USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer

USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a movement permit to Mr. S. Claus of the North Pole, a broker with Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. December 24, 2017 and 7 a.m. December 25, 2017, through or over any U.S. border port. “It’s the season of giving and joy. Here at USDA we don’t want anything to delay these very important reindeer at our borders,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We know that children all over the country – including my own fourteen grandchildren – are eagerly awaiting a visit from Mr. Claus and his team before they wake on Christmas morning. USDA issued this permit in advance and waived all applicable fees to help ensure a smooth trip on Christmas Eve night.” In addition to the normal disease testing requirements, flying reindeer must undergo additional tests to ensure they will be able to safely handle significant changes in altitude and temperature throughout their journey, and are fit for landing on rooftops. On this year’s health certificate, the accredited veterinarian noted that one of the reindeer named Rudolph was positive for “red nose syndrome,” however, it was also explained that this is normal for him and not an animal health concern. The veterinarian also verified the reindeer have been vaccinated against any diseases they could encounter on their trip around the world. At the request of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, APHIS also completed a courtesy welfare and humane treatment check of the reindeer facility. Mr. Claus and his staff passed with flying colors. They will arrive pulling a wooden sleigh with jingling bells attached, filled with brightly wrapped gifts. Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry, and will also conduct a short visual inspection of the reindeer. Mr. Claus will also have his boots disinfected and will thoroughly wash his hands. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of any livestock diseases the team may encounter during deliveries to farms around the world prior to entering the United States. “It would be a disaster for Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited, if my reindeer were to unintentionally bring in foot and mouth disease along with all the gifts,” explained Mr. Claus. “Why, something like that could put me out of business. That’s why we work all year to keep the reindeer healthy and take all possible precautions before and during our trip.” Mr. Claus has also provided an advance list of what port personnel should expect upon their arrival. This includes a variety of food items, all of which come from approved locations and none of which pose a threat to U.S. animal or plant health. “As we do every day, we work diligently to ensure the health of American agriculture. Mr. Claus and the reindeer can safely continue their journey across the country and around the world, spreading holiday cheer as they go,” said Secretary Perdue.

New Mexico specialty crop funds available

New Mexico specialty crop funds available NMDA to offer workshops beginning in January, proposals are due March 1 (Las Cruces, New Mexico) – If you have a specialty crop, you may be eligible for federal funding as part of the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides grants to state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Increasing competitiveness may include developing local and rural food systems, improving food access in underserved communities, specialty crop research, feasibility studies, marketing projects and much more. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. The funding cycle begins September 29, and grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis only. Funds cannot be awarded to projects that solely benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture will offer three workshops to assist growers and other agribusinesses in January. The workshops will provide an overview of the grant program and the application process. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said the funding provides a unique and beneficial opportunity to agriculturalists in New Mexico. “The USDA’s Specialty Crops Block Grant Program provides an avenue through which growers and processors may leverage their business to grow the New Mexico economy,” Witte said. “The grant program has allowed New Mexicans to develop new opportunities and maintain a competitive market, both locally and globally.” Previously funded projects range from one-to-three years in length and vary in amounts from $15,000 to over $100,000. Funds may not be used for the following:  Capital expenditures (equipment, buildings, land) or expenditures to make improvements to capital assets that materially increase their value or useful life  General purpose equipment (equipment not limited to research, scientific or other technical activities)  Equipment (an article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost equal to or greater than $1,000) Proposals must be submitted to NMDA via email by 5 p.m. March 1 using the template to be provided by NMDA at http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/marketing/under competitive grant programs. Projects may began September 29, as long as a sub-award is in place. Workshop dates and the application template will be available at the website above. Other questions may be directed to NMDA Marketing Specialists Felicia Frost or Sarah Hacker at specialtycrops@nmda.nmsu.edu or (575) 646-4929. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NMDeptAg and follow us on Twitter @NMDeptAg.

NMSU’s 54th Quality Concrete School set for January

NMSU’s 54th Quality Concrete School set for January DATE: 12/21/2017 WRITER: Tracey O'Neil, 575-646-7852, traceyo@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Craig Newtson, 575-646-3034, newtson@nmsu.edu New Mexico State University’s Engineering New Mexico Resource Network will hold the 54th annual Samuel P. Maggard Quality Concrete School in collaboration with the New Mexico Ready Mix Concrete and Aggregates Association Jan. 12-13 on the NMSU Las Cruces campus. The Quality Concrete School provides professional engineers and other individuals involved in the aggregate, construction and transportation industry with information on the latest industry trends and technologies. Sessions will include topics such as the basic properties of concrete, use of GPS in Ready Mix and construction, sampling and testing, shrinkage, maturity testing and best practices for mega projects. The Quality Concrete School will be led by Craig Newtson and Brad Weldon, both civil engineering professors. Participants will earn up to 10 professional development hours. To register, visit https://nmsu_qualityconcrete_2018.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Newtson at newtson@nmsu.edu or 575-646-3034.

Agriculture Employer Conference

NM Forestry seedling and windbreak trees.

Ordering for seedlings from the NM Forestry Division Conservation seedling program for Spring 2018 begins December 4, 2017 and orders will be accepted through April 6, 2018. Distribution of seedlings begins March12, 2018 and ends on April 20, 2018. You may order on-line at www.nmforestry.com or by mailing in an order form with payment (order forms can be downloaded and printed from the website). We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for on-line orders and check for mail orders. 53,000 seedlings are available for purchase through the Spring 2018 Conservation Seedling Program. There are over 60 species available for the Spring 2018 Distribution. Both containerized and bareroot stock are available for spring distribution.

National Drought Mitigation Center’s November 2017 Drought and Impact Summary

The National Drought Mitigation Center’s November 2017 Drought and Impact Summary is now available at http://drought.unl.edu/NewsOutreach/MonthlySummary/November2017DroughtandImpactSummary.aspx November highlights: The area of the contiguous United States impacted by drought increased from 11.95 percent at the beginning of November to 21.14 percent at the end of the month. The number of people affected by drought increased from 26 million to just over 44 million. Find Drought and Impacts Summaries back to 2013 in the archive: http://drought.unl.edu/NewsOutreach/MonthlySummary.aspx You can manage your subscription to these updates at this link: http://listserv.unl.edu/signup-anon?LISTNAME=ndmc_update&LOCKTYPE=list

The USDA Forest Service is seeking grant applications for forest restoration projects on public and tribal lands in New Mexico by 5 PM, MST, Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The USDA Forest Service is seeking grant applications for forest restoration projects on public and tribal lands in New Mexico by 5 PM, MST, Tuesday, February 27, 2018. “Approximately $3 million will be awarded under the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program this year in New Mexico,” said Southwestern Regional Forester Cal Joyner. “The Forest Service will provide grants of up to $360,000 for projects that will be implemented in four years or less.” The program encourages diverse organizations to collaborate on the design, implementation and monitoring of restoration projects on public and tribal lands. Grant money is available for projects on federal, tribal, state, county or municipal lands in New Mexico. By working together to apply for these grants, small business owners, conservation and environmental groups, community groups, tribes, universities and other organizations can help reduce the threat of wildfire, improve forest and watershed conditions and bring jobs and job training to local communities. Applications should reflect local and traditional knowledge in developing creative ways to reduce the number and density of small diameter trees on public lands. Proponents are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that facilitate landscape-scale, multi-jurisdictional efforts such as NEPA planning, landscape assessments or Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Tribes, state and local governments, educational institutions, private landowners, conservation organizations, non-profit groups, and other interested public and private entities are encouraged to apply. “Last year the Forest Service awarded $3.4 million for 10 CFRP grants,” said Joyner. “A technical advisory panel reviewed the applications and made recommendations to us on the applications that best met the objectives of the program.” For questions regarding the Program or to develop project applications, please contact one of the following program coordinators in your area: Forest, City Coordinator Phone Email Carson, Taos Raul Hurtado 575-758-6344 rehurtado@fs.fed.us Cibola, Albuquerque Ian Fox 505-346-3814 ifox@fs.fed.us Gila, Silver City Julia F. Rivera 575-388-8212 jfrivera@fs.fed.us Lincoln, Alamogordo Mark Cadwallader 575-434-7375 mcadwallader@fs.fed.us Santa Fe, Santa Fe Reuben Montes 505-438-5356 rmontes@fs.fed.us The Forest Service will be sponsoring grant writing workshops throughout New Mexico for those interested in learning more about the program and the application process. Contact the program coordinators listed above for more details. Information is also available at the Southwestern Region website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r3/cfrp. The Collaborative Forest Restoration Program 2018 Annual Workshop will be held on January 10-11, 2018 in the Jemez Rooms of the Santa Fe Community College, 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508 (Jemez Rooms), 1-505-428-1000. The workshop is open to the public and there is no charge for attending. A separate email will be going out shortly with more information on the Workshop including the agenda. Thank you, Walter Dunn Walter Dunn, Program Manager Collaborative Forest Restoration/Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes Forest Service Cooperative & International Forestry, Southwestern Region p: 505-842-3425 c: 505-301-1291 f: 505-842-3165 wdunn@fs.fed.us 333 Broadway Blvd., SE Albuquerque, NM 87102 www.fs.fed.us Caring for the land and serving people

EPA Releases Draft Risk Assessments for Glyphosate

EPA Releases Draft Risk Assessments for Glyphosate The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for public comment the draft human health and ecological risk assessments for glyphosate, one of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the United States. The draft human health risk assessment concludes that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. The Agency’s assessment found no other meaningful risks to human health when the product is used according to the pesticide label. The Agency’s scientific findings are consistent with the conclusions of science reviews by a number of other countries as well as the 2017 National Institute of Health Agricultural Health Survey. EPA’s human health review evaluated dietary, residential/non-occupational, aggregate, and occupational exposures. Additionally, the Agency performed an in-depth review of the glyphosate cancer database, including data from epidemiological, animal carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity studies. The ecological risk assessment indicates that there is potential for effects on birds, mammals, and terrestrial and aquatic plants. EPA used the most current risk assessment methods, including an evaluation of the potential effects of glyphosate exposure on animals and plants. Full details on these potential effects as well as the EPA’s methods for estimating them, can be found within the ecological risk assessment. To read the draft risk assessments and supporting documents, go to www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/draft-human-health-and-ecological-risk-assessments-glyphosate. The draft risk assessments and supporting documents will be available in glyphosate’s registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0361 on www.regulations.gov in early 2018. EPA will open a 60-day public comment period for the draft risk assessments, evaluate the comments received, and consider any potential risk management options for this herbicide.

