State Veterinarian Announces Implementation Of New Requirements For Livestock Entering Virginia

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According to Dr. Richard Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), effective August 15, 2012, breeding-age cattle coming into Virginia from other states must be tuberculosis (TB) test negative and properly identified. Imported cattle over 18 months of age without negative TB test results and proper identification will be quarantined until negative TB tests are conducted and official identification have been applied to each animal and submitted to the VDACS’ regional Office of Veterinary Services (OVS). Acceptable TB tests include individual animal testing within 60 days prior to entering Virginia, or an annual whole herd test for cattle originating from TB accredited herds.

On January 18, 2012, updated regulations regarding the health requirements for importing animals into Virginia became effective. Bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing on cattle that do not originate from a TB accredited free herd, as well as official individual identification, are now required on all cattle greater than 18 months of age coming into Virginia. Between January and now, VDACS has been educating cattle producers who import breeding-age cattle of the requirement for a TB test and official identification.

Once the most prevalent infectious disease of cattle and swine in the United States, bovine TB caused more losses among U.S. farm animals in the early part of the 20th century than all other infectious diseases combined. Since 1917, cooperative efforts of the states and USDA have nearly eradicated bovine TB from the nation’s livestock population. This disease’s presence in humans has been reduced as a result of the eradication program, advances in sanitation and hygiene, the discovery of effective drugs and pasteurization of milk.

Although bovine TB has been nearly eradicated, it is at this stage that surveillance and identification of infected cattle becomes most difficult. Within the last several years, TB has been newly diagnosed in at least ten states that were previously considered to be free. In order to continue to keep the disease out of Virginia’s livestock, reliable identification and assurance that imported cattle are TB-negative are essential. It is critical that potentially infected animals from out-of-state be permanently identified so that they will not jeopardize Virginia’s ability to market animals as coming from a TB-free state.
For additional information on the animal import regulations, see vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/adm-cattle.shtml

Got Feral Hogs? VDGIF Sets Public Discussions for August

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The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is holding public discussions on feral hogs in Virginia, their impacts, and what other states are now doing to control them in August. They will be held:

August 15, 6:30 PM
Germanna Community College,
Locust Grove Campus
For more information, contact VDGIF at 540-295-7590

August 20, 6:30 PM
Halifax County – Scottsburg Vol. Fire Dept.
For more information, contact VDGIF at 434-525-7522

A third meeting is planned in the Southwest region of the state. Date and location to be determined.

Feral hogs (also called wild hogs) are classified as a nuisance species in Virginia. Any pig that is outside of the property of its owner and cannot be claimed by its owner will be classified as a feral hog. They are an extremely invasive animal and cause damage to habitat wherever they exist. Feral hogs have been found to destroy turkey, grouse, and quail nests. They can also prey on deer fawns, destroy sensitive wetland habitat, and compete with our native wildlife for food resources. Feral hogs carry numerous diseases that can affect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. The transmission of swine brucellosis and pseudorabies is a major concern to the commercial swine industry domestic animals, and humans. The transmission of swine brucellosis and pseudorabies is a major concern to the commercial swine industry.

From the Field: Stepping Up to the Gate

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From the Field is a bi-monthly column written by Mark Campbell, Farm Bureau Field Services Director for the Central District. He writes about Farm Bureau member benefits and County Farm Bureau activities.

I recently attended the Young Farmer Summer Expo in Lynchburg during the last weekend in July. The Young Farmer Expos are always filled with great learning and networking opportunities. The Expos are family oriented, and there are usually several small children in attendance.

Seeing the young farmers, ages 18-35, and the young kids, most at age 7 and under, keeps me optimistic about the future of agriculture. This scene that I snapped a picture of really got me thinking about how each generation faces different opportunities and challenges, and what kindles that passion for farming in the youngest among us.

