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Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 19:05:39 -0400
Reply-To: Jane Bush <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Jane Bush <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Fw: INFORMATION ALERT: NAIS UPDATE FOR SMALL FARMERS
Comments: To: masa_friends <[log in to unmask]>
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Jane Bush
[log in to unmask]
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
> [Original Message]
> From: HT Network <[log in to unmask]>
> To: Healthy Traditions Network <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 6/10/2006 2:01:49 PM
> Subject: Fw: INFORMATION ALERT: NAIS UPDATE FOR SMALL FARMERS
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bill Sanda: Weston A. Price Foundation" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2006 8:01 AM
> Subject: INFORMATION ALERT: NAIS UPDATE FOR SMALL FARMERS
>
>
>
> WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION
> INFORMATION ALERT
> June 9, 2006
>
> NEW NAIS GUIDANCE FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS AND RANCHERS
>
> On June, 2006, the USDA released a new guidance for small-scale and
> non-commercial farmers and ranchers
>
(http://en.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=8
1621614&u=748299).
>
> For the first time, the USDA officially states that the focus of the
> National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is animal health, primarily
> within the commercial animal production sector in which animals move from
> their birthplace to a subsequent location(s) over the animal's life
cycle.
> USDA claims that its NAIS efforts will therefore largely focus on
commercial
> operations and animals at such locations because of their higher risk of
> spreading diseases among multiple locations and for greater distances,
not
> small-scale farmers and non-commercial producers. But this provides
limited
> reassurance because the USDA's definition of "non commercial" is
incredibly
> narrow, as discussed below.
>
> The NAIS participation guidelines for small, non-commercial producers is
> based on how you manage (move, market, etc.) animals and the associated
risk
> of disease exposure and spread. Again, the NAIS covers only cattle and
> bison, cervids (e.g., deer and elk); goats; horses; camelids (e.g.,
llamas
> and alpacas); poultry; sheep; and hogs.
>
> Definition of Non-Commercial Producer for NAIS:
> 1. Individuals whose animals are not moved to auction barns or from their
> location to those of commercial producers; and/or
> 2. Individuals whose animal movements are limited to those moved directly
to
> custom slaughter; movement within a single producer's premises; local
fairs
> and local 4-H events.
>
> Although the USDA includes this description of non-commercial producers
as
> being people who do not take their animals to auction barns, they do not
> create an actual exemption for anything other than born on property and
> never leaves the property except for slaughter. Even if everything they
say
> in this document is true, people who buy a calf from their neighbors or a
> few baby chicks from the local feed store would have to identify and
track
> them.
>
> Guidance for Non-Commercial Producers Premises Registration:
> USDA encourages, but does not require, all livestock and poultry owners
to
> register their premises with the animal health authority in their State,
> regardless of the size of their operations or the number of animals
present
> at the facility. Voluntary registration of premises does not obligate
> producers to identify their animals or to report the premises-to-premises
> movement of their animals.
>
> The USDA's repeated admonition in this document that premises
registration
> is voluntary is not consistent with its other documents nor with what is
> actually happening. The USDA's prior documents - which it has not
> disclaimed - state that it expects 100% participation by January 2009, or
it
> will consider regulations. In other words, USDA's program is only
voluntary
> temporarily. And, even now, USDA is providing grants to several states
to
> implement NAIS. Some states, such as Wisconsin and Indiana, are already
> mandating premises registrations., while others have proposed doing so.
> USDA's avoidance of "mandatory" regulations does not mean that NAIS is
> voluntary as that word is commonly understood.
>
> Animal Identification and Reporting Animal Movements:
>
> Scenarios that would not call for animals to be identified and/or
movements
> reported in the NAIS include:
> animals that never leave the farm/location of birth;
> animals moved from their birth premises directly to custom slaughter for
> personal use of the animal's owner;
> livestock moved from pasture-to-pasture within one's operation;
> participation in local fairs and parade,
> the local trading of birds among private individuals; and
> animals that "get out" and cross over into the neighbor's land.
>
> Animals used for recreational purposes do not need to be identified if
they
> are permanently cared for at their birth premises. Taking your animal on
a
> trail ride with a neighbor would not be a reportable movement.
>
> Also, household pets (e.g., parakeets, cats and dogs) are not reportable
to
> the NAIS.
>
> These "scenarios" are an interesting mix. Moving animals from
> pasture-to-pasture on one's own property was clearly not a reportable
event
> under the Draft Plan, since it did not involve leaving the "premises."
The
> same logic applies to animals that never leave the premises on which they
> were born. But what do these two scenarios really mean? How many people
> have animals that are born on their property, never leave their property,
> and die on their property? Even the exclusion for custom slaughter is,
in
> practice, almost meaningless. How many people have their own breeding
herds
> or flocks, but raise animals only for their own personal consumption?
> Almost anyone who has enough land and resources to support breeding
animals
> also sells at least some of their offspring for one reason or another.
>
> The USDA even contradicts itself in its attempts to discuss these
reassuring
> scenarios. In this document, USDA states, "Reportable movements are
those
> that involve a high risk of spreading disease, such as moving livestock
from
> a farm to an event where a large numbers of animals are brought together
> from many sources." Anyone who has ever been to a local fair or parade
> knows that they fall within this description. And the USDA's current Q&A
on
> their website includes the following:
> "Q. If a Person Only Shows Animals or Only Takes Them to Trail Rides, Do
> They Need to be Identified?
> A. When people show or commingle their animals with animals from multiple
> premises, the possibility of spreading disease becomes a factor. Those
> animals will need to be identified."
>
> So participation in local fairs and parades will have to be reported.
>
> Will NAIS require that all livestock animals be microchipped?
> USDA's official answer is "No." The notion that USDA will require all
> animals - ranging from livestock to chicks - to have microchips is false,
> according to this document. With regard to the question of how an animal
> could be identified (i.e., ear tag, tattoo, microchip, leg-banding), USDA
> declares its neutrality. The USDA claims that such questions should not
be
> answered for producers; instead, such questions would best be resolved by
> producers themselves.
>
> While it is accurate that USDA has not proposed microchipping birds,
USDA's
> claim to neutrality is nonsense. They have already included, in the
Draft
> Program Standards, that RFIDs are the preferred/default ID for cattle.
The
> Michigan Department of Agriculture, using funding from USDA, has just
> announced that all cattle will have to have RFID tags by March 2007 - no
> other form of ID will be acceptable in the TB zones. And the Equine
Species
> Working Group has also specified RFID chips. NAIS is not technology
> neutral.
>
> Will NAIS require that all animals to be tagged individually?
> No. USDA states that tagging each and every animal individually would be
> unrealistic and impractical. Group/lot ID is an option for both large-
and
> small-scale producers, depending on the circumstances, such as animals
that
> move as a group through the production chain (e.g., groups of pigs or
> chickens). If a producer chooses to participate in the animal
identification
> system for a group of animals and utilizes the group/lot identification
> method and later removes an animal from the group, that animal should
then
> be identified individually. However, this would be the case with animals
> from any size farming operation, large or small.
>
> In this section, USDA has again made a technically correct statement that
> does not tell the whole story. The definition of group ID makes it
useful
> only for confinement operations. USDA's Draft Program standards stated
that
> group identification can only be used where groups of animals are managed
> together from birth to death and not commingled with other animals". Few
> small farms manage their animals in completely isolated, single-age
groups.
>
> What about individuals' religious freedoms?
> The USDA claims to be sensitive to individuals' religious beliefs. We are
> respectful of these beliefs and are committed to ensuring that workable
> options are available to religious communities.
>
> Send Your Comments Regarding USDA's NAIS Program.
> Comprehensive recommendations for identifying animals and reporting
> movements are in development in cooperation with the species-specific
> working groups and State-Federal animal health authorities.
> We encourage you to make suggestions about NAIS by contacting the working
> group(s) for the species of animal(s) you raise. The working group
> information is on the left side of the NAIS Web page
>
(http://en.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=8
1621614&u=748300);
> under "Browse by Audience" click the "Select a Working Group" dropdown
> button. Stakeholders can also submit comments to a particular working
group
> via e-mail at [log in to unmask] Please include the species
> name and the term "working group" in the subject line of your e-mail.
>
> Although USDA is trying to direct comments to the working groups, it is
> important that you also let your elected representatives know what you
think
> about NAIS. We encourage you to copy your representative and senators on
> all correspondence that you send to the agency and working groups. To
find
> the names, mailing address, e-mail address or fax of your Senators and
> Representative, please link to
>
http://en.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=81
621614&u=748301.
>
> *******************************************************
>
> Bill Sanda
> Executive Director
> Weston A. Price Foundation
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>
>
> ----------------------------------------
> You are subscribed to this list as [log in to unmask] To unsubscribe,
send
> email to
>
[log in to unmask]
ring.org.
>
> Our postal address is
> PMB #106-380
> 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
> Washington, District of Columbia 20016
> United States
>
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 09:41:09 -0400
Reply-To: Jane Bush <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Jane Bush <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: FW: wfan list> Everyday low sticker prices
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Jane Bush
[log in to unmask]
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
----- Original Message -----
From: Denise O'Brien
To: listwfan
Sent: 6/13/2006 8:49:45 AM
Subject: wfan list> Everyday low sticker prices
WALMART
Everyday low sticker prices
By Wayne Roberts
Like kids in a candy store, the eyes of Wal Mart executives may be
bigger than their stomachs if they think they can manage a major
expansion of organic food sales while driving organic prices down to
within ten per cent of conventional foods - a combo of soaring demand
and crashing prices that flies in the face of common sense economic.
With annual revenues of $285 billion, Wal Mart has the clout to try to
make this happen. But throwing its weight around the organic block may
just provoke politicization of the organic food sector, which has so
far remained aloof from politics and managed to keep the tensions of a
decade's exponential expansion both quiet and internal.
Everyday low prices for quality organics that are usually 40 to 100 per
cent more expensive than conventional synthetically-produced foods would
certainly boost sales by organic farmers, over and above the 20 per cent
a year growth rate they've been enjoying with premium prices over the
past 15 years. But inside-the-boxstore thinking may have led Wal Mart
officials they could replicate successes in other areas without taking
account of the unique quality, measurement and bookkeeping methods that
underlie organic food production, methods that won't sit well in the Wal
Mart system.
It's all food for Wal Mart executive afterthought: organic food really
is a different beast.
Even Wal Mart's classic methods aren't as likely to force down prices of
organic food as they forced down prices of manufactured goods, including
manufactured foods, and including organic milk, which they already lead
the word in selling.
Wal Mart method 1, special deep discounts exacted in return for
high-volume purchases, work for widgets made in factories, where the
per-unit price goes down with mass production. But the per unit costs of
goods grown on organic farms don't follow a typical factory graph graph,
since monoculture, the pre-condition for mass production methods, acts
like a magnet for pests and parasites.
Wal Mart method 2, just-in-time logistics, slash the costs and risks of
storing bluejeans, plastic toys and hard candies. But the weather isn't
as cooperative with a mega-corporation's squeaky-tight schedules as
factory owners can be, and organic farms are even more dependent on
whims of the weather than conventional ones, which often pick foods
before they're ripe, then add the sun-kissed color later with additives.
In a cold or rainy snap, Wal Mart's organic division could easily find
itself holding the bag.
Wal Mart method 3, cheap retail labor and buildings, don't do much harm
to dry goods or conventional foods with additives that make them perform
like dry goods. But unskilled post-harvest handling and poorly-equipped
stores can spoil organic goods that follow natural life cycles and age
badly on untended retail shelves.
Welcome to the factors that explain why food was one of the last of the
economic sectors to be industrialized, even though it was one of the
first to be commercialized. Industrialized food may be the best thing
since sliced bread, but mechanized slicing of thin-skinned loaves of
bread didn't get going until the late-1920s. Other than cookies, jams,
whitebread and similar sweet nothings, food production and processing
weren't mechanized until the 1950's and '60s, centuries later than light
industries such as clothing, and a half-century after heavy industries
such as steel and auto. Organic came into prominence as a movement and
set of principles that resisted industrial methods which treated land,
seeds, plants and animals as if they were chemical or mechanical factors
of production on a factory floor.
Organic bookkeeping adds another slew of problems and introduces another
set of perpetual conflicts for industrial-scale retailers.
It's true that huge retailers can work on farmers to get over some of
the short-term causes behind price differences between organic and
conventional food. Organic pioneers had to handle a steep learning
curve, thanks to the indifference and ridicule from government
agriculture field staff, university ag departments and giant retailers,
all of whom left organic producers to fend for themselves. These
producers learned the hard way, on their own dime, and probably hoped to
recapture some of their past losses in premium prices, a hope Wal Mart
and other superstores are sure to dash.
As well, some of the price difference with organics relates to the sheer
economics of high demand and low supply. The lure of mass sales to Wal
Mart and other retailers will certainly encourage large-scale farmers to
switch over to organics, and that new production may well swamp the
market, as has happened occasionally with milk and a few crops such as
garlic and onions. A few of these over-produced goods are already being
sold into pools of conventional food and sold at regular prices.
But the main explanations for higher organic prices are structural -
central to organic bookkeeping methods and principles -- and will stick
around for the long-term, or foment a huge ruckus when Wal Mart insists
on diluted methods.
This is a sticky point for customers, especially the kind of customers
trained in Wal Mart-style consumerism. Relatively high prices for pop,
cookies, pastries, frozen french fries, potato chips, ice cream,
microwave-ready meals, and similar psuedo-foods are accepted without
much complaint because that's the price of what's deemed a special
treat. But there's no excuse other than Yuppie snobbery to charge extra
for plain potatoes, carrots, spinach and breads that don't even require
expensive pesticides and additives.
Having long suffered from this double standard on food prices, those who
know and respect what organic food is about are pretty defensive about
its high price. In contrast with the artificially low price of synthetic
or industrialized food, the relatively high price for organics captures
something like the full cost and value of growing and marketing real
food that meets environmental and human health needs. Organic prices
"internalize" these costs. By contrast, the low sticker prices seen in
Wal Mart and other superstores come from "externalizing" the full cost
of cheap fertilizers and pesticides by dumping them in the environment
and on unsuspecting animals, including people.
Wal Mart is an icon for such externalization practices, increasingly
reviled for the everyday expensive pollution and exploitation linked to
its everyday low prices.
But organic producers can't externalize costs without losing their way.
They can't dump manure from factory barns into rivers and then buy
chemical fertilizers; they have to compost manure and return it to the
soil, which is more expensive. They can't grow miles of one crop and
spray with chemicals; to discourage pests, they have to grow a wide
range of crops, which is more labor-intensive and expensive. They can't
jam produce into a truck, then spray it with fungicides that keep it
from spoiling and gases that keep it from looking haggard; post-harvest
handling has to be quick, skilled and careful, which costs money.
The only way to mess with organic prices is to mess with organic rules,
already under constant pressure in the United States, where the United
States Department of Agriculture controls the organic label and has
allowed standards to erode to the point where factory-style cow and
livestock barns are setting the norm. The same pressures will be applied
on a Canadian government label, expected some time in the next year.
The impact of a cost-cutter like Wal Mart on government-managed organic
standards will cause the composted manure to hit the fan as the battle
to impose everyday low prices comes down on one of the few economic
sectors that's been protected until recently by benign neglect that's
allowed prices to reflect costs.
(adapted from NOW Magazine, June 8-14, 2006)
Denise O'Brien
Women, Food and Agriculture Network
59624 Chicago Rd.
Atlantic, Iowa 50022
712-243-3264
[log in to unmask]
www.wfan.org
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<DIV>
<DIV>Jane Bush</DIV>
<DIV><A href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A></DIV>
<DIV>EarthLink Revolves Around You.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid">
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt Arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Denise O'Brien</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To: </B><A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">listwfan</A></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> 6/13/2006 8:49:45 AM </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> wfan list> Everyday low sticker prices </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV><FONT size=2>
<DIV><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2><!--StartFragment --><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3> WALMART <BR><BR>Everyday low sticker prices <BR><BR>By Wayne Roberts <BR><BR>Like kids in a candy store, the eyes of Wal Mart executives may be <BR>bigger than their stomachs if they think they can manage a major <BR>expansion of organic food sales while driving organic prices down to <BR>within ten per cent of conventional foods - a combo of soaring demand <BR>and crashing prices that flies in the face of common sense economic. <BR><BR><BR>With annual revenues of $285 billion, Wal Mart has the clout to try to <BR>make this happen. But throwing its weight around the organic block may <BR>just provoke politicization of the organic food sector, which has so <BR>far remained aloof from politics and managed to keep the tensions of a <BR>decade's exponential expansion both quiet and internal. <BR><BR>Everyday low prices for quality organics that are usually 40 to 100 per <BR>cent more expensive than conventional synthetically-produced foods would <BR>certainly boost sales by organic farmers, over and above the 20 per cent <BR>a year growth rate they've been enjoying with premium prices over the <BR>past 15 years. But inside-the-boxstore thinking may have led Wal Mart <BR>officials they could replicate successes in other areas without taking <BR>account of the unique quality, measurement and bookkeeping methods that <BR>underlie organic food production, methods that won't sit well in the Wal <BR>Mart system. <BR><BR>It's all food for Wal Mart executive afterthought: organic food really <BR>is a different beast. <BR><BR>Even Wal Mart's classic methods aren't as likely to force down prices of <BR>organic food as they forced down prices of manufactured goods, including <BR>manufactured foods, and including organic milk, which they already lead <BR>the word in selling. <BR><BR>Wal Mart method 1, special deep discounts exacted in return for <BR>high-volume purchases, work for widgets made in factories, where the <BR>per-unit price goes down with mass production. But the per unit costs of <BR>goods grown on organic farms don't follow a typical factory graph graph, <BR>since monoculture, the pre-condition for mass production methods, acts <BR>like a magnet for pests and parasites. <BR><BR>Wal Mart method 2, just-in-time logistics, slash the costs and risks of <BR>storing bluejeans, plastic toys and hard candies. But the weather isn't <BR>as cooperative with a mega-corporation's squeaky-tight schedules as <BR>factory owners can be, and organic farms are even more dependent on <BR>whims of the weather than conventional ones, which often pick foods <BR>before they're ripe, then add the sun-kissed color later with additives. <BR>In a cold or rainy snap, Wal Mart's organic division could easily find <BR>itself holding the bag. <BR><BR>Wal Mart method 3, cheap retail labor and buildings, don't do much harm <BR>to dry goods or conventional foods with additives that make them perform <BR>like dry goods. But unskilled post-harvest handling and poorly-equipped <BR>stores can spoil organic goods that follow natural life cycles and age <BR>badly on untended retail shelves. <BR><BR>Welcome to the factors that explain why food was one of the last of the <BR>economic sectors to be industrialized, even though it was one of the <BR>first to be commercialized. Industrialized food may be the best thing <BR>since sliced bread, but mechanized slicing of thin-skinned loaves of <BR>bread didn't get going until the late-1920s. Other than cookies, jams, <BR>whitebread and similar sweet nothings, food production and processing <BR>weren't mechanized until the 1950's and '60s, centuries later than light <BR>industries such as clothing, and a half-century after heavy industries <BR>such as steel and auto. Organic came into prominence as a movement and <BR>set of principles that resisted industrial methods which treated land, <BR>seeds, plants and animals as if they were chemical or mechanical factors <BR>of production on a factory floor. <BR><BR>Organic bookkeeping adds another slew of problems and introduces another <BR>set of perpetual conflicts for industrial-scale retailers. <BR><BR>It's true that huge retailers can work on farmers to get over some of <BR>the short-term causes behind price differences between organic and <BR>conventional food. Organic pioneers had to handle a steep learning <BR>curve, thanks to the indifference and ridicule from government <BR>agriculture field staff, university ag departments and giant retailers, <BR>all of whom left organic producers to fend for themselves. These <BR>producers learned the hard way, on their own dime, and probably hoped to <BR>recapture some of their past losses in premium prices, a hope Wal Mart <BR>and other superstores are sure to dash. <BR><BR>As well, some of the price difference with organics relates to the sheer <BR>economics of high demand and low supply. The lure of mass sales to Wal <BR>Mart and other retailers will certainly encourage large-scale farmers to <BR>switch over to organics, and that new production may well swamp the <BR>market, as has happened occasionally with milk and a few crops such as <BR>garlic and onions. A few of these over-produced goods are already being <BR>sold into pools of conventional food and sold at regular prices. <BR><BR>But the main explanations for higher organic prices are structural - <BR>central to organic bookkeeping methods and principles -- and will stick <BR>around for the long-term, or foment a huge ruckus when Wal Mart insists <BR>on diluted methods. <BR><BR>This is a sticky point for customers, especially the kind of customers <BR>trained in Wal Mart-style consumerism. Relatively high prices for pop, <BR>cookies, pastries, frozen french fries, potato chips, ice cream, <BR>microwave-ready meals, and similar psuedo-foods are accepted without <BR>much complaint because that's the price of what's deemed a special <BR>treat. But there's no excuse other than Yuppie snobbery to charge extra <BR>for plain potatoes, carrots, spinach and breads that don't even require <BR>expensive pesticides and additives. <BR><BR>Having long suffered from this double standard on food prices, those who <BR>know and respect what organic food is about are pretty defensive about <BR>its high price. In contrast with the artificially low price of synthetic <BR>or industrialized food, the relatively high price for organics captures <BR>something like the full cost and value of growing and marketing real <BR>food that meets environmental and human health needs. Organic prices <BR>"internalize" these costs. By contrast, the low sticker prices seen in <BR>Wal Mart and other superstores come from "externalizing" the full cost <BR>of cheap fertilizers and pesticides by dumping them in the environment <BR>and on unsuspecting animals, including people. <BR><BR>Wal Mart is an icon for such externalization practices, increasingly <BR>reviled for the everyday expensive pollution and exploitation linked to <BR>its everyday low prices. <BR><BR>But organic producers can't externalize costs without losing their way. <BR>They can't dump manure from factory barns into rivers and then buy <BR>chemical fertilizers; they have to compost manure and return it to the <BR>soil, which is more expensive. They can't grow miles of one crop and <BR>spray with chemicals; to discourage pests, they have to grow a wide <BR>range of crops, which is more labor-intensive and expensive. They can't <BR>jam produce into a truck, then spray it with fungicides that keep it <BR>from spoiling and gases that keep it from looking haggard; post-harvest <BR>handling has to be quick, skilled and careful, which costs money. <BR><BR>The only way to mess with organic prices is to mess with organic rules, <BR>already under constant pressure in the United States, where the United <BR>States Department of Agriculture controls the organic label and has <BR>allowed standards to erode to the point where factory-style cow and <BR>livestock barns are setting the norm. The same pressures will be applied <BR>on a Canadian government label, expected some time in the next year. <BR><BR>The impact of a cost-cutter like Wal Mart on government-managed organic <BR>standards will cause the composted manure to hit the fan as the battle <BR>to impose everyday low prices comes down on one of the few economic <BR>sectors that's been protected until recently by benign neglect that's <BR>allowed prices to reflect costs. <BR><BR>(adapted from NOW Magazine, June 8-14, 2006) </FONT><BR><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Comic Sans MS" size=2>Denise O'Brien<BR>Women, Food and Agriculture Network<BR>59624 Chicago Rd.<BR>Atlantic, Iowa 50022<BR>712-243-3264<BR><A href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A><BR><A href="http://www.wfan.org">www.wfan.org</A><BR></FONT></DIV></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>
If you would like to access a searchable archive of the all the previous Mich-Organic listserv postings copy this URL and paste in your browser address field http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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=========================================================================
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:36:03 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: FW: Organic Valley to establish milk pool in Michigan
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SEE ATTATCHED FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS
To all interested in participating in an organic dairy pool.
