Inside PDA: July 23, 2010

July 23, 2010

Message from Russell C. Redding
Agriculture Secretary
I often say to folks that if they like to eat, they are part of ag. At its essence, ag and its related industries in PA provide food and fiber to millions of people here and around the globe. Part of the mission of providing that food also means making sure that the foods people consume are safe. With that goal in mind, for nearly 15 years our state has developed and utilized the PA Egg Quality Assurance Program, or PEQAP. Egg producers of the more than 330 flocks enrolled in PEQAP are assuring the highest quality of their eggs and taking steps to prevent Salmonella enteritidis contamination. PA has communicated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as federal officials used PEQAP as a model to develop a national egg safety rule, which took effect on July 9. The ingenuity shown with PEQAP is now set to benefit much of the United States; people around the nation are taking notice as we keep Pennsylvania growing.

Conservationists Recognized For Work
The State Conservation Commission honored PA individuals and organizations Tuesday for their dedication to protecting PA's natural resources. Distinguished Service Awards went to John T. Hines of DEP and former PSU College of Ag Sciences dean Dr. Robert Steele. The Leadership Excellence Award was given to Paul Swartz of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the Lancaster Co. Conservation District was named Outstanding District. Other recognitions included the "Team Visit" and county district attendance awards.

Ram Lamb, Meat Goat Buck Sale Set
The 32nd Performance Test Ram Lamb and 8th Performance Tested Meat Goat Buck sale is set for Aug. 7 at the Livestock Evaluation Center in PA Furnace. Producers from PA and other states will sell 47 ram lambs and 36 meat goat bucks. Contact the LEC for a sale catalog or more info at 814-238-2527.

Assistance Available for Crop Damage in Some Areas
Federal assistance is available for farmers in western and south-central PA who had crop damage due to a late-season frost and hail storm in May. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) for eligible farmers. For detailed info contact the state FSA office at 717-237-1114 or contact a local FSA office.

PDA Proposes Stronger Canine Health Regulations
To protect dogs in PA's commercial breeding kennels, PDA is proposing new regulations to IRRC that will mandate solid flooring for nursing dogs. The Dog Law allows puppies to have wire flooring to help them maintain good health. These regulations will expand solid flooring in a living enclosure while mother dogs are giving birth and nursing puppies.

Ag Organizations, Producers Needed for Focus Group
PA's Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission is seeking producers and ag organization reps to participate in a focus group on animal health needs and priorities in the state. The group will gather Thursday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. at PDA in Harrisburg. To register, call 717-772-2852.

Sec. Redding Visits County Fairs
Tuesday, Sec. Redding visited the 145th Jacktown Fair in Greene Co. to present Buck Burns with a Fair Ambassador Award. Wednesday, he joined PA Fair Queen Casey Hall at the Jefferson Co. Fair dairy show. PA is home to 115 county and community fairs. See the complete 2010 PA Fair Guide to find a fair near you.

State's Beekeepers Gather in NW PA
Tomorrow, Sec. Redding will join the PA Beekeepers Assoc., for its annual summer picnic in Erie. He will provide an update on PDA initiatives and highlight the important role bees play in fruit, plant and crop production in PA.

Did You Know?
More than 7,000 acres of snap beans are grown in PA each year for a harvest of more than 27,000 tons. The legume got its name because of the crisp 'snap' sound it makes when broken. Also called green beans or string beans, there are more than 100 different varieties from which to choose.

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Sec. Redding presents the 2010 Egg Month proclamation. PA has the fourth largest egg industry in the nation.

Ag&Rural Youth Grants
Cumberland Valley FFA received $1,200 to purchase a quality dissecting microscope to support landscape and nursery management curriculum in ninth grade agriscience classes.

Center for Beef Excellence
Stocker operations take newly weaned calves from a cow-calf operation and prepare them to enter the feedlot. Learn more about these production practices here.

Center for Dairy Excellence
Two “Open House and Dairy Tours” are set for next week – Tuesday, July 27 at Woodedge Dairy in Reedsville, Mifflin Co., and Thursday, July 29 at Zylstra Dairy Farm in Friedens, Somerset Co.

Center for Farm Transitions
Parents can help secure the financial future of farming heirs by developing a transfer plan, offering a purchase agreement, providing protection in your will and obtaining adequate life insurance. For more free and confidential info, call 887-475-2686.

PA Preferred
It’s the perfect time to find fresh produce at your local farm market or grocery store. Support your local farmer and purchase PA Preferred products.