EPA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Decision to Register Dicamba for Use on Genetically-Engineered Crops

EPA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Decision to Register Dicamba for Use on Genetically-Engineered Crops Woods note: If this would benefit your operation write and make comments; the anti GMO are. In response to requests, the EPA is extending for an additional 30 days the public comment period on the proposed regulatory decision to register dicamba to control weeds in cotton and soybean genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate dicamba. Public comments on the Agency’s proposed regulatory decision must be submitted no later than May 31, 2016. Comments may be submitted to the EPA docket# EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0187 at www.regulations.gov. Weeds that are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides are posing a problem for farmers. If finalized, EPA’s action will provide an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds. To ensure that dicamba successfully manages weed resistance problems, the proposed decision outlines a Herbicide Resistance Management Plan that includes robust monitoring and reporting any suspected resistance to EPA, grower education, and remediation. EPA is proposing to limit the registration to 5 years, which would further provide protections if resistance to dicamba develops. After the comment period closes, EPA will review all of the comments and reach a final decision, which the Agency expects to issue in late summer or early fall 2016. Questions and Answers about this proposal are available.

Clovis Agriculture Center Oil Crop Field Day.

Clovis Ag Science Center May 10, 2016 3 CEU’s Available 8:00 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Welcome 8:45 a.m. Sangu Angadi & Sultan Began - Canola Adaptability and Forage Quality NMSU Crop Physiologist 9:45 a.m. Brian Schutte & Christopher Landau- Weed Management in Canola NMSU Weed Physiologist 10:25 a.m. Luther Dunlap - Dry Land Canola Production NMSU Curry County Extension Agent 10:55 a.m. Rajan Ghimire - Cover Crops NMSU Assistant Professor/Agronomist 11:30 a.m. Jane Pierce - Sugar Cane Aphid Management NMSU Agronomy Entomologist 12:00 p.m. Lunch This program is brought to you by the Clovis Ag Science Center and the Curry County Extension Office: For more information and to make reservations please contact: Clovis Ag Science Center at (575)985-2292 or Luther Dunlap at (575)763-6505

TRICHOMONIASIS OR TRICH MEETING SCHEDULED Eddy and Chaves County

TRICHOMONIASIS OR TRICH MEETING SCHEDULED Eddy and Chaves County Cattle experts from New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will make presentations to ranchers and others May 4 on the cattle disease trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis, a highly transmittable disease, can result in early fetal death and infertility, resulting in extended calving intervals. Dr. John Wenzel, Extension veterinarian, and Woods Houghton Eddy County Extension Agent along with Sammy Urig DVM will be holding different kind of producers meeting on May 4th. They will be holding a meeting on talk radio, KCCC, 930 AM dial on May 4 at noon to 1:00pm they will be discussing the cattle disease Trich. Producers can call in their question during or e-mail them to whoughto@nmsu.edu during or before the radio meeting. The call in number will be 575-887-5521 or you can listen on line as well at http://tunein.com/radio/KCCC-930-s31960/ Trich can and will put beef producer in the red, I have seen loss in calf crops can be 10 percent to 30 percent and as high as 50 percent. There will also be a face to face meeting will be at 3 p.m. on May 4 at the Extension Office 1304 West Stevens, Carlsbad and May 5 at 10:00 in Roswell Thursday, May 5, 2016 - 10:30 AM Farm Bureau Building Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds Roswell, NM 10:30 AM – Trichomoniasis and Veterinary Feed Directive Update 12:00 Noon – Lunch Provided by Paul’s Veterinary Supply 1:00 to 3:00 PM – Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program 3:00 PM – Question Session and Wrap up 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.

Fact Sheet: Trans-Pacific Partnership: New Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture in Vietnam

Fact Sheet: Trans-Pacific Partnership: New Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture in Vietnam Vietnam, April 25, 2016 - Secretary Vilsack traveled to Vietnam today to meet with his counterparts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, among others, to discuss the details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Vietnam remains one of the fastest-growing markets for U.S. food and agricultural products, with U.S. exports totaling $2.3 billion in 2015. That's a 357 percent increase from 2007, the year Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Vietnam now ranks as the United States' 11th-largest agricultural export market, with top products including cotton, tree nuts, soybeans, and dairy. Vietnam is a member of the ASEAN Free Trade Zone and has concluded free trade agreements with a number of other countries, including key U.S. competitors such as Australia, Chile, Korea, and New Zealand. In addition to being part of the TPP, Vietnam is in the process of negotiating agreements with China, the European Union, Hong Kong, and Israel. In these negotiations, Vietnam has agreed to tariff reductions on many agricultural products, potentially putting U.S. exporters at a disadvantage. Vietnam's average tariff on agricultural products is 16 percent, while the average U.S. tariff is five percent. Under the TPP, Vietnam will reduce and eventually eliminate tariffs across a broad range of food and agricultural products, helping put U.S. exports on a level playing field and giving the United States a leg up on non-TPP competitors. In addition to addressing tariffs, the TPP agreement also addresses non-tariff trade barriers, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Infographic: New Opportunities for U.S. Agriculture in Vietnam Livestock Products Beef: The United States exported $32.3 million of beef and beef products to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP agreement, all of Vietnam's tariffs on beef and beef products, currently as high as 34 percent, will be eliminated in 3-8 years. Tariffs on fresh and frozen beef muscle cuts will be eliminated in three years. Dairy: In 2015, the United States exported $168 million of dairy products to Vietnam, more than three times the value a decade ago. All of Vietnam's tariffs on dairy products, currently as high as 20 percent, will be eliminated within five years. Tariffs on cheese, milk powder, and whey will be eliminated immediately. Pork: The United States exported $3.8 million of pork and pork products to Vietnam in 2015. As a large consumer of pork, Vietnam provides significant potential for U.S. exporters. Under the TPP agreement, Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on pork and pork products, currently as high as 30 percent, in 5-10 years. Tariffs on frozen cuts and shoulders will be eliminated in eight years and on preserved pork, fresh pork cuts and shoulders, and fresh and frozen carcasses in 10 years. Poultry and Eggs: The United States exported nearly $100 million of poultry and poultry products to Vietnam in 2015. Vietnam's tariffs on poultry and poultry meat, currently as high as 40 percent, will be eliminated within 13 years. This includes tariffs on frozen chicken cuts and offal, which will be eliminated in 11 years. Vietnam will eliminate in-quota tariffs for eggs within its WTO tariff-rate quota (TRQ) in six years. According to Vietnam's WTO commitments, this TRQ will continue to grow in perpetuity by five percent per year. Horticultural Products Fruit: The United States exported $58.6 million in fresh fruit to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP agreement, Vietnam's tariffs on fresh fruits, which are currently as high as 30 percent, will be eliminated within four years. The United States exported $24.2 million of processed fruit products, including juices, to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP agreement, Vietnam's tariffs on processed fruit products, currently as high as 40 percent, will be eliminated within eight years. Tree Nuts: The United States exported more than $274 million of tree nuts to Vietnam in 2015. Vietnam's tariffs on tree nuts, currently as high as 35 percent, will be eliminated in 3-6 years. Vegetables and Pulses: The United States exported $4 million of fresh and processed vegetables (excluding potatoes) to Vietnam in 2015. Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on all fresh and processed vegetables, currently as high as 40 percent, in 11 years or less, with tariffs on many products eliminated immediately. Potatoes: The United States exported $5.1 million of potatoes and potato products to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP agreement, Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on all potatoes and potato products, currently as high as 34 percent, within six years. It will eliminate the 13-percent tariff on frozen French fries in four years. Grains and Oilseeds Barley: The United States did not export barley to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP agreement, Vietnam's tariff on barley will be locked in at zero percent and its 15-percent tariff on milled barley will be eliminated in four years. Corn: The United States exported $190 million of corn and corn products to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP, all of Vietnam's tariffs on corn and corn products, currently as high as 30 percent, will be eliminated in 4-7 years. Peanuts: The United States exported $24 million of peanuts and peanut products to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP agreement, Vietnam's tariffs on peanuts and peanut products, currently as high as 30 percent, will be eliminated within eight years. Rice: The United States exported $140,000 of rice and rice products to Vietnam in 2015. Under the TPP, Vietnam will immediately eliminate its current 40-percent tariff on rice and will eliminate tariffs on rice products, currently as high as 35 percent, within eight years. Soybeans: The United States exported more than $407 million of soybeans and soybean products to Vietnam in 2015. The current duty-free access for soybeans will continue under the TPP. Vietnam's tariffs on soybean products, currently as high as 33 percent, will be eliminated in 3-11 years. Wheat: The United States exported roughly $67 million of wheat and wheat products to Vietnam in 2015. Vietnam's tariffs on wheat and wheat products, currently as high as 35 percent, will be eliminated within four years. Other Products Cotton: Vietnam was the United States' second-largest cotton market in 2015, with exports reaching a record $624 million. Vietnam's large and growing textiles industry offers significant opportunities for U.S. cotton exporters. Under the TPP agreement, all of Vietnam's tariffs on cotton, currently as high as 10 percent, will be eliminated within four years. Processed Food: In 2015, the United States exported $467 million of processed food to Vietnam. Under the TPP agreement, nearly all of Vietnam's tariffs on processed products, currently as high as 55 percent, will be eliminated within 12 years. Tariffs on products such as cookies, crackers, biscuits, breads, and starches will be eliminated in eight years. Tobacco: Vietnam will eliminate all tariffs on tobacco, which are currently as high as 135 percent. For manufactured tobacco products, Vietnam will eliminate tariffs in 16 years. For unmanufactured tobacco, Vietnam will create a 500-ton transitional tariff rate quota (TRQ) that will grow by five percent each year, with in-quota tariff rates eliminated in 11 years and out-of-quota tariff rates eliminated in 21 years. #