As many of you know; Organic Valley / CROPP Cooperative is seeking to
initiate an organic milk pool in Michigan. Last March, Lowell
Rheinheimer Mideast Region Pool Coordinator for Organic Valley hosted a
meeting in Ravenna, Michigan for dairy farmers and others interested in
learning more about their milk marketing program. The meeting was
attended by over 50 dairy farmers.
Lowell Rheinheimer is intending to spend the last week in June 2006 in
Michigan. =20
On June 28 Organic Valley will conduct a barn meeting on organic herd
health with veterinarian Dr. Paul Dettloff at the Jesse Meerman farm in
Coopersville, MI (see attached flyer.) Lowell will then spend June 29
doing farm visits with interested dairy farmers along with national
dairy manager, Jim Wedeberg. On June 30 and July 1, Lowell and Jim will
be hosting an Organic Valley exhibit at =13Horse Progress Days=14 in =
Clare.=20
If you are interested or know of a dairy farmer interested please
contact Lowell to find out more information about the Organic Valley
marketing opportunity.
The following is Lowell Rheinheimer=12s contact information; feel free =
to
pass this information to interested dairy farmers:
Lowell Rheinheimer=20
Mideast Region Pool Coordinator=20
CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley=20
Cell 651.492.2184=20
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><br>
<font color=3Dnavy><span style=3D'color:navy'>SEE ATTATCHED FLYER FOR =
MORE DETAILS<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></font></p>
<p><b><i><font size=3D3 color=3Dnavy face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:navy;font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>To all interested =
in participating
in an organic dairy pool.</span></font><br>
</i></b><font size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial;color:navy'>As many of you know; <st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType> / CROPP Cooperative is =
seeking
to initiate an organic milk pool in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place>.
Last March, Lowell Rheinheimer Mideast Region Pool Coordinator for =
<st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType>
hosted a meeting in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Ravenna</st1:City>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place> for dairy =
farmers and
others interested in learning more about their milk marketing =
program.
The meeting was attended by over 50 dairy farmers.<br>
<br>
Lowell Rheinheimer is intending to spend the last week in June 2006 in =
<st1:State
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:State>. <br>
<br>
On June 28 <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType> will conduct a barn meeting on =
organic herd health
with veterinarian Dr. Paul Dettloff at the Jesse Meerman farm in =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Coopersville</st1:City>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State></st1:place>
(see attached flyer.) <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Lowell</st1:place></st1:City>
will then spend June 29 doing farm visits with interested dairy farmers =
along
with national dairy manager, Jim Wedeberg. On June 30 and July 1, =
Lowell
and Jim will be hosting an <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> exhibit =
at
Horse Progress Days in Clare. <br>
<br>
If you are interested or know of a dairy farmer interested please =
contact <st1:City
w:st=3D"on">Lowell</st1:City> to find out more information about the =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> marketing =
opportunity.<br>
<br>
The following is <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Lowell</st1:place></st1:City>
Rheinheimers contact information; feel free to pass this =
information to
interested dairy farmers:<br>
<br>
<st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><b><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Lowell</span></b></st1:place></st1:City><b><sp=
an
style=3D'font-weight:bold'> Rheinheimer</span></b> <br>
Mideast Region Pool Coordinator <br>
CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley <br>
Cell =
651.492.2184</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> <br>
<br>
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D<br>
<br>
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</span></font> <font size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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If you would like to access a searchable archive of the all the previous Mich-Organic listserv postings copy this URL and paste in your browser address field http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 19:06:02 -0400
Reply-To: Jane Bush <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Jane Bush <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: FW: Copper Fungicides
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Jane Bush
[log in to unmask]
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Whalon
To: Jim Koan;Jim Laubach;[log in to unmask];Nikki Rothwell;Kalchik, Tom;McEachin, Danielle;Perry, Ronald;Reisinger, Chris;Steffanelli, Dario;Behe, Bridget;Biernbaum, John;Bird, George;Bush, Jane;Byler, Peach;Dekryger, Todd;Flore, Jim;Gore, Becky;Gut, Larry;Halinksi, Thomas;Hammershmidt, Ray;Harris. Craig;Harwood, Richard;Irish-Brown, Amy;Lutz, Calvin II;McGhee, Pete;Middleton, Allan;Mutch, Dale;Otto, Francis;Ruwersma, Denise;Schwallier, Phillip;Scrimger, Joesph;Skeltis, Gerald;Smalley, Susan;Smeenk, Jefferey;Sundin, George;Timm, Melissa;Walden, Rachel;Weibel, Franco;Wingerd, Byron;Zoppolo, Roberto;[log in to unmask];[log in to unmask];[log in to unmask];[log in to unmask];[log in to unmask];[log in to unmask];[log in to unmask];Holland-Moritz, Bruce;Kobernik, Alan & Cheryl;Lalone, Romaine;Garthe, Gene;Hoogterp, Ed;Labauch, Jim;Mackey, Denis;Mackey, John;McCaman, Jay;Mund, Greg;Silverman, Stan;Walton, Bruce;Webster, Lynn
Sent: 6/8/2006 4:56:38 PM
Subject: FW: Copper Fungicides
Copper Rates—
Organic copper users; take a look at these rates and contribute your own comments if you want to change what the US Govt is going to do to your operation…if you are “ok” with the rates, no need to do anything…all the best,
Mark
From: Jim Cranney [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2006 11:22 AM
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; Kenny Barnwell; [log in to unmask]; Mark Whalon; [log in to unmask]; Mike Willett ; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; Dan Cooley; [log in to unmask]; George Sundin; Jim Travis; [log in to unmask]; Mike Ellis; Mike Willett; Patricia Mcmanus; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Cc: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Copper Fungicides
To: USApple Science Advisory Subcommittee
Research Plant Pathologists
I am forwarding an e-mail message from The Northwest Horticultural Council’s Mike Willett questioning the suitability of the final proposed copper fungicide rates recently proposed by EPA.
I have only had responses from a couple of members of the industry to my previous e-mail message who indicated that the rates and restrictions would be adequate for their apple growing regions. Please double check the attached Word document that outlines the rates and restrictions and let me know if you expect any problems with the proposal. If there are no problems that is fine. I just want to make sure all apple growers can live with the rates and restrictions.
If I don’t hear from members of the industry I’ll assume the rates and restrictions are Okay.
Please contact me by telephone at (800) 781-4443 or via e-mail at [log in to unmask] if you have questions or need additional information.
Regards,
Jim
James R. Cranney, Jr.
U.S. Apple Association
8233 Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, Va. 22182
Tel: (703) 442-8850
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
From: Mike Willett [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2006 4:41 PM
To: Ted Rogers (E-mail)
Cc: [log in to unmask]; Chris Schlect; Deborah Carter; [log in to unmask]; Brent Milne (E-mail); Byron Phillips (E-mail); Eugene Kupferman (E-mail); Gip Redman (E-mail); Greg Pickel (E-mail); Greg Rains (E-mail); Harold Austin (E-mail); James M. Hazen (E-mail); Jim Cranney; James R. McFerson (E-mail); Jay F. Brunner Ph. D. (E-mail); Jim Mattheis (E-mail); Keith Larson (E-mail); Kirk B. Mayer (E-mail); Laura Naumes (E-mail); Lindsay Buckner (E-mail); Lynnell Brandt (E-mail); Mark Mears (E-mail); Mark Roy (E-mail); Noel Adkins (E-mail); Paul Tvergyak (E-mail); Peter Landolt (E-mail); Robert Spotts (E-mail); Robert Spotts (E-mail); Rod Matson (E-mail); Ron Shurtleff (E-mail); Scott Pryse (E-mail); Tom Lyon (E-mail); Vern Fischer (E-mail)
Subject: FW: NHC Copper Risk Assessment Comments (Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558)
Ted:
Thank you for your call yesterday and your suggestion to carefully review the latest information from the EPA on copper.
After reviewing the table below prepared by the EPA and dated May 25, 2006, I am once again perplexed why our submissions regarding the rates needed to control bacterial and fungal diseases on apples, pears, cherries, peaches and nectarines are not fully reflected in summary documents. We are told by the user community here in the Pacific Northwest that rates as high as 8 lbs. of metallic copper are needed per acre in some of these crop/disease situations (see attached documents) and I have yet to see that information reflected in task force information being submitted to or in responses coming from the EPA. Even a brief review of the NASS Chemical Use Survey shows that Northwest growers use higher application rates on average than are showing up in the information provided to date. I need to understand where the breakdown or conflict in communication is occurring. Perhaps Ron Landis could help in providing that insight as the Copper Sulfate Task Force is taking the responsibility for summarizing the information. If we can't resolve this issue, we will have to other ways to communicate our concerns in this regulatory process because the apple, pear and cherry growers in the Pacific Northwest can't afford to be left out in this discussion.
As always, Ted, I look forward to any suggestions you may have to improve communication between copper users, the registrants and the agency.
Dr. Michael J. Willett
Vice President for Scientific Affairs
Northwest Horticultural Council
105 S. 18th St., Suite 105
Yakima, WA 98902 USA
509-453-3193 telephone
509-457-7615 facsimile
509-969-0245 wireless
[log in to unmask]
www.nwhort.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Willett
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 10:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc: Ted Rogers (E-mail); [log in to unmask]; Deborah Carter; Brent Milne (E-mail); Byron Phillips (E-mail); Eugene Kupferman (E-mail); Gip Redman (E-mail); Greg Pickel (E-mail); Greg Rains (E-mail); Harold Austin (E-mail); James M. Hazen (E-mail); James R. Cranney Jr. (E-mail); James R. McFerson (E-mail); Jay F. Brunner Ph. D. (E-mail); Jim Mattheis (E-mail); Keith Larson (E-mail); Laura Naumes (E-mail); Lindsay Buckner (E-mail); Lynnell Brandt (E-mail); Mark Mears (E-mail); Mark Roy (E-mail); Noel Adkins (E-mail); Paul Tvergyak (E-mail); Peter Landolt (E-mail); Robert Spotts (E-mail); Rod Matson (E-mail); Ron Shurtleff (E-mail); Scott Pryse (E-mail); Tom Lyon (E-mail); Vern Fischer (E-mail)
Subject: NHC Copper Risk Assessment Comments (Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558)
Attached are comments on the copper risk assessment prepared by the Northwest Horticultural Council.
Dr. Michael J. Willett
Vice President for Scientific Affairs
Northwest Horticultural Council
105 S. 18th St., Suite 105
Yakima, WA 98902 USA
509-453-3193 telephone
509-457-7615 facsimile
509-969-0245 wireless
[log in to unmask]
www.nwhort.org
<<Copper Compound comments.doc>> <<COPPERUSEINPNW.xls>> <<Coppers Refined Use Rates Document May 25 2006.doc>>
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<DIV>
<DIV>Jane Bush</DIV>
<DIV><A href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A></DIV>
<DIV>EarthLink Revolves Around You.</DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt Arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Mark Whalon</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To: </B><A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Jim Koan</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Jim Laubach</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Nikki Rothwell</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Kalchik, Tom</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">McEachin, Danielle</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Perry, Ronald</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Reisinger, Chris</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Steffanelli, Dario</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Behe, Bridget</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Biernbaum, John</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Bird, George</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Bush, Jane</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Byler, Peach</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Dekryger, Todd</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Flore, Jim</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Gore, Becky</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Gut, Larry</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Halinksi, Thomas</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Hammershmidt, Ray</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Harris. Craig</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Harwood, Richard</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Irish-Brown, Amy</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Lutz, Calvin II</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">McGhee, Pete</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Middleton, Allan</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Mutch, Dale</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Otto, Francis</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Ruwersma, Denise</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Schwallier, Phillip</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Scrimger, Joesph</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Skeltis, Gerald</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Smalley, Susan</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Smeenk, Jefferey</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Sundin, George</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Timm, Melissa</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Walden, Rachel</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Weibel, Franco</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Wingerd, Byron</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Zoppolo, Roberto</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Holland-Moritz, Bruce</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Kobernik, Alan & Cheryl</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Lalone, Romaine</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Garthe, Gene</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Hoogterp, Ed</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Labauch, Jim</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Mackey, Denis</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Mackey, John</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">McCaman, Jay</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Mund, Greg</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Silverman, Stan</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Walton, Bruce</A>;<A [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Webster, Lynn</A></DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> 6/8/2006 4:56:38 PM </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> FW: Copper Fungicides</DIV>
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<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Copper Rates—<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Organic copper users; take a look at these rates and contribute your own comments if you want to change what the US Govt is going to do to your operation…if you are “ok” with the rates, no need to do anything…all the best, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=navy size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Mark<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> Jim Cranney [mailto:[log in to unmask]] <BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Thursday, June 08, 2006 11:22 AM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; Kenny Barnwell; [log in to unmask]; <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Mark Whalon</st1:PersonName>; [log in to unmask]; Mike Willett ; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]; Dan Cooley; [log in to unmask]; George Sundin; Jim Travis; [log in to unmask]; Mike Ellis; Mike Willett; Patricia Mcmanus; [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cc:</SPAN></B> [log in to unmask]<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> Copper Fungicides</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">To: USApple Science Advisory Subcommittee<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> Research Plant Pathologists<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I am forwarding an e-mail message from The Northwest Horticultural Council’s <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Mike Willett </st1:PersonName>questioning the suitability of the final proposed copper fungicide rates recently proposed by EPA.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I have only had responses from a couple of members of the industry to my previous e-mail message who indicated that the rates and restrictions would be adequate for their apple growing regions. Please double check the attached Word document that outlines the rates and restrictions and let me know if you expect any problems with the proposal. If there are no problems that is fine. I just want to make sure all apple growers can live with the rates and restrictions.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">If I don’t hear from members of the industry I’ll assume the rates and restrictions are Okay.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Please contact me by telephone at (800) 781-4443 or via e-mail at <A href="mailto:[log in to unmask]"><FONT color=black><SPAN style="COLOR: black">[log in to unmask]</SPAN></FONT></A> if you have questions or need additional information.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Regards,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Jim<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoAutoSig><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">James R. Cranney, Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">U.S.</SPAN></FONT></st1:country-region></st1:place><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> Apple Association<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">8233 Old Courthouse Road</SPAN></FONT></st1:address></st1:Street><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN lang=IT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Vienna, Va. 22182<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN lang=IT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Tel: (703) 442-8850<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoAutoSig><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN lang=IT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">E-mail: [log in to unmask]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN lang=IT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Mike Willett </st1:PersonName>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] <BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Tuesday, June 06, 2006 4:41 PM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> Ted Rogers (E-mail)<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cc:</SPAN></B> [log in to unmask]; Chris Schlect; Deborah Carter; <st1:PersonName w:st="on">[log in to unmask]</st1:PersonName>; Brent Milne (E-mail); Byron Phillips (E-mail); Eugene Kupferman (E-mail); Gip Redman (E-mail); Greg Pickel (E-mail); Greg Rains (E-mail); Harold Austin (E-mail); James M. Hazen (E-mail); <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Jim Cranney</st1:PersonName>; James R. McFerson (E-mail); Jay F. Brunner Ph. D. (E-mail); Jim Mattheis (E-mail); Keith Larson (E-mail); Kirk B. Mayer (E-mail); Laura Naumes (E-mail); <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Lindsay Buckner</st1:PersonName> (E-mail); Lynnell Brandt (E-mail); Mark Mears (E-mail); Mark Roy (E-mail); Noel Adkins (E-mail); Paul Tvergyak (E-mail); Peter Landolt (E-mail); Robert Spotts (E-mail); Robert Spotts (E-mail); Rod Matson (E-mail); Ron Shurtleff (E-mail); Scott Pryse (E-mail); Tom Lyon (E-mail); Vern Fischer (E-mail)<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> FW: NHC Copper Risk Assessment Comments (Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558)</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV>
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<P><FONT face=Arial color=blue size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Ted:</SPAN></FONT> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=blue size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Thank you for your call yesterday and your suggestion to carefully review the latest information from the EPA on copper.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=blue size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">After reviewing the table below prepared by the EPA and dated May 25, 2006, I am once again perplexed why our submissions regarding the rates needed to control bacterial and fungal diseases on apples, pears, cherries, peaches and nectarines are not fully reflected in summary documents. We are told by the user community here in the <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Northwest</st1:place> that rates as high as 8 lbs. of metallic copper are needed per acre in some of these crop/disease situations (see attached documents) and I have yet to see that information reflected in task force information being submitted to or in responses coming from the EPA. Even a brief review of the NASS Chemical Use Survey shows that Northwest growers use higher application rates<B><I><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic"> on average</SPAN></I></B> than are showing up in the information provided to date. I need to understand where the breakdown or conflict in communication is occurring. Perhaps <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Ron Landis</st1:PersonName> could help in providing that insight as the Copper Sulfate Task Force is taking the responsibility for summarizing the information. If we can't resolve this issue, we will have to other ways to communicate our concerns in this regulatory process because the apple, pear and cherry growers in the <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific Northwest</st1:place> can't afford to be left out in this discussion.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=blue size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">As always, Ted, I look forward to any suggestions you may have to improve communication between copper users, the registrants and the agency.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Dr. Michael J. Willett</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Vice President for Scientific Affairs</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Northwest Horticultural Council</SPAN></FONT> <BR><st1:address w:st="on"><st1:Street w:st="on"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">105 S. 18th St., Suite 105</SPAN></FONT></st1:Street> <BR><st1:City w:st="on"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Yakima</SPAN></FONT></st1:City><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State w:st="on">WA</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">98902</st1:PostalCode> <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></SPAN></FONT></st1:address> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">509-453-3193 telephone</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">509-457-7615 facsimile</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">509-969-0245 wireless</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">[log in to unmask]</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">www.nwhort.org</SPAN></FONT> <o:p></o:p></P>
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<P><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">-----Original Message-----</SPAN></FONT> <BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From: </SPAN></FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Mike Willett </SPAN></FONT><BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Sent: </SPAN></FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Wednesday, March 29, 2006 10:01 AM</SPAN></FONT> <BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">To: </SPAN></FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">'<st1:PersonName w:st="on">[log in to unmask]</st1:PersonName>'</SPAN></FONT> <BR><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Cc: </SPAN></FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Ted Rogers (E-mail); [log in to unmask]; Deborah Carter; Brent Milne (E-mail); Byron Phillips (E-mail); Eugene Kupferman (E-mail); Gip Redman (E-mail); Greg Pickel (E-mail); Greg Rains (E-mail); Harold Austin (E-mail); James M. Hazen (E-mail); James R. Cranney Jr. (E-mail); James R. McFerson (E-mail); Jay F. Brunner Ph. D. (E-mail); Jim Mattheis (E-mail); Keith Larson (E-mail); Laura Naumes (E-mail); <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Lindsay Buckner</st1:PersonName> (E-mail); Lynnell Brandt (E-mail); Mark Mears (E-mail); Mark Roy (E-mail); Noel Adkins (E-mail); Paul Tvergyak (E-mail); Peter Landolt (E-mail); Robert Spotts (E-mail); Rod Matson (E-mail); Ron Shurtleff (E-mail); Scott Pryse (E-mail); Tom Lyon (E-mail); Vern Fischer (E-mail)</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Subject: </SPAN></FONT></B> <FONT face=Tahoma size=1><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 7.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">NHC Copper Risk Assessment Comments (Docket ID Number EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558)</SPAN></FONT> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Attached are comments on the copper risk assessment prepared by the Northwest Horticultural Council.</SPAN></FONT> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Dr. Michael J. Willett</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Vice President for Scientific Affairs</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Northwest Horticultural Council</SPAN></FONT> <BR><st1:address w:st="on"><st1:Street w:st="on"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">105 S. 18th St., Suite 105</SPAN></FONT></st1:Street> <BR><st1:City w:st="on"><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Yakima</SPAN></FONT></st1:City><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State w:st="on">WA</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">98902</st1:PostalCode> <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></SPAN></FONT></st1:address> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">509-453-3193 telephone</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">509-457-7615 facsimile</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">509-969-0245 wireless</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">[log in to unmask]</SPAN></FONT> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">www.nwhort.org</SPAN></FONT> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P><FONT face=Arial color=black size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><<Copper Compound comments.doc>> <<COPPERUSEINPNW.xls>> <<Coppers Refined Use Rates Document May 25 2006.doc>> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV></FONT><!--[object_id=#nwhort.org#]--><B><FONT color=#0000ff size=1>
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Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2006 19:03:20 EDT
Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Pat Whetham <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: gmo chicken announced
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=20
(http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.hbqht4aab.obx6zyn6.480&ts=3DS0185&p=
=3Dhttp://attra.ncat.org/) =20
Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - June 14, 2006
Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet=
=20
by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information=20=
=20
Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also _available online_=20
(http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.laezevbab.obx6zyn6.480&ts=3DS0185&p=
=3Dhttp://attra
.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh) .=20
_Genetically Engineered Chicken Announced by Biotech Company_=20
(http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.lsjohwbab.obx6zyn6.480&ts=3DS0185&p=
=3Dhttp://www.mercurynews
.com/mld/mercurynews/14764629.htm)=20
The biotech company Origen Theraputics has announced its development of a=20
genetically engineered chicken that can carry a gene for a new trait into =20
perpetuity, says an article in The Mercury News. The company made its=20
announcement in the journal Nature. According to the article, this developm=
ent could=20
turn chickens into "feathered medicine factories," as generations of chicke=
ns=20
continue to produce eggs with theraputic contents, such as cancer-fighting=20=
=20
antibodies. "This work addresses a major biomedical issue=E2=80=94how to pr=
oduce=20
antibody-based medicines in an easy, cost-effective way," said one of the p=
roject's=20
funders in a press release.
