Wednesday, April 18, 2018
FDA Cardiobeat
FDA CardioBeat Email Updates provide information about FDA cardiovascular product approval, safety warnings, medical product labeling changes, notices of upcoming meetings, and notices about proposed regulatory guidances.
The FDA recently approved a firmware update that is now available and is intended as a corrective action (recall), to reduce the risk of patient harm due to premature battery depletion and potential exploitation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities for certain Abbott ICDs and CRT-Ds. "Firmware" is a specific type of software embedded in the hardware of a medical device (e.g. a component in the defibrillator).
The FDA recommends that all eligible patients receive the firmware update at their next regularly scheduled visit or when appropriate depending on the preferences of the patient and physician.
For the purposes of this safety communication, cybersecurity focuses on protecting patients' medical devices and their associated computers, networks, programs, and data from unintended or unauthorized threats.
This firmware update includes mitigations to addresses two separate issues: 1) a device-based Battery Performance Alert to detect rapid battery depletion in devices subject to the Battery Advisory from October 2016; and 2) updates to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities across Abbott's radio frequency (RF) enabled ICDs and CRT-Ds.
Steve Morin
Office of Health and Constituent Affairs
Food and Drug Administration
Secretary Perdue Statement Regarding Chinese Duties on U.S. Sorghum
Secretary Perdue Statement Regarding Chinese Duties on U.S. Sorghum
USDA Office of Communications sent this bulletin at 04/18/2018 09:38 AM EDT
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Release No. 0085.18
Contact: USDA Press
Email: press@oc.usda.gov
Secretary Perdue Statement Regarding Chinese Duties on U.S. Sorghum
(Washington, D.C., April 18, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding China’s announcement of duties of almost 179 percent on U.S. sorghum imports:
“The international grain market is about the freest market there is, and it is ludicrous to even mention ‘dumping,’ because China can buy product from anywhere they choose. This is clearly a political decision by the Chinese and we reject their premise. Our sorghum producers are the most competitive in the world and we do not believe there is any basis in fact for these actions. As we explore options, we are in communication with the American sorghum industry and stand united with them. The fact remains that China has engaged in unfair trade practices over decades and President Trump is correct in holding them accountable. We remain committed to protecting American agricultural producers in the face of retaliatory measures by the Chinese.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
NMSU athletes qualify for College National Finals Rodeo
NMSU athletes qualify for College National Finals Rodeo
DATE: 04/17/2018
WRITER: Savannah Montero, 575-646-1614, smontero@nmsu.edu
CONTACT: Logan Corbett, 575-646-3659, lcorbett@nmsu.edu
Dust, strong winds and unusually cold weather swarmed through the final Grand Canyon region rodeo April 13-14. The New Mexico State University rodeo team brought its game faces to the last rodeo in Socorro, New Mexico, which determined the top three finalists who advance to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, in June.
Many contestants were on the borderline of qualifying for the top three positions and after the Socorro rodeo, some NMSU athletes fell, while others will compete at the largest college rodeo in the world.
NMSU rodeo head coach Logan Corbett believes this is the strongest team to qualify for the CNFR since he arrived at NMSU.
“Every individual that will be making a trip to Casper has a legitimate chance of winning a national championship,” Corbett said. “If we’ll stay calm and take it one run or ride at a time, we will have multiple national champions.”
Senior Anna Barker, from Rochester, Washington, finished as the reserve barrel racing champion in the region. This was her last college rodeo in the New Mexico and Arizona circuit. Regional director and senior Carly Billington, from Cave Creek, Arizona, will compete in the barrel racing event as well. Regional directors are given the chance to compete in the event that they scored the most points in even if it’s not in the top three.
“Through lots of struggles and mistakes, to setting arena records and winning countless buckles, Rios (Barker’s horse) took me to the top and got me another chance at the CNFR,” Barker said.
Sophomore Derek Runyan, from Silver, New Mexico, had countless rodeo average wins that led him to holding the title of the champion tie-down roper.
Senior Wyatt Jurney, from Las Cruces, New Mexico, took home the gold in the steer wrestling event. He had a strong spring season that led to him winning a championship title in the Grand Canyon region and a brand-new saddle. Junior Tyler Muth, from Murrieta, California, finished third overall in the steer wrestling.
“I have three unbelievably great horses: Frank the Tank, Nacho and Beetle Juice, they take care of me and help me win,” Jurney said. “NMSU has been a great atmosphere for my college rodeo career.”
