Tests have confirmed a “devastating” virus has struck swine herds in eight states, including Iowa. The National Pork Producers Council is committing 410-thousand dollars to research aimed at combating the disease. The virus — known as P-E-D-V — is not transmitted to humans and is not considered a threat to food safety, but the vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration it causes can kill up to 90 percent of baby pigs in a herd. Dr. Howard Hill, a veterinarian, is the president-elect of the National Pork Producers Council. “For the individual farm that’s gotten infected, it’s quite devastating,” Hill says. The virus has been found in much of Europe and in China, but this is the first time it has been discovered in the western hemisphere.

“It doesn’t look like the disease has been here very long,” Hill says. Diagnostic labs at Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota have confirmed 103 cases of the virus. “Unfortunately, the scope seems to be getting bigger,” Hill says. “…We know there’s a lot more cases than that.” Besides Iowa, tests have confirmed the virus is present in swine herds in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma and Colorado. There is no vaccine available for the virus today, although Hill says a lab plans to start testing a vaccine late this summer.

“There’s some procedures that veterinarians have in place to try to get over the disease as quick as possible,” Hill says. “But the big thing we need to stress is biosecurity and that biosecurity would be everything from transportation, making sure trucks are in the right flow — washing, disinfecting, drying; same with facilities; same with making sure that maintenance people and all your employees are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.” Some “good, hot days” in Iowa could kill the virus, according to Hill. Hill works for Iowa Select Farms, an Iowa Falls-based pork operation that employs over 900 people in 43 Iowa counties.

(Radio Iowa)

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged horse owners to protect their animals from the West Nile virus by making sure their horses are vaccinated and that the vaccination is up-to-date. The first year of vaccination requires two vaccinations to be protective for horses and then annual boosters in following years.

“As we enter mosquito season it is important for horse owners to vaccinate their animals so that they are protected from West Nile virus,” Northey said. “I encourage owners to talk to their veterinarian about vaccination and make sure all their animals’ vaccinations are up-to-date.”

In 2012 Iowa had 36 confirmed West Nile virus cases in horses last year and in most cases the animals had not had any vaccinations and in a few of these cases only had their first dose of vaccine. Iowa had only one confirmed case in a horse in 2011. West Nile virus has been in the U.S. since 1999, and while it is primarily a disease of birds it can infect horses, dogs, humans, and several other animal species.

It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most animals and humans do not show clinical signs of being infected, but horses may develop a brain infection with signs such as lethargy, weakness, incoordination/staggering, paralysis or even death.

Horse owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian for more information and to discuss vaccination and other preventions measures, such as mosquito control.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has voted to move forward on a wide-ranging, five-year farm bill. In a procedural vote, the chamber voted 75-22 to take a step toward passage of the legislation, which costs almost $100 billion annually and would set policy for farm subsidies, food stamps and other farm and food aid programs. 

The bill has stalled in the last week as Democrats and Republicans have not been able to agree on the more than 150 amendments to the bill. The legislation would eliminate some subsidies paid to farmers whether they grow crops or not and would make a small cut to food stamps – about $400 million a year out of the program’s almost $80 billion annual cost. It would also create new subsidy programs for Midwestern and Southern farmers.

w/ Dr. Keith Leonard

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Iowa Farm Service Agency State Executive Director, John R. Whitaker today (Wednesday)announced that the nomination period for this year’s County Committee election will begin on June 17th, 2013.  The nomination period continues through August 1, 2013, with elections taking place this fall. 

“The committee election process allows all producers to have a better chance of having their opinions and ideas expressed in the community in Iowa and the nation.  FSA sees the role of our county committees as one that is vital,” said Whitaker.  “County Committees operate under official regulations for federal farm programs. Committee members apply their judgment, experience, and knowledge when making local decisions.”  

Individuals that serve on local FSA County Committee make decisions regarding producer’s appeals; commodity price support loans and payments; conservation programs; employing county executive directors; incentive, indemnity, and disaster payments for commodities; as well as for other farm disaster assistance.  Members serve three-year terms. Nationally, there are more than 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to five members who are elected by eligible local producers. 

“FSA’s want to ensure that we have a diverse committee, not only in the physical make up of the committee, but making sure we have representative from all forms of agriculture,” added Whitaker.  The USDA says it is committed to increasing the participation of all farmers on the FSA County Committees, with an emphasis on women and minority farmers.  Beginning farmers are also highly encouraged to become involved.  

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must:  

• Be of legal voting age and eligible to vote in a county committee election
• Live in the LAA holding an election
• Participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa residents can fish without a license this weekend. The Department of Natural Resources says the free fishing weekend will run from Friday through Sunday. The event typically is scheduled during a time when bluegills are usually close to shore and aggressive, making it likely novice anglers will have success.

The DNR encourages those catching their first fish to take a photo and send it to the DNR, which will commemorate the event by sending back a certificate suitable for framing and the submitted photo. Information on the first fish program is available online at www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/MasterAnglerFirstFish.aspx .

All other regulations remain in place during the free fishing weekend.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says crop producers who have applied liquid manure to fields based on planting corn can switch to soybeans without worrying about penalties for exceeding nitrogen limits on the field. “Normally, there’s a 100-pound per acre limit on nitrogen applications on soybean fields for crop producers who obtain the nitrogen from liquid manure,” said Ken Hessenius, supervisor of the DNR field office in Spencer. “But producers who planned to plant corn and applied liquid manure at higher rates may safely switch the crop to soybeans after June 1 without concern about a penalty,” he added. “That’s one small piece of good news during a wet, cold spring that has delayed corn planting.” 

The 100-pound available nitrogen limit applies to ground where soybeans have been planted, are growing or will be the next crop growing in the field. The restriction applies to liquid manure coming from livestock facilities that are required to have a manure or nutrient management plan. “If the planned crop is switched from corn to soybeans, the producer needs to put a note in the their manure or nutrient management plan about why they applied manure for corn and are now planting beans,” Hessenius added. “That will ensure there are no questions when the DNR inspects their records.” 

However, the 100-pound limit is no longer applicable after June 1 based on the assumption that crop producers may have to make changes in planned crops because of the weather. For more information, see the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/afo/