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color=3D#000000 size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 24px; LINE-HEIGHT: 16px"><STRONG><BR>Weekly=20
Harvest Newsletter</STRONG></SPAN></FONT><BR><BR><FONT=20
face=3D"verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif" color=3D#000000=20
size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 14px; LINE-HEIGHT: 16px"><STRONG>Sustainable=
=20
Agriculture News Briefs - June 14,=20
2006</STRONG></SPAN></FONT><BR><BR></DIV>
<DIV align=3Dleft><FONT face=3D"helvetica, arial, sans-serif"=20
color=3D#000000 size=3D1><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12px; LINE-HEIGHT: 16px">Weekly sustainable=20
agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT=
=20
staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Informati=
on=20
Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also <A=20
title=3Dhttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.laezevbab.obx6zyn6=
.480&ts=3DS0185&p=3Dhttp://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#w=
h=20
href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.laezevbab.obx6zyn6=
.480&ts=3DS0185&p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fattra.ncat.org%2Fnewsletter%2Farchi=
ves.html%23wh"=20
shape=3Drect>available online</A>. </SPAN></FONT><BR><BR><FONT=20
face=3D"verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif" color=3D#000000=20
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 14px; LINE-HEIGHT: 20px"><A=20
shape=3Drect name=3Dnews3></A><STRONG><A=20
title=3Dhttp://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.lsjohwbab.obx6zyn6=
.480&ts=3DS0185&p=3Dhttp://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/14764=
629.htm=20
href=3D"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=3Dcjlwgwbab.0.lsjohwbab.obx6zyn6=
.480&ts=3DS0185&p=3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercurynews.com%2Fmld%2Fmercury=
news%2F14764629.htm"=20
shape=3Drect>Genetically Engineered Chicken Announced by Biotech=
=20
Company</A></STRONG></SPAN></FONT><BR><FONT=20
face=3D"helvetica, arial, sans-serif" color=3D#000000 size=3D1><=
SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12px; LINE-HEIGHT: 16px">The biotech company=
=20
Origen Theraputics has announced its development of a geneticall=
y=20
engineered chicken that can carry a gene for a new trait into=20
perpetuity, says an article in <EM>The Mercury News</EM>. The=20
company made its announcement in the journal <EM>Nature</EM>.=20
According to the article, this development could turn chickens i=
nto=20
"feathered medicine factories," as generations of chickens conti=
nue=20
to produce eggs with theraputic contents, such as cancer-fightin=
g=20
antibodies. "This work addresses a major biomedical issue=E2=80=
=94how to=20
produce antibody-based medicines in an easy, cost-effective way,=
"=20
said one of the project's funders in a press=20
release.<BR></SPAN></FONT></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><=
/TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>
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-------------------------------1150412600--
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 16:55:47 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Mi organic News Week of June 12-16 part 1 of 2
MIME-Version: 1.0
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=20
=20
Organic info for Michigan
Week of June 12-16
Info Includes>>>>>
=20
*** How to Support Your Local Farmer=20
*** Livestock inputs make importing manure a concern, even for =
composting
***Organic farmers are safe under NOP rules but need to know what =
they're getting and how to manage it.
*** Cultivating your cultivation techniques
Keeping your weeds in check means keeping your tools honed, your eye on =
the fields and some new tricks up your sleeve.
***Organic Power Struggle: Are factory farms flattening family farms?
=20
***Are you seeking volunteers to work on your farm and gain hands-on =
experience and glean from your wisdom and methods? =20
=20
*** MIFFS offers a =BD position
*** U.S. News and Best Health The Green Invasion
***NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH =
HORMONE=20
*** Ants take the bait for less toxic solution
***Vegetable Pest Status Report June 15, 2006
*** NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH =
HORMONE=20
***BIODYNAMIC PREPARATION 500 APPLICATION LEARNING AND PRACTICE =
OPPORTUNITY-June 20
=20
***Building Biological and Organic Soils Session, Aug 9-Wed at Brad =
Morgan's Composting- 9:30-4:30 email [log in to unmask] =
<mailto:[log in to unmask]> for info
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
How to Support Your Local Farmer NEW YORK TIMES
By GEORGE SAPERSTEIN
Published: June 9, 2006
Pomfret
TOWARD the end of the "I Love Lucy" television series, which ran from =
1951 to 1957, the Ricardo family moved from New York City to "the =
country" - Westport, to be exact - and Lucy started raising chickens. =
From then on, all of America saw Connecticut as "the country."=20
Oddly enough, that moment marked the beginning of the mass exodus of =
upwardly mobile New Yorkers to the suburbs of the metropolitan region - =
and the beginning of the end of animal agriculture in this state.
When I moved to Woodstock in 1978 as a large-animal veterinarian, I =
marveled at the beauty and fertility of Connecticut. But it was =
immediately obvious that what had happened to farms in Fairfield County =
during the previous 20 years was sure to creep diagonally to the =
northeastern part of the state.=20
Of the approximately 1,000 dairy farms in the state in the late 1970's, =
169 remain. But while skyrocketing land values are an acute problem for =
farmers, the biggest threat to animal agriculture in Connecticut is not =
development, it's the loss of businesses like slaughterhouses, feed =
stores, milk processors, veterinarians, tractor dealers and =
refrigeration technicians that support agriculture. Recently, the owner =
of Franklin Mushroom Farm in North Franklin announced plans to move the =
company to Reading, Pa., largely because such businesses are =
disappearing.=20
So who's to blame? Aggressive real estate agents? Greedy developers? =
Consumers who want strawberries in January? While we can try to place =
blame, it's not productive. The system is what it is, and farmers have =
struggled to adapt to it.=20
There's an old saying in New England: "Farmers live poor and die rich." =
Given the poor profitability of Northeast farming these days, land is no =
longer the family legacy - farmers sell to finance their retirement, the =
children who inherit sell because there's no money in farming. We all =
lose out in the end.
Making farming in New England profitable is the only way to make =
agriculture sustainable. And consumers who care about the quality of =
food, the way animals are raised and the conservation of farmland have =
the power to bring farming back to life in this state. Proof of that =
comes from the recent introduction and success of the Farmer's Cow, a =
higher-priced milk brand produced by a Connecticut farmers' cooperative, =
in the face of falling national milk prices.
With a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, my =
university is collaborating with the University of Connecticut and other =
New England state colleges to create branded livestock products produced =
by local farmers for local consumption. The goal is to give consumers =
the opportunity to support local agriculture directly with their food =
dollars while enjoying the best fruits of our farmers' labors.=20
The master brand is called Azuluna, and we are using production methods =
more typical of 1950 than 2006, getting the animals back outside grazing =
instead of cutting the feed and bringing it to them in the barn and =
letting calves raised for veal nurse from cows on pasture rather than =
confining them and feeding them milk replacer. These kinds of animal =
husbandry procedures from our grandparents' era create the =
highest-quality, best-tasting products on the market.=20
The animals in this program spend their lives with access to fresh air =
and sunshine while consuming a balanced diet. We are now test-marketing =
Azuluna pork from pigs rooting in fields, lamb fattened outdoors on the =
farm of their birth with grain and mother's milk and blue-shelled eggs =
from chickens that are truly free-range, not simply cage-free, which =
usually means kept on the floor of the barn instead of in cages.=20
As these tests prove successful, we are recruiting New England farmers =
to adopt similar practices and earn premium prices for their products. =
We'll then encourage these high-quality producers to form a private =
cooperative and negotiate equitable prices with distributors, helping =
make agriculture in our region financially sustainable.=20
State and local governments and Connecticut residents can support =
farmers in a number of ways. Even in tight budget years, legislators =
must provide enough money for our vocational agriculture education =
system, which we depend upon for the next generation of farm owners and =
employees, and parents should be proud to send their children to these =
excellent schools.=20
Local planning and zoning boards should recruit and accommodate =
businesses that directly support agriculture. For example, if a =
landowner requests a zoning change from agricultural to commercial for a =
parcel to build a farm supply store, the proposal should be viewed as =
supportive of farmers, not as a ploy to sell out to Wal-Mart. State =
grants, tax incentives and other forms of assistance could be created to =
attract and retain more of those businesses.=20
If we want locally produced meats, we need local slaughterhouses and =
meat cutters, and the state should offer tax breaks, initial financing =
and training to people interested in creating these kinds of small =
businesses and pursuing these jobs.=20
Unfortunately, there's a sense among the agriculture community that it's =
too late to save our farms and that soon all our meat and dairy products =
will be trucked in from out of state. But I'm here to say that it's not =
too late - we just need a little more optimism and some good =
old-fashioned Yankee ingenuity.=20
George Saperstein is the chairman of the Department of Environmental and =
Population Health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts =
University.
=20
=20
The New Farm, Rodale Press June 12, 2006
Livestock inputs make importing manure a concern, even for composting
Organic farmers are safe under NOP rules but need to know what they're =
getting and how to manage it.
By Maggie Fry-Manross
=20
=20
Cadmium lurks in rock phosphates; varies by source
If toxic manure isn't scary enough, consider the possibility of =
hazardous waste in fertilizer.
According to Joseph R. Heckman, specialist in soil fertility with =
Rutgers Cooperative Extension, commercial fertilizers can contain heavy =
metals and other hazardous materials. While fertilizers are regulated =
for nutrient content, the quality of their contents is not controlled.
Heckman publishes a newsletter called The Soil Profile. In volume 16, =
Heckman outlines problems with rock phosphate and other fertilizers. =
Heckman reports that the greatest concern is with phosphate fertilizers.
"Rock phosphate, the starting material from which most phosphate =
fertilizers are manufactured, contains varying amounts of cadmium, =
ranging from trace to greater than 100 ppm," Heckman's article states. =
"Rock phosphates from Florida contain 9-17 ppm cadmium and North =
Carolina rock phosphate contains about 47 ppm cadmium. Because there is =
a limited supply of low cadmium rock phosphates and a high cost for =
removing the cadmium during manufacture, there usually remains a =
significant presence of cadmium in phosphate fertilizers."
Heckman also reports significant levels of lead and arsenic in =
commercial fertilizers. These substances have been found in both organic =
and chemical products. A complete copy of the article can be found at:
www.rcre.rutgers.edu/
pubs/soilprofile/ <http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/pubs/soilprofile/> .
--MF-M
=20
Tracking cadmium, evaluating risk
Cadmium, a known carcinogen with no health benefits to either plants or =
animals, is becoming more prevalent in agricultural soil and crops, =
according to a 2003 European Commission study.
Bioremediation of cadmium using alpine pennycress is enhanced when the =
pH is lowered from a normal reading of 7.0 to 4.7 using sulfur. For more =
details see:
www.sciencedaily.com/
releases/2005/06/
050619192657.htm =
<http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050619192657.htm>=20
Dr. Rufus Chaney (Agricultural Research Service, USDA Beltsville) says =
he has found no evidence that manure will increase human food chain =
bioavailable cadmium. He explains manure is much higher in zinc (Zn) =
than cadmium (Cd), so the competition between Zn and Cd limits Cd flow =
into plants, and into livestock tissues. For details on the complex =
links between soil Cd and crops see:
www.ars.usda.gov/
research/publications/
publications.htm?SEQ
_NO_115=3D153759 =
<http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_11=
5=3D153759> .
--Greg Bowman
=20
Antibiotic resistance genes reduced
by composting, but it takes time
The extensive use of antibiotics in some livestock systems results in =
pharmaceutical residues in manure, as well as dozens of strains of =
antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) that develop within the animals fed. =
What happens to these genes in the environment is the focus of a study =
by Dr. Amy Pruden, assistant professor of civil engineering at Colorado =
State University.
Dr. Pruden is continuing to analyze research done in 2005 comparing the =
fate of ARGs from straw-pack manure that was either placed in a static =
(unturned) pile or composted. Both processes resulted in significant =
reductions of ARGs to nearly the point of non-detection.=20
Significant for composting, the results showed a spike upward in the =
number of microbes carrying the drug-resistant genes several days into =
composting that correlates with heating of the pile. Pruden said that =
following the full composting cycle is critical for ARG reduction. She =
hopes to complete her analysis this summer.
--GB
=20
OMRI proposes dual limits for cadmium, arsenic, lead
The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has posted a proposal to =
establish limits on the amount of arsenic, cadmium, and lead that OMRI =
listed products may contain. The proposal is open for public comments =
through July 16. OMRI proposes to set two levels of these three heavy =
metals in fertilizer and soil amendment products, including manure and =
compost: a "caution" level where use would be closely monitored for =
possible degradation of the soil, and a higher "danger" level, above =
which the product would not be listed by OMRI.
To view the extensive research OMRI commissioned on this question and to =
comment, visit: www.omri.org/heavy-metals.html.
=20
=20
Arsenic, tetracycline, copper... What might be lurking in your compost?
June 8, 2006: The ideal sustainable livestock farm is a closed system =
made up of crops grown to feed the livestock and humans who live there, =
and manure that is returned to the soil to ensure fertility. As with =
everything else in life, however, the ideal is rarely attained.
Vegetable farmers need manure to feed their crops. Dairy and meat =
producers usually have more manure than they can use. It would seem the =
perfect arrangement for vegetable growers to haul away the manure from a =
nearby farm (in some cases, your neighbors are happy to deliver it) to =
apply it to fields. But modern agricultural inputs-especially those used =
in confined, intensive settings-means that growers, especially those who =
are certified organic, need to ask a few questions before accepting that =
generous offer.
Recent studies have shown that manure can contain residues of =
antibiotics and other medications routinely given to livestock, as well =
as pesticides and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium =
and lead. Appropriate composting may take care of some of these =
substances, but some it will not.
Manure allowable
Organic certification standards allow raw manure to be spread on fields =
at least 90 days before harvesting crops where the edible portion does =
not touch the soil (i.e. sweet corn) and 120 days where the edible =
portion does touch the soil (lettuce, carrots, onions, etc.). All other =
animal manure must be composted, and standards require that manure be =
shaped into a windrow, turned a minimum of five times in 15 days and =
achieve a recorded temperature between 133=B0F and 170=B0F in order to =
be considered finished compost. Anything else is termed "raw manure," =
regardless of how long it has been piled up behind the barn.
Organic standards prohibit the use of sewage sludge, sometimes called =
biosolids, because of the possibility of heavy metal contamination. =
Municipal yardwaste, such as grass clippings and leaves, fall under the =
same category as manure-not prohibited, but demanding scrutiny as to =
possible contamination from pesticides, herbicides and synthetic =
fertilizers.
"Residues of antibiotics and other drugs, such as Ivermectin, a popular =
worming medication, have been found in animal manures, and traces of =
these drugs can be found in plants grown in soil where residue-laden =
manure was applied."
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, are routinely fed to swine, poultry =
and dairy cattle. Residues of antibiotics and other drugs, such as =
Ivermectin, a popular worming medication, have been found in animal =
manures, and traces of these drugs can be found in plants grown in soil =
where residue-laden manure was applied. In a study published in the =
Journal of Environmental Quality in October, 2005, Kumar et.al. found =
that antibiotic residues were detected in green onions, corn and =
cabbages grown with the addition of manure containing antibiotic =
residues. In another article in the same publication, Chandler et.al. =
found that antibiotic residues in manure still retained their =
bacteria-killing properties and could be contributing to the formation =
of new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These manures were not =
composted.
Other substances that can contaminate manure are metals such as copper =
and zinc, which are part of the recommended minerals added to livestock =
feed, and cadmium and lead, which can enter the chain through crops =
grown in contaminated soil or air pollution in industrial areas (see =
sidebar). In a paper published in The Scientific World in 2002, =
researchers Allan Barker and Gretchen Bryson found that composting can =
significantly reduce pesticide residues and can bind heavy metals and =
reduce their uptake by plants.
One substance of particular concern is arsenic. Recent news stories =
reported that arsenic was found in several commercial brands of chicken =
and samples from ten fast food restaurants. The study was conducted by =
Dr. David Wallinga, Director of Food and Health for the Institute for =
Agriculture and Trade Policy (www.iatp.org <http://www.iatp.org/> ), a =
Minnesota-based, nonprofit advocacy group promoting sustainability and =
family farms.
Arsenic is included in Roxarsone, a medication sometimes fed to broilers =
raised in confinement to protect against outbreaks from coccidia. The =
fact that arsenic is detectable in the meat of chickens begs the =
question: How much is ending up in the manure, and where is it going =
then?
Arsenic: common additive, complex agricultural contaminant
Brian Baker, research director of the Organic Materials Review Institute =
(www.omri.org <http://www.omri.org/> ), located in Eugene, Oregon, is =
trying to answer that question. "We're looking at ways to reduce the =
accumulation of heavy metals, and arsenic is of particular concern," =
Baker said. "Arsenic toxicity is problematic in a number of ways. The =
arsenic substitutes for phosphates causing a deficiency in plants. =
Beans, peas and other nitrogen fixing plants are very susceptible to =
this phosphate deficiency."
Arsenic was one of the first-generation herbicides and was used as a =
pesticide in apple orchards. Soil scientists noticed that orchards with =
high arsenic content in the soil couldn't grow clover (another nitrogen =
fixer) as an under crop.
"Organic farmers don't want arsenic in the soil," Baker pointed out. "It =
will accumulate in crop tissue and can pose a human health hazard. =
Everything goes somewhere. We've been looking at [arsenic] levels in the =
30-40s ppm range. We're not sure yet what the levels should be, but it =
definitely should be a concern."
"If a grower has to choose between manure that may contain antibiotic =
residue and manure that may contain arsenic, Baker recommends staying =
away from the arsenic. Antibiotics break down quickly and the composting =
process should take care of them. Not so with arsenic."
If a grower has to choose between manure that may contain antibiotic =
residue and manure that may contain arsenic, Baker recommends staying =
away from the arsenic. Antibiotics break down quickly, and the =
composting process should take care of them. Not so with arsenic. "Heavy =
metals are more of a concern," Baker said. "Organic growers are better =
off with dairy or layer manure."
So perhaps organic growers should avoid importing manure altogether and =
stick to buying compost and fertilizers? That isn't a fool-proof =
solution either. Prepared fertilizers are expensive, and Baker =
recommends staying away from commercial compost unless growers can be =
absolutely sure what is in it. According to Baker, during the debate on =
whether to allow sewage sludge in organic farming, the question of =
manure from factory farms was raised. Unlike the European Union, The =
U.S. has no definition of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) =
or "factory farms" and does not prohibit this manure from being used by =
certified-organic growers.
Many scientists and sustainable farming activists are of the opinion =
that manure from factory farms contains as many heavy metals as sewage =
sludge and should be prohibited in organic agriculture. The EPA limits =
the amount of heavy metals in sewage sludge, but manure from factory =
farms is unregulated. "There are operations that will take sludge, CAFO =
manure and urban green waste and make it into commercial compost," Baker =
said.
Always know your source and their ingredients
The best insurance with imported manure is to know your source. An =
organic grower for almost 20 years, Darrell Frey of Three Sisters Farm =
<http://www.bioshelter.com/> in northwestern Pennsylvania has imported =
many tons of manure to his farm. He had a long-standing agreement with a =
race-horse stable where he parked his dump truck at the stables and the =
owners filled it up for him every week.
The manure was then driven back to the farm and composted. Some of it =
was formed into windrows to be used in the vegetable gardens outside and =
some was loaded into bins in the bioshelter, or solar greenhouse, to be =
used in the indoor planting beds and in potting soil. The composting =
process also provides bottom heat for starting seedlings on top of the =
compost chambers, and fans can be used to circulate heat through the =
indoor growing beds.
Like many vegetable growers, Frey doesn't have the time or space for =
farm animals. The bioshelter is home to a flock of laying hens that are =
fed organic feed from which they produce enough manure in a year to fill =
one of the compost chambers. To meet the rest of his compost needs, Frey =
must either import manure or use approved fertilizers. Fertilizer can be =
expensive, but manure has its drawbacks, too. "My biggest problem with =
imported manure was weeds," Frey said. "Every year we seemed to find new =
varieties."
"As with most aspects of sustainable farming, education is your best =
bet. Talk to neighbors about what they are feeding their animals and the =
possible effects it could have."
Frey is currently getting his manure from a nearby farmer who owns =
horses and other livestock. Before making the agreement, Frey went to =
the farm and checked out the agricultural practices to ensure that he =
wouldn't be bringing anything onto the farm that he didn't want.