Freshman Levi Whitley, from Blanco, New Mexico, put himself in the danger zone all year in the bull riding event, which led him to be crowned as the Grand Canyon regional champion. He had a strong spring semester and covered many rank bulls. Freshman Blaise Milligan, from Artesia, New Mexico, continues to the finals in the third position for the bull riding.
“I’m glad I achieved my goal and ended the season out on top,” Whitley said. “I’m excited to be able to have the chance to experience the CNFR my freshman year and hope to get some bulls rode up in Casper this June.”
Senior Jace Cooley, from Musselshell, Montana, won reserve champion in the region for the saddle bronc riding.
Freshman Colton Clemens, from Firth, Idaho, spurred his way to the top in the region for the bareback riding event winning a champion title. Freshman Cauy Pool, from Klamath Falls, Oregon, rode his bucking horses aggressively during the Socorro rodeo and placed second in the region for the bareback riding.
“If feels good to finish the year strong, I appreciate everyone wo has helped me get to where I am today,” Clemens said. “I am going to work hard and push myself the whole mile to have a successful trip to Casper.”
Senior Savannah Montero, from Winnemucca, Nevada, is headed to the CNFR in the third position for the goat tying event.
“The CNFR will be the last rodeo ever in my life,” Montero said. “I plan to go out with a bang, I have nothing to lose so I hope to break arena records and compete as aggressively as possible.”
The Aggies will compete against every college rodeo region in the United States in Casper June 8-16.
For more information on rodeo, contact Corbett at lcorbett@nmsu.edu.
Dr. Arnold Nelson passed away
I just received word that Dr. Arnold Nelson passed away yesterday. Dr. Nelson was a former department head for Animal and Range Sciences from 1971 to 1985. Dr. Nelson and his wife Dorothy remained active in our department and Gamma Sigma Delta Events. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending and will be distributed when known. Please keep the Nelson Family in your prayers.
Monday, April 16, 2018
USDA Announces 2018 Cotton Loan Rate Differentials
USDA Announces 2018 Cotton Loan Rate Differentials
04/16/2018 02:06 PM EDT
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the 2018-crop loan rate differentials for upland and extra-long staple cotton.
Friday, April 6, 2018
New Mexico agriculture industry hosts conference for future producers
New Mexico agriculture industry hosts conference for future producers
(LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO) – The New Mexico Department of Agriculture and a dozen other New Mexico agencies and agriculture organizations are hosting the 2018 AgriFuture Educational Institute for future agriculturists.
This event is geared toward anyone 18 to 40 years of age but is open to anyone older or younger who are interested in being a part of the future of agriculture. Current producers of any age are highly encouraged to join alongside future producers to learn and share insights. Veterans of the armed forces are encouraged to attend.
The 2018 AgriFuture Educational Institute aims to connect, inform and inspire the next generation of farmers, ranchers and all people involved in agriculture. AgriFuture will be held May 15 to 17 in Albuquerque.
“AgriFuture provides a tremendous opportunity for those who have an interest in agriculture production,” said Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture. “The conference is about opportunities and resources and is presented by those who are actively engaged in agriculture. I encourage anyone who wants to explore these opportunities to attend, especially the next generation of agriculturists, our returning military veterans and those who have had other careers who may be ready to return to the land.”
With over 150 attendees expected, the conference will feature breakout sessions, educational agricultural speakers, dinner with mentors, networking opportunities and more.
Future ag producers may attend for $50, which includes a two-night hotel stay. Current ag producers and mentors may attend for $100, and exhibitor booth registration is $250.
Registration may be found at https://agrifuture2018.eventbrite.com.
For more information, visit http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/agrifuture-educational-institute/ or contact Kristie Garcia at 575-646-2804 or krgarcia@nmda.nmsu.edu.
Like the New Mexico Department of Agriculture on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter @NMDeptAg.
APHIS Amends Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur) Regulated Areas in Maricopa and Pinal Counties in Arizona
: WOODS NOTE: We have had Karnal bunt in our wheat in the past and were limited in our ability to sell wheat products including wheat hay in the boot stage. Please be diligent in where you buy your wheat seed.
APHIS Amends Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica (Mitra) Mundkur) Regulated Areas in Maricopa and Pinal Counties in Arizona
To: State and Territory Agricultural Regulatory Officials
Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the Karnal bunt regulated areas in Maricopa and Pinal Counties in Arizona. Specifically, APHIS is reducing the regulated area Maricopa County and increasing the regulated area in Pinal County.
