help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building out Internet infrastructure. Vice President Biden was joined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Seneca High School in Wattsburg, Pa., the first stop on the President's National Rural Tour.
"Today's announcement is a first step toward realizing President Obama's vision of a nationwide 21st-century communications infrastructure - one that encourages economic growth, enhances America's global competitiveness and helps address many of America's most pressing challenges," said Vice President Biden.
The Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to accelerate broadband deployment in areas of the country that have been without the high-speed infrastructure. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion to deploy broadband infrastructure in un-served and underserved areas in the United States, expand public computer center capacity and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. RUS will invest $2.5 billion to facilitate broadband deployment in rural communities.
"The Department of Agriculture's Broadband Initiatives Program will bring high-speed Internet service to communities across the country, create thousands of jobs, and improve economic, healthcare, and educational opportunities available in rural communities," Vilsack said.
"This funding is a down payment on the President's commitment to bring the educational and economic benefits of the internet to all communities."
NTIA and RUS will be accepting applications for loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to be awarded by each agency under a single application form. This collaborative approach will ensure that the agencies' activities are complementary and integrated, make the best use of taxpayer funds and make it easier for applicants to apply for funding. This is the first of three rounds of funding the Agriculture and Commerce Departments will provide.
Vice President Biden also announced that Commerce and USDA officials will host public workshops in July to share information about the funding availabilities and the application process. Forums will be held in Boston, Mass.; Charleston, W.Va.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Memphis, Tenn.; Lonoke, Ark.; Birmingham, Ala.; Billings, Mont.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Los Angeles, Calif.
Applications will be accepted beginning July 14, 2009, through 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 14, 2009. The complete details of this Notice of Funding Availability are available at www.broadbandusa.gov.
Post 07-01-2009 by Barn Staff
Pioneer Expert Weighs in on Ohio Crop Conditions
Our Gary Jackson caught up with Jerron Shmoll of Pioneer to discuss crop conditions thus far and bring growers up-to-speed on the latest progress and concerns.
Interact with researchers at the 2009 Agronomy Field Day
This year, organizers hope an expanded Agronomy Field Day will attract even more participants than usual.
The event, set for Wednesday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Western Agricultural Research Station, 7721 South Charleston Pike, South Charleston, Ohio, will include the opportunity for farmers and other participants to meet and talk with researchers in small groups.
"For the past two years, we've done afternoon wagon tours through the plots," said Harold Watters, Ohio State University Extension educator in agriculture and natural resources. "This year, we'll do wagon tours in the morning, have lunch, and then offer the opportunity for participants to go back into the fields with one of the researchers for a more in-depth, almost one-on-one session."
The cost is $15 to cover the lunch, materials and other expenses. Included in the fee are educational credits for Certified Crop Advisor and Pesticide Applicator Training recertification.
Jonah Johnson, who is also an OSU Extension educator in agriculture and natural resources and is organizing the event with Watters, said the field day is planned as a "higher-caliber educational opportunity. In the past, we've noticed that a lot of people have questions during the wagon tours, but there's not always the opportunity to get all of those questions answered. This year, we're offering the opportunity for more in-depth questions. They'll be able to pick the researchers' brains a bit."
Johnson asks that participants register by July 15 by sending a check (payable to "OSU Extension, Clark County," with "Agronomy Field Day" in the memo line) to his attention at OSU Extension Clark County, 4400 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, Springfield, OH 45502. A flier about the event with a registration form is available on Clark County Extension's Web site at http://clark.osu.edu , or participants can send a check and contact information to the Clark County Extension office.
Topics for the day include:
* Integrated Disease Management in Ohio Corn Production, by Pierce Paul, cereal grains pathologist with OARDC and OSU Extension.
* Alfalfa Fertility Based on Removal Rates and Fertilizer Sources, by Mark Sulc, forage specialist with OARDC and OSU Extension.
* Field Crop Insect Update for 2009: Rootworms, Western Bean Cutworm, and Aphids, by Andrew Michel, entomologist with OARDC and OSU Extension.
* Mid-Season Diagnostics: What to Look for in Foliar Diseases, and Are We at Risk for Asian Soybean Rust? by Anne Dorrance, soybean pathologist with OARDC and OSU Extension.
* Cover Crops and Nitrogen Management, by Robert Mullen, soil fertility specialist with OARDC and OSU Extension.Weed Control Issues for 2009, by Mark Loux, weed specialist with OARDC and OSU Extension.
* How Corn Plants Can Recover from Weather-Related Injuries, by Peter Thomison, corn specialist with OARDC and OSU Extension.