RITF-86: Assessment of Postfire Debris-flow Hazards, La Jara Watershed, North-central New Mexico

The following Range Improvement Task Force report is now available online in PDF and HTML formats. RITF-86: Assessment of Postfire Debris-flow Hazards, La Jara Watershed, North-central New Mexico Douglas S. Cram (Extension Forestry and Fire Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) Robert Sabie, Jr. (Geographic Information System Analyst, New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute) Samuel T. Smallidge (Extension Wildlife Specialist, Dept. of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources) Nicholas K. Ashcroft (Policy Analyst, Linebery Policy Center for Natural Resource Management) PDF: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_ritf/RITF86.pdf HTML: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_ritf/RITF86/welcome.html

2017 Census of Agriculture will capture complete picture of New Mexico production Questionnaires to be mailed in December

WOODS NOTE: I can not stress enough that it is real important that you fill out your census data. Extension, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, NRCS projects and funding and FSA money is based on a formula that is generated from this data. Failure to fill it our results in less money to do Agriculture conservation in Eddy County and New Mexico! 2017 Census of Agriculture will capture complete picture of New Mexico production Questionnaires to be mailed in December (Las Cruces, New Mexico) – New Mexico farmers and ranchers should be on the lookout for a Census of Agriculture questionnaire in the mail in December. Farmers and ranchers across the country will soon have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities and industry by taking part in the census. For a simpler, faster and more efficient process, producers are encouraged to complete the online questionnaire at www.agcensus.usda.gov upon receiving their questionnaire. In order to complete the online version, each person will need his or her unique 17-digit code, which may be found on the questionnaire. Conducted every five years by United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census captures a complete count of all U.S. farms and ranches and those who operate them. Even the smallest plots of land and those raising only a few animals during the census year are counted. New Mexico State Statistician Longino Bustillos said the census remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. “It’s a critical tool that gives farmers a voice to influence decisions that will shape the future of their community, industry and operation,” Bustillos said. The census highlights land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income, expenditures and other topics. The information gathered by the Census of Agriculture guides Congress, agribusiness, policymakers, researchers, local governments and many others on the creation and funding of agricultural programs and services – decisions that can directly impact local operations and the future of the agriculture industry for years to come. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte encourages all New Mexico producers to respond. “We only have this opportunity every five years, so please complete the census and take pride in what we do in New Mexico,” Witte said. “The results of the census truly show the impact of agriculture in our state.” This year, NASS will collect new information, including data on active duty and military veteran farmers, as well as expanded questions about food marketing practices. In 2012, New Mexico reported a total of 24,721 farms and ranches, spanning more than 43 million acres. This showed an 18 percent increase from the previous census in 2007. Although the state’s average age of farmers and ranchers climbed to over 60 (second highest in the country), New Mexico data showed an increase in young farmers and ranchers. This telling information and thousands of additional farm and ranch statistics are only available every five years, as a direct result of responses to the census. Census of Agriculture responses must be submitted by Feb. 5. “Your answers to the census impact farm programs and rural services that support your community,” Bustillos said. “So please do your part, and be counted when you receive your form, because there’s strength in numbers that only the census can reveal.” For more information about the census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-888-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828). The Census of Agriculture is Your Voice, Your Future, Your Opportunity.

New organic fee schedule for New Mexico takes effect Jan. 1

New organic fee schedule for New Mexico takes effect Jan. 1 (Las Cruces, New Mexico) – If you’re certified through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) Organic Program, please be aware of a new fee schedule that takes effect Jan. 1. After many collaborative listening sessions with the organic community, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture has developed a new fee schedule to address the need for a self-sustaining fee structure for the organic program. The new fee schedule will encompass an application fee and an hourly fee to complete the certification process. The new rule also allows the department to charge mileage and per diem for inspectors’ travel. The New Mexico State University Board of Regents adopted the new rule 21.15.1 NMAC, Organic Agriculture, at its Oct. 5 meeting. The NMDA’s Organic Program is accredited through the United States Department of Agriculture National Organic Program and provides organic certification to farmers, ranchers and processors/handlers throughout New Mexico. The entire rule – including the new fee schedule – may be viewed on the NMDA website at http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/21.15.1-NMAC-Organic-Agriculure.pdf. At this time, the 2017 application should still be used. If you’re interested in applying for organic certification, please visit http://www.nmda.nmsu.edu/marketing/organic-program/. For more information, please contact NMDA Organic Program Manager Stacy Gerk at 505-320-8590 or organic@nmda.nmsu.edu.

New Mexico Department of Agriculture reminds public of pecan regulations

New Mexico Department of Agriculture reminds public of pecan regulations Officials offer tips for residential pecan tree owners on how to help prevent the spread of pecan weevil (Las Cruces, New Mexico) – Officials at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) held a news conference today to remind the public about state regulations regarding pecans. An emergency pecan weevil quarantine began Nov. 20 and remains in effect for 180 days for Chaves, Curry, Eddy and Lea counties. Also, New Mexico’s exterior pecan weevil quarantine that was enacted in 1997 restricts the movement of in-shell pecans originating in all states except Arizona, California and the Texas counties of El Paso and Hudspeth, as well as parts of Culberson County. The New Mexico Pecan Growers Association and NMDA are asking homeowners with pecan trees to help with slowing the spread of pecan weevil and help with eradication efforts of pecan weevil in residential trees. First, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte advocates for homeowners to help by determining whether their pecan tree is infested with pecan weevil. A number of websites are available that illustrate pecan damage caused by pecan weevil, including the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service website at http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR683.pdf. If you’re not able to determine whether your trees are infested, please contact your county extension office (http://aces.nmsu.edu/county/) or NMDA at 575-646-3007 or blewis@nmda.nmsu.edu. Second, if you determine your pecan tree has pecan weevil and you have not already been included in a treatment program, please call your county extension office or NMDA to provide your contact information. Local pest control companies are currently conducting eradication at no charge to the homeowner. Third, if your trees are infested, please help prevent the spread of pecan weevil by following these rules:  Pick up nuts as soon as they fall to the ground, and keep those nuts in a sealed container to prevent immature weevil from leaving the nut and burrowing into the ground.  If you are taking your residential nuts to a buyer, place them in a sturdy, sealed container and sell to a reputable buyer within your community.  Do not transport your residential nuts to a commercial pecan farm. Infested or potentially infested nuts may be disposed of by double bagging them and placing them in a sealed trash container for pick up by your community sanitation department. Fourth, please be aware of the quarantine rules in your area. There are a number of restrictions to moving in-shell pecans from Lea, Curry, Chaves and Eddy counties to other New Mexico counties. In the past, pecan buyers in Dona Ana County have accepted residential pecans from eastern New Mexico counties. Now, buyers across the state are required to obtain identification and contact information from the homeowner, as well as information regarding where the pecans originated. The main reason for this requirement is to help identify pecan weevil infested areas. An indirect consequence of requesting identification is that it may help reduce pecan theft. Quarantine violations may result in seizure of pecan loads without reimbursement. Secretary Witte said NMDA’s vision includes working for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supporting the viability of agriculture, which includes pecan consumers and growers. “NMDA inspectors will be checking pecan buyers in the state – including Dona Ana County – to ensure they are in compliance with current regulations,” Witte said. Phillip Arnold, New Mexico Pecan Growers Association President, said the weevil is a threat to the industry. “Pecan weevil spreads by people transporting infested nuts or equipment with infested nuts from one area to another,” said Arnold. Another concern of the New Mexico Pecan Growers Association is increased pecan theft on growers’ properties. Pecan growers in Doña Ana County recently approached NMDA and the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department regarding assistance with ensuring regulations are enforced and regarding increased theft they’re experiencing this season. Doña Ana County Sheriff Enrique “Kiki” Vigil has pledged his department’s assistance in cracking down on pecan theft, and ensures thieves will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “Our pecan farms in Doña Ana County are already seeing an increased presence of patrol deputies,” said Vigil. “With potential quarantines looming, pecan thieves aren’t just part of a criminal problem, they’re part of a public safety problem. With these new identification requirements, thieves are going to find out it’s not worth anything but the threat of being arrested to steal pecans in Doña Ana County.” Although NMDA officials are primarily targeting known pecan weevil infested communities in the four affected counties, they are also interested in any new pecan weevil findings in the state. “Containment and eradication of pecan weevil is very difficult and takes many years, but the effort is worthwhile in order to slow or prevent its movement into our commercial pecan orchards,” Witte said. The quarantine rule may be viewed in its entirety at www.nmda.nmsu.edu. – NMDA