$6.5 million urban ag system to be built at Santa Fe Community College

$6.5 million urban ag system to be built at Santa Fe Community College Albuquerque Journal By Jackie Jadrnak A private New Mexico company is partnering with Santa Fe Community College to build its first urban agriculture system that will yield enough food to provide vegetables and fish for more than 16,000 people. The $6.5 million project, which will be owned and operated by Ecoponex Systems of New Mexico LLC, is expected to create 14 direct jobs and 34 construction jobs, while SFCC will host it in connection with its Biofuels Lab in the Trades and Advanced Technology Center.

State says it will sue U.S. Fish and Wildlife over wolf release plan

State says it will sue U.S. Fish and Wildlife over wolf release plan Albuquerque Journal By Deborah Baker New Mexico officials notified the federal government today they will sue to block the planned release of more Mexican gray wolves without the state’s OK. The state Department of Game and Fish called the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s release plan “unpermitted and illegal” and said it will go to court unless the federal agency backs down. state department last year denied the federal agency’s application to release wolves into the wild. But the Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it planned to release a pack of wolves this year and also could place some captive-born pups into wild packs, in a bid to improve genetic diversity.

NMSU Tucumcari Bull Performance Test enhances study with new feeder technology

NMSU Tucumcari Bull Performance Test enhances study with new feeder technology DATE: 04/20/2016 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Marcy Ward, 575-644-3379, maward@nmsu.edu Efficient use of resources is the key to a successful business. The same is true in agriculture, especially in raising livestock. The value of cattle and calves in New Mexico amounted to $1.09 billion in 2014, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With the impact of drought on the semi-arid rangeland, New Mexico cattle breeders realize the importance of improving their herd’s genetic trait of efficient conversion of forage and feed nutrients. “Making a 10 percent improvement on feed efficiency can have a tremendous impact on our industry,” said John Heckendorn, owner of J-C Angus Ranch in Moriarty. “It can have a billion-dollar impact on our industry.” Since 1961, cattle producers have participated in the Tucumcari Bull Performance Test at New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari to see if their breeding stock is producing the best sires possible. “Producers have entered their bulls into the performance test to see how each animal develops in our controlled feeding program,” said Marcy Ward, NMSU’s Extension livestock specialist and bull test director. “We track the bull’s average daily gain, feed efficiency and carcass development, while producing 30-day, 60-day, 90-day and 120-day performance reports.” This year, a group of cattlemen has taken the study to the next level. The group purchased the latest feed intake technology to bring efficient conversion of feed to the forefront in the genetic selection process. “Because of the extended drought, identifying bulls with genetics that make them efficient at converting nutrients from the high roughage diet they consume while grazing on our rangeland will help our animals be able to do more with less,” Heckendorn said. The Tucumcari Feed Efficiency Test LLC purchased state-of-the-art technology by GrowSafe Systems to document the amount of feed consumed by the individual animals. “We’re excited about having the technology in New Mexico,” Heckendorn said. “It’s expensive technology, but we think it’s very important to identify those animals that are more feed-efficient.” Prior to the new system, feed was placed in bunks for a pen of up to four bulls from the same sire group. Data on how much the individual animal ate was not available so breeders could only judge the quality of the animal by sonogram data regarding the carcass development. The new system records each animal’s feeding activity. When the animal places its head into the feeder, an electronic identification tag is read and information is sent to the computer via radio frequency. “The system recognizes which animal is at the feeder, at what time of the day, how long they stay at the feeder, and how much they eat,” Ward said. “It measures their consumption to the ounce.” This system is used at other bull performance tests and feed lots around the country. “It’s amazing the difference from individual animals,” Heckendorn said. “Some animals will convert 3 to 4 pounds of feed per pound gain, some are converting 10 to 12 pounds of feed per pound of gain. Obviously, we would prefer the consumption of 3 to 4 pounds of feed which equals less cost to produce that weight gain.” To complement the new feeder system, the producers invested in facility improvements that have expanded the livestock pens to allow more than 300 square feet per animal for the 100 bulls, which in turn helps the animals’ physical condition. “The combination of the high roughage diet, more ability to exercise and the commingling environment means the bulls are better prepared to hit the ground running,” Ward said. The 120-day performance test concludes with a bull sale, where cattle producers can enhance their herd by purchasing a bull that has the genetic traits they desire. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

Outstanding young farmer award

The National Association of County Agriculture Agents allows county agents to nominate for a state outstanding young farmer award. I have nominated a few and they did not win national but they made NM proud. If you know a young farmer or rancher get their name to your county agent so we can nominate them. Some counties may have a Young Farmers Committee through Farm Bureau or the Ag Ed Department of their school system. These associations may be able to help you identify possible candidates. We all work with outstanding farmers so finding suitable nominations shouldn't be a problem. Please forward this to your state membership. There are several eligibility guidelines that must be met by the farmer. Some of which include being between the ages of 21 and 40, and not becoming 41 prior to January 1, 2017 and deriving a minimum of 2/3 of their income from farming. The Nominating Application is due by August 1, 2016. The applicant must be nominated by an OFA member, NACAA (County Ag Agent), US Jaycee member or others. The application cannot be hand written. You can download the application online by going to http://ofafraternity.org/id13.html. I have attached the Official Rules for the National Outstanding Young Farmers Award Program. This will explain everything you need to know when trying to select nominees. I have also attached a flyer for you to give to these young farmers when you approach them about the award program. Feel free to call or email me with any questions you may have. I will be in touch soon.

Citizen Advisory Committees to Meet to Recommend Habitat Stamp Projects

Citizen Advisory Committees to Meet to Recommend Habitat Stamp Projects SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled statewide Habitat Stamp Program Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for 2016. Citizen advisors will prioritize Habitat Stamp-funded projects for 2017 and 2018. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the following regional Citizen Advisory Committee meetings: • Central: 9 a.m. April 28, Cibola National Forest office, 2113 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque. • Northeast: 9 a.m. May 2, Carson National Forest office, 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos. • Southeast: 10 a.m. May 7, Bureau of Land Management office, 2909 W. Second St., Roswell. • Northwest: 9 a.m. May 11, Bureau of Land Management office, 6251 College Blvd., Farmington. • Southwest: 10 a.m. May 14, Gila National Forest office, 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City. The Habitat Stamp Program has an annual budget of $742,300 with the support of hunters, anglers and trappers who purchase a $5 stamp each year to participate in their sports on Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service managed lands. In the 30-year life of the program, 2,312 wildlife and habitat enhancement projects have been funded at a level of almost $46 million. Through this effort, the Habitat Stamp Program has contributed $19.7 million; federal agencies have reported contributing an additional $22.8 million in matching funds in the form of labor, materials, planning, fiscal tracking, National Environmental Policy Act compliance, and obtaining archeological/cultural clearances. Additional organizational and volunteer partners reported contributing another $3.4 million. Overall, the program has improved approximately 837,143 acres of terrestrial habitat; enhanced approximately 11,191 acres of riparian habitat; built 789 places for wildlife to obtain water; completed 801 wildlife population and/or habitat surveys; completed 17 wildlife transplants; improved 87 aquatic habitat/fishing areas; installed approximately 805 erosion control structures for watershed improvement; maintained and/or monitored previously built infrastructure; provided habitat and shelter for wildlife; reduced human impacts on wildlife; and improved overall public enjoyment of wildlife. Since its inception, citizens have been involved in every aspect of the program, advising which habitats are most in need of improvement. Appointed by the State Game Commission, citizens representing sporting, conservation, and public-land permittee interests meet each spring to prioritize local habitat projects. For more information about the Habitat Stamp Program, please contact Reuben Teran, (505) 476-8130, reubens.teran@state.nm.us or visit the Habitat Stamp Program website, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/habitat-information/habitat-stamp/. ###