According to Baker, this is a good idea. "No matter what nutrient source =
you use, it's not going to be perfectly clean," Baker said. "Feed =
sources need to be monitored as well. Choose manure from feed sources =
that are relatively uncontaminated." Baker also recommends layering =
suspect poultry or dairy manure with high-carbon organic matter during =
composting. This should take care of antibiotics and pesticide residues.
Where, what and how
The most important considerations when importing manure are these:
* Where is it coming from?=20
* What did the animals eat?=20
* How will it ultimately impact my crops?=20
A grower's best bet is horse manure, because antibiotics are usually not =
a concern, followed by dairy and layer manure. Baker recommends staying =
away from manure from factory farms, particularly hog and broiler =
operations which may rely heavily on drugs. Another consideration is =
that manure from confined hogs often contains high levels of copper.
As with most aspects of sustainable farming, education is your best bet. =
Talk to neighbors about what they are feeding their animals and the =
possible effects it could have. Chances are they will be just as =
concerned about what is going into the soil as you are-especially if =
they are buying your potatoes and chard. =20
Maggie Fry-Manross is a free-lance writer and homesteader who lives in =
northwestern Pennsylvania. Her family raises poultry, goats, hogs and =
way too many cats.
=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<body bgcolor=3Dwhite background=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" =
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<div class=3DSection1>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
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style=3D'width:5.5in'>
<tr>
<td width=3D10 style=3D'width:7.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D518 valign=3Dtop style=3D'width:388.5pt;padding:0in 0in =
0in 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Organic
info for <st1:State w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:place></st1:State><o:p></o:p></span></font></b>=
</p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Week
of June 12-16<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Info
Includes>>>>><o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'><o:p> </o:p></span></fon=
t></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***</span></font></b><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> How to Support Your Local =
Farmer <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3Dgreen face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:green'>***</span><span class=3Darticletitle1><b><font =
color=3Dgreen
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-family:"Times New =
Roman";color:green'>
Livestock inputs make importing manure a concern, even for =
composting</span></font></b></span><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>***<span
class=3Dsubtitle1><b><font color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-family:"Times New Roman";color:windowtext'>Organic =
farmers are
safe under NOP rules but need to know what they’re getting and =
how to
manage it.</span></font></b></span><span class=3Dsubtitle1><b><font
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-family:"Times New Roman";
=
color:windowtext;font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></span></font></b></span>=
</span></font></p>
<p><span class=3Dsubtitle1><b><font size=3D3 color=3Dgreen =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New =
Roman";color:green'>***</span></font></b></span><span
class=3Darticletitle1><b><font color=3Dgreen face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-family:"Times New Roman";color:green'> Cultivating your
cultivation techniques</span></font></b></span><b><font =
color=3Dgreen><span
style=3D'color:green;font-weight:bold'><br>
<span class=3Dbreakhead1><b><font face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Keeping your weeds in check =
means
keeping your tools honed, your eye on the fields and some new tricks =
up your
sleeve.<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></span></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***Organic Power Struggle: =
Are
factory farms flattening family =
farms?</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-left:solid =
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 0in 9.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><span =
class=3Dbreakhead1><b><font
size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New =
Roman";color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></b></span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><b><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dgreen face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:green;
font-weight:bold'>***Are you seeking volunteers to work on your farm =
and gain
hands-on experience and glean from your wisdom and =
methods?</span></font></b><font
color=3Dgreen><span style=3D'color:green'>=A0 =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dgreen
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:green'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dgreen
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:green'>***</span></font><b><span
style=3D'font-weight:bold'> MIFFS offers a =BD =
position<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:25.0pt'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***</span><font
color=3D"#07376e"><span style=3D'color:#07376E'> <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> News and Best =
Health=A0=A0 The
Green Invasion<o:p></o:p></span></font></font></b></p>
<p><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
font-weight:bold'>***NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID =
MONSANTO'S
BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3Dgreen face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:green'>***</span></font><span class=3Dtext1><font =
color=3Dgreen
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-family:"Times New =
Roman";color:green'>
</span></font></span><span class=3Dstorytitle1><b><font size=3D4 =
color=3Dgreen
face=3DVerdana><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:green'>Ants take =
the bait
for less toxic solution</span></font></b></span><font =
color=3Dgreen><span
style=3D'color:green'><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#333333'>***</span></font><b><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;font-weight:bold'>Vegetable <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Pest</st1:place>
Status Report June 15, 2006<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><b><font size=3D3 color=3Dgreen face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:green;font-weight:bold'>***</span></font></b><font =
color=3Dgreen><span
style=3D'color:green'> NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID =
MONSANTO'S
BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***BIODYNAMIC =
PREPARATION 500
APPLICATION LEARNING AND PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY-June =
20<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'><o:p> </o:p></span></fon=
t></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 color=3Dgreen face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:green;font-weight:bold'>***Building =
Biological
and Organic Soils Session, Aug 9-Wed at Brad Morgan’s =
Composting-
9:30-4:30 email <a href=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]"><font =
color=3Dgreen><span
style=3D'color:green'>[log in to unmask]</span></font></a> for =
info</span></font></b><font
color=3Dgreen><span =
style=3D'color:green'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
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Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>=
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>How to Support Your Local Farmer =
=A0NEW YORK
TIMES<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'>By GEORGE =
SAPERSTEIN<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dgray face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:gray'>Published: June 9, =
2006<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Pomfret<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>TOWARD the end of the “I Love =
Lucy”
television series, which ran from 1951 to 1957, the Ricardo family moved =
from <st1:City
w:st=3D"on">New York City</st1:City> to “the country” =
— <st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Westport</st1:City></st1:place>, to be =
exact
— and Lucy started raising chickens. From then on, all of =
<st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">America</st1:country-region> saw <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State
w:st=3D"on">Connecticut</st1:State></st1:place> as “the =
country.” <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Oddly enough, that moment marked the =
beginning of the
mass exodus of upwardly mobile New Yorkers to the suburbs of the =
metropolitan
region — and the beginning of the end of animal agriculture in =
this
state.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>When I moved to <st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Woodstock</st1:City>
in 1978 as a large-animal veterinarian, I marveled at the beauty and =
fertility
of <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Connecticut</st1:State></st1:place>.
But it was immediately obvious that what had happened to farms in =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Fairfield</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> during the previous 20 =
years was
sure to creep diagonally to the northeastern part of the state. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Of the approximately 1,000 dairy farms in the =
state in
the late 1970’s, 169 remain. But while skyrocketing land values =
are an
acute problem for farmers, the biggest threat to animal agriculture in =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State w:st=3D"on">Connecticut</st1:State></st1:place> =
is not
development, it’s the loss of businesses like slaughterhouses, =
feed
stores, milk processors, veterinarians, tractor dealers and =
refrigeration
technicians that support agriculture. Recently, the owner of Franklin =
Mushroom
Farm in North Franklin announced plans to move the company to <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City
w:st=3D"on">Reading</st1:City>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Pa.</st1:State></st1:place>,
largely because such businesses are disappearing. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>So who’s to blame? Aggressive real =
estate
agents? Greedy developers? Consumers who want strawberries in January? =
While we
can try to place blame, it’s not productive. The system is what it =
is,
and farmers have struggled to adapt to it. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>There’s an old saying in <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">New
England</st1:place>: “Farmers live poor and die rich.” =
Given the
poor profitability of Northeast farming these days, land is no longer =
the
family legacy — farmers sell to finance their retirement, the =
children
who inherit sell because there’s no money in farming. We all lose =
out in
the end.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Making farming in <st1:place w:st=3D"on">New =
England</st1:place>
profitable is the only way to make agriculture sustainable. And =
consumers who
care about the quality of food, the way animals are raised and the =
conservation
of farmland have the power to bring farming back to life in this state. =
Proof
of that comes from the recent introduction and success of the =
Farmer’s
Cow, a higher-priced milk brand produced by a <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State
w:st=3D"on">Connecticut</st1:State></st1:place> farmers’ =
cooperative, in
the face of falling national milk prices.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>With a grant from the United States =
Department of
Agriculture, my university is collaborating with the <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType>
of <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Connecticut</st1:PlaceName> and other =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on">New England</st1:place> state colleges to create branded =
livestock
products produced by local farmers for local consumption. The goal is to =
give
consumers the opportunity to support local agriculture directly with =
their food
dollars while enjoying the best fruits of our farmers’ labors. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The master brand is called Azuluna, and we =
are using
production methods more typical of 1950 than 2006, getting the animals =
back
outside grazing instead of cutting the feed and bringing it to them in =
the barn
and letting calves raised for veal nurse from cows on pasture rather =
than
confining them and feeding them milk replacer. These kinds of animal =
husbandry
procedures from our grandparents’ era create the highest-quality,
best-tasting products on the market. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The animals in this program spend their lives =
with
access to fresh air and sunshine while consuming a balanced diet. We are =
now
test-marketing Azuluna pork from pigs rooting in fields, lamb fattened =
outdoors
on the farm of their birth with grain and mother’s milk and =
blue-shelled
eggs from chickens that are truly free-range, not simply cage-free, =
which
usually means kept on the floor of the barn instead of in cages. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>As these tests prove successful, we are =
recruiting <st1:place
w:st=3D"on">New England</st1:place> farmers to adopt similar practices =
and earn
premium prices for their products. We’ll then encourage these
high-quality producers to form a private cooperative and negotiate =
equitable
prices with distributors, helping make agriculture in our region =
financially
sustainable. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>State and local governments and <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Connecticut</st1:place></st1:State> residents can support =
farmers in
a number of ways. Even in tight budget years, legislators must provide =
enough
money for our vocational agriculture education system, which we depend =
upon for
the next generation of farm owners and employees, and parents should be =
proud
to send their children to these excellent schools. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Local planning and zoning boards should =
recruit and
accommodate businesses that directly support agriculture. For example, =
if a
landowner requests a zoning change from agricultural to commercial for a =
parcel
to build a farm supply store, the proposal should be viewed as =
supportive of
farmers, not as a ploy to sell out to Wal-Mart. State grants, tax =
incentives
and other forms of assistance could be created to attract and retain =
more of
those businesses. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>If we want locally produced meats, we need =
local
slaughterhouses and meat cutters, and the state should offer tax breaks,
initial financing and training to people interested in creating these =
kinds of
small businesses and pursuing these jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Unfortunately, there’s a sense among =
the
agriculture community that it’s too late to save our farms and =
that soon
all our meat and dairy products will be trucked in from out of state. =
But I’m
here to say that it’s not too late — we just need a little =
more
optimism and some good old-fashioned Yankee ingenuity. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:18.0pt'><i><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-style:italic'>George Saperstein is the =
chairman of
the Department of Environmental and Population Health at <st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Cummings</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">School</st1:PlaceType> of Veterinary Medicine =
at <st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Tufts</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></i></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border-top:none;border-left:solid =
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;
border-bottom:dotted windowtext 3.0pt;border-right:none;padding:0in 0in =
1.0pt 9.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-left:solid =
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 0in 9.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div align=3Dcenter>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
width=3D525
style=3D'width:393.75pt'>
<tr>
<td colspan=3D3 style=3D'padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
<p><span class=3Darticletitle1><b><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>The
New Farm, Rodale Press June 12, =
2006<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></span></p>
<p><span class=3Darticletitle1><b><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Livestock
inputs make importing manure a concern, even for =
composting</span></font></b></span><br>
<span class=3Dsubtitle1><b><font color=3D"#669900" face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Organic farmers are safe under =
NOP
rules but need to know what they’re getting and how to manage =
it.</span></font></b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>By
Maggie Fry-Manross<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height=3D10 style=3D'height:7.5pt'>
<td colspan=3D3 height=3D10 style=3D'padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;height:7.5pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img border=3D0 width=3D525 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1026"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height=3D10 style=3D'height:7.5pt'>
<td colspan=3D3 height=3D10 style=3D'padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;height:7.5pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height=3D10 style=3D'height:7.5pt'>
<td colspan=3D3 height=3D10 style=3D'padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;height:7.5pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img border=3D0 width=3D525 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1027"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=3D165 valign=3Dtop style=3D'width:123.75pt;padding:0in 0in =
0in 0in'>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 width=3D"100%"
style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td bgcolor=3Dblack style=3D'background:black;padding:.75pt .75pt =
.75pt .75pt'>
<div align=3Dcenter>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td valign=3Dtop bgcolor=3D"#C5EB7E" =
style=3D'background:#C5EB7E;padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'>
<p class=3Dheadline><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Cadmium =
lurks in
rock phosphates; varies by source<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>If
toxic manure isn’t scary enough, consider the possibility of
hazardous waste in fertilizer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>According
to Joseph R. Heckman, specialist in soil fertility with Rutgers
Cooperative Extension, commercial fertilizers can contain heavy =
metals
and other hazardous materials. While fertilizers are regulated for
nutrient content, the quality of their contents is not =
controlled.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Heckman
publishes a newsletter called <em><i><font face=3D"Times New =
Roman">The
Soil Profile</font></i></em>. In volume 16, Heckman outlines =
problems
with rock phosphate and other fertilizers. Heckman reports that =
the
greatest concern is with phosphate =
fertilizers.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>“Rock
phosphate, the starting material from which most phosphate =
fertilizers
are manufactured, contains varying amounts of cadmium, ranging =
from trace
to greater than 100 ppm,” Heckman’s article states.
“Rock phosphates from <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Florida</st1:State>
contain 9-17 ppm cadmium and <st1:State w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">North
Carolina</st1:place></st1:State> rock phosphate contains about =
47 ppm
cadmium. Because there is a limited supply of low cadmium rock =
phosphates
and a high cost for removing the cadmium during manufacture, there
usually remains a significant presence of cadmium in phosphate
fertilizers.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Heckman
also reports significant levels of lead and arsenic in commercial
fertilizers. These substances have been found in both organic and
chemical products. A complete copy of the article can be found =
at:<br>
<a href=3D"http://www.rcre.rutgers.edu/pubs/soilprofile/" =
target=3D"_blank">www.rcre.rutgers.edu/<font
color=3D"#006600"><span style=3D'color:#006600'><br>
</span></font>pubs/soilprofile/</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p align=3Dright style=3D'text-align:right'><em><i><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>--MF-M</span></font></i></em><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 width=3D"100%"
style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td bgcolor=3Dblack style=3D'background:black;padding:.75pt .75pt =
.75pt .75pt'>
<div align=3Dcenter>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td valign=3Dtop bgcolor=3Dwhite =
style=3D'background:white;padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'>
<p class=3Dheadline><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Tracking =
cadmium,
evaluating risk<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Cadmium,
a known carcinogen with no health benefits to either plants or =
animals,
is becoming more prevalent in agricultural soil and crops, =
according to a
2003 European Commission study.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Bioremediation
of cadmium using alpine pennycress is enhanced when the pH is =
lowered
from a normal reading of 7.0 to 4.7 using sulfur. For more details =
see:<br>
<a =
href=3D"http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050619192657.htm"
target=3D"_blank">www.sciencedaily.com/<font =
color=3D"#006600"><span
style=3D'color:#006600'><br>
</span></font>releases/2005/06/<font color=3D"#006600"><span
style=3D'color:#006600'><br>
</span></font>050619192657.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Dr.
Rufus Chaney (Agricultural Research Service, USDA Beltsville) says =
he has
found no evidence that manure will increase human food chain =
bioavailable
cadmium. He explains manure is much higher in zinc (Zn) than =
cadmium
(Cd), so the competition between Zn and Cd limits Cd flow into =
plants,
and into livestock tissues. For details on the complex links =
between soil
Cd and crops see:<br>
<a
=
href=3D"http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SE=
Q_NO_115=3D153759"
target=3D"_blank">www.ars.usda.gov/<font color=3D"#006600"><span
style=3D'color:#006600'><br>
</span></font>research/publications/<font color=3D"#006600"><span
style=3D'color:#006600'><br>
</span></font>publications.htm?SEQ<font color=3D"#006600"><span
style=3D'color:#006600'><br>
</span></font>_NO_115=3D153759</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p align=3Dright style=3D'text-align:right'><em><i><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>--Greg =
Bowman</span></font></i></em><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 width=3D"100%"
style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td bgcolor=3Dblack style=3D'background:black;padding:.75pt .75pt =
.75pt .75pt'>
<div align=3Dcenter>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td valign=3Dtop bgcolor=3D"#C5EB7E" =
style=3D'background:#C5EB7E;padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'>
<p class=3Dheadline><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New =
Roman"'>Antibiotic
resistance genes reduced<br>
by composting, but it takes time<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The
extensive use of antibiotics in some livestock systems results in
pharmaceutical residues in manure, as well as dozens of strains of
antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) that develop within the animals =
fed.
What happens to these genes in the environment is the focus of a =
study by
Dr. Amy Pruden, assistant professor of civil engineering at =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Colorado</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Dr.
Pruden is continuing to analyze research done in 2005 comparing =
the fate
of ARGs from straw-pack manure that was either placed in a static
(unturned) pile or composted. Both processes resulted in =
significant
reductions of ARGs to nearly the point of non-detection. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Significant
for composting, the results showed a spike upward in the number of
microbes carrying the drug-resistant genes several days into =
composting
that correlates with heating of the pile. Pruden said that =
following the
full composting cycle is critical for ARG reduction. She hopes to
complete her analysis this summer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p align=3Dright style=3D'text-align:right'><em><i><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>--GB</span></font></i></em><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 width=3D"100%"
style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td bgcolor=3Dblack style=3D'background:black;padding:.75pt .75pt =
.75pt .75pt'>
<div align=3Dcenter>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0
width=3D"100%" style=3D'width:100.0%'>
<tr>
<td valign=3Dtop bgcolor=3Dwhite =
style=3D'background:white;padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'>
<p class=3Dheadline><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>OMRI =
proposes dual
limits for cadmium, arsenic, lead<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has posted a proposal to
establish limits on the amount of arsenic, cadmium, and lead that =
OMRI
listed products may contain. The proposal is open for public =
comments
through July 16. OMRI proposes to set two levels of these three =
heavy
metals in fertilizer and soil amendment products, including manure =
and
compost: a “caution” level where use would be closely
monitored for possible degradation of the soil, and a higher
“danger” level, above which the product would not be =
listed
by OMRI.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>To
view the extensive research OMRI commissioned on this question and =
to
comment, visit: <a href=3D"http://www.omri.org/heavy-metals.html"
=
target=3D"_blank">www.omri.org/heavy-metals.html</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></=
font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D10 style=3D'width:7.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D350 valign=3Dtop style=3D'width:262.5pt;padding:0in 0in =
0in 0in'>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 align=3Dright
width=3D100 style=3D'width:75.0pt'>
<tr>
<td width=3D10 style=3D'width:7.5pt;padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt =
.75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D100 bgcolor=3Dwhite =
style=3D'width:75.0pt;background:white;
padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 width=3D200
style=3D'width:150.0pt'>
<tr>
<td bgcolor=3Dwhite style=3D'background:white;padding:3.75pt =
3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3D"#666666" =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#666666'>Arsenic, tetracycline, =
copper...
What might be lurking in your =
compost?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><strong><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>June 8, 2006:</span></font></b></strong> The ideal sustainable
livestock farm is a closed system made up of crops grown to feed the
livestock and humans who live there, and manure that is returned to =
the soil
to ensure fertility. As with everything else in life, however, the =
ideal is
rarely attained.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Vegetable
farmers need manure to feed their crops. Dairy and meat producers =
usually
have more manure than they can use. It would seem the perfect =
arrangement for
vegetable growers to haul away the manure from a nearby farm (in some =
cases,
your neighbors are happy to deliver it) to apply it to fields. But =
modern
agricultural inputs—especially those used in confined, intensive
settings—means that growers, especially those who are certified
organic, need to ask a few questions before accepting that generous =
offer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Recent
studies have shown that manure can contain residues of antibiotics and =
other
medications routinely given to livestock, as well as pesticides and =
heavy
metals such as copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead. Appropriate
composting may take care of some of these substances, but some it will =
not.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><span class=3Dbreakhead1><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Manure =
allowable</span></font></b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Organic
certification standards allow raw manure to be spread on fields at =
least 90
days before harvesting crops where the edible portion does not touch =
the soil
(i.e. sweet corn) and 120 days where the edible portion does touch the =
soil
(lettuce, carrots, onions, etc.). All other animal manure must be =
composted,
and standards require that manure be shaped into a windrow, turned a =
minimum
of five times in 15 days and achieve a recorded temperature between =
133=B0F and
170=B0F in order to be considered finished compost. Anything else is =
termed
“raw manure,” regardless of how long it has been piled up =
behind
the barn.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Organic
standards prohibit the use of sewage sludge, sometimes called =
biosolids,
because of the possibility of heavy metal contamination. Municipal =
yardwaste,
such as grass clippings and leaves, fall under the same category as
manure—not prohibited, but demanding scrutiny as to possible
contamination from pesticides, herbicides and synthetic =
fertilizers.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 align=3Dright
width=3D149 style=3D'width:111.75pt'>
<tr>
<td style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#006600" =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#006600;font-weight:bold'>"Residues =
of
antibiotics and other drugs, such as Ivermectin, a popular worming
medication, have been found in animal manures, and traces of these =
drugs
can be found in plants grown in soil where residue-laden manure was
applied."<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=3D2 style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Antibiotics,
such as tetracycline, are routinely fed to swine, poultry and dairy =
cattle.
