Roundup Ready Alfalfa: Appeal Made to Supreme Court (2) Nov 15, 2009
APHIS is USDA s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Roundup Ready alfalfa (a GMO that would allow the use of glyphosate for weed control over the top of alfalfa) long ago completed review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and was approved by USDA. It went on the market in 2005 ... The anti-genetic-engineering organization cited failure to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) by USDA. The Center for Food Safety claims more than 85,000 members saying no to industrial... (Agri-View, WI)
Feeding shut-in seniors from the check-out line Nov 14, 2009
The meals are prepared at the Council s large commercial kitchen in south Santa Rosa and meet USDA federal nutrition and heart healthy requirements, McBride said. For many of the Meals On Wheels clients, the daily delivery is their only contact with a visitor or other human. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
USDA grants aim to expand health care to rural areas Nov 13, 2009
9 million in grants awarded by the Agriculture Department for 111 projects in 35 states, USDA announced today ... The funding will be provided through USDA Rural Development's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program ... " One project in Sioux Falls, S.D. received a $396,693 grant to provide video-conferencing and telemedicine service to connect 16 rural hospitals and clinics with regional medical facilities in Sioux Falls, Yankton and Aberdeen, for example. The Association of Computer... (FCW.com)
Super-sniffing bees combat colony pest Nov 13, 2009
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists hope the population of Varroa mite-detecting honeybees could potentially improve the health of the overall honeybee population ... In addition to stemming the tide of , the USDA hopes that the effort to eliminate the varroa mite threat could buoy the $8 to $14 billion food industry that relies on commercial honeybee pollination ... which is part of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Milk Pasteurization: More Not Always Better Nov 13, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... According to a USDA study 2. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
No weather advisories for today Nov 12, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... The Nov. 9 USDA crop progress report said 77 percent of Minnesota's soybeans were harvested vs. 98 percent for the five year average. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Sustainable Salads Nov 11, 2009
The USDA has just started surveying some organic crops, and we'll have to wait until all the data is in to issue a final verdict on that front. As for fruits and vegetables, going organic is the eco-friendly choice. (Slate)
Obama appoints Rajiv Shah to head USAID Nov 11, 2009
At USDA, he managed the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and was responsible for overseeing more than 10,000 staff worldwide including 2,200 federal scientists and a budget of more than $2. 6 billion. (India Times, India)
Which Organic Foods Are Worth The Switch? Nov 11, 2009
The labeling requirements of the National Organic Program under the USDA are specific. Purchasing foods labeled "100 percent organic" is the ideal. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
* US beef arriving in a week's time: official Nov 11, 2009
The first batch of US beef exports under a relaxed ban is likely to arrive in Taiwan within a week after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued Quality System Assessment (QSA) certificates to qualified suppliers, a Ministry of Economic Affairs official said yesterday ... The guidelines for the regulations were established in a protocol on US beef imports signed by Taipei and Washington on Oct. 23, but the QSA stipulations and the age of the cattle from which exported beef can be obtained... (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Bulletin Board Nov 10, 2009
For information on ordering USDA inspected farm fresh turkeys for Thanksgiving talk to the folks at Fresh Catch Seafood & Butcher Shop at the market. To add more 'food for thought' we will have a special viewing of the movie Food, Inc. in the town hall auditorium the Friday night before the market on Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. free admission. (Braintree Forum, MA)
9 to 5 to 9: Battling obesity one trick-or-trick basket at a time Nov 10, 2009
Yes, it's great that the USDA and schools are moving away from the total crap they used to serve at lunch on a daily basis. Yes, I agree that holidays and celebrations shouldn't focus solely on food - that's why there were a number of Mommy and Daddy and Me crafts at Boots' party today. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Lawsuit charges contaminated meat caused illnesses Nov 10, 2009
This is hamburger that had the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) stamp of approval ... We will continue to monitor the situation and look to the manufacturer and the USDA for further guidance, Shaw s spokeswoman Judy Chong stated in an e-mail ... Recall press releases found at both the USDA s Web site and the state Department of Health and Human Services Web site mention several markets affected by the recall, including Trader Joe s, Price Chopper and Lancaster and Wild Harvest. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