Ahead of Earth Day, USDA Announces Clean Water and Environmental Projects for 60 Rural Communitie

Ahead of Earth Day, USDA Announces Clean Water and Environmental Projects for 60 Rural Communities WASHINGTON, April 19, 2016 – This week, representatives from USDA's Rural Development team will be celebrating Earth Day by visiting newly funded projects that will improve rural water quality and safety in 33 states across the country. USDA is investing $183 million in 60 water and wastewater infrastructure projects through Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program (WEP), which provides technical assistance and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems for communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. "Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of small communities," Vilsack said. "Helping rural communities build and upgrade their water infrastructure is one more way USDA strengthens rural areas. Building and maintaining water infrastructure creates jobs, boosts the economy, and provides rural families with safe, reliable water and wastewater facilities that improve the environment." The city of Coggon, Iowa, for example, is receiving a $2.3 million WEP loan and a $1.89 million WEP grant to construct a wastewater treatment plant and upgrade a plant to benefit the city's 658 residents. The funding will help the city meet new pollutant standards and eliminate manual cleaning. Without the new system, waters downstream from the plant could become contaminated, potentially harming human health and the environment. Seventeen of the Earth Day recipients announced today are receiving funding priority through a 2014 Farm Bill provision that encourages communities to adopt regional economic development plans. These projects are centered on collaboration and long-term growth strategies. They leverage outside resources and capitalize on a region's unique strengths. One of these recipients, the Big Lake Area Sanitary District in Minnesota, is receiving a $2.9 million loan and a $4.5 million grant to build a wastewater treatment plant serving Perch Lake and Sawyer townships and the Fond du Lac Indian Reservation. This collaborative effort will convert the treatment plant into a pressure sewer collection system. Much of the plant is inadequate or failing. The project supports the Fond du Lac Community Economic Development Plan, which highlights the importance of providing adequate wastewater treatment services and protecting the health and welfare of people who live or work on the reservation. Improving water quality will increase the fish population, which will boost local tourism revenue. Funding for each project announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement. This WEP funding builds on USDA's historic investments in rural America over the past seven years. Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support rural communities and American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. USDA has provided $5.6 billion to farmers and ranchers for disaster relief; expanded risk management tools with products such as Whole Farm Revenue Protection; helped farm businesses grow with $36 billion in farm credit; provided $4.3 billion in critical agricultural research; established innovative public-private conservation partnerships such as the Regional Conservation Partnership Program; developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,500 biobased products through USDA's BioPreferred program; and invested $64 billion in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development (#USDARD) has invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 180,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results. #

Toxic Range Plants

Poisonous plants represent one of the greatest hazards to livestock ranching in Eddy County and on western rangelands. In addition to direct losses by death, there are those due to weight loss, poor reproductive performance, and poor health. Through scientific reports and practical experience, ranch managers have learned to recognize poisonous plants and keep livestock losses to a minimum. When we receive abnormal weather there are plants germination that we may not have seen for a long time. Some of the things that can be done to prevent problems with poisonous plants are: 1. Know the poisonous plants. This is the first line of defense against toxic plants. Most of us know what is normal but if you see plants you have not seen before it would be good to find out what they are. 2. Practice good range management. To a limited degree, poisonous plants will always be present on rangelands, but the real danger is when the plants are eaten. Livestock poisoning is more often the result of poor range feed condition and difficult management situations than the presence of poisonous plants. When there is good precipitation after an extended drought there may be more toxic plants available than normal. Most poisonous plants are unpalatable and will be eaten only if other good quality forage is not available, or when they are the first to green up, or sticking out of the snow. 3. Feed adequate balanced mineral and vitamin A supplements. Livestock with a mineral health imbalance are more susceptible to many toxins than are healthy animals, and they seek out plants that may contain a mineral but are in a toxic form. 4. Provide adequate forage, especially during early spring or drought periods. Livestock after winter are seeking green feed, so consider using hay instead of pelleted forms of supplement. Most producer put out tubs, or sweet lick, these stimulate the consumption of forage, but when toxic plants are the green forage this may not be what you want to do. 5. Avoid driving livestock through infested or poor feed condition range. Hungry animals lose their selectivity, and poor rangelands contain far more poisonous plants than those in good condition. 6. Use control measures herbicides, grubbing, etc. on heavy infestations of toxic plants. The most common toxins in New Mexico poisonous plants are alkaloids, glycosides, minerals, nitrogenous compounds, oxalates and other organic acids, compounds causing photosensitivity, and resins or resinoids Alkaloids, these are the most powerful poisons and produce strong physiological reactions, generally affecting the nervous system. The alkaloid is usually distributed throughout the plant and is active whether it is fresh or dry. There are no antidotes for alkaloid poisoning. Some of the common alkaloid containing range plants in Eddy County are locoweeds (Astragalus spp.), Rayless goldenrod (Haplopappus heterophyllus), rosea, or jimmy weed, larkspur (Delphinium spp.), mostly in the Queen area and groundsel (Senecio spp.). Lupines (Lupinus spp.) are found a higher altitudes and just North, and West of Eddy County. If caught early some animals will survive by giving them good feed. Animals will be Nervous system, liver damage, locoism, trembling, abortion, depression, paralysis, vomiting, loss of coordination, coma, and death. Glycosides are compounds composed of a toxic agent combined with a sugar. The toxic agent is harmful when released from the glycosides. Cyanide (HCN, prussic acid) is the most common toxin in the glycosides. Glycoside levels in the plant are often related to environmental factors such as freezing, wilting, drought, and crushing. Cyanide is generally not retained in plant tissues after drying. Catclaw (Acacia greggii), chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) are potential cyanide producers. Sudden death is the most common symptom. Animals will show Excitement, gasping, staggering, paralysis, prostration, convulsions, emphysema, blindness, coma, and death. Minerals, excessive absorption of certain minerals may be dangerous to livestock. Selenium is possibly the most important poisonous mineral in New Mexico. It may be found in some species of locoweed (Astragalus spp.), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), and asters (Aster spp.). Prince’s plume (Stanleya pinnata) grows only on seleniferous soils. Symptoms of mineral toxicity include birth defects, loss of appetite, depression, labored breathing, excessive urination, coma, and death through respiratory and myocardial failure. Nitrogenous compounds. Both range and crop plants may contain potentially toxic levels of nitrogenous compounds. Care must be taken during drought or after fertilizer or herbicide application. Nitrates are also toxic in dry material and silage. Nitrogenous compounds are often found in many species of the amaranth (Amaranthaceae), sunflower (Asteraceae), mustard (Brassicaceae), and goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae) families. Excessive Nitrogen the blood will be dark cholate brown, cause abortion, depression of lactation, discolored urine, vitamin A deficiency, brown blood, trembling, weakness, labored breathing, hemorrhages, coma, and death. Oxalates and organic acids, many plants contain oxalates, but few species in Eddy County and New Mexico contain enough to be considered dangerous. Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) and dock (Rumex spp.) possess soluble oxalates that are corrosive to animal tissue. Non-ruminants are more susceptible to oxalate poisoning than ruminants because the large rumen capacity enables the animal to detoxify small amounts of soluble oxalates. Most cases of ruminant poisoning occur on poor feed condition rangelands. Affect the nervous system, reduced coagulability of blood, acute kidney inflammation, dullness, colic, depression, labored breathing, prostration, weakness, coma, and death. Compounds that cause photosensitivity, on certain occasions, animals become hypersensitive to light. Photodynamic pigments contained in horse brush (Tetradymia spp.), lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla), sacahuista (Nolina spp.), and puncture-vine (Tribulus terrestris) react with light to produce swelling about the head, blistering, and a sunburned appearance. Damage may be so severe that the lips, ears, and eyelids may be lost. Bacterial infection may also set in. In some cases in the winter this is a problem on horses and cattle with any white pigment skin on Alfalfa, (Medicago sativa). In addition to photosensitivity liver damage, inflammation of skin, itching, necrosis of skin, restlessness, leakage of serum through skin or blistering; death does not occur directly from the photodynamic action, but as a result of kidney failure. Resins or resinoids, these are highly complex organic compounds that are present in a number of plants. Resins are found in milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), marijuana (Cannabis sativa), water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), and chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach). Sumptoms of animals affected include direct irritation of the nervous and muscular tissue, depression, weakness, staggering, labored breathing, elevated temperature, and dilation of pupils, degeneration of kidneys, coma, and death. Several noxious plants contain no poisonous compounds, and instead cause injury through mechanical means if grazed. This is often by long awns or bristles (Aristida spp., Hordeum jubatum, Stipa spp.) or by stinging hairs (Urtiea spp.). There are at least 270 poisonous plants known to occur in New Mexico. Many of these do not pose a threat except in exceptional circumstances. There are few very common poisonous ornamentals or garden plants that may occasionally escape. For a complete list see An Annotated checklist of Poisonous or Injurious range Plants of New Mexico, Extension Circular 636 by Dr. Kelly W. Allred. 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.