I think all of us in agriculture will admit that there is a passion within us for agriculture. A driving force that is part of who we are. Many people develop that passion for farming early in life. Some have found that love for farming later in life. I think that passion for agriculture is contagious and is modeled to others in our work ethic on the farm and through our caretaking responsibilities over the resources that we manage during our lifetime. I think this is especially true with kids, and this is how they catch the passion for agriculture. The parents love it, so it is interwoven in their lives. Their kids see that they enjoy farming even though there are sometimes challenges and hard times. It usually involves outside activities with nature, which kids love.

Agriculture is a great family business in that all of the family members can be involved. Parents can take their kids to work. There are probably other small businesses where this occurs; but I think it is more predominant in agriculture. This passion for agriculture helps those entering into the agriculture field seek opportunities and tackle challenges.

I am not too far out of the age range of official young farmer status. However, when I give it a little more thought, some of the young farmers are 20 years younger than me. Each generation has opportunities and challenges that are different than the previous generation. Some things stay the same. Agriculture is always a blend of tried and true practices and traditions and new technologies, practices, and methods. Maybe it’s my age, but change seems to be occurring at a more rapid pace than it did several years ago.

Adaptability to change and flexibility in their enterprise are going to be key factors for young farmers’ success. From what I have seen, young farmers are up to the challenge. They can multi task with the best of them. Technology has obviously made that more possible. A big challenge will continue to be the large amount of capital involved in farming, whether you own your farm or rent. When tractors cost over $50,000 and a pot load of steers is $70,000; there is a lot of risk involved.

So what about the young farmers that were at the Expo? Will they be farming the same as my generation? As history shows; it will probably be a blend of the old mixed with the new. What about the boy in the picture? What will his agriculture industry look like? I don’t know. But I am sure that he will step up to the gate and be successful in an industry and lifestyle that he loves.

New Farm Vehicle Exemptions take effect Oct. 1

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On July 6, President Obama signed into law H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). Included in the law were several exemptions relating to farm vehicles for farmers and ranchers.

The following regulations and exemptions take effect Oct. 1:

A covered farm vehicle, including the individual operating that vehicle, shall be exempt from the following federal requirements:

• Any requirement related to commercial driver’s licenses;

• Any requirement related to drug testing;

• Any requirement related to medical certificates;

• Any requirement related to hours of service; and

• Any requirement related to vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance.

In addition, federal transportation funding to a state may not be terminated, limited or otherwise interfered with as a result of the state exempting a covered farm vehicle, including the individual operating that vehicle, from any state requirement relating to the operation of that vehicle.

Exemptions do not apply to a covered farm vehicle transporting hazardous materials that require a placard.

A “covered farm vehicle” means a motor vehicle (including an articulated motor vehicle) that is traveling in the state in which it is registered or another state and is operated by:

• A farm owner or operator;

• A ranch owner or operator; or

• And employee or family member of an individual farmer or rancher.

The covered farm vehicle must be equipped with a special license plate or other designation by the state in which the vehicle is registered to allow for identification of the vehicle as a farm vehicle by law enforcement personnel.

The farm vehicle and the individual operating that vehicle are exempt from the above-mentioned requirements if the vehicle is less than 26,001 pounds. If the vehicle is greater than 26,001 pounds, the exemptions apply within the state or within 150 air miles of the farm or ranch.

It should be noted that this legislation does not specifically exempt a farmer or rancher from any state requirements. There are no longer federal requirements relating to the above-mentioned regulations. Additionally, funding from the federal government to a state cannot be withheld if a state chooses to allow exemptions for agriculture.

Included with the farm vehicle exemptions language was a directive to the secretary of transportation to conduct a safety study of the exemptions. Farm Bureau plans to work closely with the Department of Transportation as it conducts the study.