Conditions Ideal for Serious Tomato/Potato Disease Found in Ohio
Late blight, a potentially devastating disease of tomato and potato, has been found in Ohio and may threaten home gardens and commercial operations alike -- particularly as wet, cool weather conditions this week in most of the Buckeye state will create a favorable environment for the spread of the fungal pathogen that causes this disease.
Responsible for the Irish potato famine of the 1840s, late blight has caused widespread crop damage across the United States and Canada since 1990. If left unmanaged, this disease -- which is transmitted via spores -- can result in complete destruction of tomato or potato crops. Ohio is one of the country's top tomato growers, with annual production valued at more than $130 million for both fresh and processing tomatoes; the state also produces some 100 million pounds of potatoes a year.
Late blight thrives under weather conditions such as those expected in most of Ohio this week: nights in the 50s F and days in the 70s F, accompanied by rain, fog or heavy dew. Under those conditions, lesions may appear on leaves within three to five days of infection, followed by white mold growth soon after. Spores formed on the mold are spread readily by irrigation, rain and equipment. These spores can also be easily dislodged by wind and rain and can be blown into neighboring fields within five to 10 miles or more, beginning another cycle of disease.
"Now that the disease has showed up in Ohio, it is likely that it will affect a lot of home gardeners," said Sally Miller, a plant pathologist and vegetable crops specialist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) and OSU Extension. "If these home gardeners don't control it well, a lot of inoculum (spores) may be floating around if weather conditions (cool and wet) favor the disease. This inoculum can be a threat to commercial tomato and potato producers."
The current outbreak was first reported on tomato plants sold at garden centers and on tomatoes at home gardens and farms in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania; it was also found on potatoes from Pennsylvania. In Ohio, late blight was confirmed in a non-commercial tomato sample on June 25. Because infested tomato plants were traced to a garden center chain that has numerous stores across Ohio and the country, diseased plants may have already turned up in people's vegetable gardens.
For testing of suspected late blight-infested plant tissue, contact your local OSU Extension office. You may also call Miller's lab at 330-263-3838 (Wooster) or the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (Columbus) at 614-292-5006.
Ohio farmers planted an estimated 3.4 million acres of corn this past spring based on a June 1 Agricultural Survey conducted by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Ohio Field Office. This is up 100,000 acres from the previous year. Growers intend to harvest 3.17 million acres for grain, up 50,000 acres from 2008.
Soybean planted acreage for the Buckeye State is estimated at 4.6 million acres for 2009, up 100,000 acres from last year. Harvested acreage is forecast at 4.58 million acres.
Winter wheat planted acreage is estimated at 1.06 million acres, down 60,000 acres from the previous year. Harvested grain acreage is forecast at 1 million acres, compared to the 1.09 million acres harvested in 2008. Planted oat acreage is estimated at 65,000 for 2009, down 10,000 acres from the previous year. Growers intend to harvest 50,000 acres for grain.
Total dry hay acreage is forecast at 1.18 million acres, up 40,000 acres from the previous year. This includes alfalfa, grain, and all other types of hay. Burley tobacco acreage is forecast at 3,200 acres in 2009,
down 200 acres from 2008.
U.S. corn planted area for all purposes in 2009 is estimated at 87.0 million acres, up 1 percent from last year but 7 percent below 2007. This is the second largest planted acreage since 1946, behind 2007.
U.S. soybean planted area for 2009 is estimated at a record high 77.5 million acres, up 2 percent from last year. Area for harvest, at 76.5 million acres, is up 3 percent from 2008, and will be the largest
harvested area on record, if realized.
U.S. all wheat planted area is estimated at 59.8 million acres, down 5 percent from 2008. The 2009 winter wheat planted area, at 43.4 million acres, is 6 percent below last year but up 1 percent from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 31.4 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 8.4 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.6 million acres are White Winter.
U.S. planted oat acreage seeded to oats for the 2009 crop year totaled 3.16 million acres, down 2 percent from the previous year and is the lowest on record. Growers expect to harvest 1.43 million acres for grain, up 2 percent from 2008 but is the second lowest on record. U.S. hay producers intend to harvest 60.2 million acres of all hay in 2009, up slightly from 2008. Expected harvested area of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures, at 21.0 million acres, is up 2,000 acres from 2008. U.S. burley tobacco, at 98,800 acres, is 1 percent above last year's record low.