Farm-kid-turned-Miss America among speakers at AgriFuture conference in Las Cruces in May

Farm-kid-turned-Miss America among speakers at AgriFuture conference in Las Cruces in May AgriFuture Educational Institute, May 16-18, preps future farmers, ranchers (LAS CRUCES, N.M.) – Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell, who was raised on a farm in Georgia, will focus on her “Healthy Children, Strong America” issues campaign when she speaks to a group of future and current farmers, ranchers, and others at the 2016 AgriFuture Educational Institute happening in Las Cruces, May 16-18. Cantrell is among the dozens of people who will lend their talents and tales of experience during the conference, which aims to inform, inspire, and connect those who will produce our food and fiber (cotton, wool, etc.) going forward. Other speakers include: • Mesilla Valley farmer, entrepreneur, and past member of the national Faces of Farming and Ranching program Jay Hill • Ruidoso-area ranchers and entrepreneurs Laura Jean Schneider (author of a series on ranching in High Country News) and Sam Ryerson • Former National FFA officers Paul Moya, a native New Mexican, and Wiley Bailey The farm-to-retail sector, value-added production, and international trade will be addressed during the institute’s breakout sessions. Then attendees will board several buses to take private tours of a wide variety of agricultural businesses in and around Las Cruces. New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and a dozen other agencies and organizations involved in New Mexico agriculture are coordinating and hosting AgriFuture, which is open to future agricultural producers age 40 and under; veterans are encouraged to attend. It is also open to current agricultural producers of all ages in hopes that they will serve as mentors going forward. “The breakout sessions that allowed the young beginner producers to simply have a conversation with established producers was great,” Chad Smith, president and CEO of New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, said of the inaugural AgriFuture event held in Albuquerque in 2014. “It allowed a platform for our future agriculturists to hear both the ups and downs of agriculture and to gain insight of the what-not-to-dos and the successes.” People who want to attend must register at http://2016-agrifuture.eventbrite.com by April 29. Event updates are being posted at www.facebook.com/NMDepartmentofAg. The registration fee for future agriculture producers is only $50 for the Institute and includes lodging. The fee for current agriculture producers (those who can potentially mentor beginning farmers and ranchers) is only $100. Institute activities are being planned by NMDA and several of the state’s agricultural organizations: Ag New Mexico Farm Credit Service, Dairy Producers of New Mexico, Farm Credit of New Mexico, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Beef Council, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico Wool Growers Inc., USDA-Farm Service Agency, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. Institute activities are also being funded by these and other organizations, as well as a long list of individuals. To help sponsor the institute in any amount, please call NMDA at 575-646-5063. ### Confidentiality Notice: New Mexico has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state employees are public records. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure. This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipients. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act.

Feral Swine

Our new Feral Swine website is up and running now. Plenty of information regarding feral hogs. There are “printable leaflets/brochures” under the RESOURCES tab for your use. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/feral-swine If you have any cooperators, landowners, or the general public who report having feral hogs on their properties, please have them contact me. If you have any questions, please let me know. Brian Archuleta Supervisory Wildlife Biologist USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services 500 N. Richardson Ave Fed Bldg Rm 127 Roswell, NM 88201 brian.v.archuleta@aphis.usda.gov http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage (575) 623-3310 wk (575) 420-9675 cell (575) 622-1056 fax "Ask for nothing; refuse nothing". St Frances De Sales, 1567-1622

Providing Sudden Impact in Worm Control By: Jim Steadman | April 8, 2016

From Cotton Grower Magazine – April 2016 Veterans of the cotton industry have plenty of stories to tell about insect control – or the lack thereof – in the early 1990s. Pyrethroid resistance was emerging in tobacco budworm and cotton bollworm in the eastern Cotton Belt. Out west, pink bollworm was nearly uncontrollable. And growers from coast to coast were questioning their future in cotton production. In those same years, a new technology was carefully tucked away under evaluation in research plots throughout the Belt. Twenty years ago, that technology – Bollgard, the first Bt trait for cotton – was commercialized, and cotton production has never been the same. “Timing is everything,” recalled Keylon Gholston, Deltapine cotton products manager. “In 1995, in certain areas across the Cotton Belt, growers just could not control tobacco budworms. The worms were so resistant to pyrethroids, and growers didn’t really have any other options. “Bollgard came in at a great time,” he continued. “It allowed cotton growers to have protection in their fields 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And even though we had to overspray Bollgard in 1997 and 1998 for bollworms, it was only one or two sprays versus the 15 or more we had been doing.” Ron Smith, Extension entomologist with Auburn University, didn’t realize the impact the technology would have when he began working with it in the early 1990s. “In 1995, I actually went on record as saying we could no longer grow cotton in Alabama without some new technology,” he said. “The Bollgard technology saved the cotton industry in Alabama. I don’t believe we would have had many acres planted to cotton in 1996 without it. Roughly 77% of our acres went to that technology the first year. It’s almost unbelievable to adopt something new and, to that point, unproven on a wide scale the first year.” In Alabama and other southern states, the Bollgard introduction coincided with the Boll Weevil Eradication program. As Gholston recalled, those events changed the two biggest pests in the southern Cotton Belt. “We had to spray at least once a week – sometimes twice a week – for boll weevils pre-eradication,” he said. “And you couldn’t stop those treatments when you had to start spraying for bollworm or budworm. We were continually spraying, and the cost of production was skyrocketing. Plus, we were losing yield if we weren’t spraying, because worms were sub-threshold and still feeding. And if we were spraying, we were losing yield, because we couldn’t get 100% control.” In addition to season-long protection, Bollgard also gave growers more predictable insect control costs. The BWEP provided a planned treatment system to eliminate cotton’s original major pest from the fields. Solving an Untreatable Problem The story was similar in the western Cotton Belt. “Controlling pink bollworm was such a significant challenge, that growers were wondering about the future of cotton after the 1990 season,” recalled Peter Ellsworth, professor, IPM coordinator and director of the Arizona Pest Management Center at the University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center. “What was even worse was that everything we had to spray for pink bollworm was antagonizing the entire system. There were just so many negative consequences of the harsh control measures we had to take that Bt cotton was like a miracle.” At that time, pink bollworm control relied on an adulticidal program to prevent moths from laying eggs on bolls. Once the eggs hatched, the emerged larvae drilled into the interior of the boll within hours without being killed. It was, as Ellsworth described, an extremely inefficient means for controlling pest populations. “The best we could ever really do was 50% control of pink bollworm with conventional insecticides,” he said. “We were really on a treadmill that was not sustainable.” Ellsworth also worked with the Bollgard technology before commercialization. “We could feel it was going to be a revolution with all of the efficacy and regulatory trials we had been running. It was the beginning of the creation of an environment where we could use selective materials to control other pests and start to let growers better manage the system itself through conservational biological control,” he said. Today, pink bollworm has been effectively eradicated in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and Northern Mexico. According to Ellsworth, Bt cotton was the cornerstone for that program. “You couldn’t have picked a better system in which to demonstrate the safe use of GM technology and its benefits to society by increasing the safety of our production systems.” Numbers Help Tell the Story Overall, what has the introduction of Bollgard meant in terms of income and other benefits to the cotton industry? “The farm income benefit is impressive,” said Brett Begemann, Monsanto’s president and chief operating officer. “When you look at the increase in production and the reduction of costs for U.S. cotton growers, the total benefit is $4.35 billion. And the estimated reduction of insecticide use in the U.S. is 31.08 million pounds of active ingredient – a 17.1% reduction. “As important as those facts and figure are, my favorite aspect is the impact this technology has had on farmers’ lives,” he added. “I can’t tell you how many farmers I’ve met in the last 20 years that tell that with the improved insect control, they got to spend more time with their family, because they were making fewer passes over their field to spray. “To me, that’s the real value of this technology.”