Following a review of available information, APHIS determined that 728 fields qualify for deregulation in accordance with the criteria listed in 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 301.89-3(f). Accordingly, restrictions are no longer required on the interstate movement of Karnal bunt regulated articles from these areas. Specifically, APHIS is removing a total of 21,355 field acres from the list of regulated areas in Maricopa County, Arizona.
In addition, APHIS is adding 4,611 field acres in the Maricopa area of Pinal County, Arizona, to the Karnal bunt regulated area in response to the detection of five Karnal bunt-positive fields. Following the completion of field surveys of Karnal bunt regulated areas, we have determined that these fields meet the criteria for regulation outlined in 7 CFR § 301.89-3(e).
APHIS is taking this regulatory action to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt from Arizona. Karnal bunt is a pest that affects wheat quality; however, APHIS regulates this plant disease because many trading partners require that U.S. wheat be certified as grown in areas free of Karnal bunt.
APHIS will follow this emergency action with the publication of an interim rule in the Federal Register. The Karnal bunt regulations can be found at the following website:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/kb
For additional information about the Karnal Bunt Program, please call National Policy Manager Lynn Evans-Goldner at 301-851-2286.
Osama El-Lissy
Deputy Administrator
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Attachment: Federal Order
FEDERAL ORDER
Domestic Quarantine for
Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica (Mitra)) Mundkur
DA-2018-09
April 5, 2018
This Federal Order amends the Karnal bunt regulated areas in Arizona. Specifically, it reduces the regulated area in Maricopa County and increases the regulated area in Pinal County.
This Federal Order is issued in accordance with the regulatory authority provided by the Plant Protection Act of June 20, 2000, as amended, Section 412(a), 7 U.S.C. 7712(a). The Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the movement in interstate commerce of any plant, plant part, or article, if the Secretary determines the prohibition or restriction is necessary to prevent the dissemination of a plant pest within the United States and is likewise issued pursuant to the regulations promulgated under the Plant Protection Act found at 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 301.89 et. seq.
Section 7 CFR § 301.89-3(b) allows the designation of less than an entire State as a Karnal bunt regulated area only when the APHIS Administrator has determined, as in this case, that the designation of less than an entire state as a regulated Karnal bunt area is adequate to prevent the interstate spread of infestations of Karnal bunt. In addition, 7 CFR § 301.89-3(a) requires that the State enforces an intrastate Karnal bunt quarantine that is equivalent to the Federal Karnal bunt regulations. The State Plant Regulatory Official for Arizona has confirmed the establishment of an intrastate quarantine area for Karnal bunt that mirrors the Federal regulatory requirements as specified in 7 CFR § 301.89.
Section 7 CFR § 301.89-3(d) provides for the temporary designation of new regulated areas pending publication of a rule to add the new areas to the list shown in 7 CFR § 301.89-3(g). Section 7 CFR § 301.89-3(d) further requires written notification be given to the owner or person in possession of a newly quarantined area. This is the responsibility of the Federal and/or State regulatory personnel responsible for the Karnal bunt program in the affected state.
This Federal Order updates the regulated areas in Arizona designated in the Federal regulations located at 7 CFR § 301.89-3(g), and updates and replaces Federal Order (DA-2011-69) issued December 6, 2011, Federal Order (DA-2013-51) issued November 22, 2013, as well as Federal Order (DA-2016-57) issued October 3, 2016. Also, this Federal Order updates and replaces the regulated areas listed in Federal Order (DA-2017-08) issued April 11, 2017, but does not negate the removal of wheat, durum wheat, and triticale harvested for silage from the list of regulated articles listed at § 301.89-2.
Following a review of all available information, APHIS determined that 728 fields qualify for deregulation in accordance with the criteria listed in 7 CFR § 301.89-3(f). Accordingly, restrictions are no longer required on the interstate movement of Karnal bunt regulated articles from these areas. Specifically, APHIS is removing a total of 21,355 field acres in Maricopa County, Arizona.
In addition, APHIS is adding 4,611 field acres in the Maricopa area of Pinal County, Arizona, to the Karnal bunt regulated area in response to the detection of five Karnal bunt-positive fields. Following the completion of field surveys of Karnal bunt regulated areas, we have determined that these fields meet the criteria for regulation outlined in 7 CFR § 301.89-3(e).
