Safety rulings impact to be discussed at workshops

Posted May 15, 2013 at 11:06 am

The Food Safety Modernization Act passed in December 2010 addressed improvements needed to the U.S. Food Supply. Improvements identified included standards to ensure safety of fresh produce. The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 required food facilities to follow preventative control rules and register with Food and Drug Administration. The newly released fresh produce standards address safety of foods often consumed in raw form.

Under these new proposed regulations, Iowa growers need to be aware of new definitions. A broad definition of food is used – thus any item grown or produced on a farm that is ultimately intended for human consumption is considered a food. This includes seeds and soybeans and livestock, not just produce sales. This also includes prepared foods such as pies and cookies that might be sold with farm-grown produce at a roadside stand.

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    FSA announces informational CRP meetings across Iowa

    John R. Whitaker, State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa, announced that FSA will conduct several Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) informational meetings across the state.

    Three of the meetings will be in Jones County:

    • Monday, May 20, noon, USDA Service Center, Anamosa.

    • Tuesday, May 21, 5:30 p.m. at the Jones County Extension Office, Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center, Monticello.

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    General signup set for Conservation Reserve Program

    General signup set

    for Conservation

    Reserve Program

    John R. Whitaker, State Executive Director for USDA’s Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that the Iowa FSA will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up beginning May 20 and ending on June 14.

    “It continues to be our goal to ensure that we use CRP to address our most critical resource issues,” said Whitaker. “Over

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    Be safe during planting

    MAY 8 OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD COLUMN — compiled by PETE TEMPLE, SPORTS/AG EDITOR

    • The Safe Electricity, a program of the Energy Education Council, reminds farmers to be alert to power lines during the busy planting season.

    Safe Electricity urges farmers to be particularly alert to the dangers of working with tall equipment near overhead power lines. They should avoid raising the arms of planters or cultivators near power lines, and never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.

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    Compliance for HELC and WC remain in effect

    John R. Whitaker, state executive director for USDA’s Iowa Farm Service Agency, (FSA) reminds producers that in order to receive payments from USDA, compliance with Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions are required.

    “With the one year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill, producers are reminded that highly erodible land conservation (HELC) and wetland conservation (WC) provisions remain in effect for the 2013 program year,” said Whitaker. “Farmers are reminded to follow tillage, crop residue, and rotation requirements as specified in

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    Contest gives agricultural artists a chance at cash prizes

    APRIL 24 OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD COLUMN — compiled by PETE TEMPLE, SPORTS/AG EDITOR

    • State Rep. Lee Hein’s weekly report contained information about the second annual “Celebration of Iowa: Agricultural Art Award.”

    Artists of all ages are invited to participate. This year’s theme is “Cultivating Change.” Artwork will be judged on innovation of concept, execution of contest theme, and the aesthetic and technical quality of the work.

    Grand prizes are $1,000 for the Youth Division and $1,500 for the Adult

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    Brunscheen Memorial Cattle Show draws 85 head

    The first Gene Brunscheen Memorial Cattle Show was held at the Great Jones County Fairgrounds Saturday, April 13. Committee members who helped organize the event, from left: Brian Cooper, Brunscheen’s daughters Lisa Rickels and Kris Gobeli, and wife Shirlee Brunscheen. The event drew 85 head of cattle. (Photo by Pete Temple)

    4-H hosts Clothing and Communication Event

    The Jones County 4-H Clothing and Communication Event was held at the Youth Development Center on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Members participated in educational presentations, working exhibits, extemporaneous speaking, clothing selection, fashion revue, $15 challenge and Share-the-Fun.

    Participating in working exhibits were Jensen and Ethan Orr and Cody Tracy of the Wyoming Pioneers – “Cheetos Carrots,” receiving an excellence and advancing to the state fair; Shyanne Kirby and Elizabeth Creveling of Jones County Central –“Butterfly Snacks,” receiving an excellence and advancing to the state fair;

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