USDA Expands Safety-Net for Dairy Operations Adding Next-Generation Family Members

USDA Expands Safety-Net for Dairy Operations Adding Next-Generation Family Members WASHINGTON, April 12, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that dairy farms participating in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) can now update their production history when an eligible family member joins the operation. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant. "This change not only helps to strengthen a family dairy operation, it also helps new dairy farmers get started in the family business, while ensuring that safety net coverage remains available for these growing farms," said Secretary Vilsack. "When children, grandchildren or their spouses become part of a dairy operation that is enrolled in MPP, the production from the dairy cows they bring with them into the business can now be protected. By strengthening the farm safety net, expanding credit options and growing domestic and foreign markets, USDA is committed to helping American farming operations remain successful." The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) published a final rule which makes these changes effective on April 13, 2016. Any dairy operation already enrolled in the Margin Protection Program that had an intergenerational transfer occur will have an opportunity to increase the dairy operations production history during the 2017 registration and annual coverage election period. The next election period begins on July 1, 2016, and ends on Sept. 30, 2016. For intergenerational transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2016, notification must be made to the FSA within 60 days of purchasing the additional cows. Each participating dairy operation is authorized one intergenerational transfer at any time of its choosing until 2018. For $100 a year, dairy producers can receive basic catastrophic protection that covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin coverage level. For additional premiums, operations can protect 25 to 90 percent of production history with margin coverage levels from $4.50 to $8, in 50 cent increments. Annual enrollment in the program is required in order to receive margin protection. The final rule also provides improved risk protection for dairy farmers that pay premiums to buy-up higher levels of coverage by clarifying that 90 percent of production is covered below the $4 level even if a lower percentage was selected above the $4 margin. Earlier this year, FSA gave producers the opportunity to pay their premium through additional options including via their milk cooperative or handler. This rule facilitates those options and also clarifies that the catastrophic level protection at $4 will always cover 90 percent of the production history, even if a producer selected a less than a 90 percent percentage for the buy-up coverage. Assuming current participation, had the Margin Protection Program existed from 2009 to 2014, premiums and fees would have totaled $500 million while providing producers with $2.5 billion in financial assistance, nearly $1 billion more than provided by the old Milk Income Loss Contract program during the same period. The Margin Protection Program was established by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on USDA's historic investments in rural America over the past seven years. Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 American jobs, provides American consumers with more than 80 percent of the food we consume, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials. USDA has provided $5.6 billion of disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; expanded risk management tools with products like to Whole Farm Revenue Protection; helped farm businesses grow with $36 billion in farm credit; provided $4.32 billion in critical agricultural research; established innovative public-private conservation partnerships such as the Regional Conservation Partnership Program; developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,500 biobased products through USDA's BioPreferred program; and invested $13.3 billion in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results. For more information, visit FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by a local FSA office and ask about the Margin Protection Program. To find a local FSA office in your area, visit http://offices.usda.gov. #

Lower Pecos Water Planning Public invited to comment on Draft Plan through May 1, 2016

Regional Steering Committee Meeting Scheduled To Help Update Regional Water Plan Public invited to comment on Draft Plan through May 1, 2016 Santa Fe – The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) is currently working with all of New Mexico’s 16 water planning regions to finalize regional water plan updates by the fall of 2016. This process includes having three ISC-facilitated regional steering committee meetings in each region, all of which are open to the public. Each regional steering committee is composed of a representative group of water users who work together to identify and determine strategies to address the region’s unique future water needs, support effective local water resource management, and reconcile gaps between supply and demand. The steering committees also compile information about projects, programs, and policies to be implemented in each region. Regional steering committee meetings are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Opportunities for the public to make comments on the draft regional water plan updates will be coordinated through local steering committees. The (name of region) will be accepting public comments on the Draft Regional Water Plan until (Date). Please address your comments to (Name of person, email, mailing address or other contact information). The next regional steering committee meeting will be held in the Eddy County Fair Grounds Community Building on May 20th, 2016 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Locations, dates, and times of all regional steering committee meetings are posted on the Interstate Stream Commission’s website, and are subject to change: www.ose.state.nm.us . A copy of the draft can be read at http://www.ose.state.nm.us/Planning/RWP/region_10.php Comments may be posted on the Pecos Valley Water Users Organization Facebook page and/or you may subscribe to PVWUO E-newsletter at Sign up for PVWUO Electronic E-Mail newsletter at http://pvwuo.blogspot.com/ For more Information Contact: Woods E Houghton whoughto@nmsu.edu (575) 887-6595 Or Aron Balok ab@pvacd.com (575) 622-7000

Expect roadblocks statewide during fishing and hunting seasons

Expect roadblocks statewide during fishing and hunting seasons SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks throughout the state during the hunting and fishing seasons to collect harvest data and to detect wildlife law violations. The 2016-17 fishing season began April 1. Youth turkey hunting season began April 8 and the general season begins April 15. For more information, please consult the department's fishing or hunting Rules & Information booklets available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us or at area offices and license vendors. At roadblocks, conservation officers also will check for compliance with the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act and the Aquatic Invasive Species Control Act. Drivers of vehicles hauling wood products will be asked to produce documentation as required by the Forest Conservation Act. Department officers may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police or county sheriff’s offices. As a result, the public may encounter minor delays. To report a wildlife-law violation, please contact a Department of Game and Fish area office in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Raton, Roswell or Las Cruces, or call the toll-free Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn rewards for information leading to charges being filed. Violations also can be reported online at Operation Game Thief.

New hunting, fishing rules take effect this month

New hunting, fishing rules take effect this month SANTA FE – Springtime marks the beginning of a new April 1-March 31 “license year” for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish each season – always a good time to bring hunters and anglers up to date on any rule changes. This year, some of those changes are significant: • Military discounts: Starting this year, New Mexico residents who are active-duty military or veterans will receive 50 percent discounts on all licenses, permits and stamps. Documentation is not required at the time of purchase, but may be requested later. • OK on bow fishing: Bow fishing now is a legal means to take game fish in reservoirs and lakes that are open to fishing. It is not allowed in special trout waters, rivers or streams. Fishing with crossbows is not permitted. Prior to going out, be sure to confirm that local ordinances or laws allow for the use of bows. • Bear and cougar pelt tagging: The pelts of all harvested bears and cougars must be accompanied by a license and properly tagged by a Department of Game and Fish conservation officer or staff at an area office. Beginning this year, hunters who appoint a designee to present their bear or cougar hide for tagging must first report the harvest to a conservation officer themselves. When the hunter contacts a conservation officer, the hunter will receive a confirmation code and the name of the officer, both of which must be provided by the designee at the time of tagging. Pelts will not be tagged without that information. • Cougar trapping: Trapping and foot snaring of cougars are legal only on private land with written permission from the landowner and on State Trust Land. Foot snares are prohibited on Game Management Unit 27 and those portions of Game Management Unit 26 (San Luis Mountains) designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as critical habitat for jaguars. Jaguar critical habitat area in Unit 26 can be viewed at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical-habitat.html by clicking the "online mapper" link. Neck snares are not a legal method of take. Legal trapping and snaring dates are Nov. 1–March 31. All other requirements and trap restrictions for furbearers (pages 121-123) apply to cougars. • Rules for watercraft: All boats now are subject to inspection and possible decontamination before launching in New Mexico waters under new rules adopted to combat the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species. Rule changes include mandatory watercraft inspections and if necessary, decontamination before entering New Mexico waters. Complete rules are available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ais. More information on all New Mexico hunting and fishing rules is available at www.wildlife.state.nm.us/home/publications/. ###