Child Labor Update: Farm Groups Urge House to Preserve Family Farms

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The American Farm Bureau Federation and a number of other farm groups have urged the House to vote yes for farm kids and farm families across America by supporting H.R. 4157, the Preserving America’s Family Farms Act. The House will debate and vote on the legislation later today. In a letter to House members, the organizations said that while the safety of all workers remains their number one priority, regulations introduced last year by the Labor Department “took caution beyond recognition.” According to the letter, “The proposed regulations were overly burdensome to agriculture producers and would have limited, if not eliminated, training opportunities for youth in rural America. Fortunately, the administration listened to the concerns of farmers and ranchers by withdrawing the regulation in April. However, the threat to family farms still exists. While we all respect the obligations and responsibilities of DOL to ensure the safety of youth working on farms, we believe that the approaches taken need to be well reasoned and not detrimental to the family farm or the youth participating in farm work,” continued the letter.  H.R. 4157 would protect against these threats by preserving the ability of youth to gain training and education by working on the farm. It also protects an agricultural way of life from future child labor regulations that could limit the ability of youth to learn valuable skills by working on the farm. AFBF continues to work with USDA and other agricultural organizations on agricultural safety programs.

Joining AFBF on the letter were the American Feed Industry Association; the American Horse Council; the American Seed Trade Association; the American Soybean Association; the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; the International Association of Fairs and Expositions; the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; the National Council of Agricultural Employers; the National Cotton Council; the National FFA Organization; the National Milk Producers Federation; the National Pork Producers Council; the United Fresh Produce Association; and the U.S. Apple Association.

VDH Schedules More Public Discussions on Uranium

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The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will hold a series of meetings to gather public input on the issues of water supply and recreational water to assess the impact of uranium mining and milling in Virginia. More specifically, VDH will collect public comments related to the following questions:

1. What are the public’s concerns about related to the impact of uranium mining and milling on water quality and quantity of private wells?

2. What are the public’s concerns related to the impact of uranium mining and milling on recreational use of surface water?

3. What role should VDH play in assuring that public health is protected in regard to private wells and recreational water use in regard to uranium mining and milling?

4. What safeguards should be in place to protect private wells and recreational water?

Evening meetings will be large meetings and VDH will receive comments from as many participants as time allows. Registration is not required to attend the public meetings that will be held in the evenings. Individuals who are unable to attend but want to submit comments or issues for consideration may do so at http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/.

In addition to accepting comments in the public forum, VDH and other agencies will staff tables to provide information and collect questions and comments from the public. Staff will be available at these tables for one hour before the public meetings begin. Questions may be asked and comments made in the public forum, at the tables or both.

Schedule of VDH Large Group Meetings on Uranium Mining and Water:

August 7, 2012
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Chatham Circuit Court Building
3 North Main St. Chatham

August 15, 2012
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Warrenton The Barn, Lord Fairfax Community College
6480 College St. Warrenton

August 29, 2012
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Virginia Beach Meyera Oberndorff Library Auditorium
4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach

Day-long issue discussion sessions will allow a small group of participants to engage in more focused and in-depth discussion of public concerns, health risks, and potential regulatory changes. These meetings will require participants to devote a full day to participation, and participants will be identified prior to the meetings. Although we expect that a large number of persons will be interested in serving on the discussion groups, because VDH would like to conduct a very in-depth discussion, only a small number of persons will be selected.

Members of the public who are interested in participating are invited to submit their name for participation in one of the discussion sessions listed in the schedule. A total of 15 to 20 persons will be randomly selected from the names submitted and VDH is suggesting that individuals indicate their interest or expertise in the following areas, in order to assure a robust discussion: the agricultural community, water service provider, general business community, business associated with recreational water, academic with a special knowledge of geology or groundwater, local government, or private homeowner. The only requirements for your participation are that you commit to attending the entire meeting, that you indicate your area of interest from one of the groups listed above, and that you are willing to join in an open discussion of the issues. These are public meetings and a summary of the discussion, along with a list of participants, will be made available to the public after the meetings. Please note that if you volunteer your name will be listed as a participant in the public summary of the meeting.

If you are interested please submit your name, your area of interest, address and telephone number, e-mail address and other contact information, and preferred meeting location to https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ODW/publicmeeting. You must submit your information no later than August 3, 2012. Persons selected for participation will be notified beginning August 3 and notification of selections will be completed by August 6, 2012.

