USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for May 2017

USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for May 2017 05/01/2017 10:00 AM EDT WASHINGTON, May 1, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation today announced interest rates for May 2017. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for May is 1.000 percent, unchanged from 1.000 percent in April.

Sonny Perdue was sworn in as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Washington, D.C., April 25, 2017) – Sonny Perdue was sworn in as the 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by fellow Georgian and Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a brief ceremony today at the Supreme Court building. The U.S. Senate confirmed Secretary Perdue by a vote of 87-to-11 on Monday evening. After Secretary Perdue took the oath of office, he addressed employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) before getting to work on his first day. Also this morning, USDA launched his official Twitter handle: @SecretarySonny. “The only legacy that I seek is the only one that any grandparent or parent seeks – to be good stewards, and to hand off our nation, our home, our fields, our forests, and our farms to the next generation in better shape than we found it,” Perdue said. “Making sure that Americans who make their livelihoods in the agriculture industry have the ability to thrive will be one of my top priorities. I am committed to serving the customers of USDA, and I will be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.” Perdue’s policies as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture will be guided by four principles which will inform his decisions. First, he will maximize the ability of the men and women of America’s agriculture and agribusiness sector to create jobs, to produce and sell the foods and fiber that feed and clothe the world, and to reap the earned reward of their labor. It should be the aim of the American government to remove every obstacle and give farmers, ranchers, and producers every opportunity to prosper. Second, he will prioritize customer service every day for American taxpayers and consumers. They will expect, and have every right to demand, that their government conduct the people’s business efficiently, effectively, and with the utmost integrity. Third, as Americans expect a safe and secure food supply, USDA will continue to serve in the critical role of ensuring the food we put on the table to feed our families meets the strict safety standards we’ve established. Food security is a key component of national security, because hunger and peace do not long coexist. And fourth, Perdue will always remember that America’s agricultural bounty comes directly from the land. And today, those land resources sustain more than 320 million Americans and countless millions more around the globe. Perdue’s father’s words still ring true: We’re all stewards of the land, owned or rented, and our responsibility is to leave it better than we found it. “As secretary, I will champion the concerns of farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers, and will work tirelessly to solve the issues facing our farm families,” Perdue said. “I am proud to have been given this opportunity and look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work as we continue to move the USDA and our nation forward.” Upon nominating Secretary Perdue in January, President Donald J. Trump said, “Sonny Perdue is going to accomplish great things as Secretary of Agriculture. From growing up on a farm to being governor of a big agriculture state, he has spent his whole life understanding and solving the challenges our farmers face, and he is going to deliver big results for all Americans who earn their living off the land.” About Secretary Perdue: Sonny Perdue came by his knowledge of agriculture the old fashioned way: he was born into a farming family in Bonaire, Georgia. From childhood, and through his life in business and elected office, Perdue has experienced the industry from every possible perspective. Uniquely qualified as a former farmer, agribusinessman, veterinarian, state legislator, and governor of Georgia, he became the 31st United States Secretary of Agriculture on April 25, 2017. Additionally, Perdue recognizes that American agriculture needs a strong advocate to promote its interests to international markets. The United States is blessed to be able to produce more than its citizens can consume, which implies that we should sell the bounty around the world. The relationship between the USDA and its trade representatives, as well as with the U.S. Trade Representative and Department of Commerce, will be vital. The work of promoting American agricultural products to other countries will begin with those relationships and will benefit us domestically, just as it will fulfill the moral imperative of helping to feed the world. Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture. Under Secretary Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. He will seek solutions to problems and not lament that the department might be faced with difficult challenges. As a youngster growing up on a dairy and diversified row crop farm in rural Georgia, Perdue never fully realized that the blessings of purposeful, meaningful work would serve him as well as they have in life. When he was a young boy feeding the calves and plowing the fields, he was an integral part of the workforce on his father’s farm. As the son of a mother who was an English teacher for 42 years, he benefitted from her teachings as well – not just by instilling in him the beliefs he still holds dear, but also by lending him an appreciation and respect for language and proper grammar. But more than anything in his life, it was the family farm which shaped Sonny Perdue. He has lived and breathed the exhilaration of a great crop and the despair and devastation of a drought. He learned by experience what his father told him as a child, “If you take care of the land, the land will take care of you.” The work ethic cemented in him by his farming roots has remained with Sonny Perdue throughout his life. As a younger man, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of Captain. After earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, he put that training to use in private practice in North Carolina. As a member of the Georgia State Senate for eleven years, he eventually ascended to the position of President Pro Tempore as elected by his senate colleagues. As a two-term governor of Georgia, he was credited with transforming a budget deficit into a surplus, dramatically increasing the student performance in public schools, and fostering an economic environment that allowed employers to flourish and manufacturers and agricultural producers to achieve record levels of exports. He followed these accomplishments with a successful career in agribusiness, where he focused on commodities and transportation in enterprises that have spanned the southeastern United States. These experiences have proven invaluable in his current role as principal advocate for American agriculture and all that it serves. Perdue is a strong believer in good government, in that it should operate efficiently and serve the needs of its customers: the people of the United States. As a state senator, he was recognized as a leading authority on issues including energy and utilities, agriculture, transportation, emerging technologies and economic development, and for his ability to grasp the nuances of complex problems. As governor, he reformed state budget priorities, helped Georgians create more than 200,000 new jobs, and promoted his home state around the world to attract new businesses. In 2009, the Reason Foundation’s Innovators in Action magazine recognized Perdue as a leader who “aggressively pursued new strategies to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of government and deliver better value at less cost to taxpayers.” In addition, he was named “Public Official of the Year” in October 2010 by Governing Magazine. To this day, his thoughts are never very far from the wishes of the citizens – the true owners of the government. Perdue’s views on agriculture have always been shaped by his first-hand knowledge of all of its aspects, both as a farmer and as an agribusinessman. He appreciates the daily concerns and needs of American farmers, while also understanding the intricacies of global commodities markets. He is acknowledged as a national leader in agriculture, having served as a board member for the National Grain & Feed Association, and as President of both the Georgia Feed and Grain Association and the Southeastern Feed and Grain Association. Perdue has long-standing, close relationships with the leadership of the National Farm Bureau and has been recognized by the Georgia 4-H and FFA programs, among others, for his leadership in agriculture. As the product of Georgia, a state where agriculture is the leading economic driver, Perdue recognizes that agriculture is an issue and industry which cuts across political party boundaries. He recognizes that the size, scope, and diversity of America’s agricultural sector requires reaching across the aisle so that partisanship doesn’t get in the way of good solutions for American farmers, ranchers, and consumers. Perdue has been married to Mary Ruff Perdue for 44 years and has four adult children and fourteen grandchildren. He and his wife have served as foster parents for eight children awaiting adoption. Perdue remains a licensed airplane and helicopter pilot and avid outdoor sportsman.