Citizen Advisory Committees to Meet to Recommend Habitat Stamp Projects

Citizen Advisory Committees to Meet to Recommend Habitat Stamp Projects SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has scheduled statewide Habitat Stamp Program Citizens Advisory Committee meetings for 2016. Citizen advisors will prioritize Habitat Stamp-funded projects for 2017 and 2018. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the following regional Citizen Advisory Committee meetings: • Central: 9 a.m. April 28, Cibola National Forest office, 2118 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque. • Northeast: 9 a.m. May 2, Carson National Forest office, 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos. • Southeast: 10 a.m. May 7, Bureau of Land Management office, 2909 W. Second St., Roswell. • Northwest: 9 a.m. May 11, Bureau of Land Management office, 6251 College Blvd., Farmington. • Southwest: 10 a.m. May 14, Gila National Forest office, 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City. The Habitat Stamp Program has an annual budget of $742,300 with the support of hunters, anglers and trappers who purchase a $5 stamp each year to participate in their sports on Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service managed lands. In the 30-year life of the program, 2,312 wildlife and habitat enhancement projects have been funded at a level of almost $46 million. Through this effort, the Habitat Stamp Program has contributed $19.7 million; federal agencies have reported contributing an additional $22.8 million in matching funds in the form of labor, materials, planning, fiscal tracking, National Environmental Policy Act compliance, and obtaining archeological/cultural clearances. Additional organizational and volunteer partners reported contributing another $3.4 million. Overall, the program has improved approximately 837,143 acres of terrestrial habitat; enhanced approximately 11,191 acres of riparian habitat; built 789 places for wildlife to obtain water; completed 801 wildlife population and/or habitat surveys; completed 17 wildlife transplants; improved 87 aquatic habitat/fishing areas; installed approximately 805 erosion control structures for watershed improvement; maintained and/or monitored previously built infrastructure; provided habitat and shelter for wildlife; reduced human impacts on wildlife; and improved overall public enjoyment of wildlife. Since its inception, citizens have been involved in every aspect of the program, advising which habitats are most in need of improvement. Appointed by the State Game Commission, citizens representing sporting, conservation, and public-land permittee interests meet each spring to prioritize local habitat projects. For more information about the Habitat Stamp Program, please contact Reuben Teran, (505) 476-8130, reubens.teran@state.nm.us or visit the Habitat Stamp Program website, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/habitat-information/habitat-stamp/

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Increase the Value of Their Products

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Increase the Value of Their Products WASHINGTON, April 8, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. "America's farmers, ranchers and rural business owners are innovative entrepreneurs and this program helps them grow economic opportunities for their families and communities by increasing the value of the items they produce," Vilsack said. "The Value-Added Producer Grant program has a great track record of helping producers increase the value of products and expand their markets and customer base, strengthening rural America in the process." Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority for these grants is given to veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranches. Additional priority is given to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators. More information on how to apply is on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Additional information and assistance is available through the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county. Since 2009, USDA has awarded 1,126 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling $144.7 million. USDA awarded 205 grants to beginning farmers and ranchers. Value-Added Producer Grants are a key element of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative, which coordinates the Department's work to develop local and regional food systems. Secretary Vilsack describes the cultivation of local and regional food systems as one of the four pillars of rural economic development that impacts farm family income and strengthens local economies. Under Secretary Vilsack, USDA has supported providing consumers a stronger connection to their food with more than $1 billion in investments to over 40,000 local and regional food businesses and infrastructure projects since between 2009. Industry data estimates that U.S. local food sales totaled at least $12 billion in 2014, up from $5 billion in 2008. More information on how USDA investments are connecting producers with consumers and expanding rural economic opportunities is available in Chapter IV of USDA Results on Medium. Two examples of Value-Added Producer Grant awards from 2015 include: • Shoshone-Bannock Enterprises in Fort Hall, Idaho, received a $75,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study on processing, packaging and marketing buffalo meat, a first step in identifying potential new market opportunities. • Sappa Valley Poultry in Oberlin, Kan., received a $49,663 grant to expand distribution of their free-range chicken products into eastern Colorado and western Kansas markets. Congress increased funding for the Value-Added program in the 2014 Farm Bill. That law builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 180,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. #

Environmental Impacts of Antibiotic Use in Livestock with Global Implications & Intervention Strategies

Dr. Douglas Call, Interim Director, Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health will present Environmental Impacts of Antibiotic Use in Livestock with Global Implications & Intervention Strategies from 10-11a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. The seminar can be viewed via Adobe Connect as well as in Room 2311 of the Waterfront Building, Washington, DC. This seminar has been approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration for 1.0 Continuing Professional Education Unit (CEU). Please join us! Link: http://nifa-connect.nifa.usda.gov/ifsnseminarapr2016/ Phone: 1-888-844-9904 Code: 1700775 Webinar Overview: As a result of attending this seminar participants will be able to: 1. Explain why the probability of zoonotic disease transmission is greater with higher density bacterial populations. 2. Describe the cause and risks of reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 3. Recognize opportunities to interfere with transmission and persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in agricultural systems. For more information visit our website: http://nifa.usda.gov/resource/institute-food-safety-and-nutrition-ifsn-seminar-series Mallory M. Koenings, PhD, RDN Program Specialist National Institute of Food and Agriculture United States Department of Agriculture Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition Waterfront Centre, Room 2452 800 9th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024 Phone: (202) 401-5286 Fax: (202) 401-4888 e-mail: mallory.koenings@nifa.usda.gov Twitter: #NIFAimpacts To receive an automated email notification when RFAs are released, please register at grants.gov. Register at http://www.grants.gov/search/subscribeAdvanced.do Be sure to use the correct CFDA Number; AFRI= “10.310 CFDA numbers for other programs are on the NIFA website

TRICHOMONIASIS OR TRICH MEETING SCHEDULED Eddy and Chaves County

TRICHOMONIASIS OR TRICH MEETING SCHEDULED Eddy and Chaves County Cattle experts from New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will make presentations to ranchers and others May 4 on the cattle disease trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis, a highly transmittable disease, can result in early fetal death and infertility, resulting in extended calving intervals. Dr. John Wenzel, Extension veterinarian, and Woods Houghton Eddy County Extension Agent along with Sammy Urig DVM will be holding different kind of producers meeting on May 4th. They will be holding a meeting on talk radio, KCCC, 930 AM dial on May 4 at noon to 1:00pm they will be discussing the cattle disease Trich. Producers can call in their question during or e-mail them to whoughto@nmsu.edu during or before the radio meeting. The call in number will be 575-887-5521 or you can listen on line as well at http://tunein.com/radio/KCCC-930-s31960/ Trich can and will put beef producer in the red, I have seen loss in calf crops can be 10 percent to 30 percent and as high as 50 percent. There will also be a face to face meeting will be at 3 p.m. on May 4 at the Extension Office 1304 West Stevens, Carlsbad and May 5 at 10:00 in Roswell Thursday, May 5, 2016 - 10:30 AM Farm Bureau Building Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds Roswell, NM 10:30 AM – Trichomoniasis and Veterinary Feed Directive Update 12:00 Noon – Lunch Provided by Paul’s Veterinary Supply 1:00 to 3:00 PM – Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program 3:00 PM – Question Session and Wrap up 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.

National Drought report

The National Drought Mitigation Center’s March 2016 Drought and Impact Summary is now available at http://drought.unl.edu/NewsOutreach/MonthlySummary/March2016DroughtandImpactSummary.aspx March highlights: In parts of the western U.S., drought has stretched into its fifth year. Northern California has seen some easing of drought conditions and water restrictions, but the southern part of the state remains dry and continues to face water supply issues. Deborah Wood National Drought Mitigation Center University of Nebraska-Lincoln 817 Hardin Hall 3310 Holdrege St. Lincoln, NE 68583-0988

Closer Insecticide for Pecan section 3 delayed.