Post 06-30-2009 by Barn Staff
Ohio Sheep Day Brings Latest Research July 11 in Noble County
Sheep producers will have an invaluable opportunity to learn about the latest research and hands-on management practices at this year's Ohio Sheep Day, which will be held July 11 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station near Belle Valley, in the rolling hills of Noble County.
The event -- sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA), and the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program -- will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 for OSIA members and $15 for non-members; a lamb luncheon is included with registration.
The 2009 Ohio Sheep Day will cover various aspects of forage production and utilization, alternative feeds, sheep genetics and health issues, predator management, and marketing. Vendors/exhibitors dealing with all aspects of sheep production will also be onsite.
Field day presentations include:
- "Utilization of Annuals and Perennials in a Pasture Management System -- What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?" Bob Hendershot, grasslands specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS); and Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension educator in agriculture and natural resources.
- "Marketing to the Ethnic Population: What Are They buying?" Katherine Harrison-Haley, owner-operator, Blystone Farms, Canal Winchester.
- "Risky Behavior: Do You Take Risks with Your Parasite Program?" Bill Shulaw, OSU Extension beef/sheep specialist.
- "Managing Coyotes and Black Vultures in Ohio," Jeff Pelc, wildlife officer, USDA Wildlife Services; David Schott, Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District wildlife/forestry specialist; Mike Dyer, private Ohio trapper.
- "Lamb Carcass Cutting and Lamb Cooking Demonstrations," Paul Kuber, OSU Extension meat specialist; and Nick Forrest, board member, American Lamb Board.
There will also be tours of the Eastern Agricultural Research Station's sheep handling and other research facilities as well as discussions about the station's forage, grazing and management operations. One of OARDC's 10 outlying agricultural research stations throughout Ohio, Eastern conducts forage, beef cattle and sheep research critical to the economic well-being of Appalachian counties.
The Eastern Agricultural Research Station is located at 16870 Township Rd. 126, two miles east of Belle Valley. Take exit 28 off Interstate 77, turn south on State Route 821, turn east (left) on State Route 215, go about one mile and turn right onto Band Ridge Rd. (Township Rd. 126).
For additional information, contact Roger High, OSU Extension sheep specialist and executive director of OSIA and the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program, at 614-292-0589 or high.1@osu.edu; or go to www.ohiosheep.org.
In addition to the Ohio Sheep Day, the Ohio Forage and Grassland Council (OFGC) and the Small Farm Institute will be sponsoring a tour of Noble County sheep farms July 10. Tour cost is $30 for OFGC members and $35 for non-members, and it includes bus transportation, lunch and refreshments. Registration forms are available at www.smallfarminstitute.org.
Post 06-30-2009 by Barn Staff
USDA Ohio Crop Progress Report
As of Sunday June 28, ninety-nine percent of winter wheat was turning color, three percent ahead of last year and the five-year average (2004-2008). Seventeen percent of winter wheat was ripe, five percent ahead of last year, but eight percent behind the five-year average. Winter wheat harvest is four percent complete, two percent ahead of last year, and one percent ahead of the five-year average. Corn is emerged, but less than one percent is tasseled. Six percent of soybeans were bloomed, three percent ahead of last year, but four percent behind the five-year average. Oats were 90 percent headed, the same as last year and one percent ahead of the five-year average. Four percent of oats were ripe, two percent ahead of last year, and one percent ahead of the five-year average. Seven percent of summer apple harvest was completed. Ninety-five percent of the cucumber acreage was planted, compared to 88 percent last year, and 80 percent for the five-year average. Strawberries were 89 percent harvested, compared to 85 percent last year and 89 percent for the five-year average.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay was 96 percent complete, compared to 92 percent last year and 93 percent for the five-year average. The second cutting of alfalfa hay was 27 percent complete, compared to 14 percent last year and 19 percent for the five-year average. Eighty-seven percent of the first cutting of other hay was complete, compared to 80 percent last year and 85 percent for the five-year average. The second cutting of other hay was 11 percent complete, which was seven percent ahead of last year, and two percent behind the five-year average.
CROP AND LIVESTOCK CONDITION
Corn condition was rated at 72 percent in fair-to-good condition, down two percent from last week. Hay condition was rated at 77 percent in fair-to-good condition, up 3 percent from last week. Eighty-three percent of the livestock were in fair-to-good condition, the same as last week. The condition of the Oat crop was rated at 85 percent in fair-to-good condition, down two percent from last week. Pasture condition was rated at 81 percent in fair-to-good condition, down one percent from last week. The Soybean condition was rated at 78 percent in fair-to-good condition, down one percent from last week. Strawberries were rated 80 percent in fair-to-good condition, up eight percent from last week. Seventy-two percent of the winter wheat acreage was rated in fair-to-good condition, down one percent from last week.