Schedule of VDH Small Group Discussion Meetings on Uranium Mining and Water:

August 8, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Chatham County Administration Building
1 Center St. Chatham

August 16, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Warrenton Warrenton Rescue Squad Building
210 Hospital Drive Warrenton, VA

August 30, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Health Department
Glass Conference Room (second floor)
4452 Corporation Lane Virginia Beach

AFBF: Report Shows Real Harm of Estate Taxes

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The American Farm Bureau Federation recently said it concurs with a Joint Economic Committee report that details the financial harm posed by estate taxes on family businesses. The JEC, a bipartisan committee composed of members from the House and Senate, issued its report, “Costs and Consequences of the Federal Estate Tax,” earlier today.

According to the report, there are extensive costs associated with the estate tax in terms of the dissolution of family businesses, slower growth of capital stock and a loss of output and income over time. This can be particularly hard on farm families, who own 98 percent of the nation’s 2.2 million farms.
“With the average age of a farmer being 58 years old, the estate tax creates even a steeper barrier for young farmers and ranchers to take up the profession at a time when farming is already difficult to enter,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.
The report also found that the estate tax impedes economic growth because it discourages savings and capital accumulation. Gaining access to capital is vital to farms and rural economies. In 2010, land accounted for approximately 85 percent of total farm assets. Currently, in some parts of the country, land values have increased well over $10,000 per acre. Further, land values from 2010 to 2011 increased on average 25 percent and have greatly expanded the number of farms and ranches that now top the estate tax $5 million exemption.
Especially holding true for farmers and ranchers, the report also found that the estate tax is a significant hindrance to entrepreneurial activity since many family businesses lack sufficient liquid assets to pay estate tax liabilities. In 2010, liquid assets in agriculture comprised only 12 percent of total assets whereas hard assets (including land and buildings) comprised 88 percent of total assets. Alone, real estate accounted for approximately 85 percent of farm assets in 2010.
“When estate taxes on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners are forced to sell illiquid assets, such as land, buildings or equipment to keep their businesses operating,” said Stallman. “With 88 percent of farm and ranch assets illiquid, producers have few options when it comes to generating cash to pay the estate tax.”

AFBF supports permanent elimination of the estate tax. Until this can be accomplished, Farm Bureau supports extending the current $5 million exemption. Without congressional action, in 2013, the estate tax exemption will shrink to $1 million per person with no spousal transfer, and the top rate will increase to 55 percent, striking a blow to farmers and ranchers trying to transition from one generation to the next.

From the Field: Spreadin’ Some Farm Bureau Joy

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From the Field is a bi-monthly column written by Mark Campbell, Farm Bureau Field Services Director for the Central District. He writes about Farm Bureau member benefits and County Farm Bureau activities.

Farm Bureau has a history of helping meet the needs of farmers, and this is just another example that has been very successful.
Louisa, Madison, and Fauquier County Farm Bureaus rent a poultry litter spreader to farmers in their county as a service of the county Farm Bureau and Virginia Poultry Federation. 
The Virginia Poultry Federation first offered grant money in 2003 to county Farm Bureaus in the central and northern Piedmont regions of Virginia to help facilitate the movement of poultry litter from concentrated areas such as the Shenandoah Valley to deficit areas such as central Virginia. 
The poultry litter spreader fills a real need, as it is difficult to find someone to spread litter in central Virginia.  Most times, farmers are able to get trailer loads of litter delivered to their farm. But getting someone to spread it is difficult unless large quantities are purchased. 
Louisa County Farm Bureau houses their spreader under a carport at the county Farm Bureau office and the county administrative assistants administer the applications and keep records.  The Virginia Poultry Federation grant helped fund the purchase of the spreader, but the administration, record keeping, maintenance, and insurance are the responsibility of the county Farm Bureau.  The county Farm Bureaus do charge a daily rental rate, which helps cover these things.
As part of the grant, users must use Virginia poultry litter for land application, and use is restricted to within 35 miles of the county Farm Bureau office.  Louisa County Farm Bureau developed guidelines, application, and an inspection check list to ensure proper and efficient administration of the rental of the spreader. 
The spreader in Louisa has been highly utilized over the years.  So much so that Louisa County Farm Bureau purchased their second spreader just a few months ago to replace the first one.  Their new litter spreader is a BBI brand, 16 ton pull type, hydraulically operated with a heavy duty suspension and floor chain. 
If you’re a Farm Bureau producer member in Louisa, Madison or Fauquier County and interested in renting a litter spreader, contact your county office.
Until next time,
Mark