2018 annual NM Cotton Growers Conference

The 2018 annual NM Cotton Growers Conference will be taking place on the 17th January 2018 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, Ruidoso, NM from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Topics that will be discussed during the meeting will include Dicamba drift issues, new technologies for precision cotton farming, cotton leaf diseases, worker protection standards which will include pesticide licensing, certification and enforcement, Thurberia/boll weevil genome project and summary of 2017 growing seasons. To register for the conference, please use the attached form. We need you to complete the form and send back via email, fax or post by January 10, 2018. Please send completed forms/questions to Patrick Sullivan 1946 S. Valley Drive Las Cruces, NM 88005 Email: nmbollweevil@zianet.com Phone: 575-541-0584 Fax: 575-541-0788

NMSU experts to make presentations on pistachio cultivation Feb. 2

NMSU experts to make presentations on pistachio cultivation Feb. 2 DATE: 12/20/2017 WRITER: Darrell J. Pehr, 575-646-3223, pehr@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Sidney Gordon, 575-437-0231, sgordon@nmsu.edu Experts from New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences will gather in Otero County for a pistachio workshop Friday, Feb. 2. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Census of Agriculture, Otero County is the leading producer of pistachios in New Mexico and ranked 17th among all U.S. counties where the tree is grown. The latest edition of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s New Mexico Agricultural Statistics reports there are 76 pistachio orchards in New Mexico covering 513 acres. The workshop will begin at 8 a.m. Several presentations will be made during the morning by experts from the College of ACES’ Cooperative Extension Service. Topics of the workshops will include Soil Limitation and Needs, presented by agronomist Robert Flynn with Extension Plant Sciences; Fruit Set and Blanking, presented by Richard Heerema, Extension pecan specialist; Irrigation, also presented by Heerema; and presentations on herbicides and invasive weeds by Leslie Beck, Extension weed specialist. A lunch will follow. Afternoon sessions will be presented on Navel Orange Worm and Pest Management, by Extension Entomologist Carol Sutherland, and Integrated Wildlife Damage Management, by Extension Wildlife Specialist Sam Smallidge. The workshop will be at the Otero County Extension Office, 401 Fairgrounds Road in Alamogordo. Registration is $20. Please RSVP to Extension Ag Agent Sid Gordon at the Otero County Extension Office at 575-437-0231 by Jan. 26.

Could South American Potatoes Be New Mexico's Next Sustainable Crop?

December 13, 2017 LOS LUNAS, N.M. – More nutritional South American potatoes will be front and center at the New Mexico Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Wednesday at Los Lunas, when researchers discuss new and profitable crops for the state. New Mexico State University researcher and extension service vegetable specialist Stephanie Walker says even though most of us know that a pigment found in dark leafy greens such as kale is associated with better nutrition, Americans still prefer potatoes to any other vegetable. Walker says she has collaborated with a genetic researcher for field trials to determine if a more nutritionally dense line of potatoes from South America could be grown in New Mexico as a specialty crop. "White potatoes that most people eat in the United States do not have these pigments or these nutrients,” she says. “But these papa criolla potatoes are very high sources of these yellow pigments, nutrient compounds lutein and zeaxanthin." The conference on enhancing farmer sustainability is free. It starts at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Valencia Campus of the University of New Mexico. Other potential crops to be discussed by farmers, educators and stakeholders at the conference include guar and canola. Walker says both grow well in the Southwest and are potential feedstocks for developing not only biofuel, but also high-value byproducts such as rubber and resin. "Very quickly, if growers don't have new, unique items to bring to market, they can get out competed by the large industrial scale farms,” says Walker. “So introducing a new crop to attract more customers certainly is going to help agricultural sustainability in New Mexico." The conference is funded by Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

A Plan to Safeguard Wildlife Before It's Too Late

December 18, 2017 ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Legislation aimed at taking a proactive approach to conservation has been introduced in Congress, in hopes of protecting wildlife species before they end up on the Endangered Species list. The Recovering America's Wildlife Act would direct money collected from oil and gas development to states' wildlife management plans. Deputy director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Todd Leahy, said if the state doesn't find a better way to save at-risk species, it could mean a hit to New Mexico's tourism industry. Leahy said he believes everyone has an improved outdoor experience when they see wildlife up-close. “If you're out on a hike and you see elk, it just adds something to the hike - it makes that hike a little bit more special,” he said. "So, everyone benefits from better wildlife management and habitat improvement." Leahy said non-native species, habitat loss and severe weather are just some of the serious threats to multiple native species. He added that if the measure passes, New Mexico could see an increase in conservation funds - from $800,000 to $26 million annually - without requiring new taxes. The National Wildlife Federation is also backing the bill. NWF President Collin O'Mara said species that need safeguarding include monarch butterflies and bees, since their numbers have declined - by 90 percent for the monarch and 50 percent for native and honeybee populations that pollinate many food crops. He said the legislation is a way to bring partners together for a collaborative approach before emergency efforts are necessary. "With so many things that have big price tags, as they're debating heath care and tax cuts and increases in defense spending, it's just making the case that this is worth investing in,” O’Mara said. "So far, we're in the early stages, but there's been good bipartisan support on both sides, saying that this is a better solution than the status quo." He pointed out that the number of species petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act has increased by 1,000 percent in less than a decade. The Recovering America's Wildlife Act is co-sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, and Democrat Debbie Dingell of Michigan. Source: http://www.publicnewsservice.org/2017-12-18/endangered-species-and-wildlife/a-plan-to-safeguard-wildlife-before-its-too-late/a60695-1

Could an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, be useful on the ranch?

Could an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, be useful on the ranch? Southwest Farm Press By Logan Hawkes In the modern world, high technology has vastly changed the way we live and work. From smart phones to the Internet, we get much of our news and entertainment differently, and generally faster, than we did just a few years back. Also, many of us have turned to the Internet for purchasing goods and supplies. But it's not just the Internet or phones, but cars and trucks that are getting (and hopefully making us) smarter. While we may be a few years away from complete autonomous driving, we are already seeing an abundant package of driver assistance technology available in many, if not most, new models of cars and trucks, everything from auto-correction of steering if drivers should unintentionally drift from their lane of traffic to auto-braking that takes control of stopping a vehicle to avoid collisions and unexpected pedestrian traffic. Related: UAV use requires training and certification TECHNOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE Farmers are taking advantage of smart technology, like satellite-guided planting systems, irrigation operations, plant disease and pest risk recognition and evaluation, and driverless tractors and harvesters. Drones are being used more and more on the farm for a number of applications, and work is currently underway to bring the next generation of robotic systems to the field and farm. But much of the modern technology being utilized in agriculture has been slow to work its way into the world of ranch management. Livestock producers have been more reluctant to embrace it, not because they are incapable of mastering new technologies, but because software developers writing new programs for agriculture have mostly been focused on farm operations. Megan Clayton, Assistant Professor and Extension range specialist for Texas AgriLife in Corpus Christi, says the reluctance of Texas ranchers to embrace new technologies is slowly beginning to change as more software is developed addressing the specific needs of livestock producers. She speculates that ranchers may soon find more interest in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, once they are convinced beneficial software will help them perform ranch work more efficiently, ultimately saving them time and money. She says those types of applications might include more efficient monitoring of livestock, water and fence conditions across the ranch, especially in areas that are difficult to access. Also, software that estimates the amount of pasture forage available for livestock, identifying the percentage of brush coverage in a pasture, and even identifying what plant species exist on the ranch could all be useful technologies. USING A DRONE ON THE RANCH As software specific to ranch work and livestock management becomes available, she says chances are good producers will be interested in the use of UAVs. "There are two main types of drones, fixed wing and rotocopter," Clayton says. "Fixed wings are quite expensive and lack the ability to hover, so most ranchers will likely prefer a rotocopter. A common type for commercial use is a DJI Phantom 4 that retails for $1,200 to $1,500." But better efficiency that helps to save time and manhours in ranching could easily justify the investment for the UAV and the software specific to ranch operations. But producers should understand that operating a drone on the ranch, or for any commercial or business purpose, does require registering the drone with the Federal Aviation Administration and acquiring a Part 107 UAS Pilot License for commercial drone operation. SPECIAL RULES Clayton says while there are very specific rules that govern the commercial use of drones, many classes are offered by area colleges. Texas AgriLife Extension may be able to help by connecting operators with training resources. General rules for commercial drone pilots include the following: • Staying five miles away from any airports without prior permission from airport and air traffic control (check B4UFLY app) • Drone pilots must always yield right of way to manned aircraft • Keep drones within line of sight • Must follow community-based guidelines and more Anybody receiving a salary or making money off the enterprise they are flying for (including cattle or leased wildlife hunting) would be considered a commercial operator. Commercial pilots must be at least 16 years old and pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test, which is good for two years. They must also be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration and follow the listed operating rules unless a certificate of waiver has been issued: • Must fly in Class G airspace • Keep aircraft in sight • Fly under 400 feet • Fly during the day • Fly at or below 100 mph • Yield right of way to manned aircraft • Must not fly over people • Must not fly from a moving vehicle For more information about drone use and regulations, visit https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. To connect with others who fly drones in the area, check out the new Texas Ag Drone Enthusiasts Facebook page. … Source:http://www.southwestfarmpress.com/livestock/could-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-or-drone-be-useful-ranch?NL=SWFP-01&Issue=SWFP-01_20171214_SWFP-01_186&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_3_b&utm_rid=CPG02000002451031&utm_campaign=23186&utm_medium=email&elq2=fa43a26fc8cb434ab51b5331305249d3

Produced Water Treatment Systems Market Will Generate New Growth Opportunities by 2020 By ram singh - October 25, 2017 241