Residues of antibiotics and other drugs, such as Ivermectin, a popular
worming medication, have been found in animal manures, and traces of =
these
drugs can be found in plants grown in soil where residue-laden manure =
was
applied. In a study published in the <em><i><font face=3D"Times New =
Roman">Journal
of Environmental Quality</font></i></em> in October, 2005, Kumar =
et.al. found
that antibiotic residues were detected in green onions, corn and =
cabbages
grown with the addition of manure containing antibiotic residues. In =
another
article in the same publication, <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Chandler</st1:place></st1:City>
et.al. found that antibiotic residues in manure still retained their
bacteria-killing properties and could be contributing to the formation =
of new
strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These manures were not =
composted.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Other
substances that can contaminate manure are metals such as copper and =
zinc,
which are part of the recommended minerals added to livestock feed, =
and
cadmium and lead, which can enter the chain through crops grown in
contaminated soil or air pollution in industrial areas (see sidebar). =
In a
paper published in <em><i><font face=3D"Times New Roman">The =
Scientific World</font></i></em>
in 2002, researchers Allan Barker and Gretchen Bryson found that =
composting
can significantly reduce pesticide residues and can bind heavy metals =
and
reduce their uptake by plants.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>One
substance of particular concern is arsenic. Recent news stories =
reported that
arsenic was found in several commercial brands of chicken and samples =
from
ten fast food restaurants. The study was conducted by Dr. David =
Wallinga,
Director of Food and Health for the Institute for Agriculture and =
Trade
Policy (<a href=3D"http://www.iatp.org/" =
target=3D"_blank">www.iatp.org</a>), a
Minnesota-based, nonprofit advocacy group promoting sustainability and =
family
farms.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Arsenic
is included in Roxarsone, a medication sometimes fed to broilers =
raised in
confinement to protect against outbreaks from coccidia. The fact that =
arsenic
is detectable in the meat of chickens begs the question: How much is =
ending
up in the manure, and where is it going =
then?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3Dbreakhead><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Arsenic: =
common
additive, complex agricultural =
contaminant<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Brian
Baker, research director of the Organic Materials Review Institute (<a
href=3D"http://www.omri.org/" target=3D"_blank">www.omri.org</a>), =
located in <st1:City
w:st=3D"on">Eugene</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Oregon</st1:place></st1:State>,
is trying to answer that question. “We're looking at ways to =
reduce the
accumulation of heavy metals, and arsenic is of particular =
concern,”
Baker said. “Arsenic toxicity is problematic in a number of =
ways. The
arsenic substitutes for phosphates causing a deficiency in plants. =
Beans,
peas and other nitrogen fixing plants are very susceptible to this =
phosphate
deficiency.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Arsenic
was one of the first-generation herbicides and was used as a pesticide =
in
apple orchards. Soil scientists noticed that orchards with high =
arsenic
content in the soil couldn’t grow clover (another nitrogen =
fixer) as an
under crop.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>“Organic
farmers don’t want arsenic in the soil,” Baker pointed =
out.
“It will accumulate in crop tissue and can pose a human health =
hazard.
Everything goes somewhere. We've been looking at [arsenic] levels in =
the
30-40s ppm range. We’re not sure yet what the levels should be, =
but it
definitely should be a concern.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 align=3Dright
width=3D149 style=3D'width:111.75pt'>
<tr>
<td style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#006600" =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#006600;font-weight:bold'>"If a =
grower
has to choose between manure that may contain antibiotic residue and =
manure
that may contain arsenic, Baker recommends staying away from the =
arsenic.
Antibiotics break down quickly and the composting process should =
take care
of them. Not so with arsenic."<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=3D2 style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>If a
grower has to choose between manure that may contain antibiotic =
residue and
manure that may contain arsenic, Baker recommends staying away from =
the
arsenic. Antibiotics break down quickly, and the composting process =
should
take care of them. Not so with arsenic. “Heavy metals are more =
of a concern,”
Baker said. “Organic growers are better off with dairy or layer
manure.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>So
perhaps organic growers should avoid importing manure altogether and =
stick to
buying compost and fertilizers? That isn’t a fool-proof solution
either. Prepared fertilizers are expensive, and Baker recommends =
staying away
from commercial compost unless growers can be absolutely sure what is =
in it.
According to Baker, during the debate on whether to allow sewage =
sludge in
organic farming, the question of manure from factory farms was raised. =
Unlike
the European Union, The U.S. has no definition of Concentrated Animal =
Feeding
Operation (CAFO) or “factory farms” and does not prohibit =
this
manure from being used by certified-organic =
growers.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Many
scientists and sustainable farming activists are of the opinion that =
manure
from factory farms contains as many heavy metals as sewage sludge and =
should
be prohibited in organic agriculture. The EPA limits the amount of =
heavy
metals in sewage sludge, but manure from factory farms is unregulated.
“There are operations that will take sludge, CAFO manure and =
urban
green waste and make it into commercial compost,” Baker =
said.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3Dbreakhead><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Always know =
your
source <em><i><font face=3D"Times New Roman">and</font></i></em> their
ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The
best insurance with imported manure is to know your source. An organic =
grower
for almost 20 years, Darrell Frey of <a =
href=3D"http://www.bioshelter.com/"
target=3D"_blank">Three Sisters Farm</a> in northwestern <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:State> has imported many =
tons of
manure to his farm. He had a long-standing agreement with a race-horse =
stable
where he parked his dump truck at the stables and the owners filled it =
up for
him every week.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The
manure was then driven back to the farm and composted. Some of it was =
formed
into windrows to be used in the vegetable gardens outside and some was =
loaded
into bins in the bioshelter, or solar greenhouse, to be used in the =
indoor
planting beds and in potting soil. The composting process also =
provides
bottom heat for starting seedlings on top of the compost chambers, and =
fans
can be used to circulate heat through the indoor growing =
beds.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Like
many vegetable growers, Frey doesn’t have the time or space for =
farm
animals. The bioshelter is home to a flock of laying hens that are fed
organic feed from which they produce enough manure in a year to fill =
one of
the compost chambers. To meet the rest of his compost needs, Frey must =
either
import manure or use approved fertilizers. Fertilizer can be =
expensive, but
manure has its drawbacks, too. “My biggest problem with imported =
manure
was weeds,” Frey said. “Every year we seemed to find new
varieties.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 align=3Dright
width=3D149 style=3D'width:111.75pt'>
<tr>
<td style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#006600" =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#006600;font-weight:bold'>"As =
with most
aspects of sustainable farming, education is your best bet. Talk to
neighbors about what they are feeding their animals and the possible =
effects
it could have."<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=3D2 style=3D'padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Frey is
currently getting his manure from a nearby farmer who owns horses and =
other
livestock. Before making the agreement, Frey went to the farm and =
checked out
the agricultural practices to ensure that he wouldn’t be =
bringing
anything onto the farm that he didn’t =
want.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>According
to Baker, this is a good idea. “No matter what nutrient source =
you use,
it's not going to be perfectly clean,” Baker said. “Feed =
sources
need to be monitored as well. Choose manure from feed sources that are
relatively uncontaminated.” Baker also recommends layering =
suspect
poultry or dairy manure with high-carbon organic matter during =
composting.
This should take care of antibiotics and pesticide =
residues.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3Dbreakhead><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Where, what =
and how<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The
most important considerations when importing manure are =
these:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<ul type=3Ddisc>
<li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Where =
is it coming
from? <o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
<li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>What =
did the
animals eat? <o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
<li class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>How =
will it
ultimately impact my crops? <o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
</ul>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>A
grower’s best bet is horse manure, because antibiotics are =
usually not
a concern, followed by dairy and layer manure. Baker recommends =
staying away
from manure from factory farms, particularly hog and broiler =
operations which
may rely heavily on drugs. Another consideration is that manure from =
confined
hogs often contains high levels of =
copper.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>As with
most aspects of sustainable farming, education is your best bet. Talk =
to
neighbors about what they are feeding their animals and the possible =
effects
it could have. Chances are they will be just as concerned about what =
is going
into the soil as you are—especially if they are buying your =
potatoes
and chard. <img border=3D0 width=3D25 height=3D12 id=3D"_x0000_i1031"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3Dfooter><strong><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#666666" =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Maggie =
Fry-Manross</span></font></b></strong><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>
is a free-lance writer and homesteader who lives in northwestern =
<st1:State
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Pennsylvania</st1:place></st1:State>. Her
family raises poultry, goats, hogs and way too many =
cats.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=3D165 style=3D'width:123.75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img border=3D0 width=3D165 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1032"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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id=3D"_x0000_i1034"
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>
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Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
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<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:PersonName w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki
Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Michigan</span></font></st1:PlaceN=
ame><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
Bldg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>East
Lansing</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
(cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
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------_=_NextPart_002_01C69187.5453ABD4--
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:31:00 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: part 2 of 3! Mi organic news
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=20
ONE FARM TO ANOTHER
Cultivating your cultivation techniques
Keeping your weeds in check means keeping your tools honed, your eye on =
the fields and some new tricks up your sleeve.
By Jeff Moyer, The Rodale Institute=AE Farm Manager
Posted June 8, 2006
=20
=20
=20
By now most of you, like us here at the Institute farm, have your crops =
pretty well planted, first-cutting hay is almost done, and it's time to =
get back to the dreaded task of managing weeds.=20
Our corn is up, and everything is lookin' good. But for how long? We've =
used both a rotary hoe and a tine weeder on our crops for "blind =
cultivation," and that seems to have done a decent job. There are some =
small weeds poking through that are already too large for the hoe or =
weeder to get. That's where the cultivator comes in.
You really need to be out there checking your crops and monitoring the =
weed pressure on a daily basis. Things change quickly this time of year. =
A quick look over the fence at my garden at home clearly points that =
out. It seems like I went from no weeds one day to a real mess a few =
days later. Fortunately that's at home, not here at the Institute.
Generally speaking, if you wait until you see weeds, the first flush has =
already "beaten you to the punch." Rotary hoes and tine weeders work on =
weeds that are in the white root stage. This is when you can lightly dig =
around in the soil with a pen knife and see those white hair like =
seedlings of weeds but before they are well rooted with green tops.
We are just beginning our cultivation of row crops as this article is =
being written, so it is far too early to tell you how it is all going to =
turn out. But there are some basic things to keep in mind as you begin =
your weed management strategy. First is to realize that cultivating =
weeds is more art than science. You can't just set up the equipment and =
go from field to field or crop to crop. Fine tuning the equipment is =
very important. Keep in mind that any weeds that escape each pass have a =
better and better chance to be there at the end of the season.
As the season progresses, spend some time assessing the successes and =
failures of your strategy, your timing and your equipment setup. Make =
some notes for next year-write-'em down or you'll forget. This way, each =
year you'll improve upon the success rate as you gain experience.
Don't expect perfection but work toward it. You're bound to make =
mistakes. You'll miss some weeds, tear out some crop, work in soil =
that's too wet or too dry or maybe invent a mistake I haven't even =
thought of yet. That's all part of the process of learning. The goal =
should be to strive toward perfect weed control but to be realistic in =
what we can do.
Replace worn parts. Yes, those shovels that are worn down to the shank, =
those spoons on the old rotary hoe, or the discs that are only 8 inches =
around instead of 12 inches. You can't expect worn-out tools to do a =
proper job. That's not to say that older equipment won't work, just that =
you need to replace those worn parts of the tool that work in the soil. =
Sweeps need to be the right width to cover the surface area or work to =
the proper depth. This will be money well spent. I had a fellow tell me =
that rotary hoes don't work on his farm, and when we took a look at what =
he was using it was shot. All the spoons were worn down to posts. There =
was no way this tool could properly remove weeds. Once the hoe was =
rebuilt, he said he didn't know it could work so well.
And last but not least, don't be afraid to innovate. Change your tools. =
Try different sweeps, switch to a curved knife, or try a spider wheel =
where a disc once was used. The folks I know who are the best =
cultivators are the ones who are always trying to improve the equipment =
and time things just a little bit better. If the new changes aren't =
working, go back to what did or try another improvement. Check on what =
other folks are doing but keep in mind what works for them may not be =
the best tool for you. You may have different soil, different crops, =
different weeds or even just different likes. The thing is to be =
creative and open to trying something new. But don't throw out what =
works in the process.
.From One Farm to Another
Jeff
=20
=20
=20
=20
Organic Power Struggle: Are factory farms flattening family farms?
=20
by Amy Bell=20
Organic agriculture was first introduced in California more than 30 =
years ago as farmers sought out methods to produce food in more =
ecologically friendly ways. For many quiet years following the birth of =
organic agriculture, farmers and consumers alike associated the word =
"organic" with tiny independent farms. Typically family-owned and =
operated, organic farms would distribute their products to small =
specialty stores. These small operations never imagined that by the =
1990s, organic would become a household name.
Times They Are A-Changin'
The organic landscape has undergone a significant transformation over =
the past few years, forever changing the public's perception of the =
label organic. As an increasing number of large corporations crank out =
mass amounts of organic products, the word organic is becoming less and =
less synonymous with the words "small" or "homegrown."=20
Organic products, particularly dairy and bagged salads, can now be found =
sprinkled throughout aisles in most major grocery store chains. In her =
book titled, "Agrarian Dreams: The Paradox of Organic Farming in =
California" (Berkeley: UC Press, 2004), Julie Guthman calls this new =
trend the "Wal-Martization" of organic products.
The Earthbound Factor
Some attribute major changes in the industry to enormous organic =
operations like Organic Valley and Earthbound Farm. Organic Valley, =
founded in 1988, is comprised of 741 farms across the country and sells =
over $150 million worth of organic milk, cheese, butter and other =
products each year. Then there's Earthbound Farm, famous for pioneering =
the prewashed bagged greens concept. Earthbound is now the leading =
organic company in the ready-to-eat bagged produce race--a business that =
grosses over $2.8 billion each year in the combined organic and =
nonorganic markets.=20
Bob Stowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming Research =
Foundation, told the Associated Press (AP) that Earthbound "changed the =
organic game." He said, "You used to only be able to get fresh organic =
products in small stores supplied by an independent farmer. Earthbound =
ships trainloads and planeloads."
Surprisingly enough, Earthbound initially started off as a small, =
family-run operation. Fresh out of college, Myra and Drew Goodman moved =
from New York City to Carmel Valley, Calif. in 1986. The financially =
strained couple was searching for an affordable place to live when they =
came across an interesting opportunity--they were offered a chance to =
restore a 2 =BD acre farm in exchange for free rent and whatever produce =
they grew.
There were many days when Myra and Drew came in from work too exhausted =
to cook. That's when the couple started bagging lettuce for a fast, =
healthy dinner. They soon realized that the bagged produce could =
potentially be a great product for consumers. They started selling their =
bagged greens to specialty food stores, and shortly thereafter had to =
contract outside organic farmers to meet the incredible demand for their =
products.=20
Although most well-known grocery stores were hesitant to take on organic =
products in the 1990s, Costco took a chance with Myra and Drew's organic =
bagged greens. Shortly after Costco started selling Earthbound's bagged =
salads in 1993, other large chains began to sign them on as well.=20
Myra told the AP, "Until that time, we were really just a large boutique =
farm." Earthbound now grows more than 100 different types of fruits and =
vegetables on 26,000 acres of farms throughout the West. They contract =
growers from Washington State to Arizona and deliver their products to =
stores throughout the nation. In 2005, Earthbound's income skyrocketed =
to $365 million--an incredible jump from their $13 million earnings in =
1995.
Drew said, "We built our business little by little to meet a demand and =
didn't realize it was a big business until it had already happened. =
Growing organic has paid off."
Playing the Blame Game
Despite the tremendous attention Earthbound has attracted to organic =
products, some critics blame the company, along with other large organic =
operations, for crushing the business of small organic farms. Many =
smaller family-run organic farms simply cannot keep up with the =
incredible production pace of these huge, multifarm organizations. Liz =
Bourret, a buyer with an organic produce distributor called Veritable =
Vegetable, told the AP that smaller organic growers aren't necessarily =
being pushed out of the business. However, because they are being forced =
to adapt to the environment, these growers are moving away from the =
increasingly popular organic products, such as lettuce, and focusing =
more on specialty organic crops.
In her book, which serves as a comprehensive study of California organic =
farming,=20
Guthman says that organic agriculture has transformed from a small-scale =
family-run market to "industrial" agriculture. Guthman says that the =
organic industry is definitely facing major changes as a result of large =
corporations buying out smaller organic farms. She explains that this =
issue is much more than "big versus small or good guys versus bad guys. =
I call it a trilemma because it's about what growers need, what =
consumers need and what workers need."
Guthman also points out that much of the organic industry's growth has =
"come from within." She says, "There's a widespread misconception that =
big corporate interests took over the organic industry." Guthman says =
that on the contrary, large operations like Earthbound Farm recruited =
producers from outside the organic industry to grow for them because =
"they wanted more professionalism than what the visionaries of the 1970s =
were able to provide."
Big versus Small?=20
Although many organic industry players don't believe this is a game of =
big guys versus little guys, a recent rumble in the industry seems to =
prove otherwise. In this heated controversy, the Organic Trade =
Association (OTA) and the Cornucopia Institute, an agricultural policy =
research group that supports independent family scale farmers, duked it =
out over the release of a Cornucopia report. In the report, Cornucopia =
rates organic dairy brands determined by each operation's level of =
ethical organic practices.=20
Based on a survey the group sent out to organic dairy farmers, =
Cornucopia says their report "is a by-product of a five-year controversy =
that has been smoldering within the organic industry." The group accuses =
the OTA of conducting "backroom dealings" that have decreased federal =
regulations of organic dairy farms, giving large corporations in the =
industry an upper hand. Cornucopia also claims that some of the nation's =
biggest organic dairies are violating federal organic regulations, =
alleging that some of these large-scale operations are housing their =
livestock in indoor lots without access to pasture.=20
Helen Keyes, a Cornucopia board member, says that the USDA has done =
nothing to "clamp down on these factory farms" despite countless =
requests from organic farmers and consumers. In response to Cornucopia's =
accusations, the USDA released the following statement: "Cornucopia's =
initial allegations were found to be without substance in light of the =
National Organic Program pasture regulations as they are currently =
written."=20
Urging the Cornucopia Institute not to publish the report, the OTA said =
that such a rating system could "sow the seed of distrust in organic =
farming," causing a permanent rift in the organic farming industry. The =
OTA also says that Cornucopia took a "non-scientific approach" to the =
report by attempting to threaten dairy operations. The OTA is referring =
to a statement that appeared in the cover letter of Cornucopia's survey, =
which was distributed to organic dairy farmers throughout the country. =
In the letter Cornucopia wrote that any farm that did not participate in =
the survey risked "having its credibility tainted." The OTA released a =
statement saying, "This type of threat is counter to good research =
practice, and renders the results invalid. Furthermore, such tactics do =
not serve the interests of customers, the organic community or farmers =
themselves."=20
Cornucopia fired back by accusing the OTA of pursuing a "campaign of =
intimidation" against them. Despite the OTA's pleas, Cornucopia released =
their report, titled "Maintaining the Integrity of Organic Milk," in =
March 2006. Following the release, Mark Kastel, Cornucopia's senior farm =
policy analyst and the primary writer of the report, said, "Our report =
and the accompanying dairy brands scorecard will empower consumers and =
wholesale buyers who want to invest their food dollars to protect =
hard-working family farmers who are in danger of being washed off the =
land by a tidal wave of organic milk from these factory mega-farms."=20
In the report Cornucopia issued a substandard rating to nearly 20 =
percent of the organic dairy name brands that can now be found in =
grocery stores. Some large organic operations are already fighting back =
in response to Corncucopia's controversial report. The country's largest =
milk bottler, Dean Foods, which oversees Horizon Organic products, is =
allegedly pulling together its employees and farmers to rally against =
Cornucopia.=20
Although this controversy certainly appears to be a conflict between =
small independently owned farms and giant corporate organic operations, =
the Cornucopia Institute claims that it's an issue of ethics. Kastel =
told FoodNavigator-USA.com, "This is not a debate of small farmers =
versus big farmers. It's ethical farmers versus farmers that are willing =
to compensate the ethics of organic farming." Regardless of whether or =
not this is a case of family versus factory farms, there is no doubt =
that the organic industry is currently caught up in a turbulent sea of =
conflict and change
Amy Bell is a freelance writer in DeWitt, Mich. Visit her Web site at =
www.writepunch.com <http://www.writepunch.com/> or e-mail her at =
[log in to unmask]
Are you seeking volunteers to work on your farm and gain hands-on =
experience and glean from your wisdom and methods? =20
Here is a web site that offers organic farmers a place to list such an =
opportunity, FREE. This is a project of the Ecological Farming =
Foundation
=20
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)-USA is part of a =
world-wide effort to link volunteers with organic farmers, promote an =
educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of =
ecological farming practices. =20
http://www.wwoofusa.org./host.html is the site to become a host farm. =
The only cost is $5.00 to list your farm's description in the directory.
MIFFS offers a =BD position
Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) an East-Lansing based =
nonprofit organization, needs to fill a half-time administrative =
assistant position. A position announcement is attached. If you know =
of someone with the necessary skills and an interest in sustainable food =
and farming systems, please encourage him/her to apply.=20
See MIFFS web site http://www.MIFFS.org <http://www.miffs.org/> for =
more info and details
=20
U.S. News and Best Health
The Green Invasion
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/060612/12organic.htm=20
By Betsy Querna
6/12/06
Grocery shoppers across America have been witnessing a subtle but =
revolutionary change on store shelves. Organic products are popping up =
in the cereal aisle, amid rows of canned goods, and beside bottles of =
salad dressing. Though organic food has been around for decades, it used =
to be found mainly in specialty stores like Whole Foods or confined to a =
tiny corner in the produce section.
Today, most grocery stores stock big organic brands like Earthbound =
Farm. Wal-Mart plans to double its organic offerings this summer in some =
stores, and grocers like SuperValu and Safeway recently unveiled organic =
house brands. Major food companies have grabbed up organic brands. =
General Mills, for example, owns the organic brands Cascadian Farm and =
Muir Glen. Some food producers are even rolling out organic versions of =
existing products. You can now fill your cart with Ragu organic pasta =
sauce, Snyder's organic pretzels, Orville Redenbacher's organic butter =
popcorn, and later this summer, organic Kraft macaroni and cheese. "With =
Wal-Mart in the game and Safeway and just about everyone else, organic =
is at a tipping point," says Samuel Fromartz, author of the new book =
Organic, Inc. "It's really gone mainstream."
