April 12, 2010
Novartis Animal Health researches, develops and commercializes leading animal treatments that meet the needs of pet owners, farmers and veterinarians. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Animal Health conducts business in 40 countries and employs about 2,700 people worldwide. Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., is headquartered in Greensboro, NC, and has a Research and Development facility in Larchwood, IA. Our pet products are effective aids in preventing internal and external parasites and treating such ailments as arthritic pain and kidney, heart and allergic diseases. For farm animals, we offer therapeutic products to treat parasitic and bacterial diseases and are consistently developing new vaccines to prevent diseases in livestock and farmed fish. Specific needs of food producers in the area of farm bioprotection are met by providing innovative fly control products and services, as well.
For more information, please visit http://www.ah.novartis.com.
Campaign NEWS
NC Union Backs Cunningham: The Teamsters Union has thrown its support behind Cal Cunningham, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate. In an interview with The Associated Press, Cunningham said he would not pursue “card check” legislation, but he would be willing to listen to the arguments again. He said that he supports a compromise that uses card check as a trigger to elections, which is similar to what already exists, and that he does not see card check replacing elections. Cunningham said he wants to make sure that union elections are fair and that companies are heavily fined for abusing labor laws. In addition, he proposes the use of a contract when one party in a dispute is not negotiating in good faith. The Teamsters Union said that even after the AP interview, they still supported Cunningham and were pleased with his support of the principle of using card check as a tool in union organizing. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and attorney Ken Lewis, also frontrunners in the race for the seat, said they would support card check as an organizing tool.
Allred Wants to Run for Board of Commissioners: Cary Allred, who resigned from the state House last June, is trying to get enough signatures to get his name on the ballot for Alamance County Board of commissioners. Allred has until June 25 to collect 3,564 signatures.
People NEWS
NC Farm Service Agency Appointees: Three men recommended by U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) have been appointed to the NC Farm Service Agency by President Obama. NCAg President Pender Sharp, who will serve as the FSA State Committee Chairperson, previously served on the committee from 1993 to 2001. NCAg member John E. Ashe Jr. served as Minority Advisor to the FSA State Committee during the Clinton Administration. Ashe has been a member of the Rockingham County FSA Committee since 2004 and currently serves as the County Minority Advisory. Thomas Gilmore was a member of the FSA State Committee from 1993 to 2002. He also served in the NC House of Representatives from 1972 to 1978, representing Guilford County.
NPPC Hires NC Native as New Top Lobbyist: The National Pork Producers Council has hired Chris Wall as assistant vice president for government relations in its Washington, D.C., public-policy office. Wall most recently was director of economic development in the office of Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., working on agricultural issues. Previously, he was a senior legislative assistant for Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., dealing with agricultural matters. Wall also worked on the staffs of Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N.C., and Sen. George Allen, R-Va. Wall earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
Business NEWS
Federal Judge Denies Farmer Appeal for Injunction: Judge Osteen of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, in Greensboro, held a hearing on the request for a preliminary injunction filed by the North Carolina Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation in their lawsuit regarding the H-2A program regulations issued by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. The new regulations issued by Secretary Solis became effective March 15, 2010. Unfortunately, Judge Osteen ruled that the plaintiff grower organizations had not met the standards for issuing an injunction. The new Solis H-2A regulations, therefore, remain In effect. The growers argued that the regulations were arbitrary and capricious and that the concerns of small business had not been adequately considered. The Department of Labor, represented by the Department of Justice, defended the case, arguing that the regulations were lawful and that the process by which they were issued was lawful.
Hog House Fire: Around 1,400 pigs died in an early morning fire last week. A lightning strike is being blamed for the fire that completely destroyed a hog house owned by Prestage Farms on Boykin Bridge Road just north of Garland in Sampson County.
N.C. Poultry Plant Fire: A fire at the House of Raeford Farms poultry plant in Maxton, N.C. last week left the plant inoperable. No one was injured in the fire during the plant’s second shift. Officials are still investigating the cause.
Reimbursement for Food Safety Certification: Dairy, deli, and bakery retailers can apply for reimbursement for food safety certification for their employees. The program is being offered by the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) and is available to IDDBA member retailers. For more info, go to www.iddba.org/certification.aspx.
Commodity NEWS
Hops Research Project in NC: A NC man and NC State specialists are working on a research project to determine the production and market viability of hops. Not knowing how well the crop would do in NC, Van Burnette decided to try the crop on his farm near Black Mountain. The N.C. State hops research project is funded by a one-year grant from Golden LEAF. In addition to Burnette’s farms, hops are being grown at four mountain farms and at the university’s field laboratory off Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh.