Produced water contains a blend of inorganic and organic compounds and is produced during the extraction of oil and gas. In terms of administrative divisions, there is no separation between produced water and oil management. However, multiple stages within oil management cater to the management of produced water. Oil production companies try to reduce the amount of water produced during extraction as higher amount of produced water needs to be consequently treated and disposed. Conventional oil production techniques result in a large amount of produced water. It is estimated that the volumes of produced water across the globe will rise to nearly 340 bn barrels the end of 2020, indicating a massive leap from the nearly 202 bn barrels recorded in 2014. In a recent report, Persistence Market Research states that this significant rise in the global production of produced water will fare well for the global market for produced water treatment in the near future. The report states that the market will expand at a CAGR of 6.1% between the period of 2015 and 2020, rising from US$4.6 bn in 2015 to a revenue opportunity of US$6.0 bn by 2020. Vast Rise in Oil and Gas Exploration Activities to Drive Market The rapid growth of the world population is posing a challenge to the available drinking water supply. Since agriculture and energy production draw more freshwater and produce contaminated water in turn, the water which was once termed as waste is being perceived as a valuable resource. This is creating a need for the treatment of produced water. The potential of oilfield produced water to be a source of fresh water and rising environmental concerns are making produced water treatment a significant part of the oil and gas industry. The stringent legislations on the discharge of produced water into the environment are also driving the global market for produced water treatment systems. Increasing oil to produced water ratio, growing regulatory standards and water scarcity are key driving factors for the increased adoption of these systems. An increase in the rate of exploration of on-shore and off-shore oil and gas resources has also boosted the growth of the global produced water treatment market. The growing prevalence of fracking or land gas drilling through hydraulic fracturing has further augmented the growth of the market. Asia Pacific to Present Most Promising Growth Opportunities From a geographical perspective, the global produced water treatment market presently earns a significant share of its overall revenues from the North America market. Charting revenue worth US$1.73 bn recorded in 2015, the regional market is expected to account for over 41% of the overall market by 2020. A significant rise in oil exploration activities in the region and stringent government regulations regarding the release of treated and polluted water in larger water bodies have fuelled the need for effective produced water treatment systems in North America. In the near future, however, the market in Asia Pacific will likely to expand at the most promising pace in the global market, accosting for a significant share of the overall revenue generated by the global produced water treatment market by the end of 2020. The Asia Pacific produced water treatment market is envisioned to grow rapidly owing to a constantly reducing supply of usable water, especially across countries such as China and India. Request and Download Sample Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/12949

Holloman AFB Airspace operation comment.s

I was contacted by Mr. Joshua Spann of Congressman’s Pearce Office with a request to identify people within the NM ranching community in Otero, Chaves and Eddy counties that may be impacted or wish to comment on the Holloman AFB Special Use Airspace Optimization EIS (http://hollomanafbairspaceeis.com/Default.aspx). I provided Mr. Spann with your names, office numbers and emails as individuals that may be able to assist him in his efforts. Mr. Spann is liaising with Holloman AFB and the ranching community to identify, and if possible, address any concerns or problems that proposed changes may represent to the ranching community in previously named counties. He may contact you in the future to ask for your assistance.

Eddy County Solid Waste, Illegal Dumping, and Nuisance Ordinance; and Repealing Eddy County Ordinance(s)

