SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING

P SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING We hear that a lot in Bio Security or Agro Terrorism training. Intentional acts to disrupt or cause terror to our food supply is possible. In fact, U.S. Intelligence has found plans in Afghanistan, Iraqi and Syria on how to do just that. The agriculture sector in the U.S. is a $1 trillion business and employs approximately 9.2 percent of American workers. In 2012, domestic animal agriculture – livestock and poultry production – generated approximately 1.8 million jobs, $346 billion in total economic output and $60 billion in household income. Experts are calling better understanding of the threats to agriculture posed by biological agents, which can inflict catastrophic consequences on the U.S. population and economy. The treat to plant agriculture is very real as well but would be more complicated, difficult and slower. Vigilance is the key. While it was not an intentional act recently I had an Eddy County Citizen contact our office about something he thought was unusual. He had bought birdseed a local store and when he got home, he put some out into his bird feeder. Soon he noticed that there were tiny bugs everywhere. He used a house hold insecticide spray double bagged both the feeder and the birdseed he had just bought. Then he called the Extension Office, I was in Artesia but he brought his items to the Extension Office. Unfortunately, I do not have a deep freeze to put the infested product. However, we cooled them down and got a look under the microscope as well as sending them to the NMSU/NMDA entomologist. We also notified NMDA feed and seed bureau for inspection. These insects are grainy weevils and the sack was at least 90% infested. NMDA took appropriate regulatory action to protect sorghum and milt production in Eddy County and New Mexico. Fortunately, the time of year for this particular pest reduced the treat to our local Agriculture. We thank the citizen who did what we ask if you see, something unusual say something to someone so the treat will be evaluated and eliminated. Another producer noticed a different insect and it turn out to be a simple issue of meal worms but again we the Agriculture Sector of our community appreciate people saying something. Subscribe to Eddy County Ag news at: http://nmsueddyag.blogspot.com/ Eddy They turned out to be grainy weevils 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.