Uranium Working Group Sets Public Meetings

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The Uranium Working Group established by Governor Bob McDonnell has been busy with their work, which includes holding a series of public meetings held around the state. The most recent was held at Chatham High School in Chatham.

You will remember from previous reports, the working group was established to “to provide a scientific policy analysis to help assess whether the moratorium on uranium mining in the Commonwealth should be lifted, and if so, how best to do so.”

Virginia Farm Bureau has been monitoring the progress of the group’s work, including attending each of the public meetings. In addition, VAFB has submitted questions for consideration on the issue from an agricultural standpoint. These questions were the result of surveying each of the County Farm Bureaus for concerns they felt needed to be addressed.

We encourage all of our members to read the current reports on the issue and, if possible, participate in the public meetings. Members can access the reports and also provide comment to the working group through their website at http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/

VAFB will continue to monitor the issue and keep member’s concerns before the Working Group and policy makers. The remaining public meeting dates and locations have been set except the final one, which will be held in Richmond. The actual location and date has yet to be set.

Should you have any questions or comments please contact Andrew Smith in the Governmental Relations Department at andrew.smith@vafb.com or 804-290-1021.

Remaining Public Meetings on the Uranium Working Group

• August 2, 2012 – 6 pm (joint meeting with NRC)
Old Dominion Agricultural Complex
19783 US Highway 29, Suite G
Chatham, VA 24531

• August 28, 2012 – 6 pm
Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

• October 17, 2012 – 6 pm
Old Dominion Agricultural Complex
19783 US Highway 29, Suite G
Chatham, VA 24531

• November 2012 (TBA)
Richmond, VA

Community Animal Response Teams Keep Animals Safe During Emergencies

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Lindsay Reames
Assistant Director
Governmental Relations

Last Friday I attended a very informative meeting about CARTs- Community Animal Response Teams.

Research has shown that the No. 1 reason people refuse to evacuate their homes during an emergency is because they don’t want to leave pets behind. In 1999, Hurricane Floyd claimed the lives of millions of animals in North Carolina and thousands were separated from their owners. Many of the animals could have been saved by a coordinated response plan.

Out of this tragedy grew the CART concept. Virginia adopted the concept in 2006 to address the needs of animals during natural or man-made disasters.

VASART– the Virginia State Animal Response Team to—was formed to address the needs of animals during natural or man-made disasters. VASART was created through a private-public partnership to serve as a unifying network of organizations, businesses, federal and state government agencies and individuals that support the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies affecting animals. Tony Banks, assistant director of Farm Bureau’s Commodities and Marketing Department, is co-chair of VASART.

The group is working to increase CARTs in the state. There are currently eight groups in Virginia, but that’s more than other states have. As part of the animal response teams, trained volunteers will help people find shelter for their pets. Campbell County may be the next locality to form a community response team.

The state and county groups are primarily focused on companion animals but are starting to put more emphasis on large livestock animals.

Here are some suggestions from VASART on what to do to prepare your pets for an emergency:

• Keep a pet emergency kit ready, which includes a few days worth of medicine, your pet’s medical and vaccination records, a leash, collar, identification, water, food, toys and bedding.

• Make sure that your animals have some form of permanent identification such as a microchip, brand or tattoo.

• Purchase a pet carrier and label it with emergency contact information.

• Store water and feed for emergencies.

• Create a contingency plan for animals including horses and livestock that addresses transportation, water and feed resources, and areas for confinement if needed.