Cotton Deal Allows Beef and Pork Into U.S.: The U.S. and Brazil have reached an agreement over U.S. cotton subsidies that allows beef and pork products into the U.S. The deal includes $147 million paid to Brazil each year to assist the country’s cotton growers and begins the process of removing trade barriers to Brazilian beef and pork. Based on World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, the U.S. has agreed to recognize the state of Santa Catarina as free of foot-and-mouth disease, rinderpest, classical swine fever, African swine fever, and swine vesicular disease. A risk evaluation to determine whether Brazilian fresh beef can be imported while preventing the spread of foot-and-mouth disease to the U.S. will be completed by Washington. Under the deal, Brazil cannot impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports.
Japan Resistant to U.S. Beef: Despite Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s optimism about making inroads with Japan’s long-standing ban on imports of U.S. beef, Japanese officials said they have no plans to review their policy. Vilsack is visiting Japan for four days in hopes of making some progress on the issue. Japan does not allow imports of U.S. beef product harvested from cattle younger than 20 months.
Meat-Free Initiative Gains Support: Following in the footsteps of Cinicnnati, Takoma Park, Md., and Ghent, Belgium, San Francisco has voted to designate every Monday as “Veg Day”. Restaurants, grocery stores, and schools are encouraged to offer more vegetarian items. The resolution, approved by the San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors, hopes to improve health and increase awareness of the impact a green diet would have on the environment. In addition, Paul McCartney, who has long supported the meat-free movement, plans to serve nearly 500 vegetarian meals a deal to his crew while on tour throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.
Environmental NEWS
Trees as Power Plant Fuel: Duke Energy has asked the NC Utilities Commission for permission to burn wood with coal at its Buck power plant in Rowan County and Lee plant in Williamston, S.C. The company’s plan includes using whole trees to produce more energy from renewable sources. Arguing that the company should use waste wood and scraps, the Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a lawsuit.
NC Forest Resources Seeking Feedback: The NC Division of Forest Resources has completed the first draft of the Goals, Objectives and Strategies necessary to address issues and opportunities identified in the Statewide Forest Resource Assessment released in March. In order to address the assessment findings, these strategies will guide the investment of federal, state and partner resources and will help focus coordinated and collaborative efforts. Feedback is sought to help identify key stakeholders and partners that may be missing and to ensure the successful completion of the process. The deadline for submission is 5:00 PM, Friday, April 23, 2010 using the following website: www.ncsu.edu/feop/SFA/.
USDA NEWS
Water Conservation Project Assistance: USDA announced the availability of $61.2 million in financial assistance funding for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) projects. This funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land. Of the $61.2 million, approximately $40.4 million will be made available to AWEP partners whose projects were approved during last fiscal year and approximately $20.7 million will be available for new project proposals. Types of water enhancement activities intended with this request for proposal are: Water quality or water conservation plan development; water conservation restoration or enhancement projects; water quality or quantity restoration or enhancement projects; irrigation system improvement and irrigation efficiency enhancements; activities designed to mitigate the effects of drought; and related activities determined to help achieve water quality or water conservation benefits on agricultural land. Deadline for partner organizations to submit a proposal is 3:00 May 17, 2010. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) established AWEP. To view the full request for proposal, for additional AWEP information, or to apply visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/AWEP/.
NCDA NEWS
NCDA&CS Environmental Specialist: Vernon Cox has joined NCDA&CS as environmental programs specialist. Prior to joining NCDA&CS, Cox worked 15 years with the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation and had been chief of its Technical Services Section since 2004. A native of Columbus County, Cox grew up on a small tobacco farm near Tabor City. He is a graduate of N.C. State University, where he earned bachelors’ degrees in agricultural business management and agricultural engineering technology and a master’s degree in agricultural economics.
Mark Your Calendar
AgForum with Miller: On April 19, the NC Agribusiness Council will host an AgForum with Congressman Brad Miller at Ashe Farms in Reidsville, NC. RSVP required. Seats are limited.
The Offshore Energy Exploration Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, April 13 at 10 a.m., 1124/1224 Legislative Building.
The Environmental Review Commission will meet on Thursday, April 15 at 10 a.m., 544 Legislative Office Building.
The Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet on Tuesday, April 13 at 6 p.m., 943 Washington Square Mall, Washington. Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8088.
"Links to a Better Bottom Line: Boosting Yield and ROI in Sausage Production," a Web seminar, will be held on April 14 at 1 p.m. Central Time. The online event will feature three experts in process design and efficiency and real-life examples of the improvements that are possible when every step in the production line is optimized. Presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session. To register for the event, go to www.marketingandtechnology.com/repository/webinars/e4/reg.html.
10-hr Animal Waste Applicator Certification Training Class, Type A, will be held April 28th & 29th from 9 – 5 p.m. in Onslow County. Registration fee of $25.00 per person. To register, call (910) 455-5873 and speak to either Nita Walton or Diana Rashash.
The 2010 Poultry Processor Workshop will be held May 12-13 at Atlanta's Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta. The program will also examine processing issues such as antimicrobial interventions, a food safety regulatory update, marination pick-up and phosphate alternatives and the changing workforce in today's processing plants. To register, go to www.poultryegginstitute.org/educationprograms/.