This is a new proposal ordnance for Eddy County. Hearing will be in the Commissioner Chamber on Tuesday The proposed ordinance 0-18-92January 2, at 8:30am for public comment. The proposed ordinance 0-18-92 Bellow is a DRAFT copy, the final copy was published in the Carlsbad Current Argus and Artesia Daily Record December 17,2017 or is available in the County Clerks Office. Contact your County Commissioner or show up to make comments. STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF EDDY EDDY COUNTY ORDINANCE Eddy County Solid Waste, Illegal Dumping, and Nuisance Ordinance; and Repealing Eddy County Ordinance(s) _________________ Section 1. Short Title 1.0 This Ordinance may be cited as the "Eddy County Solid Waste, Nuisance and Illegal Dumping Management Ordinance". Section 2. Purpose 2.0 The purpose of this ordinance is to preserve and protect the health, safety and quality of life of the inhabitants, and visitors, of Eddy County, and to preserve and improve the environmental quality of Eddy County. This ordinance is intended to 1) monitor, control and eliminate illegal disposal and the unauthorized accumulation of solid waste, including scrap metal and junk vehicles and to institute administrative procedures to effectively manage solid waste generated in the unincorporated areas of Eddy County; 2) define, control and eliminate nuisances existing in the unincorporated areas of Eddy County and to institute administrative procedures to effectively manage and control nuisances existing in those areas; and 3) control and eliminate substandard, dangerous structures and conditions on real property located in the unincorporated areas of Eddy County and institute procedures to effectively manage and control those conditions. This Ordinance establishes and defines the authority of the County, establishes the responsibilities of both County enforcement personnel and individuals and businesses within Eddy County and outlines penalties and procedures for violation of this Ordinance. Section 3. Authority 3.0 This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted to Eddy County under NMSA 1978, Section 4-37-1 et seq. Section 4. Definitions 4.0 For the purpose of this ordinance the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning: a) “Approved Fence Screening” A solid concealing fence constructed of wood, brick, metal, or other similar camouflaging materials, not less than seven (7) feet in height above the level of the ground, maintained in a sightly, safe and secure condition, approved by the Eddy County Community Services Department and erected prior to commencement of any business activity. b) “Ashes” The residue from the burning of wood, paper, coal, or other combustible materials. c) “Board” The Board of County Commissioners of Eddy County, New Mexico d) “Clear Sight” The unobstructed view from any vehicle traveling on any officially designated public roadway, alley or other public traffic access, as defined by the American Association of State Highway and Traffic Officials (AASHTO), or the New Mexico Department of Transportation. e) “Code Official or Code Enforcement Officer” The person holding the position of Eddy County Code Enforcement Officer, and shall include all officers working under his/her supervision and control in that department. Also included within the definition are the Eddy County Manager and duly appointed law enforcement officers of the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. f) “Commercial Solid Waste” All solid waste emanating from business establishments such as stores, markets, offices, office buildings, restaurants, warehouses, shopping centers, and theaters, excluding residential, household and industrial wastes g) “Commercial Solid Waste Collection”All solid waste collection of commercial solid waste. h) “Commercial Solid Waste Contractor” Any person receiving or transporting solid waste for hire, by whatever means approved for transfer, processing, storing or disposing in a solid waste facility. This does not include private property residents and owners transporting their own solid waste generated on or from their personal residences or private land to a solid waste facility. i) “Construction and Demolition Debris” Materials generally considered to be water insoluble, and non-hazardous, including, but not limited to, steel, glass, brick, concrete, asphalt roofing materials, pipe, gypsum wallboard and lumber from the construction or destruction of a structure as part of a construction or demolition project, and includes rocks, soil, tree remains, trees and other vegetative matter that normally results from land clearing or land development operations for a construction project. Construction and demolition debris does not include asbestos or liquids, including but not limited to waste paints, solvents, sealers, adhesives or potentially hazardous materials. (NMSA 1978 74-9-3). j) “Convenience Center” A facility designed for receiving, handling, transfer and storage of residential solid waste received from the general public. k) “County” The area within the boundaries of the County of Eddy, New Mexico, including privately owned lands or lands owned by the United States or the State of New Mexico, except the areas within the limits of any incorporated municipality. l) “County Manager” The County Manager or his authorized and designated representatives. m) “Dispose, Disposal, or Deposit” Refers to the allowing, abandoning, causing, depositing, discharging, dumping, leaking, injecting, placing, or spilling of any solid waste into or on any land or water. n) “Dwelling Unit” A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. o) “Hazardous Waste”As defined by RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) to be a solid waste or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may (1) cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness or (2) Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported or disposed of or otherwise managed. Such wastes are defined as hazardous by the US EPA if they meet one or more of the following conditions: 1. Exhibits characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and /or toxicity 2. Is a non-specific source waste (generic waste from industrial processes) 3. Is a specific source waste (from specific industries) 4. Is a specific commercial chemical product or intermediate 5. Is a mixture containing a hazardous waste 6. Is a substance not excluded from regulation under RCRA, Subpart C p) “Hearing Examiner” The County Manager or designee. q) “Hot Waste” Any waste which is on fire or smoldering when delivered to the solid waste facility, placed in a collection container, or set out for collection. r) “Household Waste” Any solid waste including any garbage, trash or refuse derived from households, including single and multiple residences, domiciles, campgrounds, picnic grounds or recreation areas. s) “Imminent Danger” A condition that is about to cause serious or life-threatening injury or death at any time. t) “Industrial Waste” Waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes and may include hazardous waste regulated under Subtitle C of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). As defined by the US EPA: Unwanted materials from an industrial operation; may be liquid, sludge, solid, or hazardous waste. u) “Infectious Waste” As defined by US EPA: Hazardous waste capable of causing infections in humans, including: contaminated animal waste; human blood and blood products; isolation waste, pathological waste; and discarded sharps (needles, scalpels or broken medical instruments). v) “Inoperable Motor Vehicle or Non-Operable” A vehicle in which the engine or motor, the transmission or transaxle, drive shaft, differential, steering mechanism, axles, wheels, body, doors, windshield, windows, headlights, taillights, or any other part of the vehicle is removed, damaged, wrecked, partially dismantled, and in such a state of disrepair that the vehicle cannot be either moved under its own power, driven, licensed or operated on a public road, street, highway, or any other public thoroughfare. w) “Junk Metal” Any old or scrap aluminum, brass, copper, iron, lead, steel, tin, or any other ferrous or nonferrous metals, recyclable or not, that is not currently in service use. x) “Junk Metal Scrap Processing Facility” Any establishment having facilities for processing any ferrous or non-ferrous scrap metals, mineral wastes, or slag, and whose principal produce is intended for sale, recycling, or re-melting purposes. y) ”Junk Vehicle Scrap yard, Salvage yard, Dismantling yard” Any business licensed through an appropriate State of Federal Agency for storing, keeping, transferring, dismantling, crushing, recycling, or selling parts from abandoned, inoperable, crashed, wrecked, scrapped, ruined or junked motor vehicles or motorcycles, or related vehicle parts. Any such facility possessing three or more wrecked, dismantled or partially wrecked or dismantled vehicles and selling or offering for sale a used vehicle part and who regularly sells or offers for sale used vehicles or used vehicle parts shall be presumed to be conducting the business of wrecking or dismantling a vehicle for the resale of the parts. z) “Landfill” A solid waste facility, designed and operating in compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements, that receives solid waste for disposal and includes, but is not limited to, surface, impoundment, injection well or waste pile as these terms are defined in 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 257.2 or subsequent requirements. 1. County or Municipal landfill means a discrete area of land or excavation that receives household waste and that is not a land application unit; A County or Municipal landfill may also receive other types of RCRA Subtitle D waste such as commercial solid waste, nonhazardous sludge, small quantity generator waste, industrial solid waste, construction and demolition debris and other special wastes as defined in the New Mexico Solid Waste Management Regulations. A County or Municipal landfill may be publicly or privately owned and may be existing, new or a lateral expansion; and 2. Special Waste Landfill means a landfill which receives solid waste other than household waste; this includes, but is not limited to commercial wastes or special wastes, but a construction and demolition landfill is not a special waste landfill. aa) “Municipality” Any incorporated city, town or village, whether incorporated under general act, special act or special charter. bb) “Occupant” Any individual living or sleeping in a building or on the premises, or having possession of a space in a building or on the premises. cc) “Open Burning” The combustion of a solid waste without: 1. Control of combustion air to maintain adequate temperature for efficient combustion; 2. Containment of the combustion reaction in an enclosed device to provide sufficient residence time and mixing for complete combustion; and 3. Control of the emission of the combustion products. dd) “Operator” A person(s) responsible for the overall operation of any portion of a solid waste facility or any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy. ee) “Owner” Any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property as reflected in the records of Eddy County whether or not residing or occupying the property. Owner shall, also include those otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and/or the executor or administrator of the estate of such a deceased owner, as well as a tenant of the property as defined hereinafter. ff) “Person” Any individual person, or any firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind. gg) “Premises” A lot, plot or parcel of land, easement or public right of way, including any structure that may be located thereon. hh) “Processing” Techniques to change the physical, chemical, or biological character or component of solid waste, excluding composting or transformation. ii) “Public Place (Way)” Any street, alley or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed from the ground to the sky, which is deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use. jj) “Recyclable Materials” Materials that would otherwise become solid waste if not recycled, that can be collected, separated or processed and placed in use in the form of raw materials, products or densified solid waste derived fuels. kk) “Recycling” Any process where recyclable materials are collected, separated or processed for reuse as raw materials, byproducts or products. ll) “Refuse” Any article or substance which is commonly discarded as waste or which, if discarded on the ground, will create or contribute to an unsanitary, offensive or unsightly condition. Refuse includes, but is not limited to, the following items or classes of items: waste food, waste paper and paper products; cans, bottles or other containers; junked household furnishings and equipment; junked parts or bodies of automobiles and other metallic junk or scrap; portions or carcasses of dead animals; and collections of ashes, yard trimmings or other rubbish. mm) “Residential Collection” Refuse from a single dwelling site or multi-family housing collected individually and not otherwise classified as commercial collection. nn) “Roadways, Highways” 1. Interstate System – any portion of the national system of interstate and defense highways located within Eddy County as may now or hereafter be officially so designed by the New Mexico Highway Commission. 2. Primary System – Any portion of connected main highways located within Eddy County as may now or hereafter be officially designed by the New Mexico Highway Commission. 3. Eddy County Roads – Any portion of connected roads as may now or hereafter be officially so designated by the Eddy County Commission. qq) “Scavenging” The uncontrolled removal of solid waste from a solid waste facility or container. rr) “Scrap Tire” A tire that is no longer suitable for its originally intended purpose because of wear, damage or defect. This does not include a tire mounted on a vehicle wheel rim currently holding air and currently mounted on a vehicle for mobility. ss) “Sludge” any solid, semi-solid, or liquid waste generated by a municipal, commercial, or industrial waste water treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility, but does not include treated effluent from a waste water treatment plant. tt) “Solid Waste” means any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, construction, demolition and agricultural operations and from community activities. uu) “Solid Waste Facility” any public or private system, facility, location, improvements on the land, structures or other appurtenances or methods used for processing, transformation, recycling or disposal of solid waste, including landfill disposal facilities, transfer stations, resource recovery facilities, incinerators and other similar facilities not specified, but does not include equipment specifically approved by NMAC 20.9.2.7 part S 11(a-n). vv) “Special Wastes” solid waste that has unique handling, transportation, or disposal requirements to assure protection of the environment and the public health, welfare and safety, including: 1. Treated formerly characteristic hazardous waste (TFCH); 2. Packing house and kill plant offal; 3. Regulated asbestos waste; 4. Ash, except ash produced by a law enforcement pharmaceutical incinerator of household pharmaceutical waste; 5. Infectious waste; 6. Sludge, except; sludge that is land applied under 40 CFR Part 503 as intermediate or final cover at a landfill and meets the requirements of Subpart B of 40 CFR Part 503; 7. Industrial solid waste that, unless specially handled or disposed, may harm the environment or endanger the public health or safety; 8. Spill of a chemical substance or commercial product that, unless specially handled or disposed, may harm the environment or endanger the public health or safety; 9. Petroleum contaminated soils, that have a sum of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomer concentrations of greater than 50 mg/kg, or benzene individually greater than 10 mg/kg, or a total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration of greater than 100 mg/kg; ww) “Storage” The accumulation of solid waste for the purpose of processing or disposal. xx) “Structure” That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof. yy) “Tenant” A person, corporation, partnership or group, whether or not the legal owner of record, occupying, or in control of a building, structure, premises or portion thereof as a unit. zz) “Transfer” The handling, moving and storing of solid waste for disposal, resale, reshipment, waste reduction or resource conservation. aaa) “Transfer Station” means a facility managed for the collection and accumulation of solid waste with an operational rate of greater than 240 cubic yards per day monthly average. bbb) “Waste Generator” Any individual, group, organization, contractor, business, or facility who generates any kind of waste as described herein Section 5. Enforcement 5.0 The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, the Eddy County Manager, and, as authorized by 4-371 et seq. NMSA 1978 Comp, the Code Enforcement Officer or Code Official and their officers, are authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this ordinance. The Eddy County Code Enforcement Officer shall establish rules and regulations to carry out the intent of this Ordinance, with those Rules and Regulations to be approved by the Eddy County Commissioner. 5.1 Inspections – A Code Enforcement Officer or Code Official shall make all of the required inspections, or shall accept reports of inspections by approved agencies or individuals. All reports of such inspections shall be in writing and certified by the responsible agency or by the responsible individual. The Code Enforcement Officer/Official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that arise, subject to approval of the Eddy County Commission. 5.2 Identification- The Code Official or Code Enforcement Officer shall carry proper identification when inspecting structures or premises in the performance of duties under this ordinance. 