Gentlemen It was communicated to you all in the past few weeks that the EPA had told DAS that we would have the new Closer Sec 3 registration by late march or early April. We were notified on Monday that the EPA has now decided ( activist pressure ) to open this label up for a 30 day comment period which will be followed by a timeline in which the EPA has to address the comments. So in all reality the only way we will have Closer for pecans this year is via the Sec 18 process. DAS cannot be a party to that process. If you or your growers believe we need Closer as a rotation product for aphid control in pecans, you need to contact Brad Lewis or Richard Heerema or your county agent. If they choose to ask for a Sec 18, DAS will fully support with the necessary data. This is not about any environmental issue or safety issue, it is about bees and the activist community becoming emboldened and threating the EPA. Making the threats with a full mouth and belly. The EPA is scared to death of litigation. In the meantime, any Closer that is owned by growers is legal to be used, no issues. Please let me know if you have questions. Greg Greg Alpers Sr. Sales Representative Range and Pasture, Crop Protection, IVM, PhytoGen Cottonseed Mobile 575-626-7438 Dow AgroSciences LLC 1909 West 27th Street, Roswell, NM 88201 gaalpers@dow.com www.dowagro.com Solutions for the Growing World

USDA Announces Loan Rates for Wheat, Feed Grains and Oilseeds

USDA Announces Loan Rates for Wheat, Feed Grains and Oilseeds 04/06/2016 03:00 PM EDT WASHINGTON, April 6, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation today announced the 2016 marketing assistance loan rates by county for wheat, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans and each “other oilseed” (canola, crambe, flaxseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safflower, sesame seed and sunflower seed). The rates are posted on the Farm Service Agency (FSA) website at www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/commodity-loan-rates/index

Department seeking next generation of conservation officers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 6, 2016: Department seeking next generation of conservation officers SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking qualified men and women to join the next generation of conservation officers who protect and conserve the state’s natural resources. Applications for game warden trainees with salaries starting at $17.03 an hour will be accepted by the New Mexico State Personnel Office until June 5, 2016. Please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us to learn more about the position and how to apply. Prior law enforcement experience is not required, but successful applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as fisheries or wildlife biology, forestry or criminal justice. Please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us for a complete list of qualifying degrees. Candidates also must pass psychological and medical exams, a background investigation and fitness and drug tests. Applicants also must pass a written exam and an oral interview board before being offered a position. If hired, recruits will receive basic training at the state Law Enforcement Academy and the department’s recruit school before undergoing a year of on-the-job training under a field training officer. Those hired can look forward to extensive training in subjects such as emergency vehicle operations, criminal investigations, defensive tactics, firearms training and arrest procedures. Training also includes aerial wildlife survey techniques, wildlife restraint, off-highway vehicle and boat training. Training is rigorous and the work is often difficult, requiring sound judgement, a good work ethic and common sense. The department is seeking highly motivated personnel who are up to the challenge this career offers. Conservation officers primarily work alone in remote, rural regions of the state while enforcing New Mexico’s game and fish laws, investigating criminal cases and pursuing civil cases against offenders. Officers also educate the public about wildlife and wildlife management, conduct wildlife surveys, capture problem animals, investigate wildlife damage to crops and property, assist in wildlife relocations, and help develop new hunting, fishing and trapping regulations. For more information about conservation officer duties, educational and physical requirements, training and employee benefits, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us/enforcement/career-advancement or contact Lt. Brady Griffith, the department’s recruiting officer at (505) 795-1700 or bradyd.griffith@state.nm.us. ###

EPA Releases Draft Biological Evaluations of Three Chemicals’ Impacts on Endangered Species

EPA Releases Draft Biological Evaluations of Three Chemicals’ Impacts on Endangered Species As part of the Endangered Species Act consultation process with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), EPA has released for public comment the first-ever draft biological evaluations analyzing the nation-wide effects of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion on endangered and threatened species and designated critical habitat. Partial evaluations, without the effects determinations, were released in December 2015. The EPA is soliciting specific feedback regarding how to refine the assessments. Accompanying the biological evaluations is a document titled “Instructions for Commenting on the Draft Biological Evaluations for Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, and Malathion.” This document outlines the components of the biological evaluations, the types of feedback sought and where to submit comments. We encourage commenters to group their comments to help facilitate review because of the anticipated volume of public input. You can find these instructions in the “Supporting Documents” section of each docket. Following public comment on the draft biological evaluations, EPA will finalize the assessments. For those species and designated critical habitats where registered uses of the pesticides are “likely to adversely affect” species and/or habitat, USFWS and NMFS will use the analyses and data from the biological evaluations in their final Biological Opinions for each of the three chemicals. The Biological Opinions will also have a public comment period before they become final. At any time during this consultation process with USFWS and NMFS, EPA can determine if a pesticide’s registration, label, or use instructions should be altered to ensure use of a pesticide is consistent with the requirements of FIFRA and the ESA. EPA will work with stakeholders to implement these changes through label-based restrictions on use or through geographically-specific Endangered Species Protection Bulletins. More information is available at www.epa.gov/endangered-species/assessing-pesticides-under-endangered-species-act. These draft biological evaluations were developed using interim scientific methods developed collaboratively with USFWS and NMFS. The interim scientific methods represent a new paradigm for analyzing pesticides for effects on endangered species and were developed in response to the April 2013 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.” In developing the biological evaluations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided expertise on crop production and pesticide use and helped EPA use the National Agricultural Statistics Service Cropland Data Layer to help define the footprint of agricultural use patterns. To read the biological evaluations for each pesticide, go to: • https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/biological-evaluation-chapters-chlorpyrifos, • https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/biological-evaluation-chapters-diazinon, • https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/biological-evaluation-chapters-malathion. When the federal register notice publishes in the next week, you can submit your comments in the registration review dockets for chlorpyrifos (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0850), diazinon (EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0351), and malathion (EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0317) at www.regulations.gov. EPA will accept comments for 60 days. Additionally, we will host an online technical webinar to explain the interim methods used to make effects determinations and how to navigate the biological evaluation materials on the website. The webinar will take place later in April. More information will be sent via Pesticide Program Update ahead of the webinar.

NMSU experts to make presentations on cattle disease: trichomoniasis

NMSU experts to make presentations on cattle disease: trichomoniasis DATE: 04/04/2016 WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Sidney Gordon, 575-437-0231, sgordon@nmsu.edu Cattle experts from New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will make presentations to ranchers and others April 26 on the cattle disease trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis, a highly transmittable disease, can result in early fetal death and infertility, resulting in extended calving intervals. Dr. John Wenzel, Extension veterinarian, and Sidney “Sid” Gordon, Extension agriculture agent in Otero County, will be joined by Dr. Warren Franklin of Ruidoso and other experts at a meeting of the Otero County Cattleman’s Association. “Trichomoniasis is a disease that can be economically devastating in a short period of time, Gordon said. “Loss in calf crops can be 10 percent to 30 percent and as high as 50 percent.” The meeting will be at 6 p.m. April 26, at Hitch-N-Post BBQ, 2930 N. White Sands Blvd., in Alamogordo. All are invited. A meal will be provided for the OCCA board and members at 5:30 p.m. Please call Gordon at 575-437-0231 if you plan to attend the dinner portion of the meeting. Those who would like to join the organization also are invited for the meal. For more information, check the organization’s website at oterocountycattlemansassociation.com. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews We will be holding a meetin in Carlsbad on May 4th and Roswell on May 5th

NMSU publication on water consumption of beef cattle in NM.