Getting specific. With so many more choices, consumers may wonder what =
they're really getting when they buy this newfangled organic food. =
Though the organic label is often perceived as synonymous with =
healthful, virtuous, or just plain better, organic has a specific =
definition, set in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture after =
years of varying standards muddled its meaning. In a nutshell, organic =
produce cannot be grown with pesticides or most synthetic fertilizers, =
while animals must not be injected with antibiotics or growth hormones. =
Organic farms undergo a rigorous certification process and are inspected =
for compliance by an independent agent.
To earn the "100 percent organic" label under the USDA system, a food =
must contain only organically produced ingredients. Next in line is =
"organic," in which at least 95 percent of the ingredients must be =
organic. The other 5 percent must be an approved ingredient. Those are =
mostly preservatives, thickeners, or other things such as baking soda =
and spices. Here and with "100 percent organic" foods, consumers may =
also spot the USDA seal. Products that have at least 70 percent organic =
ingredients can sport the term "made with organic ingredients." Any less =
and the food gets no boasting rights beyond noting the organic elements =
in the list of ingredients. (In some cases, you will see a certifying =
agent seal. More details are at www.ams.usda.gov/nop.)=20
Got that? It's a mouthful, so to speak, and consumers often think that =
the organic label means so much more. "It's confusing because the =
organic certification is a process certification, not a product =
certification," says Mike Hamm, professor of sustainable agriculture at =
Michigan State University. "It says nothing about the quality of the =
product, its freshness, or its nutritional value."
What consumers should do, experts say, is carefully consider each =
organic purchase. There may be no reason to buy an organic version of a =
favorite food when its conventional counterpart is little or no =
different and most likely cheaper. On average, organic food costs 30 to =
50 percent more than conventional food. Heinz's Classico pasta sauce =
usually sells for about $3; the organic version is a dollar more. Many =
expect the new players, especially Wal-Mart, to prompt a marketwide =
price drop. The retailing behemoth has said its organic products will =
cost only 10 percent more than its nonorganic products. What's more, =
shoppers need to keep in mind that the jury is still out on whether =
organic food is more nutritious or safer. For years, scientists have =
been fiercely debating the health benefits of organic food, and studies =
so far have been small and equivocal.
While organic fruits and vegetables do usually have fewer pesticides =
than their conventional cousins, there is no consensus on how harmful =
those pesticides are to humans. Joseph Rosen, a professor of food =
science at Rutgers University who has been studying pesticides for more =
than 40 years, contends that the amount of pesticides on produce is too =
small to hurt and that the liver efficiently flushes them out. Other =
experts dispute that notion, and some shoppers don't want to take the =
risk.=20
Choosy buyers. Pesticides may be more of a concern for children because =
their small bodies are less able to metabolize pesticides--and they =
ingest more food per pound of body weight than adults, according to a =
1993 National Academy of Sciences report. Philip Landrigan, a =
pediatrician at Mount Sinai School of Medicine who chaired the report =
committee, advises parents to go organic on the fruits and vegetables =
their kids consume a lot.=20
To reduce potential exposure to pesticides without breaking the bank, =
consumers should become choosy fruit buyers. A 2003 Environmental =
Working Group study that looked at USDA pesticide data from more than =
100,000 pieces of produce found that those with the most pesticides =
include strawberries, peaches, nectarines, bell peppers, and spinach. =
Because of the way they are grown or their heartiness, conventional =
broccoli, asparagus, mangos, and bananas are less likely to have =
pesticides.=20
Recently, several small studies have shown that organic fruits and =
vegetables might also have higher amounts of protective antioxidants. =
The thinking: Without pesticides, the plant must rely on its own =
defenses to shoo away bugs; one way it does this is to make more =
antioxidants. Still, it's only a hypothesis. "I wouldn't tell my mom or =
neighbor to go buy organic because it has more antioxidants," says =
Kathleen Merrigan, director of the agriculture, food, and environment =
program at Tufts University and an author of the USDA organic standards =
rule. "I would tell them to buy it because it has fewer pesticides."
In the dairy case, organic milk gained popularity in the early 1990s =
when many big dairies began using the controversial recombinant bovine =
growth hormone to help increase a cow's milk production. Some groups say =
it can increase the risk of certain cancers or contribute to the early =
onset of puberty in girls, though the Food and Drug Administration found =
no human health issues--nor did a Canadian panel that examined the =
hormone in the late 1990s.=20
Space to roam. While health concerns motivate many buyers, others prefer =
organic milk for more humanitarian reasons. Many organic milk producers =
are small farmers, and their cows are often given more space to roam =
than cows at large dairies. In fact, major organic dairy producers such =
as Horizon have come under much criticism for their pasture size. On an =
Idaho farm that's taken the brunt, the cows "are very comfortable," says =
Kelly Shea, a Horizon vice president. "They have a nice life." Shea adds =
that the company is now converting more land to organic there so the =
cows can have more room and increase their grass consumption. The USDA =
is currently seeking comments on a rule that would nail down the amount =
of pasture required for these cows.=20
On conventional farms, animals are routinely given hormones and =
antibiotics, which could be passed on to your dinner plate. Though there =
is no scientific consensus about whether these substances cause health =
problems, shoppers who want to avoid them can look for other phrases on =
meat packages. "You are not necessarily going to see the organic label," =
says Keecha Harris, a national nutrition consultant for the Head Start =
program. "You are going to see how the animal is raised." Beef that is =
marked "pasture-raised," for example, means the cow grazed on grass, and =
"free-range" denotes chickens that aren't confined to small cages. Or =
the package of pork chops might state that no growth hormones or =
antibiotics were used or that the pig was fed an all-vegetable diet. =
Some stores, such as Whole Foods, set their own guidelines for the meat =
they buy, and thus the packages may not be labeled. The best way to =
figure it out: Ask the butcher.
These days, the biggest organic explosion is in the middle of the store, =
where the cereals, frozen foods, and processed packaged goods are sold. =
Experts urge shoppers to remember that the organic label means one thing =
and one thing only. So the corn in Orville Redenbacher's organic =
microwave popcorn comes from an organic farm; Heinz's organic ketchup =
uses organic tomato concentrate and organic sugar. Shoppers still need =
to flip over those jars and packages and scrutinize the nutrition facts, =
says Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian with Northwestern =
Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Organic food and regular food should be =
viewed with the same skepticism when it comes to calories and fat.=20
Take Whole Foods organic chocolate truffles made with organic cocoa =
beans, organic vegetable oil, and organic cane sugar. With just three =
candies packing more than half of the daily allowance of fat, they're =
not exactly a health food. But, "they taste pretty good," says Fromartz. =
In the end, nearly everyone--even the most ardent organic =
fans--recommends that a consumer's first goal be a nutritionally =
balanced diet. Then the organic decision comes into play. "What people =
should be doing is getting more fruits and vegetables regardless of =
whether they're conventional or organic," says Harris. "A cheese puff is =
a cheese puff is a cheese puff."
=20
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<body bgcolor=3Dwhite background=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" =
lang=3DEN-US
link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple =
style=3D'margin-left:11.25pt;margin-top:18.75pt'>
<img src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"
v:src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" v:shapes=3D"_x0000_Mail" =
width=3D0
height=3D0 class=3Dshape style=3D'display:none;width:0;height:0'>
<div class=3DSection1>
<div align=3Dcenter>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
width=3D793
style=3D'width:594.65pt'>
<tr height=3D38 style=3D'height:28.5pt'>
<td colspan=3D4 height=3D38 valign=3Dtop style=3D'padding:0in 0in 0in =
0in;height:
28.5pt'>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 =
cellpadding=3D0 align=3Dleft
width=3D509 =
style=3D'width:381.5pt;margin-left:6.75pt;margin-right:6.75pt'>
<tr height=3D258 style=3D'height:193.4pt'>
<td width=3D508 colspan=3D3 height=3D258 =
style=3D'width:381.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:193.4pt'>
<p><strong><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#669900" face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#669900'>ONE FARM</span></font> TO =
ANOTHER</b></strong><b><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black;font-weight:bold'><br>
</span></font></b><span class=3Darticletitle1><b><font size=3D5 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Cultivating
your cultivation techniques</span></font></b></span><b><font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black;font-weight:bold'><br>
</span></font></b><span class=3Dbreakhead1><b><font size=3D4 =
color=3D"#669900"
face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;color:#669900'>Keeping =
your weeds
in check means keeping your tools honed, your eye on the fields and =
some
new tricks up your sleeve.</span></font></b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>By
Jeff Moyer, The Rodale Institute=AE Farm Manager<br>
<em><i><font face=3D"Times New Roman">Posted June 8, =
2006</font></i></em><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height=3D20 style=3D'height:15.0pt'>
<td width=3D508 colspan=3D3 height=3D20 =
style=3D'width:381.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:15.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img width=3D525 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1029"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height=3D2184 style=3D'height:1638.35pt'>
<td width=3D3 height=3D2184 valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'width:2.2pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:1638.35pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D10 height=3D2184 style=3D'width:7.6pt;padding:0in 0in =
0in 0in;
height:1638.35pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img width=3D10 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1030"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D496 height=3D2184 valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'width:371.7pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:1638.35pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>By now most of you, like us here at the =
Institute
farm, have your crops pretty well planted, first-cutting hay is =
almost
done, and it’s time to get back to the dreaded task of =
managing
weeds. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Our
corn is up, and everything is lookin’ good. But for how long?
We’ve used both a rotary hoe and a tine weeder on our crops =
for
“blind cultivation,” and that seems to have done a =
decent job.
There are some small weeds poking through that are already too large =
for
the hoe or weeder to get. That’s where the cultivator comes =
in.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>You
really need to be out there checking your crops and monitoring the =
weed
pressure on a daily basis. Things change quickly this time of year. =
A quick
look over the fence at my garden at home clearly points that out. It =
seems
like I went from no weeds one day to a real mess a few days later.
Fortunately that’s at home, not here at the =
Institute.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Generally
speaking, if you wait until you see weeds, the first flush has =
already
“beaten you to the punch.” Rotary hoes and tine weeders =
work on
weeds that are in the white root stage. This is when you can lightly =
dig
around in the soil with a pen knife and see those white hair like =
seedlings
of weeds but before they are well rooted with green =
tops.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>We
are just beginning our cultivation of row crops as this article is =
being
written, so it is far too early to tell you how it is all going to =
turn
out. But there are some basic things to keep in mind as you begin =
your weed
management strategy. First is to realize that cultivating weeds is =
more art
than science. You can’t just set up the equipment and go from =
field
to field or crop to crop. Fine tuning the equipment is very =
important. Keep
in mind that any weeds that escape each pass have a better and =
better
chance to be there at the end of the =
season.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>As
the season progresses, spend some time assessing the successes and =
failures
of your strategy, your timing and your equipment setup. Make some =
notes for
next year—write-‘em down or you’ll forget. This =
way, each
year you’ll improve upon the success rate as you gain =
experience.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Don’t
expect perfection but work toward it. You’re bound to make =
mistakes.
You’ll miss some weeds, tear out some crop, work in soil =
that’s
too wet or too dry or maybe invent a mistake I haven’t even =
thought
of yet. That’s all part of the process of learning. The goal =
should
be to strive toward perfect weed control but to be realistic in what =
we can
do.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Replace
worn parts. Yes, those shovels that are worn down to the shank, =
those
spoons on the old rotary hoe, or the discs that are only 8 inches =
around
instead of 12 inches. You can’t expect worn-out tools to do a =
proper
job. That’s not to say that older equipment won’t work, =
just
that you need to replace those worn parts of the tool that work in =
the
soil. Sweeps need to be the right width to cover the surface area or =
work
to the proper depth. This will be money well spent. I had a fellow =
tell me
that rotary hoes don’t work on his farm, and when we took a =
look at
what he was using it was shot. All the spoons were worn down to =
posts.
There was no way this tool could properly remove weeds. Once the hoe =
was
rebuilt, he said he didn’t know it could work so =
well.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>And
last but not least, don’t be afraid to innovate. Change your =
tools.
Try different sweeps, switch to a curved knife, or try a spider =
wheel where
a disc once was used. The folks I know who are the best cultivators =
are the
ones who are always trying to improve the equipment and time things =
just a
little bit better. If the new changes aren’t working, go back =
to what
did or try another improvement. Check on what other folks are doing =
but
keep in mind what works for them may not be the best tool for you. =
You may
have different soil, different crops, different weeds or even just
different likes. The thing is to be creative and open to trying =
something
new. But don’t throw out what works in the =
process.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>.<em><i><font
color=3D"#006600" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'color:#006600'>From One
Farm to Another</span></font></i></em><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><em><i><font size=3D3 color=3D"#006600" face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#006600'>Jeff</span></font></i></em><o:p>=
</o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height=3D36 style=3D'height:27.0pt'>
<td width=3D1 height=3D36 valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'width:1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:27.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img width=3D1 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1026"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D619 height=3D36 valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'width:463.95pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:27.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D172 height=3D36 valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'width:128.7pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:27.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img width=3D171 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1027"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
<td width=3D1 height=3D36 valign=3Dtop =
style=3D'width:1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;
height:27.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><img width=3D1 height=3D10 =
id=3D"_x0000_i1028"
=
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><b><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Organic
Power Struggle: Are factory farms flattening family =
farms?</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>by Amy Bell <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Organic agriculture was first introduced in <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State
w:st=3D"on">California</st1:State></st1:place> more than 30 years ago =
as farmers
sought out methods to produce food in more ecologically friendly ways. =
For many
quiet years following the birth of organic agriculture, farmers and =
consumers
alike associated the word "organic" with tiny independent =
farms.
Typically family-owned and operated, organic farms would distribute =
their
products to small specialty stores. These small operations never =
imagined that
by the 1990s, organic would become a household =
name.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Times They Are =
A-Changin'</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>The organic landscape has undergone a significant transformation =
over
the past few years, forever changing the public's perception of the =
label
organic. As an increasing number of large corporations crank out mass =
amounts
of organic products, the word organic is becoming less and less =
synonymous with
the words "small" or "homegrown." =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Organic products, particularly dairy and bagged salads, can now =
be
found sprinkled throughout aisles in most major grocery store chains. In =
her
book titled, "Agrarian Dreams: The Paradox of Organic Farming in =
<st1:State
w:st=3D"on">California</st1:State><i><span =
style=3D'font-style:italic'>"</span></i>
(<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Berkeley</st1:City></st1:place>: UC
Press, 2004), Julie Guthman calls this new trend the
"Wal-Martization" of organic =
products.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>The Earthbound =
Factor</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Some attribute major changes in the industry to enormous organic =
operations
like <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Earthbound Farm. =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Organic</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">Valley</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, founded in 1988, is =
comprised of
741 farms across the country and sells over $150 million worth of =
organic milk,
cheese, butter and other products each year. Then there's Earthbound =
Farm, famous
for pioneering the prewashed bagged greens concept. Earthbound is now =
the
leading organic company in the ready-to-eat bagged produce race--a =
business
that grosses over $2.8 billion each year in the combined organic and =
nonorganic
markets. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Bob Stowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming =
Research
Foundation, told the Associated Press (AP) that Earthbound "changed =
the
organic game." He said, "You used to only be able to get fresh
organic products in small stores supplied by an independent farmer. =
Earthbound
ships trainloads and planeloads."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Surprisingly enough, Earthbound initially started off as a =
small,
family-run operation. Fresh out of college, <st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Myra</st1:City>
and Drew Goodman moved from <st1:City w:st=3D"on">New York =
City</st1:City> to <st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Carmel Valley</st1:City>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Calif.</st1:State></st1:place>
in 1986. The financially strained couple was searching for an affordable =
place
to live when they came across an interesting opportunity--they were =
offered a
chance to restore a 2 =BD acre farm in exchange for free rent and =
whatever
produce they grew.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>There were many days when <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Myra</st1:City></st1:place>
and Drew came in from work too exhausted to cook. That's when the couple
started bagging lettuce for a fast, healthy dinner. They soon realized =
that the
bagged produce could potentially be a great product for consumers. They =
started
selling their bagged greens to specialty food stores, and shortly =
thereafter
had to contract outside organic farmers to meet the incredible demand =
for their
products. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Although most well-known grocery stores were hesitant to take on
organic products in the 1990s, Costco took a chance with <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City
w:st=3D"on">Myra</st1:City></st1:place> and Drew's organic bagged =
greens.
Shortly after Costco started selling Earthbound's bagged salads in 1993, =
other
large chains began to sign them on as well. <br>
<br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Myra</st1:City></st1:place> =
told the
AP, "Until that time, we were really just a large boutique =
farm." Earthbound
now grows more than 100 different types of fruits and vegetables on =
26,000
acres of farms throughout the West. They contract growers from =
<st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Washington</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
to <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Arizona</st1:State></st1:place>
and deliver their products to stores throughout the nation. In 2005,
Earthbound's income skyrocketed to $365 million--an incredible jump from =
their
$13 million earnings in 1995.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Drew said, "We built our business little by little to meet =
a
demand and didn't realize it was a big business until it had already =
happened.
Growing organic has paid off."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Playing the Blame =
Game</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Despite the tremendous attention Earthbound has attracted to =
organic
products, some critics blame the company, along with other large organic
operations, for crushing the business of small organic farms. Many =
smaller
family-run organic farms simply cannot keep up with the incredible =
production
pace of these huge, multifarm organizations. Liz Bourret, a buyer with =
an
organic produce distributor called Veritable Vegetable, told the AP that
smaller organic growers aren't necessarily being pushed out of the =
business.
However, because they are being forced to adapt to the environment, =
these
growers are moving away from the increasingly popular organic products, =
such as
lettuce, and focusing more on specialty organic =
crops.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>In her book, which serves as a comprehensive study of <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State
w:st=3D"on">California</st1:State></st1:place> organic farming,<span
style=3D'background:aqua'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Guthman says that organic agriculture has transformed from a
small-scale family-run market to "industrial" agriculture. =
Guthman
says that the organic industry is definitely facing major changes as a =
result
of large corporations buying out smaller organic farms. She explains =
that this
issue is much more than "big versus small or good guys versus bad =
guys. I
call it a trilemma because it's about what growers need, what consumers =
need
and what workers need."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Guthman also points out that much of the organic industry's =
growth has
"come from within." She says, "There's a widespread
misconception that big corporate interests took over the organic
industry." Guthman says that on the contrary, large operations like
Earthbound Farm recruited producers from outside the organic industry to =
grow
for them because "they wanted more professionalism than what the
visionaries of the 1970s were able to =
provide."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Big versus Small? =
</span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Although many organic industry players don't believe this is a =
game of
big guys versus little guys, a recent rumble in the industry seems to =
prove
otherwise. In this heated controversy, the Organic Trade Association =
(OTA) and
the Cornucopia Institute, an agricultural policy research group that =
supports
independent family scale farmers, duked it out over the release of a =
Cornucopia
report. In the report, Cornucopia rates organic dairy brands determined =
by each
operation's level of ethical organic practices. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Based on a survey the group sent out to organic dairy farmers,
Cornucopia says their report "is a by-product of a five-year =
controversy
that has been smoldering within the organic industry." The group =
accuses
the OTA of conducting "backroom dealings" that have decreased =
federal
regulations of organic dairy farms, giving large corporations in the =
industry
an upper hand. Cornucopia also claims that some of the nation's biggest =
organic
dairies are violating federal organic regulations, alleging that some of =
these
large-scale operations are housing their livestock in indoor lots =
without
access to pasture. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Helen Keyes, a Cornucopia board member, says that the USDA has =
done
nothing to "clamp down on these factory farms" despite =
countless
requests from organic farmers and consumers. In response to Cornucopia's
accusations, the USDA released the following statement: "<font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>Cornucopia's initial =
allegations were
found to be without substance in light of the National Organic Program =
pasture
regulations as they are currently written."</span></font> =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Urging the Cornucopia Institute not to publish the report, the =
OTA said
that such a rating system could "sow the seed of distrust in =
organic
farming," causing a permanent rift in the organic farming industry. =
The
OTA also says that Cornucopia took a "non-scientific approach" =
to the
report by attempting to threaten dairy operations. The OTA is referring =
to a
statement that appeared in the cover letter of Cornucopia's survey, =
which was
distributed to organic dairy farmers throughout the country. In the =
letter Cornucopia
wrote that any farm that did not participate in the survey risked =
"having
its credibility tainted." <font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>The
OTA released a statement saying, "This type of threat is counter to =
good
research practice, and renders the results invalid. Furthermore, such =
tactics
do not serve the interests of customers, the organic community or =
farmers
themselves." </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Cornucopia fired back by accusing the OTA of pursuing a =
"campaign
of intimidation" against them. Despite the OTA's pleas, Cornucopia
released their report, titled "<font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>Maintaining
the Integrity of Organic Milk,"</span></font> in March 2006. =
Following the
release, Mark Kastel, <font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>Cornucopia's
senior farm policy analyst and the primary writer of the report, said,
"Our report and the accompanying dairy brands scorecard will =
empower
consumers and wholesale buyers who want to invest their food dollars to =
protect
hard-working family farmers who are in danger of being washed off the =
land by a
tidal wave of organic milk from these factory =
mega-farms."</span></font> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>In the report <font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>Cornucopia
issued a substandard rating to nearly 20 percent of the organic dairy =
name
brands that can now be found in grocery stores.</span></font> <font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>Some large organic operations =
are already
fighting back in response to Corncucopia's controversial report. The =
country's
largest milk bottler, Dean Foods, which oversees Horizon Organic =
products, is
allegedly pulling together its employees and farmers to rally against
Cornucopia. </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Although this controversy certainly appears to be a conflict =
between
small independently owned farms and giant corporate organic operations, =
the
Cornucopia Institute claims that it's an issue of ethics. <font =
color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'>Kastel </span></font>told FoodNavigator-USA.com, =
"This
is not a debate of small farmers versus big farmers. It's ethical =
farmers
versus farmers that are willing to compensate the ethics of organic
farming." Regardless of whether or not this is a case of family =
versus
factory farms, there is no doubt that the organic industry is currently =
caught
up in a turbulent sea of conflict and =
change<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Amy Bell is a =
freelance
writer in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">DeWitt</st1:City>, <st1:State
w:st=3D"on">Mich.</st1:State></st1:place> Visit her Web site at <a
href=3D"http://www.writepunch.com/" =
target=3D"_blank">www.writepunch.com</a> or
e-mail her at <a =
href=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</a>. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><b><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Are you seeking volunteers =
to work on
your farm and gain hands-on experience and glean from your wisdom and =
methods?</span></font></b>=A0
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Here is a
web site that offers organic farmers a place to list such an =
opportunity, FREE.