5.3 Right of Entry – Where it is necessary to make an inspection to determine whether the provisions of this ordinance have been violated or to enforce the provisions of this ordinance, the code official shall seek permission from the owner or occupant of such property to gain access to the premises or structure. In the event access is necessary, absent receipt of permission from the owner or occupant of the property or premises, the Code Official or Code Enforcement Officer shall take such steps as required by law to obtain access to the premises or property. In the event of imminent danger, entry by the Code Official or Code Enforcement Officer may be taken, provided no further action is taken except as necessary to prevent the imminent threat. 5.4 Notices and Orders – The Code Official or Code Enforcement Officer shall issue all necessary notices and orders to ensure compliance with this ordinance. 5.5 Department Records – The code official shall keep official records of all business and activities of the department specified in the provisions of this ordinance. Such records shall be retained in the official records for the period required for retention of public records. Section 6. Ownership of solid waste. All solid waste generated within or brought into the county is owned by and is the responsibility of the generator, until such time as the waste is deposited in a landfill or approved solid waste facility, or removed by a licensed private contractor except where state or federal requirements prohibit transfer of ownership. A licensed private contractor registered by NMED, who removes solid waste from a property, shall take ownership of the waste until it is taken to a permitted landfill. In the event any person's name or other identification is affixed or found on any illegally disposed of solid waste, rubbish or refuse on three or more separate items, such shall be evidence of ownership with the credibility of said evidence to be determined by a trier of fact. Section 7. Solid waste collection practices. 7.1 Infectious Waste - Wearing apparel, bedding, solid waste or other infectious or contagious material from homes, hospitals nursing homes, or other places where highly infectious or contagious diseases have prevailed SHALL NOT be placed in containers for regular collection. The producers of such bio-hazardous solid waste shall comply with all Federal, State, Environmental, and other applicable laws regulating the proper collection and disposal of such hazardous waste. These wastes SHALL NOT be collected, transported, or disposed of by the County or at a County owned convenience centers or transfer stations. 7.2 Hazardous Waste - Hazardous Waste SHALL NOT be collected, transported, or disposed of by the County or at a County owned convenience center, transfer station or landfill. Hazardous materials or waste SHALL NOT be placed in containers for regular collection and disposal. The producers or possessors of such material shall comply with proper collection and disposal of such material at the expense of the owner or possessor thereof. 7.3 Requirements for vehicles - The commercial producers of solid waste, the owners of premises upon which any solid waste is accumulated, licensed transporters of solid waste, or persons who desire to dispose of waste material which is not included in the definition of solid waste shall do so only in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance. Such collection shall be accomplished through the use of a vehicle with a tightly secured cover. Such vehicles shall be operated to prevent solid waste from being blown, dropped, or spilled from transporting vehicle. 7.4 Disposal - Disposal of solid waste by persons so permitted shall be made only to an authorized solid waste facility site. If disposal of solid waste occurs in Eddy County, compliance with Eddy County ordinances and regulations is required. 7.5 Exemptions–Notwithstanding overriding provisions within, this ordinance shall not apply to agricultural wastes including manures or crop residues returned to the soils as fertilizers or soil conditioners. Section 8. Prohibited Acts. 8.1 Dumping, Accumulating and Scattering of Solid Waste, Rubbish, Refuse A. Dumping. No person shall discard solid waste, rubbish, or refuse anywhere outdoors within the boundaries of the county except at a time and place approved for collection of that person's solid waste under the terms of this ordinance and regulations authorized by said sections or other provisions of this Code or ordinances of the county. No person shall place solid waste in the solid waste receptacle of another person, business or institution without written permission. B. Unauthorized accumulation. It shall be unlawful to allow any solid waste, rubbish, or refuse to collect or accumulate on any lot or other premises within the county for more than 10 days. Any such unauthorized accumulation or collection is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is prohibited. C. Scattering of solid waste, rubbish or refuse. No person shall cast, place, sweep, or deposit anywhere in the county any solid waste, rubbish or refuse in such a manner that it may be carried or deposited by the elements upon any road, sidewalk, parkway, sewer, ditch, arroyo, other public place, vacant lot, or into any other premises within the county. D. Debris resulting from construction or demolition of structures may be collected within an active construction site if and only if the solid waste is contained in such a manner that it will not be carried or deposited by the elements upon any road, sidewalk, parkway, sewer, ditch, arroyo, other public place, vacant lot, or into any premises within the county. Such debris must be disposed of in accordance with NMAC 20.9.2. E. Illegal use of Convenience Centers: No business or institution may use any Eddy County convenience center or for any individual to place commercial solid waste, rubbish or refuse in an Eddy County convenience center. No person shall place solid waste, rubbish, or refuse on the premises of an Eddy County convenience center except during the regular posted operating hours. 8.2 Hazardous Accumulations and Conditions Prohibited It shall be unlawful for any person or company to allow the following conditions to exist on any premises he/she/it owns, rents or occupies. A. The existence of three (3) or more or any combination of inoperable motor vehicles, scooters, motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses or other vehicles regulated by the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles unless the vehicle owner, property owner, or property lessee can show substantial progress in restoration or repairs to non-operational vehicle in the last 30 days or purchase orders, invoices or estimates for repair work to be done in the next 30 days. Provided, however, that this section shall have no application where: 1. A person is engaged in a New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicle licensed vehicle dismantling business and any non-operational vehicles are enclosed by a fence of solid construction of wood, brick, metal, or other similar materials, not less than seven (7) feet in height above the level of the ground and maintained in a sightly, safe and secure condition; or any inoperable vehicles are not visible to the public from any road or street abutting such property, or if visible any non-operational vehicles are enclosed by a fence of solid construction of wood, brick, metal, or other similar materials, not less than seven (7) feet in height above the level of the ground and maintained in a sightly, safe, and secure condition. 2. All individuals who collect, keep and maintain antique, collector, or specialty interest vehicles and related vehicle parts, operable or not, as long as they are kept and maintained within the regulations of NMSA 1978 6611, and are stored in a manner consistent with NMSA 1978 66-11-3 and providing safe ingress/egress for emergency personnel. B. The existence of non-operational refrigerators or freezers or any other type of appliance, furniture, vehicle or other container that has a space large enough for a person of any age to enter into with a door, hatch, lid, or cover of any kind capable of closing or sealing which could prevent the escape of any person, not within a licensed sanitary landfill or a licensed commercial salvage business registered with the State of New Mexico. C. The existence of piles of rubbish, refuse, household trash, tires, debris, grass, weeds, tree limbs, or any other type of material(s) which are or may be susceptible to infestation by rodents, reptiles, insects, or noxious weeds or any other type of animal or plant that is or can be injurious to people, animals or the environment not within a licensed sanitary landfill or New Mexico Environment Department or other regulatory agency regulated facility. D. The existence of piles of rubbish, refuse, household trash, tires, debris, grass, weeds, tree limbs, or any other material emitting noxious odors, not within a licensed sanitary landfill or a New Mexico Environment Department or other regulatory agency regulated facility. Section 9. Prohibited Acts 9.0 Nuisances The following are hereby declared to be health nuisances affecting the general public health and welfare in Eddy County and are prohibited: a) All pools of stagnant water or vessels holding stagnant water in which mosquitoes or other insects can breed being allowed to exist upon property of an owner who has been notified of same by the Code Official. The presence of mosquito larvae or mosquito pupae, or both, in collections of water shall constitute conclusive evidence that mosquitoes are breeding there. b) Carcasses of animals not buried or otherwise disposed of in a sanitary manner within seventy-two (72) hours of observation by or notification to the Code Official to the owner of the property upon which said carcasses are located. c) Any disagreeable or obnoxious odors and stenches as well as the substances, causes, or conditions which give rise to the emission or generation of such odors and stenches resulting from non-commercial uses emanating from the property of an owner who has been notified of same by the Code Official. Section 10 . Unoccupied, Uninhabitable and Dilapidated Buildings Prohibited. Whenever any building or structure is ruined, damaged or dilapidated, and the Code Enforcement Officer finds that same is a menace to the comfort, health, peace or safety of the public, the Code Enforcement Officer shall give ten (10) days Notice to the owner, occupant or agent in charge of the building structure or premise to remove the violation or the violation will be brought before the County Commission for additional action. After the expiration of ten (10) days from the service of notice on the owner, occupant or agent in charge of the violative building or structure, the County Commission may, by resolution, find that the ruined, damaged or dilapidated structure or premise is a menace to the public comfort, health, peace or safety and require the removal from the county of the building, structure, wreckage or debris. Removal of Unoccupied, Uninhabitable and Dilapidated Buildings. A. A copy of the resolution adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be served on the owner, occupant or agent in charge of the building, structure or premise. If the owner, as shown by real estate records of the county clerk, occupant, or agent in charge of the building, structure or premises cannot be served, within the county, a copy of the resolution shall be posted on the building, structure or premises, and a copy shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in Eddy County. B. Within ten (10) days of the receipt or of the posting and publishing of a copy of the resolution adopted pursuant to this section, the owner, occupant or agent in charge of the building, structure or premises shall commence removing the building, structure, wreckage or debris or file a written objection with the County Manager asking for a hearing before the County Commission. If a written objection is filed, the County Commission shall: A. Fix a date for a hearing on its resolution and the objection. B. Consider all evidence for and against the removal resolution at the hearing. C. Determine if its resolution should be enforced or rescinded. Any person aggrieved by the determination of the County Commission may appeal to the District Court by: A. Giving Notice of Appeal to the Commission within five (5) days after the determination made by the County Commission; and B. Filing a Petition in the District Court within twenty (20) days after the determination made by the County Commission. The district court shall hear the matter de novo and enter a judgment in accordance with its findings. If the owner, occupant or agent in charge of the building, structure or premises fails to commence removing the building, wreckage or debris: A. Within ten (10) days of being served a copy of the resolution adopted in this ordinance or of the posting and publishing of such resolution without objecting to the Commission’s determination; or B. 2) Within five (5) days of the determination by the County Commission that the resolution shall be enforced without filing a Notice of Appeal; or C. 3) Within ten (10) days after the district court enters judgment sustaining the determination of the County Commission, the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a citation to the owner, occupant or agent in charge, as the case may be. D. In the event that any of the items in Paragraphs A-C above are satisfied, IN ADDITION to the penalties described in Section 11 of this Ordinance, the County may remove the building, structure, wreckage or debris at the cost and expense of the owner. The reasonable cost of the removal of such building, structure, wreckage or debris shall constitute a lien against the lot or parcel of land from which it was removed. The lien shall be foreclosed in the manner provided in Sections 3- 36-1 through 3-36-6 of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978 Compilation. 1. The County may pay for the costs of removal of any condemned building, structure, wreckage, rubbish or debris by granting to the person removing such materials, the legal title to all salvageable materials in lieu of all other compensation. 2. Any person or firm removing any condemned building, structure, wreckage, rubbish or debris shall leave the premises from which the material has been removed in a clean, level and safe condition, suitable for further occupancy or construction and with all excavations filled. Accumulation for recycling. Notwithstanding other provisions of this ordinance, any person may accumulate and collect recyclable materials for the purpose of recycling it, provided that any collection point: 1. Conforms to ordinances and regulations; 2. Is not on public right-of-way; 3. Is constructed so that the rubbish is contained at the collection point in compliance with subsection 8.2.C above; 4. Is shielded from public view; and 5. Is registered with or permitted by NMED as a recycling facility. Emergency Action. If, in the judgment of the Code Official, in conjunction with approval from the Eddy County Manager, safety or public health is at risk, or the public interest requires that a site be cleaned rapidly, the County Manager may require the owner to employ sufficient manpower supplied by the owner to clean the site within 24 hours. If the person fails to remedy the violation within the specified time, then the County may take the required corrective action at the site immediately, at the expense of the owner, and charge a lien on the property. Notice of Violation-- Any such person who violates any provisions contained in Section 7, 8, 9, or 10 of this Ordinance shall be issued citation by any Eddy County Code Official or Code Enforcement Officer as defined above. Section 11. Penalties Penalties for violations of Section 7. 8, 9 or 10 of this Ordinance shall not exceed a fine of up to three hundred dollars ($300) or imprisonment for up to ninety days for each violation, or both the fine and imprisonment, except that the following fines may be imposed in appropriate circumstances in addition to the imprisonment for up to ninety days: A. No more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for discarding or disposing of refuse, litter or garbage on public or private property in any manner other than by disposing it in an authorized landfill; or B. No more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for the improper or illegal disposal of hazardous materials or waste in any manner other than as provided for in the Hazardous Waste Act. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall be considered a separate offense and shall be punished as such. Section 12. Injunctive relief. The placement of solid waste which causes a nuisance or creates a potential or actual health hazard, shall be deemed, or declared to be, a public nuisance and may be subject to abatement summarily by a restraining order or injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. Section 13. Conflict. In any case where a provision of this ordinance is found to be in conflict with a provision of any, building, plumbing, fire, safety or health ordinance or code effective in Eddy County, the provisions which establishes the higher standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the citizens shall prevail. Section 14. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion of these regulations is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any government agency or court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. Section 15. Repealer. All resolutions and ordinances related to the management of solid waste are hereby repealed and replaced by the adoption of this Ordinance, including Eddy County Ordinance No.’s _____ and ______. Section 16. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be recorded in a book kept for that purpose and shall be authenticated by the signature of the County Clerk and it shall be in full force and effect 30 days after it has been so recorded in accordance with NMSA 1978, Section 4-37-9, as amended.

