Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on How Ag Export Surge Boosted GDP Growth

Statement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on How Ag Export Surge Boosted GDP Growth WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement: "Today's report on gross domestic product growth in the third quarter of 2016 brings welcome news for our overall economy, and brings further affirmation that America's agriculture sector remains a shining star in our nation's ability to seize export opportunities. Economic growth has increased 2.9 percent in the third quarter of 2016, a direct result of the gains made in export sales. Exports reached 10 percent growth in the quarter, the highest since 2013, with agricultural exports contributing disproportionately to the gains. Although a strong U.S. dollar and lower commodity prices have created headwinds for America's farmers and ranchers, this report demonstrates their ability to remain resilient and to seize opportunities to sell U.S. food, fiber and fuel to markets around the world. "In this Administration alone, agricultural exports have topped $1 trillion since 2009, far and away the best stretch in our nation's history. Our farmers and ranchers have also helped to maintain a consistent agricultural trade surplus year after year since the 1960s-a remarkable feat in our global marketplace. Since 2009, USDA has worked to remove hundreds of unfair barriers to trade; open or expand key markets for products such as beef, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and more; and led 17 trade and investment missions and attended 23 trade shows, generating billions-of-dollars in sales for U.S. businesses. "In order to continue this momentum, we can and should do more to expand global markets. U.S. farmers are facing unprecedented competition amid a slowing global economy and appreciating dollar. That's why it is important for Congress to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Exports are responsible for 20 percent of U.S. farm income, also driving rural economic activity and supporting more than one million American jobs on and off the farm. The American Farm Bureau Federation has found that ratifying the TPP agreement will boost annual net farm income in the United States by $4.4 billion-an increase which would directly boost out economic prosperity. As the agriculture sector expands, U.S. real income will increase by $57.3 billion and sixty-six percent of GDP growth from TPP would go to American workers through increased wages and job opportunities. "Today's announcement shows the capability of America's agricultural sector to increase overall growth and prosperity across the country. American agriculture needs the good deal laid out in the TPP agreement to bolster its position in the world economy." #

Pecos Basin Study

Please do help us get the word out. The ISC is working with Bureau of Reclamation on a Pecos Basin Study – attached is an info sheet that describes the project in more detail. Essentially this project aims to: 1) Look at possible climate variability over the coming decades, especially the likelihood of severe drought 2) Evaluate the associated implications to water users in the basin by using hydrologic modeling approaches 3) Suggest, and model, a range of adaptations that would support resiliency We would love for anyone from the PVWUO or the Lower Pecos Valley Regional Water Planning Steering Committee to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders in the basin before our big modeling push this winter. Here are the meeting details: When: Wednesday, November 2 1pm to 3pm Where: Roswell Office of the State Engineer 1900 W Second St. Can you forward this out? I am happy to answer any questions. Thanks so much, Hannah

Pecos Valley Water Users Organazation Meeting

Last day to submit a preference to the poll 27 October at 4:00 MDT Heard from the ISC and the presentation of the addendum to the Lower Pecos Regional Water Plan will be December 12th in Roswell. We need to select two delegates to do the presentation, and some other items of concern. I have included a hyper link to a doodle pool please complete this as soon as possible. http://doodle.com/poll/9k522t4et24yhs6y

10 reasons why cheating in 4-H livestock shows must stop Hoosier Perspectives There is no room for cheating and abusive animal practices in modern agriculture. Published on: October 24, 2016