Quarantine Boundaries – Arizona
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (1), as follows:
(1) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 4, T. 1 S., R. 1 E.; then west to the northeast corner of sec. 7, T. 1 S., R. 1 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 7, T. 1 S., R. 1 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 9, T. 1 S., R. 2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 9, T. 1 S., R. 2 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 5, T.1 S., R.2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 5, T.1 S., R. 2 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 32, T. 1 N., R. 2 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 8, T.1 N., R.2 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 12, T.1 N, R.2 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 12, T.1 N., R.2 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 15, T.1 N., R.1 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec.26, T.2 N., R.1 W.; then east to the southwest corner of sec. 19, T.2 N., R. 1 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 19, T. 2 N., R.1 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 21, T. 2 N., R.1 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 21, T.2 N. R. 1 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 27, T.2 N., R.1 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 27, T.2 N. R. 1 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 35, T. 2 N., R. 1 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 14, T. 1 N., R. 1 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 15, T. 1 N., R. 1 E.; then south to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (3), as follows:
(3) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 11, T. 6 S., R. 6 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 11, T. 6 S., R. 6 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 15, T. 6 S., R. 6 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 13, T. 6 S., R. 7 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 13, T. 6 S., R. 7 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 11, T. 6 S., R. 7 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 2, T. 6 S., R. 7 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 35, T. 5 S., R.7 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 26, T. 5 S., R. 7 W.; then east to northeast corner of sec. 26, T. 5 S., R. 7 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 12, T. 5 S., R. 7 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 12, T. 5 S., R. 7 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 6, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 2, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 2, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 12, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 25, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then west to the southwest sec. 25, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 35, T. 5 S., R. 6 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 2, T. 6 S., R. 6 W.; then south to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (5), as follows:
(5) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 33, T. 2 S., R. 6 E.; then west along the Maricopa/Pinal County line to the southwest corner of sec. 33, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 21, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 21, T. 2 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 27, T. 1 S., R. 5 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 27, T. 1 S., R. 5 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 23, T. 1 S., R. 5 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 21,T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 28, T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 34, T. 1 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 10, T. 2 S.,R. 6 E.; then west to the southeast corner of sec. 9, T. 2 S., R. 6 E.; then south to the point of beginning, the Maricopa/Pinal County line.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Maricopa County, paragraph (7), as follows:
(7) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 27, T. 1 S., R. 4 W.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 27, T. 1 S., R. 5 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 22, T. 1 S., R. 5 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 22, T. 1 S., R. 5 W.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 26, T. 1 N., R. 5 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 29, T. 1 N., R. 4 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 29, T.1 N., R. 4 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 33, T. 1 N., R. 4 W.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 33, T. 1 N, R. 4 W.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 3, T. 1 S., R. 4 W.; then south to the point of beginning.
Update § 301.89-3(g) Arizona, Pinal County, paragraph (2), as follows:
(2) Beginning at the southeast corner of sec. 3, T. 6 S., R. 4 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 4, T. 6 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 17, T. 6 S., R. 4 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 18, T. 6 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 24, T. 6 S., R. 3 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 19, T. 6 S., R. 3 E.; then north to the southeast corner of sec. 13, T. 6 S., R. 2 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 13, T. 6 S., R. 2 E.; then north to the southeast corner of sec. 26, T. 5 S., R. 2 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 26, T. 5 S., R. 2 E.; then north to the southeast corner of sec. 10, T. 5 S., R. 2 E.; then west to the southwest corner of sec. 10, T. 5 S., R. 2 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 27, T. 4 S., R. 2 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 27, T. 4 S., R. 2 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 14, T. 4 S., R. 2 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 18, T. 4 S., R. 3 E.; then follow the section line north to the northwest corner of sec. 8, T. 4 S., R. 3 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 9, T. 4 S., R. 3 E.; then follow the section line south to the southeast corner of sec. 9, T. 4 S., R. 3 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 15, T. 4 S., R. 3 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 15, T. 4 S., R. 3 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 19, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 30, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then east to the southwest corner of sec. 28, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then north to the northwest corner of sec. 28, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 28, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 28, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 35, T. 4 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the northwest corner of sec. 1, T. 5 S., R. 4 E.; then east to the northeast corner of sec. 1, T. 5 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 1, T. 5 S., R. 4 E.; then west to the northeast corner of sec. 12, T. 5 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the southeast corner of sec. 36, T. 5 S., R. 4 E.; then west to the northeast corner of sec. 3, T. 6 S., R. 4 E.; then south to the point of beginning.
We continue to appreciate the cooperative relationship with the State regulatory officials, Native American tribes in Arizona, and the wheat industry in our effort to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt.
For more information on the Karnal Bunt Program, please call National Policy Manager Lynn Evans-Goldner at 301-851-2286.
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