New Mexico Water Dialogue 24th Annual Meeting

New Mexico Water Dialogue 24th Annual Meeting January 11, 2018 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2401 12th St. NW, Albuquerque BALANCING OUR WATER NEEDS: ADJUDICATION AND ALTERNATIVES The New Mexico Water Dialogue has been holding annual, statewide meetings for almost 25 years. For these many years, the focus has been on working to ensure that New Mexico has a reliable water supply. We have talked about how to plan, accountability, implementation, economics, declining water supply and increasing growth, adaptation and resilience, opportunities and challenges, conflicts, and political will. We can be proud that water management has improved over these years. But all is not solved. The state has yet to revise a skeletal water plan adopted in 2003, and there are statewide problems that have not been resolved, among them adjudications, federal mandates, interbasin water transfers, reliable data, and long-term water availability.

Udall, Heinrich Offer Amendment to Protect State Mineral Leasing Payments for NM

Udall, Heinrich Offer Amendment to Protect State Mineral Leasing Payments for NM 2 other amendments would ensure full PILT funding WASHINGTON – Today, as the Senate continues debate on the GOP tax bill, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich have offered an amendment to prevent the federal government from paying for massive tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy by cutting or even entirely eliminating mineral leasing payments that the state of New Mexico and other Western states depend on to fund schools. The GOP tax bill stands to raise the deficit by at least $1.4 trillion, which will result in deep, mandatory federal budget cuts, in order to comply with the Pay-As-You-Go Act. The cuts would jeopardize several programs that the state of New Mexico depends on, including royalties the federal government pays for oil, gas and coal developed on public lands. For fiscal year 2017, New Mexico will receive $455 million through the program. The Udall-Heinrich amendment would prevent the federal government from reducing mineral leasing payments to states on any legislation, including the GOP tax bill currently under debate. "These royalties belong to the people of New Mexico – they are not a source of free money for the Republicans to use to pay for their tax cuts for billionaires, hedge funds and multinational corporations," Udall said. "New Mexico can’t afford a $450 million budget cut, especially one that would slash the budget for public schools. And New Mexico's school children shouldn't have to pay for tax cuts for the top 1 percent. I will push for this amendment, but at the end of the day, the real solution is for Republicans to change course and work with Democrats on a responsible tax reform bill – one that doesn’t set New Mexico on a collision course for a huge budget cut." "The Republican tax bill being rushed through Congress is a massive tax giveaway for the wealthy and special interests financed on the backs of middle-class families. Republicans cannot afford the tax cuts they want and instead are blowing a $1.5 trillion hole in the national deficit that will force future cuts down the road,” said Heinrich. “Jeopardizing New Mexico’s budget and funding for public education so the well-connected and wealthy elite can get massive tax breaks is simply irresponsible. This amendment would protect the funding that is owed to New Mexico due to mineral development in the state and I will continue to urge my colleagues to craft a better bill that would lower taxes in a way that doesn’t add to the deficit.” Udall and Heinrich also offered an amendment to fully fund Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) by raising the corporate tax rate and another to return the bill to the Energy Committee to fund PILT and SRS. These amendments would make these programs permanent so they are no longer at risk in the annual budget and appropriations process and to ensure communities that depend on PILT and SRS can rely on the funding each year to help pay for schools, roads and bridges, and public safety. ### Con

Neonicotinoid Assessments for Public Comment

EPA Pesticide Program Updates From EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs www.epa.gov/pesticides December 15, 2017 In This Update: EPA Releases Neonicotinoid Assessments for Public Comment The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing preliminary ecological and human health risk assessments for these neonicotinoid insecticides -- clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran -- and a preliminary ecological risk assessment for imidacloprid, assessing risks to birds, mammals, non-target insects, and plants. Preliminary pollinator-only risk assessments for these chemicals were published for comment in 2016 and 2017, and preliminary human health and ecological assessments (for aquatic species only) for imidacloprid were also released in 2017. The Agency is also releasing new cotton and citrus benefits assessments for foliar applications of the neonicotinoids as well as its response to public comments on the 2014 Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatment to Soybean Production. These documents are all being made available in the dockets in advance of the forthcoming Federal Register Notice that will open the public comment period. Once the comment period opens, EPA is especially interested in public comment on the benefits for cotton and citrus, since previous assessments identified potential risks to pollinators. We believe early input from the public will be helpful in developing possible mitigation options that may be needed to address risks to bees. Among the benefits identified, the neonicotinoids were found to be critical for management of Asian citrus psyllid -- which causes citrus greening, a devastating pest for citrus growers, and for control of plant bugs and stink bugs in cotton. The Agency encourages stakeholders and interested members of the public to provide comments on these assessments in the dockets linked below. The comment period begins when the Federal Register notice is published and will be open for 60 days. EPA may revise the assessments based on information and comments received. The Agency plans to release the final pollinator risk assessments and proposed interim decisions for these chemicals in mid-2018. Imidacloprid registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0844 Clothianidin registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0865 Thiamethoxam registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0581 Dinotefuran registration review docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0920 We also encourage you to sign up for email alerts from the dockets to be automatically notified when the Agency publishes the next documents for review and comment. EPA distributes its Pesticide Program Updates to external stakeholders and citizens who have expressed an interest in the agency's pesticide program activities and decisions. This update service is part of EPA’s continuing effort to improve public access to federal pesticide information. For general questions about pesticides and pesticide poisoning prevention, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), by email at npic@ace.orst.edu or, by visiting http://npic.orst.edu. For information about ongoing activities in the Office of Pesticide Programs, visit our homepage at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides.