GSI deadline is Nov. 20 (25) Nov 10, 2009
Any producers interested in the GSI should contact their local NRCS office located in the USDA Service Center. For more information about this initiative or NRCS and natural resource conservation programs, go to. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Theodore "Ted" Evangelides Nov 10, 2009
His careers have consisted of auditor/examiner for USDA, assistant general manager for New Jersey Quality Checked Farms, plants manager for James H. McManus Ice Cream Corporation, assistant general manager for Borden Inc., project manager for Profit Management Development, Inc., and vice president for Industrial Consulting for Food Tronics Associates Group. Ted graduated from Cobleskill College in New York in 1950. (Hingham Journal, MA)
* US export group denies beef ban Nov 10, 2009
The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) yesterday rebutted local media reports that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) had told it to halt all beef exports given the Taiwanese governments tight control over the product ... Our duty is to inform meat vendors and retailers of the new [USDA] regulation that went into effect on Nov. 2, but we have never said anything about halting all US meat imports into Taiwan, said Davis Wu (d), director of the USMEF office in Taipei ... Wu was... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
IBSYS.media.ImgLoader.delayView({el: 'img_N2F616C6D.18C0',imgs: ['/2009/1106/21545311_200X150.jpg']}); Nov 9, 2009
Video taken by an undercover investigator working for the Humane Society of the United States helped convince federal officials to pull USDA inspectors from domestic slaughterhouses in 2006. "I don't think people in America want to see horses sent to slaughterhouses to be used for human consumption," said Humane Society lobbyist Don Wesely. (7 KETV Omaha)
RUBEN NAVARRETTE JR.: Mark a date for immigration bill Nov 8, 2009
USDA chief, Feinstein weigh in on water problems. In a sign that Washington is paying attention to the Valley's water woes, two federal officials came to the Fresno area Wednesday. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
R-CALF asks for overturn of Canada over-30-month rule (2) Nov 8, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... USDA did not publish in the Federal Register a final agency action in this matter on or before noon on Jan. 20, 2009, and as such, the OTM Rule is now under the purview of the current Administration as a directive of a White House memo that states President Obama s appointees and designees have the opportunity to review any new or pending regulations ...... (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Protecting both livestock and wildlife from disease (19) Nov 8, 2009
To help reduce the risk of EHD in livestock, the USDA recommends producers move their animals away from water sources if an outbreak of bluetongue or EHD is occurring. They should keep them away until cold weather or frost kills the midges. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Hasan's Remarks Worried Muslim Leader Nov 8, 2009
FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 7, 2009. Mosque Leader Described Ft. Hood Suspect as "Almost Incoherent"; Ex-Classmate "Not Surprised" Hasan Charged in Shooting. (CBS News -- US)
Ground beef products recalled for possible E coli. contamination Nov 6, 2009
Each package bears the establishment number EST. 492 inside the USDA mark of inspection or on the nutrition label ... Each case bears the establishment number EST. 492 inside the USDA mark of inspection; has package dates of 09 ... gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-888-674-6854, is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Minnesota State Fair study provides new information about H1N1 Nov 5, 2009
As a result of the preliminary detection of H1N1 by the university researchers, the USDA and Centers for Disease Control wanted to test all of the samples ... Initial research from the USDA suggests that as the novel H1N1 moves into pigs, it's less efficient in moving among pigs and moving from pigs to people, Bender said. (Agri-View, WI)
Officials track ground beef E.Coli outbreak Nov 5, 2009
Officials track ground beef E.Coli outbreak - Ipswich, MA - Ipswich Chronicle. Officials track ground beef E.Coli outbreak. (Ipswich Chronicle, MA)
Don't Sweat the Invasion Nov 5, 2009
A few years ago, the USDA let loose thousands of leaf-eating Asian beetles in order to sic them on tamarisks, which die from the defoliation. But these efforts to oust the intruder have encountered a glitch. (Slate)
E. Coli Concern: Would You Eat Once-Tainted Meat? Nov 5, 2009
"This is allowed under USDA protocol.". Caleb Weaver, press secretary for the USDA, confirmed that these practices are allowed ... "If the establishment finds a positive ground beef sample, they can implement steps to ensure the meat is safe to eat through proper cooking, and [the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service] inspection program personnel verify that steps are taken to ensure that the meat is safe," he said. (ABC News)
Commercial pigs test positive for H1N1 Nov 5, 2009
