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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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)
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;
APRIL 3 OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD COLUMN — compiled by PETE TEMPLE, SPORTS/AG EDITOR
• The USDA March Prospective plantings report showed an increase to
As soon as temperatures warm, Iowa farmers will be out in their fields, which means most will be working nonstop.
Concerns for smaller or medium feedlots were covered during an Eastern Iowa Forum put on by
By Pete Temple, Express Sports/Ag Editor
By Pete Temple, Express Sports/Ag Editor
As farmers across the State