There is great interest within New Mexico to know the water intake for lactating range beef cows. It is important to note that there is a considerable range of natural variability in wa - ter intake and limited science supporting cur - rent water use estimates for grazing beef cattle. While a single number is sometimes offered, we hesitated to provide such a number for its po - tential to be misinterpreted. With careful con - sideration of the variables, however, producers may use the formula in this guide to estimate water use for their specific situation. http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_b/B231.pdf

NMSU researcher develops method for cloning pecan rootstock

NMSU researcher develops method for cloning pecan rootstock DATE: 04/05/2016 WRITER: Kristie Garcia, 575-646-4211, kmgarcia@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Jennifer Randall, 575-646-2920, jrandall@nmsu.edu A newly developed method for cloning pecan rootstock may result in more successful yields for growers in the future. Jennifer Randall, a research associate professor in the New Mexico State University Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, is thrilled with this breakthrough, as pecan can be challenging. “Pecan can be difficult to work with, and before I started, I was told that pecan cloning was impossible,” Randall said. “I’m excited, especially with the potential that it can mean to the industry and for research.” Pecan trees, grown in commercial orchards, have two main parts that are grafted together. The top part of the tree produces nuts and is genetically the same as other treetops in an orchard. The bottom part is called the rootstock, and each rootstock is genetically different. The research process, which began in late 2012, involves cloning rootstocks to make them genetically the same. The Randall Lab has cloned nearly 300 different pecan genotypes, or genetically different trees. Randall, who has a doctorate in molecular biology from NMSU, said she and her team are trying to find the best genetic tree for specific environmental needs. “When we find one, having everything genetically uniform can make a lot of differences in an orchard,” Randall said. What that means for growers is that rootstock best suited for a specific orchard area could be cloned for ideal growing conditions. The challenge in the Southwest is that the soil contains a large amount of salt. Randall said determining rootstocks that are able to grow in high salinity soils is advantageous, as the pecan tree can better survive and produce. Identifying salinity tolerant and disease resistant rootstocks would be advantageous to pecan tree growers in the Southwest, as such trees may lead to more productive yields. However, the process is still in the research stage, so rootstock cloning is not yet commercially available. The next step is to conduct field trials. “Next, we’ll perform a field study to see how they do in a real world environment, not just a laboratory in a greenhouse,” Randall said. “And now that we have this method, we can clone potentially any pecan.” It takes seven to 30 years for a pecan tree to flower, but now that cloning is available, the flowering process can be expedited, as researchers are moving toward using genetic markers for pecan breeding. - 30 - Follow NMSU News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nmsunews Follow NMSU News on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NMSUNews

USDA Invests $103 Million in Vital Watershed Projects

USDA Invests $103 Million in Vital Watershed Projects Programs to Protect Public Safety, Improve Critical Infrastructure in 19 States WASHINGTON, March 31, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $103 million in post-disaster recovery and the rehabilitation of aging dams in 19 States. "The Emergency Watershed Protection program is vital to communities repairing damage and making improvements to reduce future damage from natural disasters," Vilsack said. "Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $647 million to help local governments restore watersheds and protect communities from the aftermath of devastating natural disasters like Hurricanes Irene and Sandy and fires and flooding in the Southwestern United States." Funding through USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), was announced by Assistant Chief Kirk Hanlin at an event in Mother Neff State Park outside Temple, Texas. In 2015, excessive rains overwhelmed the drainage systems of many communities and threatened, damaged or destroyed culverts, bridges and roads. NRCS will invest more than $21 million to help Texas communities remove debris and stabilize streambanks to better protect drainage canals, utilities and roads from future damage. Overall, NRCS will invest $93 million in Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program assistance to help state and local governments carry out much needed recovery projects to address damage caused by floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters. Approximately $59 million will be used in recovery projects in some of the hardest hit areas in Texas, Mississippi and Utah. About $34 million will assist projects in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. A summary of projects by state is available on the EWP website. Today's announcement also includes $10.4 million in Watershed Rehabilitation Program funding to help communities rehabilitate aging dams that protect lives, property and infrastructure like drinking water in rural communities downstream. Of this, $4.8 million will be used in Texas to complete the design and construction of four watershed rehabilitation projects in Ellis and Williamson counties, and $3.7 will be used in Utah for the construction of a dam project in Gillespie County. About $500,000 will be used to assess up to 25 aging dams nationwide this year. USDA watershed projects provide an estimated $2.2 billion in benefits annually to local communities nationwide. Since 1948, USDA has helped local governments construct nearly 12,000 dams in 47 states and Puerto Rico to help prevent flooding and erosion damage, provide recreation opportunities, improve water supplies for drinking and irrigation, and create habitat for wildlife. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $29 billion to help producers make conservation improvements, working with as many as 500,000 farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect more than 400 million acres nationwide, boosting soil and air quality, cleaning and conserving water and enhancing wildlife habitat. For an interactive look at USDA's work in conservation and forestry over the course of this Administration, visit https://medium.com/usda-results. #

EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Decision to Register Dicamba for Use on Genetically-Engineered Crops

EPA Seeks Comment on Proposed Decision to Register Dicamba for Use on Genetically-Engineered Crops The EPA is proposing to register dicamba to control weeds in cotton and soybean genetically engineered (GE) to tolerate dicamba. Weeds that are becoming increasingly resistant to glyphosate-based herbicides are posing a problem for farmers. If finalized, EPA’s action will provide an additional tool to reduce the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds. To ensure that dicamba successfully manages weed resistance problems, the proposed decision outlines a Herbicide Resistance Management Plan which includes robust monitoring and reporting any suspected resistance to EPA, grower education and remediation. Additionally, EPA is proposing to limit the registration to 5 years, which would further provide protections if resistance to dicamba develops. EPA is soliciting public comment for 30 days. Comments on the EPA’s proposed regulatory decision must be submitted no later than April 30, 2016. Comments may be submitted to the EPA docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0187 at www.regulations.gov. After the comment period closes, EPA will review all of the comments and reach a final decision, which the Agency expects to issue in late summer or early fall 2016. Questions and Answers about this proposal are available.

USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for April 2016

USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for April 2016 04/01/2016 10:00 AM EDT WASHINGTON, April 1, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for April 2016. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for April is 0.625 percent, up from 0.500 percent in March.

USDA Announces over $90 Million Available to Support Local Food Systems, Specialty Crop Producers

USDA Announces over $90 Million Available to Support Local Food Systems, Specialty Crop Producers WASHINGTON, April 1, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of more than $90 million in competitive grants to help strengthen local and regional food systems, develop new market opportunities for producers, and support farmers growing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, flowers and nursery crops (known collectively as specialty crops). These grants programs are administered by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and include the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, and the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program. "Over the past seven years, USDA has strengthened local and regional food systems by investing in projects that recruit and train farmers, expand economic opportunities for small businesses and increase access to healthy foods," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "These grant programs make a real difference to farmers, ranchers, and businesses in communities across the country, revitalizing rural economies while also increasing access to fresh, healthy food." More than $62 million is allocated in grants to U.S. states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for projects supporting specialty crop growers through research and programs to increase demand. Interested applicants should apply directly through their state departments of agriculture, which administer a competitive grant process. A listing of the SCBGP's state contacts, and how to apply with state application due dates, can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp. State departments of agriculture must submit their applications to AMS by July 6, 2016. The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program provides a combined total of more than $26 million in competitive grants, divided equally between the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). FMPP grants support direct producer-to-consumer marketing projects such as farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, roadside stands, and agritourism. LFPP funding goes to projects that develop, improve, and expand local and regional food business intermediary supply chain activities, including processing, distribution, aggregation, and storage of locally- or regionally-produced food products. The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) provides nearly $1 million in matching funds to state departments of agriculture, state colleges and universities, and other appropriate state agencies for research projects that address challenges and opportunities in marketing, transporting, and distributing U.S. agricultural products domestically and internationally. USDA data show that specialty crop sales exceed $83 billion per year. Since 2009, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program has supported these growers by investing nearly $393 million into more than 5,400 projects. USDA's investments in farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer local food marketing activities through FMPP have provided $60 million in assistance for over 900 projects nationwide since 2009. LFPP has funded over 350 projects totaling nearly $25 million since it launched in 2014. Grant applications must be submitted electronically through www.Grants.gov. Applicants should start the Grants.gov registration process as soon as possible to ensure that they meet the deadline. Applications for FSMIP, FMPP and LFPP are due by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 12, 2016. Grant writing workshops will be held through the Agricultural Marketing Service Technical Assistance (AMSTA) Project. Please visit www.amsta.net to see if training is scheduled in your area. For more information about these grant programs, including program background, visit the AMS grants website: www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants. The website also contains a link "What AMS Grant is Right for Me?" under which applicants can use a grants decision tree to determine which AMS grant fits their project best. These programs are key elements of USDA's Know Your Food, Know Your Farmer initiative, which coordinates the Department's support for local and regional food systems. The Secretary has identified local and regional food systems as one of the four pillars of rural economic development. #

Trich meeting and Radio call in program

On Wednesday May 4th KCCC radio 930 am 12:00-1:00 community forum with John Whenzel DVM, Sammy and Woods. You can call in and ask questions. Discussion on what Trich is , who should be involved, how the rules work. Call in questions available. This will be promoted via newspaper articles, electronic newsletter, face book Producers Face to face meeting 3:00 to 4:30 Eddy County Extension Office.