The USDA said it discovered four tissue samples that tested positive for the virus using its swine surveillance program. The sample was collected in late October, and the USDA said the pigs as well as the people caring for the animals have recovered ... The USDA declined to say where in Indiana the sick pigs were located. (MSNBC -- Health)
First Draft Of The Pig: Researchers Sequence Swine Genome Nov 4, 2009
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, formerly the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, provided 10 million in initial funding, requiring that this be the only pig genome-sequencing project in the world, that it be a public-private partnership and a global collaborative effort, with significant financial or in-kind support from the other participating agencies and stakeholders ... 3 million, with additional support from the USDA Agricultural Research... (Science Daily)
Memphis' Recycle Solutions creates commodities division Nov 4, 2009
Bluff City s facility is USDA certified and its infrastructure includes a 10,000-bushel storage tank, nine-car track with service by Union Pacific and a 7,000-bushel-per-hour elevator. Recycle Solutions is a Memphis-based waste management and waste recycling company. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Not much for combining yet (44) Nov 4, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... The USDA reports this afternoon will show how much progress has been made on the soybeans and corn harvest. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
* Major importers sign agreement against US beef Nov 4, 2009
In a letter to US Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack, the US exporters said the US beef exporting industry is prepared to temporarily limit beef exports to Taiwan to products from cattle less than thirty months of age under a program verified by USDA [the US Department of Agriculture] as a transitional measure to ensure an orderly expansion to a full market opening ... The USDAs Agricultural Marketing Service has confirmed that it was taking steps to establish a QSA program. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571049,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a4:g4:r5:c0.000000:b0:z5 Nov 4, 2009
The USDA was urging customers with concerns to contact the stores where they bought the meat ... Located in the southwestern corner of New York a few miles from the Pennsylvania line, Fairbank Farms has had two other voluntary recalls over the last two years, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service ... After dropping for a few years, annual recalls of ground beef and other beef products contaminated with E. coli have rebounded, with at least a dozen recalls through October... (Fox News)
Pork is safe to eat Nov 4, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a sample from a show hog in Minnesota ... The USDA has conducted scientific studies that have proven that the H1N1 flu is a respiratory virus, not a food-borne illness ... All pork in retail stores is inspected by the USDA, every hog is inspected to ensure only healthy hogs enter our food supply, and a seal is posted stating Passed... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Two U.S. Deaths Possible in Beef Recall Nov 4, 2009
The Agriculture Department, which oversees meat safety, said an investigation led it to conclude "there is an association between the fresh ground beef products and illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts." USDA worked with state and federal officials in examining a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses ... The beef was produced in mid-September and probably was labeled for sale before the end of the month, said USDA. ... Labels of the recalled packages will say EST 492 inside the USDA... (MEDLINEplus)
USDA: Glitch With Foreign SS Numbers Fixed Nov 3, 2009
The Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau all have their own Social Security systems, but the USDA and several other agencies have treated numbers issued by the three nations as if they were U.S. numbers, regardless of whether they were already in use ... Though the USDA has known for years that numbers were getting mixed up, it made no changes to its software or procedures until recently ... But the USDA, SBA and the Federal Emergency... (Click2Houston, TX)
Local Grocery Stores Pull Ground Beef from Shelves Nov 3, 2009
After dropping for a few years, the USDA says recalls of contaminated ground beef have rebounded with at least a dozen through October 2009. Congress has begun hearings on food safety, including more stringent inspections and a bigger role for the food and drug administration, but as shoppers ask if the beef they're buying is safe, they're starting to ask when they can see some action. (ABC 7 News, DC)
NPPC Asks Congress To Help Pork Producers Nov 3, 2009
Urge USDA to make more purchases of pork for various federal food-assistance programs. USDA recently bought 30 million of pork ... Re-examine a spending cap on USDA's Section 32 program so the agency can meet the goals of the program. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Market Forecaster Nov 3, 2009