USDA Helps Small Businesses Develop New Agricultural Products, Technology

USDA Helps Small Businesses Develop New Agricultural Products, Technology Media Contact: Selina Meiners, (202)734-9376 WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 18, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced grants to help bring agricultural business ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace. Funding is made through NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program. “For small agricultural businesses, the federal government is a key, initial investor to help them get great ideas into the marketplace,” said NIFA Director, Sonny Ramaswamy. “The feasibility and scalability of these business concepts are evaluated through our peer review process, and businesses get to keep their intellectual property rights as they commercialize their ventures.” The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) is coordinated by the Small Business Administration and administered by 11 federal agencies, including USDA. It encourages domestic small businesses to engage in high-growth research and development with high potential for commercialization and that could lead to significant public benefit. Phase I grants invest in feasibility and proof of concept studies. Phase II grants help successful Phase I projects scale up, implement, and commercialize their ventures. Topic areas include forests and related resources; plant production and protection – biology; animal production and protection; air, water, and soils; food science and nutrition; rural and community development; aquaculture; biofuels and biobased products; small and mid-size farms; and plant production and protection – engineering. In FY17, the SBIR program supported 114 Phase I and II grants totaling more than $24 million. Among the Phase I projects, Arcadia Biosciences of Seattle, Washington, will develop new wheat varieties at their Phoenix, Arizona, facilities to help increase consumer acceptance of whole grain wheat by improving the shelf life and flavor of whole grain flour. A Phase II project by Jun Innovations of Honolulu, Hawaii will take the proprietary super-cooling technology it developed in Phase I and develop commercially viable units for demonstration and licensing with potential partners such as major home appliance manufacturers. PHASE I PROJECTS: • GSS Group LLC, Bella Vista, Arkansas, $100,000 • Quakewrap Inc., Tucson, Arizona, $100,000 • 2WiTech LLC, San Diego, California, $100,000 • Architecture Technology Corporation, Campbell, California, $99,960 • BioSpyder Technologies Inc., Carlsbad, California, $99,992 • Blue Forest Conservation, San Francisco, California, $99,967 • Checkerspot, Oakland, California, $100,000 • Intelligent Optical Systems Inc., Torrance, California, $99,929 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $100,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $100,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $100,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $100,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $100,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $100,000 • Spero Energy Inc., Thousand Oaks, California, $100,000 • Watershed Materials LLC, Napa, California, $96,864 • DMC Biotechnologies Inc., Boulder, Colorado, $100,000 • Growcentia Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, $99,943 • HiveTech Solutions LLC, Boulder, Colorado, $97,850 • Membrane Protective, Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, $100,000 • Sporian Microsystems Inc., Lafayette, Colorado, $99,992 • TDA Research Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, $100,000 • Veterinary Diagnostic Technology Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, $99,973 • Compact Membrane Systems Inc., Newport, Delaware, $100,000 • Applied Food Technologies Inc., Alachua, Florida, $99,500 • Lindgren-Pitman Inc. Pompano Beach, Florida, $98,838 • Live Advantage Bait LLC, Jupiter, Florida, $97,905 • Pheronym Inc., Gainesville, Florida, $100,000 • Ronald P. Weidenbach dba Hawaii Fish Company, Waialua, Hawaii, $100,000 • Gross-Wen Technologies Inc., Ankeny, Iowa, $100,000 • PSR Genetics LLC, Gilbert, Iowa, $99,800 • StarrMatica Learning Systems Inc., Clinton, Iowa, $100,000 • K2 BioMicrosystems LLC, Geneva, Illinois, $99,725 • Advanced Vascular Therapies Inc., Lafayette, Indiana, $99,752 • Biomineral Systems LLC, South Bend, Indiana, $100,000 • Createability Concepts Inc., Carmel, Indiana, $99,952 • Nutramaize LLC, Lafayette, Indiana, $99,977 • Mechanized Design LLC, Manhattan, Kansas, $99,839 • Aquaculture Systems Technologies, New Orleans, Louisiana, $96,476 • Aerodyne Research Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts, $100,000 • Cambrian Innovation Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, $100,000 • Nano Terra Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, $99,993 • Palmos Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, $100,000 • Reactive Innovations LLC, Westford, Massachusetts, $99,999 • Vecna Technologies Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, $100,000 • Vuronyx Technologies LLC, Beverly, Massachusetts, $100,000 • Ward Aquafarms LLC, North Falmouth, Massachusetts, $98,750 • Inventwood LLC, Hyattsville, Maryland, $100,000 • N5 Sensors Inc., Rockville, Maryland, $99,807 • VitaminSea LLC, Buxton, Maine, $100,000 • Novoreach Technologies LLC, Midland, Michigan, $100,000 • Oxford Biomedical Research Inc., Rochester Hills, Michigan, $99,872 • Sasya LLC, Plymouth, Minnesota, $100,000 • APSE Inc, Saint Louis, Missouri, $100,000 • NanoGuard Technologies LLC, Saint Louis, Missouri, $100,000 • Vox Vineyards Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, $86,000 • GS Research LLC, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, $100,000 • NWB Sensors Inc., Bozeman, Montana, $99,853 • Nanodiagnostic Technology LLC, Kannapolis, North Carolina, $100,000 • Renuvix LLC, Fargo, North Dakota, $100,000 • Midwest Hop Producers LLC, Plattsmouth, Nebraska, $69,315 • NG Health Ventures LLC, Lincoln, Nebraska, $100,000 • Ecovative Design LLC, Troy, New York, $99,999 • FloraPulse Company, Ithaca, New York, $99,927 • Vedge Kids LLC, Yorktown Heights, New York, $100,000 • Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc., Ithaca, New York, $99,923 • LARAD Inc., Wooster, Ohio, $99,245 • Sensor Development Corporation, Elyria, Ohio, $99,916 • Skyward, Ltd., Dayton, Ohio, $99,993 • UES Inc., Dayton, Ohio, $100,000 • All Things Bugs LLC, Midwest City, Oklahoma, $100,000 • Alpha Scents Inc., West Linn, Oregon, $100,000 • eWind Solutions, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon, $100,000 • Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc., Lancaster, Pennsylvania, $99,936 • MicrobiType LLC, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, $75,000 • Compost Plant L3C, Providence, Rhode Island, $97,575 • Cirtemo, Columbia, South Carolina, $100,000 • Gloyer - Taylor Laboratories LLC, Tullahoma, Tennessee, $95,069 • Fulcrum BioScience LLC, West Jordan, Utah, $99,733 • Burnshire Hydroelectric LLC, Star Tannery, Virginia, $99,552 • Novateur Research Solutions LLC, Leesburg, Virginia, $99,980 • Triangle Engineering, White River Junction, Vermont, $99,979 • Arcadia Biosciences Inc., Seattle, Washington, $100,000 • Forest Concepts LLC, Auburn, Washington, $100,000 • Grow Plastics LLC, Seattle, Washington, $100,000 • Whole Energy Fuel Company, Bellingham, Washington, $98,000 • Midwestern BioAg. Inc., McFarland, Wisconsin, $99,575 • Xylome Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin, $100,000 More information on these projects is available on the NIFA website. PHASE II PROJECTS: • Dunn`s Fish Farms Inc., Brinkley, Arkansas, $600,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $600,000 • ISCA Technologies Inc., Riverside, California, $600,000 • One Resonance Sensors LLC, San Diego, California, $599,331 • TDA Research Inc., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, $600,000 • Compact Membrane Systems Inc., Newport, Delaware, $600,000 • Foresight Science & Technology Inc., Gainesville, Florida, $530,104 • Candidus Inc., Athens, Georgia, $600,000 • Jun Innovations Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, $596,592 • Accelerated Ag Technologies LLC, Urbandale, Iowa, $600,000 • Gross-Wen Technologies Inc., Ankeny, Iowa, $600,000 • Aptimmune Biologics Inc., Champaign, Illinois, $600,000 • Hazel Technologies LLC, Skokie, Illinois, $600,000 • ORB Technologies LLC, Lexington, Kentucky, $600,000 • Diversified Technologies Inc., Bedford, Massachusetts, $599,120 • Advanced Medical Electronics Corporation, Maple Grove, Minnesota, $599,981 • Montana BioAgriculture Inc., Missoula, Montana, $599,999 • Epicrop Technologies Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska, NE, $599,999 • Windcall Manufacturing Inc., Venango, Nebraska, $600,000 • Codagenix Inc., Farmingdale, New York, $592,912 • 3Bar Biologics Inc., Columbus, Ohio, $600,000 • Innovative Scientific Solutions Inc., Dayton, Ohio, 599,640 • VRM Labs Inc., Easley, South Carolina, $600,000 • Stony Creek Colors Inc., Goodlettsville, Tennessee, $599,828 • Nutrient Recovery and Upcycling LLC, Madison, Wisconsin, $585,819 • Whole Trees LLC, Madison, Wisconsin, $579,540 More information on these projects is available on the NIFA website. Since 1990, the SBIR program has awarded more than 3,000 research and development grants to American-owned, independently operated, for-profit businesses with 500 employees or less. Among past projects, Stony Creek Colors, near Nashville, Tennessee, developed natural indigo and other textile dyes to reduce the need for imported synthetic dyes based on toxic chemicals. Under its Phase II project, Stony Creek Colors received more than $1 million in private investment to scale up crop production and has been successful in increasing sales of their bio-based product into industrial markets. BioProdex, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida, is helping area ranchers stop the spread of tropical soda apple, an invasive weed that chokes out native species and forage for cattle. The company created an herbicide based on a naturally occurring plant virus called pseudomonas. With this green solution, the company is helping to protect the food chain while saving ranchers money and protecting their lands. SolviNix®LC, is the world’s first EPA-approved biological herbicide containing a plant virus as the active ingredient. NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural sciences, visit www.nifa.usda.gov/Impacts, sign up for updates, and follow us on Twitter @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAImpacts. ### USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.

USDA Invests $2.5 Billion in Rural Electric Infrastructure

USDA Invests $2.5 Billion in Rural Electric Infrastructure Loans Will Help Create Jobs and Spur Business Growth in 27 States WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2017 – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that USDA is investing $2.5 billion in rural electric infrastructure improvements to help create jobs and support economic development in 27 states. “These significant investments will help develop and maintain modern, reliable electric infrastructure that businesses and rural communities need in a 21st Century economy,” Perdue said. “The loans I am announcing today will help utilities and cooperatives build new transmission and distribution lines, upgrade networks and facilities, and better manage the power grid.” The funding will support infrastructure improvements in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The loans are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Electric Program, which is the successor to the Rural Electrification Administration. “We are extremely pleased that USDA is making such a major investment in rural development and infrastructure through new loans to America’s electric cooperatives,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “USDA is an important partner helping us illuminate rural America and empower the communities we serve. That partnership is critical to co-ops’ ability to maintain, expand and improve rural electric infrastructure.” One of the USDA awards is an $18.3 million loan to the Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative (Espanola, N.M.) to build 58 miles, improve 28 miles of line and make other system improvements. Jemez will use $7 million for smart grid improvements. In Oregon, the Harney Electric Cooperative is receiving an $11.7 million USDA loan to build 53 miles of line and make other system improvements. The Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative in Portola, Calif., will receive a $14.2 million loan to improve 44 miles of transmission and distribution line, build one mile and make other system improvements. The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative in Dade City, Fla., is receiving a $130 million loan to build 297 miles, improve 66 miles of line and make other system improvements. The loan includes $1.4 million for smart grid projects. Smart grid includes technological enhancements such as metering, substation automation, computer applications, two-way communications and geospatial information systems to help utilities increase the reliability and efficiency of electric power systems. Today’s loans include $127 million for smart grid projects. Three North Carolina companies – Gamble Solar, LLC; Wadesboro Solar; and Salisbury Solar – are receiving a total of $14.1 million to build solar photovoltaic energy farms in various parts of the state. Today’s announcement comes as another electric project that USDA helped support nears completion. Later this month, O2 emc, a North Carolina firm, will complete a solar project that has provided a local investment of more than $6 million in rural, southwest Virginia. The project has been a significant boost to the area’s economy, particularly for the local steel fabrication company. More than 80 percent of people who work at the 16-acre solar project live within a 30-mile radius. Many workers have acquired new skills that will allow them to create careers in the rapidly expanding solar energy industry. The project created work for more than 100 area residents during its construction phase. By early next year, it will create enough electricity to power more than 500 homes. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.