<font color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>This is a project of the =
Ecological
Farming Foundation</span><o:p></o:p></font></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>World
Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (<font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>WWOOF)-<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place> is
part of a world-wide effort to link volunteers with organic farmers, =
promote an
educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of =
ecological
farming practices.=A0 </span><o:p></o:p></font></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><a
href=3D"http://www.wwoofusa.org./host.html">http://www.wwoofusa.org./host=
.html</a>=A0
is the site to become a host farm. The only cost is $5.00 to list your
farm’s description in the directory.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-left:solid =
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 0in 9.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>MIFFS offers a =BD =
position<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Michigan
Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) an East-Lansing based nonprofit =
organization,
needs to fill a half-time administrative assistant position. A =
position
announcement is attached. If you know of someone with the =
necessary
skills and an interest in sustainable food and farming systems, please
encourage him/her to apply. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>See
MIFFS web site <a =
href=3D"http://www.miffs.org/">http://www.MIFFS.org</a> for
more info and details<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border-top:none;border-left:solid =
#CCCCCC 1.0pt;
border-bottom:dotted windowtext 3.0pt;border-right:none;padding:0in 0in =
1.0pt 9.0pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:25.0pt'><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on"><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#07376e" face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#07376E;font-weight:bold'>U.S.</span></fo=
nt></b></st1:country-region></st1:place><b><font
color=3D"#07376e"><span style=3D'color:#07376E;font-weight:bold'> News =
and Best
Health<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:25.0pt'><b><font size=3D3 =
color=3D"#07376e"
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#07376E;font-weight:
bold'>The Green Invasion<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:25.0pt'><b><font size=3D3 =
color=3D"#07376e"
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#07376E;font-weight:
bold'><a
href=3D"http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/060612/12organic.htm=
">http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/060612/12organic.htm</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:12.0pt'><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#666666"
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#666666;font-weight:
bold'>By Betsy Querna<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p style=3D'line-height:12.0pt'><b><font size=3D3 color=3D"#666666"
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#666666;font-weight:
bold'>6/12/06<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Grocery =
shoppers across <st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place>
have been witnessing a subtle but revolutionary change on store shelves.
Organic products are popping up in the cereal aisle, amid rows of canned =
goods,
and beside bottles of salad dressing. Though organic food has been =
around for
decades, it used to be found mainly in specialty stores like Whole Foods =
or
confined to a tiny corner in the produce =
section.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Today, most =
grocery
stores stock big organic brands like Earthbound Farm. Wal-Mart plans to =
double
its organic offerings this summer in some stores, and grocers like =
SuperValu
and Safeway recently unveiled organic house brands. Major food companies =
have
grabbed up organic brands. General Mills, for example, owns the organic =
brands
Cascadian Farm and Muir Glen. Some food producers are even rolling out =
organic
versions of existing products. You can now fill your cart with Ragu =
organic
pasta sauce, Snyder's organic pretzels, Orville Redenbacher's organic =
butter
popcorn, and later this summer, organic Kraft macaroni and cheese. =
"With
Wal-Mart in the game and Safeway and just about everyone else, organic =
is at a
tipping point," says Samuel Fromartz, author of the new book =
<i><span
style=3D'font-style:italic'>Organic, Inc</span></i>. "It's really =
gone
mainstream."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Getting
specific.</span></font></b> With so many more choices, consumers may =
wonder
what they're really getting when they buy this newfangled organic food. =
Though
the organic label is often perceived as synonymous with healthful, =
virtuous, or
just plain better, organic has a specific definition, set in 2000 by the =
U.S.
Department of Agriculture after years of varying standards muddled its =
meaning.
In a nutshell, organic produce cannot be grown with pesticides or most
synthetic fertilizers, while animals must not be injected with =
antibiotics or
growth hormones. Organic farms undergo a rigorous certification process =
and are
inspected for compliance by an independent agent.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>To earn the =
"100
percent organic" label under the USDA system, a food must contain =
only
organically produced ingredients. Next in line is "organic," =
in which
at least 95 percent of the ingredients must be organic. The other 5 =
percent
must be an approved ingredient. Those are mostly preservatives, =
thickeners, or
other things such as baking soda and spices. Here and with "100 =
percent
organic" foods, consumers may also spot the USDA seal. Products =
that have
at least 70 percent organic ingredients can sport the term "made =
with
organic ingredients." Any less and the food gets no boasting rights =
beyond
noting the organic elements in the list of ingredients. (In some cases, =
you will
see a certifying agent seal. More details are at <i><span =
style=3D'font-style:
italic'>www.ams.usda.gov/nop.</span></i>) <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Got that? It's =
a
mouthful, so to speak, and consumers often think that the organic label =
means
so much more. "It's confusing because the organic certification is =
a
process certification, not a product certification," says =
<st1:PersonName
w:st=3D"on">Mike Hamm</st1:PersonName>, professor of sustainable =
agriculture at <st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.
"It says nothing about the quality of the product, its freshness, =
or its
nutritional value."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>What consumers =
should do,
experts say, is carefully consider each organic purchase. There may be =
no
reason to buy an organic version of a favorite food when its =
conventional
counterpart is little or no different and most likely cheaper. On =
average,
organic food costs 30 to 50 percent more than conventional food. Heinz's
Classico pasta sauce usually sells for about $3; the organic version is =
a
dollar more. Many expect the new players, especially Wal-Mart, to prompt =
a
marketwide price drop. The retailing behemoth has said its organic =
products
will cost only 10 percent more than its nonorganic products. What's =
more,
shoppers need to keep in mind that the jury is still out on whether =
organic
food is more nutritious or safer. For years, scientists have been =
fiercely
debating the health benefits of organic food, and studies so far have =
been
small and equivocal.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>While organic =
fruits and
vegetables do usually have fewer pesticides than their conventional =
cousins,
there is no consensus on how harmful those pesticides are to humans. =
Joseph
Rosen, a professor of food science at <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Rutgers</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>
who has been studying pesticides for more than 40 years, contends that =
the
amount of pesticides on produce is too small to hurt and that the liver
efficiently flushes them out. Other experts dispute that notion, and =
some shoppers
don't want to take the risk. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Choosy
buyers.</span></font></b> Pesticides may be more of a concern for =
children
because their small bodies are less able to metabolize pesticides--and =
they
ingest more food per pound of body weight than adults, according to a =
1993 National
Academy of Sciences report. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician at Mount =
Sinai
School of Medicine who chaired the report committee, advises parents to =
go
organic on the fruits and vegetables their kids consume a lot. =
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>To reduce =
potential
exposure to pesticides without breaking the bank, consumers should =
become
choosy fruit buyers. A 2003 Environmental Working Group study that =
looked at
USDA pesticide data from more than 100,000 pieces of produce found that =
those
with the most pesticides include strawberries, peaches, nectarines, bell
peppers, and spinach. Because of the way they are grown or their =
heartiness,
conventional broccoli, asparagus, mangos, and bananas are less likely to =
have
pesticides. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Recently, =
several small
studies have shown that organic fruits and vegetables might also have =
higher
amounts of protective antioxidants. The thinking: Without pesticides, =
the plant
must rely on its own defenses to shoo away bugs; one way it does this is =
to
make more antioxidants. Still, it's only a hypothesis. "I wouldn't =
tell my
mom or neighbor to go buy organic because it has more =
antioxidants," says
Kathleen Merrigan, director of the agriculture, food, and environment =
program
at <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Tufts</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and an author of the =
USDA
organic standards rule. "I would tell them to buy it because it has =
fewer
pesticides."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>In the dairy =
case,
organic milk gained popularity in the early 1990s when many big dairies =
began
using the controversial recombinant bovine growth hormone to help =
increase a
cow's milk production. Some groups say it can increase the risk of =
certain
cancers or contribute to the early onset of puberty in girls, though the =
Food
and Drug Administration found no human health issues--nor did a Canadian =
panel
that examined the hormone in the late 1990s. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><b><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Space to
roam.</span></font></b> While health concerns motivate many buyers, =
others
prefer organic milk for more humanitarian reasons. Many organic milk =
producers
are small farmers, and their cows are often given more space to roam =
than cows
at large dairies. In fact, major organic dairy producers such as Horizon =
have
come under much criticism for their pasture size. On an <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Idaho</st1:place></st1:State> farm that's taken the brunt, =
the cows
"are very comfortable," says Kelly Shea, a Horizon vice =
president.
"They have a nice life." Shea adds that the company is now =
converting
more land to organic there so the cows can have more room and increase =
their
grass consumption. The USDA is currently seeking comments on a rule that =
would
nail down the amount of pasture required for these cows. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>On =
conventional farms,
animals are routinely given hormones and antibiotics, which could be =
passed on
to your dinner plate. Though there is no scientific consensus about =
whether
these substances cause health problems, shoppers who want to avoid them =
can
look for other phrases on meat packages. "You are not necessarily =
going to
see the organic label," says Keecha Harris, a national nutrition
consultant for the Head Start program. "You are going to see how =
the
animal is raised." Beef that is marked "pasture-raised," =
for
example, means the cow grazed on grass, and "free-range" =
denotes
chickens that aren't confined to small cages. Or the package of pork =
chops
might state that no growth hormones or antibiotics were used or that the =
pig
was fed an all-vegetable diet. Some stores, such as Whole Foods, set =
their own
guidelines for the meat they buy, and thus the packages may not be =
labeled. The
best way to figure it out: Ask the butcher.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>These days, =
the biggest
organic explosion is in the middle of the store, where the cereals, =
frozen
foods, and processed packaged goods are sold. Experts urge shoppers to =
remember
that the organic label means one thing and one thing only. So the corn =
in
Orville Redenbacher's organic microwave popcorn comes from an organic =
farm;
Heinz's organic ketchup uses organic tomato concentrate and organic =
sugar.
Shoppers still need to flip over those jars and packages and scrutinize =
the
nutrition facts, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian with =
<st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Northwestern</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Memorial</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">Hospital</st1:PlaceType> in <st1:City =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:City>. Organic food and regular =
food should
be viewed with the same skepticism when it comes to calories and fat. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'line-height:14.0pt'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Take Whole =
Foods organic
chocolate truffles made with organic cocoa beans, organic vegetable oil, =
and
organic cane sugar. With just three candies packing more than half of =
the daily
allowance of fat, they're not exactly a health food. But, "they =
taste
pretty good," says Fromartz. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'line-height:14.0pt;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>In =
the end, nearly
everyone--even the most ardent organic fans--recommends that a =
consumer's first
goal be a nutritionally balanced diet. Then the organic decision comes =
into
play. "What people should be doing is getting more fruits and =
vegetables
regardless of whether they're conventional or organic," says =
Harris.
"A cheese puff is a cheese puff is a cheese =
puff."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:PersonName w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki
Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Michigan</span></font></st1:PlaceN=
ame><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
Bldg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>East
Lansing</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
(cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
(fax)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id=3D"_x0000_t75" =
coordsize=3D"21600,21600"=20
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------_=_NextPart_002_01C6918C.17D61BF9--
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:31:15 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: part 3 of 3
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="----_=_NextPart_002_01C6918C.20DC666C"
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=20
WS, BAnts take the bait for less toxic solution
Farm Press, Western Edition=20
http://westernfarmpress.com/news/060806-ants-low-toxic/=20
Jun 8, 2006 6:14 AM
Organic citrus growers can use low-toxic ant control measures to rid
their groves of pesky Argentine ants, according to a study funded by the
UC Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program. After one week
of using baits, ants were reduced by about 50 percent and after two
weeks, by about 70 percent.=20
=20
In their study, Les Greenberg, entomology specialist, John Klotz,
University of California Cooperative Extension urban entomologist, and
Michael Rust, entomologist, all from UC Riverside, demonstrated a
reduction in Argentine ants in an organic citrus grove using ant bait
stations containing liquid toxicants.=20
"We used a commercially available liquid bait with a borate toxicant to
reduce season-long ant population densities," says Greenberg. "Our
results indicate that small amounts of relatively non-toxic
insecticides, delivered in a sugar-bait, can reduce ants."=20
Argentine ants are probably the most prevalent of the ant species in
California agriculture and urban environments. The small, deep brown
insects travel in trails on trees, the ground, or irrigation lines and
build their nests underground. Ant populations peak in midsummer and
early fall.=20
The ants feed on honeydew excreted by soft scales, mealybugs, cottony
cushion scales, whiteflies and aphids. As part of this relationship,
they also protect these insects from their natural enemies, thus
interrupting biological control of the honeydew-producing pests.=20
No effective natural enemies of the Argentine ant are known. Cultural
controls, including the use of sticky materials applied to tree trunks,
are acceptable for use in organically managed citrus groves.=20
Greenberg, Klotz and Rust recommend that growers monitor their orchards
in spring when honeydew-producing insects, such as aphids, appear. Check
the abdomen of ants descending the tree trunks to see if they are
swollen and translucent. This identifies them as honeydew-collecting
species. Growers should periodically inspect for ants and bark damage
under the trunk wraps of several young trees. For the most effective and
economical ant control, begin treatments when ants become active in the
spring following the winter rains.=20
The UC EDRP targets research on exotic pests and diseases in California.
The program aims not only to improve our knowledge and management of
pests that are already here, but also to reduce the potential impact of
those pests and diseases that pose a threat to the state. The program is
collaboration between the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management
Program and the UC Riverside Center for Invasive Species Research. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research Education and
Extension Service, funds the program.=20
******************************************************************
Vegetable Pest Status Report June 15, 2006
By John Mishanec, IPM Vegetable Program
General Conditions
Drier conditions are allowing growers out into the fields and get some
work done. Transplants are going in everywhere. Growers are generally
way behind everywhere. With all the rain in the previous couple weeks,
fertilizer that was put down earlier in the season is long gone. Crops
that have been out for a while should have a side-dressing of fertilizer
when you find the time.
Potatoes
There are lots of colorado potato beetles (CPB) out there on the crops
laying eggs. So far, we have seen a few hatching but mostly just eggs
are on the plants. With the hot weather this coming weekend, expect to
see lots of eggs hatching and lots of little larvae on the plants. If
you are an organic grower, this is an important time of the summer. The
only and best time to control CPB larvae is just after the eggs hatch.
Bt's will only work on the first and second stages of larvae growth.
The larvae go through four stages of growth before they become adults.
Go out and scout your fields for eggs. They are easy to spot, bright
yellow in color. Look on the undersides of the leaves. If you find
they haven't hatched yet, flag 5 or 6 egg masses and then keep and eye
on them. The conventional recommendation is to wait till 20% of the
eggs hatch but if you see any hatching, you can assume there are at
least 20% hatching. This is the time to make the Bt application. If you
wait, and the larvae get big, than you will be fighting them all summer.
Also, make sure you have a fungicide application protecting your potato
plants. Organic growers have limited options but copper is probably the
best choice. When you scout your fields look for low spots where there
is still water standing or along tree lines. Anywhere there is humidity
staying on, those are places where late blight can come in.=20
Sweet Corn
While the flight of european corn borer (ECB) continues, corn plants are
beginning to show some signs of growing. Plants are yellowish and need
side-dressing. If you have bare ground sweet corn, it is still a little
early to start looking for ECB damage in your fields. Also, spraying at
this time to control the ECB larvae is totally a waste of time and
money. You have lots better things to do. Occasionally we are seeing
some armyworms causing damage on a couple plants here and there. No
need to worry. If they are still there when it is time to spray for
ECB, you will control them. Seeing a fair amount of damage on row cover
or plastic corn. With the continued flight, you may want to consider
another insecticide application. Adults are still laying eggs and even
if you made an application earlier, it may be necessary again as long as
the flight is continuing. This is a very odd year for ECB. Normally,
the flight is over with within a week or 10 days. This year, with the
cool, wet weather the flight is continuing and eggs are still being
deposited.
Vine Crops
Anywhere there is flooding in the field, you should consider disking a
ring around the area. You don't want to have phytophthora come into a
crop. Most growers have experienced phytophthora in the past and with
all the flooding this spring and early summer, it is a problem best
avoiding now.=20
Also, there are cucumber beetles to be found in most vine crops. It is
hard to control them if you didn't treat the plants with Admire at
planting. Again, with the warm weather we are expecting this weekend
there will be lots of beetles out. Be careful of bees so you should
wait till late in the day when the bees are not flying to make
treatments against cucumber beetle.=20
Tomatoes
Keep a sharp eye on your tomatoes. There is still a chance we will see
late blight showing up. I am on a network of university people all over
the north-east, looking for late blight. So far, no one has reported it
and let's hope it doesn't show up.=20
Cornell Recommends
The online version of the 2005 Integrated Crop and Pest Management
Guidelines for Vegetables is now available at
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/recommends/
--=20
John Mishanec
Area Vegetable IPM Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension
90 State Street
6th Floor, Suite 600
Albany, New York 12207
Phone 518-434-0016
Fax 518-426-3316
E-mail [log in to unmask]
NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH
HORMONE=20
=20
The largest retailers and distributors of milk and dairy products in the
U.S. are considering eliminating rBGH from their products. According to
the trade journal Dairy Food and Market Analyst, Wal-Mart and Dean Foods
have begun pressing suppliers for a larger supply of milk produced
without rBGH, in response to increasing consumer demand. The synthetic
hormone rBGH is a genetically engineered drug designed to make dairy
cows produce more milk. The controversial hormone has been banned in
Europe and Canada due to its links to increased risks for cancer and
antibiotic resistance. Despite these bans, 18% of U.S. dairy cows,
especially those on factory-style farms, continue to be injected with
the drug. Over the past few years, millions of consumers have switched
to milk and dairy products from organic farms, which ban the use of rBGH
and antibiotics. Starbucks, by the way, is still serving up coffee
drinks across the country that are laced with rBGH--another good reason
to patronize local independently owned coffee shops that offer organic
and Fair Trade alternatives. =20
Learn more:=20
http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ax242x321=
7
238&
<http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ax242x32=
1
7238&>=20
=20
SOME MAJOR U.S. DAIRIES ELIMINATING rBGH OVER THE PAST YEAR
=20
April, 2005 - Tillamook's cheeses: The second largest producer of block
cheese in the U.S. =20
June, 2005 - Eberhard Dairy: Central Oregon's largest dairy processing
plant.=20
Nov., 2005 - Alpenrose Dairy in Portland Feb. 2006 - Darigold's yogurts:
A large western U.S. dairy. =20
June 2006 - Garelick: A large East Coast dairy processor, producing 45
million lbs. of milk per month. =20
June 2006 - Meadow Gold and Darigold Farms: Montana's largest milk
producers.=20
=20
WEST MICHIGAN CRAFT PROGRAM
CRAFT =3D COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL ALLIANCE FOR FARMER TRAINING
=20
TUESDAY, JUNE 20
=20
Please join us for this opportunity to learn about and experience the
application of biodynamic agriculture...
=20
BIODYNAMIC PREPARATION 500 APPLICATION LEARNING AND PRACTICE
OPPORTUNITY
6pm - 8:30 pm
Bob Johnson Farm 12035 Fruit Ridge Ave. (between 14 & 15 Mile - north of
Grand Rapids)
Contact: Paul and Nancy Keisers - 2757 Hayes Ave. in Marne
(616) 677-6176=20
PLEASE CALL TO GET INFORMATION IF YOU ARE COMING
=20
END
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<body bgcolor=3Dwhite background=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" =
lang=3DEN-US
link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple =
style=3D'margin-left:11.25pt;margin-top:18.75pt'>
<img src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"
v:src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" v:shapes=3D"_x0000_Mail" =
width=3D0
height=3D0 class=3Dshape style=3D'display:none;width:0;height:0'>
<div class=3DSection1>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Dtext1><font size=3D3 color=3Dwhite =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>WS, B</span></font></span><span =
class=3Dstorytitle1><b><font
size=3D4 color=3D"#000066" face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt'>Ants take
the bait for less toxic solution</span></font></b></span><font =
color=3D"#333333"><span
style=3D'color:#333333'><br>
<br>
Farm Press, Western Edition <a
href=3D"http://westernfarmpress.com/news/060806-ants-low-toxic/">http://w=
esternfarmpress.com/news/060806-ants-low-toxic/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Ditals1><i><font size=3D1 =
color=3D"#333333"
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt'>Jun 8, 2006 =
6:14 AM</span></font></i></span><i><span
style=3D'font-style:italic'><br>
</span></i><br>
Organic citrus growers can use low-toxic ant control measures to rid =
their
groves of pesky Argentine ants, according to a study funded by the UC
Exotic/Invasive Pests and Diseases Research Program. After one week of =
using baits,
ants were reduced by about 50 percent and after two weeks, by about 70 =
percent.