USDA estimated U.S. corn harvest is now 20 percent complete vs 17 percent last week, 37 percent last year and 58 percent average ... 7 mb each week to reach the USDA forecast ... The USDA reported U.S. soybean harvest is now 44 percent complete vs. 30 percent last week, 75 percent last year and 80 percent average. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Give the Gift of Freshness Nov 3, 2009
Renowned for its big, bold flavors, Outback Steakhouse features a menu of juicy USDA Choice steaks, grilled chicken, shrimp and fish, the original Bloomin' Onion, plus signature drinks, salads and desserts. Carrabba's Italian Grill was founded by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola in Houston, Texas in 1986, and features hand-prepared family recipes made from the finest ingredients and prepared to order in an exhibition kitchen. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Don’t know much ‘bout economics (5) Nov 1, 2009
Despite USDA s estimated record or near-record bean and corn production, futures prices began to climb once the report numbers were released. Beans, the big gainer, rallied nearly 70-cents per bushel in just two trading days. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
ARKANSAS COUNTY ADDED TO FEDERAL FIRE ANT QUARANTINE Nov 1, 2009
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, works with states to limit the spread of imported fire ant spreads by enforcing the quarantine. Items regulated by the quarantine include. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
U.S. welcomes increased beef exports to South Korea Nov 1, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... 6 million pounds of beef and beef variety meats to South Korea, according to the USDA.. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Doctor to deliver progress report on diet, disease at Lexington lecture series Nov 1, 2009
The studies findings are debunking the nutritional advice prescribed by the USDA through its Food Pyramid. In the lecture, Diet, Lifestyle, and Prevention of Disease, Dr. Willett lays out the evidence connecting diet and disease, cuts through the confusing information, dispels some food myths, and provides some guidance for healthy eating. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
MFBF focuses on children for Ag Safety Awareness week Nov 1, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... USDA Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has proclaimed March 2-8 as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
NH officials advise of beef recall Nov 1, 2009
Each package carried the number "EST. 492" inside the USDA inspection mark or on the nutrition label. 2009 The Associated Press. (Concord Monitor)
Elk from Olmsted County herd depopulated to control CWD (2) Nov 1, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... Marksmen from Wildlife Services, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), euthanized the animals in September ... USDA, Veterinary Services and Board personnel collected samples from each elk. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
LMA asks Supreme Court to review horse slaugher ruling (11) Nov 1, 2009
N Deeve wrote on Feb 23, 2008 6:19 PM:" Janine makes a good point. When the USDA is struggling unsuccessfully to protect our food supply in America, they have no business inspecting horse meat for the profits of a foeign slaughter industry. That's just stupid!! " ... Karen wrote on Feb 22, 2008 9:15 PM:" Why should America's Horse Herd end up on dinner plateS in Italy,France,Japan etc.? WHY would anyone want to sell America's horses to be eaten in other countries ?? The only truthful reason is... (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Bug-borne disease lab heading to Kansas Oct 31, 2009
The USDA opened the arthropod lab at the University of Wyoming in the mid-1980s ... USDA officials originally recommended moving the lab to the newly renovated and expanded National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa ... But during the congressional appropriations process this year, the direction was changed to Manhattan, despite a USDA review that determined moving there would cost more than Ames and not meet all the agency s requirements. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Tuskegee Univ. mourns loss of former dean Oct 30, 2009
His work was supported by several organizations including the U.S. Army, Alabama Heart Association, Kellogg Foundation, Merck Foundation, USDA, and the Max Fleischmann Foundation. Dr. Bowie presented his research findings at scientific meetings and in several refereed journals. (WSJA.com, AL)
Letter: Eating better helps children’s health Oct 29, 2009
Traditionally, the National School Lunch Program has served as a dumping ground for USDA's surplus meat and dairy commodities. Not surprisingly, USDA's own surveys indicate that 90 percent of American children consume excessive amounts of fat, and only 15 percent eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
Deadline Is Nov. 20 Oct 29, 2009
Attendance at the South Dakota Grazing School is a key element of GSI. Any producers interested in the GSI should contact their local NRCS office located in the USDA Service Center. For more information about this initiative or NRCS and natural resource conservation programs go to www. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Opinion: Foer on eating animals Oct 29, 2009