Post 06-30-2009 by Barn Staff
Overall Crop Prices Up in June
According to the USDA June Agricultural Price Report, overall crop prices increased 3.8 percent from May to June. Prices were up dramatically for soybeans, fruits and vegetables, though prices were down for wheat, corn and feed grain.
The deadline for registering for the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program is August 14, but many farmers are still unsure if it will benefit them.
According to Ohio State University Agricultural Economist Carl Zulauf, it is essential for Midwestern producers to study the program before it is too late.
The latest USDA report on the American hog inventory showed a decrease due to increasing input costs and decreasing pork demand. ABN's Andy Vance reports.
The future of the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a joint marketing venture of the the United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Soybean Association, has been put into question by a June 21st memo to USB directors. ABN's Andy Vance reports.
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 219-212 in favor of the Waxman-Markey Bill. ABN's Andy Vance discusses and the bill's potential impact on American agriculture.
Ohio Senate votes unanimously in favor of Livestock Care Standards Board
The Ohio Senate has unanimously approved a resolution that would allow voters to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, which would provide oversight of how farm animals are raised.
The House approved its version of the resolution yesterday by a vote of 84-13.
The final version of the resolution, once approved, will put the measure on the November ballot.
The board will comprise a broad base of experts in livestock and poultry care, including family farmers, veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, members from statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college and members representing Ohio consumers.
Over the past several months, OFBF and other agricultural groups had engaged in extensive discussions on how to best achieve farm animal well-being while protecting the state’s farmers and consumers from restrictive, short-sighted and emotionally driven regulations. Such regulations had been pushed by activists in other states and Ohio was expected to be the next target.
“Animal care is a top priority for Ohio farmers – it’s the right thing to do and it keeps our animals safe, healthy and disease-free,” said Bob Peterson, a Fayette County farmer and an Ohio Farm Bureau state trustee. “Ohio’s livestock and poultry farmers recognize that we must do more than what is expected of us and that our consumers deserve to be reassured that their food is produced responsibly and animals are well cared for.”
Post 06-24-2009 by Barn Staff
Ohio Fair and Festival Tour Stops at the Putnam County Fair
ABN's Gary Jackson visited the Putnam County Fair in Ottawa this week. Thank you to the
Ohio farm families today joined lawmakers in support of a measure that would help ensure animal well-being, consumer choice and the availability of Ohio-grown food.
The Ohio House and Senate agriculture committees passed joint resolutions that would allow Ohio to create a Livestock Care Standards Board that would oversee decisions about how farm animals are raised. The Ohio House later approved the resolution by a vote of 84-13.
Passage of the resolution would put the measure before voters in November.
“Animal care is a top priority for Ohio farmers – it’s the right thing to do and it keeps our animals safe, healthy and disease-free,” said Bob Peterson, a Fayette County farmer and an Ohio Farm Bureau state trustee, during Senate testimony. “Ohio’s livestock and poultry farmers recognize that we must do more than what is expected of us and that our consumers deserve to be reassured that their food is produced responsibly and animals are well cared for.”
"Any individual or organization who is truly interested in the well-being and care of Ohio’s livestock and poultry will join us in supporting (the resolution)"
Kim Davis, a Carroll County farmer and Ohio Farm Bureau Trustee, told House lawmakers that the board would “help Ohio farmers continue to provide excellent care for our animals, while also ensuring safe, affordable and locally raised food.”
The board will include a broad base of experts in livestock and poultry care, including family farmers, veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, members of statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college and members representing Ohio consumers.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has pushed well-financed and emotionally charged ballot measures to restrict livestock practices in other states, opposed the resolution. After the board was announced, HSUS threatened to launch a $10 million campaign in Ohio to illegalize certain farm practices, according to an Associated Press article.
However, the animal rights group faced tough questions during the hearings. One lawmaker characterized its effort as “disingenuous” and said HSUS has threatened the citizen initiative process by buying its way onto the ballot in other states. Another questioned the group’s ties to local humane societies, and as to why HSUS would be opposed to a board intended to allow thoughtful consideration of animal care issues and to keep decisions about Ohio’s food supply in the hands of experts.
“We believe that any individual or organization who is truly interested in the well-being and care of Ohio’s livestock and poultry will join us in supporting (the resolution), which will ensure that this debate is kept current and open to public input,” Peterson said.
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