WOODS NOTE: I am reprinting this because I think the Livestock Producer Community need to step up and help curb an issue that has potential long term damage. I wish I could say this is only in Indiana but it is not. Eleven animals were disqualified from the Indiana State Fair in 2016 for drug violations. Two more were stripped of their awards later when it was discovered the animals were too old according to the rules. Cheating of various types in livestock shows in general, and 4-H shows in particular, didn’t start in 2016. It’s been an ongoing issue since the first purple banner was awarded. Can it be stopped in 2017? It must be stopped, if 4-H, agriculture and the animal industry want to maintain trust and integrity in the future. Here are 10 reasons why: 1. The public depends upon a safe food supply. More people are watching than just those who come to the county fair to see a livestock show. The consumer who buys a package of meat assumes it’s free of drugs and is a quality product. 2. We need to keep meat in the food chain free of antibiotics. Antibiotics in feed are under scrutiny, and a new rule now coming into effect allows feeding feeds with antibiotics only if a veterinarian prescribes it. Plus, if antibiotic drug withdrawal periods aren’t followed, drug residue could pose a risk to someone sensitive to the compound. 3. You never know who is watching. No fairgoer wants to see animals abused. But some may be members of animal welfare groups. If they suspect animals are being abused, they could create bad publicity for the event.4. Livestock producers are in the minority. Agriculture needs all the positive publicity it can get. The vast majority of voters and decision-makers are removed from the farm. Stories about drugged animals don’t help agriculture’s cause. 5. Cheating creates an unlevel playing field. If your children are 4-H’ers showing livestock, how can they compete against 4-H’ers who cut corners and break rules? 6. Reports of drugged animals reflect poorly on the 4-H program. Even if 99% of all 4-H’ers follow the rules, this is one time where it’s worth worrying about the 1% who cheat. That 1% can create doubt about the integrity of the entire program. 7. Concerns about cheating distract from enjoyment of the event. Most 4-H’ers and 4-H parents want to enjoy the county and state fair shows. Many consider them as vacations. If cheating and rumors of cheating abound, it taints a pleasant atmosphere. 8. Cheating teaches the wrong lesson to 4-H’ers. Chances are a majority of drugging and other cheating is initiated by parents, not 4-H’ers. What does it teach children if they see their parents abusing an animal just to win a banner? 9. Winning at all costs is a dangerous example. If it’s OK to cheat to win in livestock shows, is it OK to cheat in other aspects of life? Is winning more important than personal integrity? 10. Abusing animals destroys the image commodity groups invest heavily in to promote. One story about drugged animals in a local newspaper can undo the positive image livestock commodity groups work hard to create. After all, which story will people read first: "Local 4-H’er banned for cheating" or "Local 4-H’er wins showmanship at county fair"? Think about it. It’s time for cheating to stop. It’s wrong for kids. It’s wrong for animals. And it’s wrong for 4-H. The Indiana livestock industry deserves better!

EPA probes alleged illegal herbicide use in Missouri.

EPA probes alleged illegal herbicide use in area Tuesday, October 25, 2016 By Cody Tucker ~ Daily Dunklin Democrat The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has executed federal search warrants at several locations in Southeast Missouri, including Cape Girardeau County, as part of an investigation into alleged misuse of herbicides containing dicamba, according to a news release. EPA's investigation is ongoing and stems from widespread complaints of damage to crops across Missouri and other states in the Midwest and Southeast. Special agents from the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division served federal search warrants during the week of Oct. 10 at several locations in Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, New Madrid and Stoddard counties in Missouri. The searches are part of a continuing criminal investigation into alleged misuse or misapplication of herbicide products containing dicamba. Since June 22, the Missouri Department of Agriculture has received more than 100 complaints of pesticide drift believed to be related to herbicide-use incidents, mostly within the four counties mentioned.

Pesticide Training and CEU workshops

Reminder for CEU credit we are having three workshops this year. This Thursday is the first one October 13; the second will be November 17, Private Applicators tests will be given after this class,; the LAST ONE is December 15. Class start at 9:00 am and are at the Eddy County Extension Office 1304 west Stevens, Carlsbad NM. Cost is $10 THIS IS NOT PART OF YOUR RENEWAL FEE OR TESTING FEE! Call Robin Wilson at 575-887-6595 or toll free at 1-877-887-6595 to pre-register or if you have a disability and need an auxiliary aid or service.

Will Estate Tax Crackdown Hold up in Court?

Will Estate Tax Crackdown Hold up in Court? Politico Morning Ag If the IRS finalizes a proposal to crack down on a tactic that family-owned companies and partnerships use to reduce the value of their assets and avoid paying the estate tax, litigation is sure to follow - and plaintiffs suing the agency are likely to prevail, predicts Roger McEowen, the Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law, in Topeka. The IRS proposal, in general, would end most of the so-called valuation discounts, which can be applied to intra-family transfers of interest when there are restrictions attached, such as on liquidation and voting rights. The American Farm Bureau Federation and its state branches - including Kansas, for which McEowen will be filing comments this week - plan to request that the IRS scrap the entire proposal.