Similar conclusions were reached by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, which brought together industry experts and experts from the WHO, OIE and USDA. Their 2005 report argued that a major impact of factory farming is "the rapid selection and amplification of pathogens that arise from a virulent ancestor (frequently by subtle mutation), thus there is increasing risk for disease entrance and/or dissemination.". Breeding genetically uniform and sickness-prone birds in the... (CNN)
Ex-Miss. USDA director pleads guilty Oct 28, 2009
USDA director pleads guilty ... Nick Walters, the former Mississippi director of USDA Rural Development, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge for work he performed for Natchez Regional Medical Center after he left the government agency ... U.S. Attorney Don Burkhalter said Walters admitted discussing with USDA employees a loan that Natchez Regional wanted from the agency. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Pro & Con: Should health policy include taxing unhealthy foods, drinks? Oct 27, 2009
Nineteen states have nutritional standards for school meals and snacks stricter than current USDA guidelines. Twenty states mandate additional screening for those at risk. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Texas A&M scientists are helping Iraq rebuild its agriculture Oct 27, 2009
The USDA project began in 2007 and is being implemented through a consortium of U.S. land-grant universities. Through it, American scientists and agricultural specialists work with their counterparts in Iraq. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Farm Bureau District 1 director tells county gathering that Michigan is "facing a fundamental budget challenge" Oct 27, 2009
Who do you want it to be - MDA, DEQ, USDA, EPA. " She added, "Any department ought to be able to cut 10 percent , but they can't do it each year for 10 years. (Paw Paw Courier Leader, MI)
Slow demand puts wheat values on the defensive Oct 26, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... 04 mb each week to meet the USDA forecast ... 8 mb each week to reach the USDA forecast. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Letters for Sunday, October 25, 2009 (723) Oct 26, 2009
The USDA reports that more than 35 million people nationwide receive SNAP benefits each month. Looking ahead, DHS is working with the USDA to expand eligibility for SNAP and provide transitional SNAP benefits to residents for five months after they exit welfare under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families federal program. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Important time to talk with elevators, marketing advisors Oct 26, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... The USDA National Ag Statistics reported that as of Oct. 11, 23 percent of the U.S. soybean crop was harvested vs. 57 percent for the five-year average ... Kluis said the Oct. 19 USDA crop progress reports would normally show 60-70 percent of the nation's soybeans harvested. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Corn market rallies due to difficult harvest Oct 26, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... On Oct. 9, the USDA forecast 2009 corn production at 13 billion bushels, up slightly from September and 8 percent above 2008 ... I think the USDA numbers that came out in early October will be the high water mark, Kluis said. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Washington veteran expects changes to be big and fast (2) Oct 25, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... Tom Vilsack becomes the third consecutive former governor to head USDA. We will know more of the direction of USDA by the deputies (Obama) picks, Wiesemeyer said ... September 24Congratulations to Charla on her new position with USDA. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Senator Barack Obama Is Now the President-Elect (2) Oct 25, 2009
The Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives (WFC) developed FHCW in collaboration with members of Congress, Wisconsin state lawmakers, USDA, the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the University of Wisconsin and several leading cooperative organizations. Bill Oemichen, CEO of WFC, said FHCW is the only one of its kind in the nation. (Agri-View, WI)
Dairy farmers weigh in on the ‘real' low milk price problem (3) Oct 25, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating ... The Dairy Export Enhancement program is part of the USDA farm bill ... The USDA recently increased price supports by 1. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Soybean moisture levels are too high Oct 25, 2009
Final USDA ruling effective March 16, 2009 Overview & Examples of COOL put together by Rutgers University Humor, health, and good eating. More Country Flavors Recipes from the Midwest. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
NPPC Asks Congress To Help Pork Producers Oct 24, 2009
Urge USDA to make more purchases of pork for various federal food-assistance programs. USDA recently bought 30 million of pork ... Re-examine a spending cap on USDA's Section 32 program so the agency can meet the goals of the program. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