Pecan Nut Case bearer Spray Time Is Earlier than the past years

Pecan Nut Case bearer Spray Time Is Earlier than the past years Carlsbad, NM,— It is that time of the year again to be thinking about spraying for Pecan Nut Case bearer (PNC). Population projections are not very reliable this year because of the strange weather. We have not had a drop in minimum daily temperature since bud break in Pecans like those that we did last year. I estimated bud break to be March 30 this year but it varies up and down the valley. Some reported as early as March 26 and other as late as 10 April. Using a Heat unit model developed by Texas A & M Cooperative Extension Service, the Eddy County Cooperative Extension Service predicts the Pecan Nut Case bearer would be earlier this year. Based on the adapted PNC heat unity model, crop protection chemicals may be necessary around May 22-May 29. However, this may need to be revised aw weather may change as we progress. Also reported moth counts in pheromone traps will bring this to a more accurate prediction. Computer predictions are best used to plan when to set out pheromone traps, look for eggs and to plan insecticide application but are not reliable enough to be the only source of information to make application decisions. This year may prove this. Orchard scouting for eggs should begin two weeks before the predicted spray date as unusual weather conditions near the spray date, can either accelerate or delay egg-laying activity. I am getting reports of third generation larva in the shoots of new growth; these are from crop years 2014 and have managed to over winter to this spring. This is usual for this valley. Most Case bearer eggs are found at the tip of the nutlet, either on the top or hidden just under the tiny leaves at the tip of the nut let. A good hand lens is necessary to determine their development, (hatched, white, or pink). Also, look for bud feeding just below the nut cluster to detect the presence of newly hatched larvae. You should examine 10 nut clusters per tree. A cluster infested if it has a Case bearer egg or nut entry. If two or more clusters that are infested, insecticide applications may be necessary. Application should be two days after the eggs hatch. If no infested clusters are found, you should check again two days later. Keep checking until June 15. If by this date an infestation is not found insecticide application should not be required, for the first generation. Scouting for the seconded generation should start June 30 as currently predicted by the heat unit model. Caution is required when selection of a pesticide for backyard trees because of the great potential for spray drift onto nearby garden, pets, and living areas. Homeowner can only use products containing Carbaryl, and Malathion. Refer to label instructions for mixing and application rates and precautions. It is in violation of federal law to apply any chemical in any manner except what is on the label. Commercial orchards may use the above products or Interpid, Chlorpyrifos (Lordsban) (Cobalt), Confirm 2F, Pyrethroid or Spintor insecticide. Interpid is the product has a very good residual and is very effective and much safer than Oregano Phosphates and is the current product of choice. It does not harm predatory insects. This product is very safe for use around people. The fact it is not labeled for homeowner is a disappointment, because it is safer than some products, which is labeled for non-restricted use. Pecan nut Case bearer is one of the most important nut infesting insect pests of pecans. It is found in most the pecan growing areas from the east coast to Eddy County New Mexico. The Case bearer larva tunnels into nut lets shortly after pollination, often destroying all of the nut lets in the cluster. The most effective and reliable method of control is a well-timed insecticide application(s) made in the spring to kill hatching larvae before they tunnel into the nut lets. However, insecticides should only be applied if an infestations and nut load justify treatment. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy County Extension Service, New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. All programs are available to everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. New Mexico State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Eddy County Government Cooperating.

Need some Aferican Rue.

Dr. Kert Young our new range and brush Specialist needs some African rue to kill or try to kill. If you have an acre or so let me, know. We will be looking a plot Thursday and Friday this coming week.

Circular 685: Sheep Nutrition

Circular 685: Sheep Nutrition Marcy Ward (Extension Livestock Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) Craig Gifford (Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR685.pdf

NMSU student develops device to improve cattle grazing, partners with Aggie Innovation Space

NMSU student develops device to improve cattle grazing, partners with Aggie Innovation Space DATE: 04/11/2017 WRITER: Tiffany Acosta, 575-646-3929, tfrank@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Eric Scholljegerdes, 575-646-1750, ejs@nmsu.edu New Mexico State University Department of Animal and Range sciences junior Josiah Brooks is creating a feed intake device for cattle, and he is working with the Aggie Innovation Space to design and develop parts for a prototype. Through an NMSU College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences USDA-Hispanic Serving Institution LEADERS grant awarded to the Animal Science Department, Brooks is conducting a research trial to develop a marker system to determine feed intake in grazing cattle that will allow researchers to investigate how grazing management and supplementation programs can improve cattle health and performance. To properly manage rangelands, ranchers need to understand grazing cattle nutrition and have the ability to quantify how much cattle eat when they are grazing in a pasture, according to Eric Scholljegerdes, Animal and Range Sciences associate professor and Brooks’ faculty adviser. Researchers obtain this data with an inert marker (not digested), titanium dioxide, which is typically administered to cattle twice daily. Unfortunately, this dosing method requires manpower and interrupts grazing. Brooks is working on a device that will be inserted into the stomach of cattle and will automatically release the marker over a period of time. To create a cap and a plunger for a prototype, Brooks has been working with Jordan Glaze, an Aggie Innovator in the Aggie Innovation Space Presented by Intel in the College of Engineering. “The Aggie Innovation Space has allowed us to develop parts for this device that would otherwise be unavailable,” Scholljegerdes said. “We are very grateful for the wonderful help we have received thus far from the personnel at the Aggie Innovation Space. Without their help we would not be where we are at in the development process.” As a former engineering student, Brooks knew about the Aggie Innovation Space and started working with Glaze in late 2016. “I’m extremely happy with the Aggie Innovation Space,” Brooks said. “Jordan, specifically, because working with that level of technology is extremely challenging. I didn’t realize how much effort went into designing something on a software program.” “You can’t do that without patience and you can’t do that unless you have a passion,” he added. “You feel welcome as a student even though you are not in the department, a completely different department, but they help and that’s what they want to do and that’s their passion. It’s been a very positive experience for me. I wouldn’t have gone back if I didn’t get that experience.” A junior majoring in both mechanical and aerospace engineering, Glaze said he has enjoyed working with Brooks on his first animal science project. A few of projects Glaze has recently assisted on are from the industrial engineering department, art department, geology department and a community outreach project for a dog wheelchair for a NMSU employee. “The Aggie Innovation Space is based around developing cross disciplinary skills focused on engineering specifically, but also branching out into different disciplines such as this case being animal science,” Glaze said. “We guide projects from the very first stage, and work with our clients to help them get to the prototyping and later the manufacturing stages,” Glaze noted. “We work very hard to make projects successful, but focus on not doing the project for the client. We want them to learn and take away something when the project is said and done, and hopefully give them the guidelines to follow for future projects.” While Brooks and Glaze are continuing to work on a prototype, Scholljegerdes hopes to test the device on cattle this summer. If successful, Brooks and Scholljegerdes would like to patent the device. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

United States Fish and Wild life public hearing on Texas Hornshell mussel in the Black River and Delware.

US Fish and Wildlife will be holding a public hearing on the Texas Hornshell mussel and the CCA/CCAA at the Carlsbad BLM office at 2:30pm on April 12th. That is tomorrow.