<font color=3Dwhite><span =
style=3D'color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<table class=3DMsoNormalTable border=3D0 cellspacing=3D0 cellpadding=3D0 =
align=3Dright>
<tr>
<td style=3D'padding:3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt 3.75pt'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'mso-element:frame'><font size=3D3 =
color=3D"#333333"
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></font><=
/p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>In their study, Les Greenberg, entomology =
specialist,
John Klotz, <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType>
of <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">California Cooperative =
Extension</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>
urban entomologist, and Michael Rust, entomologist, all from UC =
Riverside,
demonstrated a reduction in Argentine ants in an organic citrus grove =
using ant
bait stations containing liquid toxicants. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>“We used a commercially available liquid =
bait with
a borate toxicant to reduce season-long ant population densities,” =
says
Greenberg. “Our results indicate that small amounts of relatively
non-toxic insecticides, delivered in a sugar-bait, can reduce =
ants.” <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>Argentine ants are probably the most prevalent of =
the ant
species in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">California</st1:State></st1:place>
agriculture and urban environments. The small, deep brown insects travel =
in
trails on trees, the ground, or irrigation lines and build their nests
underground. Ant populations peak in midsummer and early fall. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>The ants feed on honeydew excreted by soft scales,
mealybugs, cottony cushion scales, whiteflies and aphids. As part of =
this
relationship, they also protect these insects from their natural =
enemies, thus
interrupting biological control of the honeydew-producing pests. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>No effective natural enemies of the Argentine ant =
are
known. Cultural controls, including the use of sticky materials applied =
to tree
trunks, are acceptable for use in organically managed citrus groves. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>Greenberg, Klotz and Rust recommend that growers =
monitor
their orchards in spring when honeydew-producing insects, such as =
aphids,
appear. Check the abdomen of ants descending the tree trunks to see if =
they are
swollen and translucent. This identifies them as honeydew-collecting =
species.
Growers should periodically inspect for ants and bark damage under the =
trunk wraps
of several young trees. For the most effective and economical ant =
control,
begin treatments when ants become active in the spring following the =
winter
rains. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;color:#333333'>The UC EDRP targets research on exotic pests and =
diseases
in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">California</st1:State></st1:place>.
The program aims not only to improve our knowledge and management of =
pests that
are already here, but also to reduce the potential impact of those pests =
and
diseases that pose a threat to the state. The program is collaboration =
between
the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program and the UC Riverside =
Center
for Invasive Species Research. U.S. Department of Agriculture, =
Cooperative
State Research Education and Extension Service, funds the program. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3D"#333333" face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:#333333'>********************************=
**********************************<br>
</span></font><b><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;font-weight:bold'>Vegetable
<st1:place w:st=3D"on">Pest</st1:place> Status Report June 15, 2006<br>
</span></font></b><font color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>By =
John Mishanec,
IPM Vegetable Program<br>
<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>General Conditions<br>
</span></b>Drier conditions are allowing growers out into the fields and =
get
some work done. Transplants are going in everywhere. Growers =
are
generally way behind everywhere. With all the rain in the previous =
couple
weeks, fertilizer that was put down earlier in the season is long =
gone.
Crops that have been out for a while should have a side-dressing of =
fertilizer
when you find the time.<br>
<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Potatoes<br>
</span></b>There are lots of <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">colorado</st1:State></st1:place>
potato beetles (CPB) out there on the crops laying eggs. So far, =
we have
seen a few hatching but mostly just eggs are on the plants. With =
the hot
weather this coming weekend, expect to see lots of eggs hatching and =
lots of
little larvae on the plants. If you are an organic grower, this is =
an
important time of the summer. The only and best time to control =
CPB
larvae is just after the eggs hatch. Bt's will only work on the =
first and
second stages of larvae growth. The larvae go through four stages =
of
growth before they become adults. Go out and scout your fields for
eggs. They are easy to spot, bright yellow in color. Look on =
the
undersides of the leaves. If you find they haven't hatched yet, =
flag 5 or
6 egg masses and then keep and eye on them. The conventional
recommendation is to wait till 20% of the eggs hatch but if you see any
hatching, you can assume there are at least 20% hatching. This is =
the
time to make the Bt application. If you wait, and the larvae get big, =
than you will
be fighting them all summer.<br>
<br>
Also, make sure you have a fungicide application protecting your potato
plants. Organic growers have limited options but copper is =
probably the
best choice. When you scout your fields look for low spots where =
there is
still water standing or along tree lines. Anywhere there is =
humidity
staying on, those are places where late blight can come in. <br>
<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Sweet Corn<br>
</span></b>While the flight of european corn borer (ECB) continues, corn =
plants
are beginning to show some signs of growing. Plants are yellowish =
and
need side-dressing. If you have bare ground sweet corn, it is =
still a
little early to start looking for ECB damage in your fields. Also,
spraying at this time to control the ECB larvae is totally a waste of =
time and
money. You have lots better things to do. Occasionally we =
are
seeing some armyworms causing damage on a couple plants here and =
there.
No need to worry. If they are still there when it is time to spray =
for
ECB, you will control them. Seeing a fair amount of damage on row =
cover
or plastic corn. With the continued flight, you may want to =
consider
another insecticide application. Adults are still laying eggs and =
even if
you made an application earlier, it may be necessary again as long as =
the
flight is continuing. This is a very odd year for ECB.
Normally, the flight is over with within a week or 10 days. This =
year,
with the cool, wet weather the flight is continuing and eggs are still =
being
deposited.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Vine Crops<br>
</span></b>Anywhere there is flooding in the field, you should consider =
disking
a ring around the area. You don't want to have phytophthora come =
into a
crop. Most growers have experienced phytophthora in the past and =
with all
the flooding this spring and early summer, it is a problem best avoiding
now. <br>
<br>
Also, there are cucumber beetles to be found in most vine crops. =
It is
hard to control them if you didn't treat the plants with Admire at
planting. Again, with the warm weather we are expecting this =
weekend
there will be lots of beetles out. Be careful of bees so you =
should wait
till late in the day when the bees are not flying to make treatments =
against
cucumber beetle. <br>
<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Tomatoes<br>
</span></b>Keep a sharp eye on your tomatoes. There is still a =
chance we
will see late blight showing up. I am on a network of university =
people
all over the north-east, looking for late blight. So far, no one =
has
reported it and let's hope it doesn't show up. <br>
<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Cornell Recommends<br>
</span></b>The online version of the 2005 Integrated Crop and Pest =
Management
Guidelines for Vegetables is now available at =
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/recommends/</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<pre><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman"'>-- <o:p></o:p></span></font></pre>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>John =
Mishanec<br>
Area Vegetable IPM Educator<br>
Cornell Cooperative Extension<br>
<st1:Street w:st=3D"on"><st1:address w:st=3D"on">90 State =
Street</st1:address></st1:Street><br>
6th Floor, <st1:address w:st=3D"on"><st1:Street =
w:st=3D"on">Suite</st1:Street> 600</st1:address><br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Albany</st1:City>, =
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">New
York</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">12207</st1:PostalCode></st1:place><br>
Phone 518-434-0016<br>
Fax 518-426-3316<br>
E-mail [log in to unmask]<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>NATION'S
LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE <font
color=3Dwhite><span =
style=3D'color:white'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The largest =
retailers and
distributors of milk and dairy products in the <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> are considering =
eliminating
rBGH from their products. According to the trade journal Dairy Food and =
Market
Analyst, Wal-Mart and Dean Foods have begun pressing suppliers for a =
larger
supply of milk produced without rBGH, in response to increasing consumer
demand. The synthetic hormone rBGH is a genetically engineered drug =
designed to
make dairy cows produce more milk. The controversial hormone has been =
banned in
Europe and <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place>
due to its links to increased risks for cancer and antibiotic =
resistance.
Despite these bans, 18% of <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place>
dairy cows, especially those on factory-style farms, continue to be =
injected
with the drug. Over the past few years, millions of consumers have =
switched to
milk and dairy products from organic farms, which ban the use of rBGH =
and
antibiotics. Starbucks, by the way, is still serving up coffee drinks =
across
the country that are laced with rBGH--another good reason to patronize =
local
independently owned coffee shops that offer organic and Fair Trade
alternatives. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Learn =
more: <a
href=3D"http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1a=
x242x3217238&"><font
color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:windowtext'>http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?r=
ef=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ax242x3217238&</span></font></a><o:p></o:p></span><=
/font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>SOME MAJOR =
U.S. DAIRIES
ELIMINATING rBGH OVER THE PAST YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>April, 2005 - =
Tillamook's
cheeses: The second largest producer of block cheese in the <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>June, 2005 - =
Eberhard
Dairy: <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Central Oregon</st1:place>'s largest dairy
processing plant. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Nov., 2005 - =
Alpenrose
Dairy in <st1:City w:st=3D"on">Portland</st1:City> Feb. 2006 - =
Darigold's
yogurts: A large western <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place>
dairy. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>June 2006 - =
Garelick: A
large East Coast dairy processor, producing 45 million lbs. of milk per =
month.
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>June =
2006 - Meadow
Gold and Darigold Farms: <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Montana</st1:State></st1:place>'s
largest milk producers. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Dapple-style-span><b><u><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'><o:p><span
=
style=3D'text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></span></font></u></b><=
/span></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><span =
class=3Dapple-style-span><b><u><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>WEST
MICHIGAN</span></font></u></b></span></st1:place><span =
class=3Dapple-style-span><b><u><span
style=3D'font-weight:bold'> CRAFT =
PROGRAM</span></u></b></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>CRAFT =3D COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">ALLIANCE</st1:City></st1:place>
FOR FARMER TRAINING<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Dapple-style-span><u><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>TUESDAY, JUNE =
20</span></font></u></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Please join us for this opportunity to learn about and =
experience the
application of biodynamic agriculture...<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>BIODYNAMIC PREPARATION =
500
APPLICATION LEARNING AND PRACTICE <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">OPPORTUNITY</st1:place></span></font></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>6pm - 8:30 pm<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Bob Johnson Farm 12035 Fruit Ridge Ave. (between 14 & 15 =
Mile -
north of <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Grand =
Rapids</st1:City></st1:place>)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Contact: Paul and Nancy Keisers - <st1:Street =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:address
w:st=3D"on">2757 Hayes Ave.</st1:address></st1:Street> in <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Marne</st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>(616) 677-6176 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>PLEASE CALL TO GET INFORMATION IF YOU ARE =
COMING<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>END<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:PersonName w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki
Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Michigan</span></font></st1:PlaceN=
ame><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
Bldg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>East
Lansing</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
(cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
(fax)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id=3D"_x0000_t75" =
coordsize=3D"21600,21600"=20
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border=3D0
width=3D600 height=3D10 id=3DridImg =
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"
align=3Dbottom><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<span id=3D"_AthCaret"></span>
</body>
</html>
If you would like to access a searchable archive of the all the previous Mich-Organic listserv postings copy this URL and paste in your browser address field http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
------_=_NextPart_002_01C6918C.20DC666C--
=========================================================================
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 16:23:31 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: House Ag Committee take package of bills TOMORROW (Tues 6/20) to
est MAEAP!
MIME-Version: 1.0
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boundary="----_=_NextPart_002_01C693DE.407573B1"
------_=_NextPart_002_01C693DE.407573B1
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charset="US-ASCII"
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=20
Tomorrow the House Agriculture Committee (at 2:00 pm or after House
session, in Room 426 of the Anderson House Office Building) will be
taking up a package of bills intended to establish in statute the
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), and to
provide incentives for producers to become MAEAP certified as a means of
facilitating land and water resource stewardship.=20
=20
This package, House Bills 5711 5716, have attracted interest because
they include =13CAFOs=14 or =13Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations=14 =
and the
issue of agricultural storm water discharges, as well as provisions
regarding =13nuisance=14 or =13anonymous=14 complaints to the =
department. =20
=20
For a link to the most up-to-date legislative analysis of the package,
go to:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/billanalysis/House/htm
/2005-HLA-5711-1.htm=20
=20
The diverse interest groups involved were at one time thought to have
arrived at some agreement on parts of the package. =20
=20
At this point we don=12t know if amendments or substitute bills =
reflecting
these or other discussions will be offered tomorrow.=20
=20
Stay Tuned!
=20
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<body bgcolor=3Dwhite background=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" =
lang=3DEN-US
link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple =
style=3D'margin-left:11.25pt;margin-top:18.75pt'>
<img src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"
v:src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" v:shapes=3D"_x0000_Mail" =
width=3D0
height=3D0 class=3Dshape style=3D'display:none;width:0;height:0'>
<div class=3DSection1>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Tomorrow the =
House
Agriculture Committee (at 2:00 pm or after House session, in Room 426 of =
the
Anderson House Office Building) will be taking up a package of bills =
intended
to establish in statute the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance
Program (MAEAP), and to provide incentives for producers to become MAEAP
certified as a means of facilitating land and water resource =
stewardship. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>This package, =
House Bills
5711 5716, have attracted interest because they include =
=13CAFOs=14 or
=13Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations=14 and the issue of =
agricultural
storm water discharges, as well as provisions regarding =13nuisance=14 =
or
=13anonymous=14 complaints to the department. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>For a link to =
the most
up-to-date legislative analysis of the package, go =
to:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><a
href=3D"http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/billanalysis/Ho=
use/htm/2005-HLA-5711-1.htm">http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005=
-2006/billanalysis/House/htm/2005-HLA-5711-1.htm</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>The diverse =
interest
groups involved were at one time thought to have arrived at =
some agreement on
parts of the package. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>At this point =
we
don=12t know if amendments or substitute bills reflecting these or other
discussions will be offered tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Stay =
Tuned!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki =
Morrone<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Michigan</span></font></st1:PlaceN=
ame><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
Bldg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>East
Lansing</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
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=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:23:41 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: week of June 19-23-Mi organic news Part I of II
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=20
Whats up in the organic world for June 19-23
=20
*** For Healthy Cover Crops: Learn About Seed Sources
=20
*** TAKE ACTION: USDA CLOSE TO APPROVING GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PLUMS
=20
*** SUCCESSFUL LAWSUIT FORCES EPA TO PHASE OUT DANGEROUS PESTICIDE
=20
*** NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE=20
GROWTH HORMONE=20
=20
*** COFFEE PROTECTS DRINKERS' LIVERS
=20
*** BEER INGREDIENT REDUCES PROSTATE CANCER RISK
=20
*** Nurse says tea good for what ails
=20
*** Ethanol Facility Powered by Renewable Energy From Dairy Waste
Planned For Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in Indiana
=20
*** POSITION: Extension Educator, Fruit & Ornamentals, Berrien County=20
=20
=20
=20
=20
For Healthy Cover Crops: Learn About Seed Sources!
Brook J. Wilke and Sieg Snapp, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences,
Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University
=20
Perhaps you have experienced problems establishing cover crops
on your farm, even during relatively good growing conditions. Often,
inadequate moisture and cold temperatures make establishment and growth
of late summer and fall seeded covers difficult, but what about the
times when these limiting factors just could not explain the poor stand?
A potential solution to this problem is learning more about your cover
crop seed. Where and when was it grown? Is it a named variety? How was
the seed processed? How old is it? These are just a few of the questions
you might ask before purchasing cover crop seed if you want to reduce
the risk of poor establishment and growth.
Plants are plastic, meaning that they can adapt in certain ways
to handle different environments. But genotypes will usually be most
productive in their natural habitat. A classic experiment performed by
Clausen, Keck, and Hiesey in 1940 showed that three varieties of sticky
cinquefoil (Potentilla glandulosa) were naturally found at three
different altitudes. When the three ecotypes were grown together at each
of the three altitudes, they were all proportionally most productive in
their native habitat. Cover crop species follow these same general rules
and it matters where your cover crop seed is produced. Often, legume
cover crops are grown for seed in U.S. west coast states such as Oregon
and Washington, where the climate is quite different than what is found
in upper Midwestern states.
For example, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is often cultivated in
Oregon for seed and then sold through retailers in Midwestern and
Eastern states. This hairy vetch variety is most likely adapted to an
environment that has a much milder temperatures and year round gentle
precipitation rather than the variable rainfall and harsh cold
temperatures in the fall and winter that we face in the upper Midwest.
It may grow on your farm, but probably not as well as a variety that was
produced in closer proximity with similar environmental conditions.
Sometimes hairy vetch sold in Michigan may have establishment problems
and grow poorly. If this is observed, determine where the seed was
produced, and if it is a genetic type that is adapted to the Midwest.
Also make sure your seed is inoculated with the proper strain of
Rhizobium, a bacteria that is essential for nitrogen fixation and legume
growth. Legume cover crop establishment is difficult enough, and finding
the right variety or selection will improve the success of your cover
crop in the environments found on your farm.
It may also be helpful to evaluate the time of the year when the
cover crop seed was grown. Cover crops can be sown at different times of
the year and still produce seed sometime during their lifetime. However,
some species such as winter rye and winter wheat generally require
vernalization (winter stress) to bolt, flower and produce seed. A few
varieties of cereal rye are summer annuals and do not require this
vernalization to produce seed. These generally are less winter hardy
varieties. The same goes for winter annual legumes. Hairy vetch
varieties grown in areas with very harsh winter environments such as
Minnesota are most likely cultivated as a summer annual and will not
necessarily be winter hardy, even in relatively warmer climates. Finding
a commercial source that produces seed locally, or growing your own
seed, are some of the ways that farmers can insure that cover crop seed
is suited to an area.
Many identified cultivars are available for the cover crop
species we use. Cover crops such as red clover and winter wheat have
been cultivated for many years and numerous cultivars have been
developed. Buying a named variety of a cover crop will reduce genetic
variability and help insure cover crop establishment and successful
growth. Common varieties are generally more inexpensive but carry the
risk of having changed over time, which may actually increase or
decrease establishment and growth (depending among other factors on
whether they were exposed to local selection pressure or selection
pressure in a different climate). An example is the dry or cold fall
conditions found in the upper Midwest, where common varieties produced
locally may be more genetically diverse and exhibit more balanced
germination and growth across fluctuating environmental conditions.
Don't be afraid to use diverse assemblages of cultivars or cover crop
species to buffer strenuous fall environmental conditions and stabilize
your cover crop establishment. Often times, retailers will mix species
and varieties of seed for you, but it is important to communicate your
environmental conditions and the type of mixture required for different
cover crop uses on the farm.=20
Cover crop seed is cultivated, harvested and sorted (if
necessary) in several different ways. Certain techniques will be much
more destructive to the seed than others. Perhaps you have had an
experience where your seed was cracked or had a high amount of chaff. Be
specific about obtaining seed that was harvested to be planted again and
not just for grain. Also, inquire about the age of the seed before
purchasing it. Since cover crop seed is not mass produced, it is
sometimes stored for several years before being planted. In some cases,
storage time will have moderate effect on germination rates, but when
available, obtaining fresh cover crop seed is ideal. =20
You may find yourself asking questions like, "Should I buy the
seed that was grown in my county five years ago or last years seed from
2,000 miles away?" Or, "Do I want the crimson clover cultivar that
establishes well in dry conditions but might not over-winter on my
farm?" Don't deliberate on questions like these so much that it causes
you to lose sleep, but keep in mind that minor details may make a large
difference when establishing cover crops during variable growing
conditions in the fall. If you are considering saving your own cover
crop seed, this will require understanding of the reproductive systems
of different species. Information is widely available regarding how to
select and save seed from many plant species, including websites such as
http://www.seedsave.org/ and general information about cover crop rates
and seeding techniques for Upper Midwest cropping systems is available
at http://www.covercrops.msu.edu/General/seeding_methods.htm.
=20
****************************************************
TAKE ACTION: USDA CLOSE TO APPROVING GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PLUMS
=20
The United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting
public comments regarding the commercial approval of a genetically
engineered plum, known as "C5." The approval of C5 would be the first
widely released genetically engineered (GE) tree in the United States.
Approval of C5 will also pave the way for more GE tree and fruit
varieties, including peaches, cherries, and apricots. GE tree pollen can
drift for several miles, leading to contamination of neighboring organic
crops and indigenous trees. The USDA is currently accepting public
comments on this issue.=20
Learn more and Take Action:=20
http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ex23ex321=
7
238&=20
=20
SUCCESSFUL LAWSUIT FORCES EPA TO PHASE OUT DANGEROUS PESTICIDE
=20
A lawsuit filed by the United Farmworkers of America against the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has forced the agency to begin
phasing out a highly toxic organophosphate pesticide that has
contaminated food and poisoned farmworkers. The pesticide,
azinphos-methyl ("AZM"), is used on a variety of food crops, including
potatoes, cranberries, and peaches. AZM is a highly toxic neurotoxin
derived from nerve agents used during World War II. In 2001, the EPA
found that AZM posed unacceptable risks to farmworkers, but due to
industry pressure, the agency kept it on the market. "This pesticide has
put thousands of workers at risk of serious illness every year," said
Erik Nicholson of the United Farmworkers of America. The EPA will phase
out AZM over the next four years. =20
Learn more:=20
http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ex240x321=
7
238&
=20
NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH
HORMONE=20
=20
The largest retailers and distributors of milk and dairy products in the
U.S. are considering eliminating rBGH from their products. According to
the trade journal Dairy Food and Market Analyst, Wal-Mart and Dean Foods
have begun pressing suppliers for a larger supply of milk produced
without rBGH, in response to increasing consumer demand. The synthetic
hormone rBGH is a genetically engineered drug designed to make dairy
cows produce more milk. The controversial hormone has been banned in
Europe and Canada due to its links to increased risks for cancer and
antibiotic resistance. Despite these bans, 18% of U.S. dairy cows,
especially those on factory-style farms, continue to be injected with
the drug. Over the past few years, millions of consumers have switched
to milk and dairy products from organic farms, which ban the use of rBGH
and antibiotics. Starbucks, by the way, is still serving up coffee
drinks across the country that are laced with rBGH--another good reason
to patronize local independently owned coffee shops that offer organic
and Fair Trade alternatives. =20
Learn more:=20
http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ex242x321=
7
238&
=20
=20
More and more... our body knows what it needs!! I always said, "When you
crave a food it because you are lacking something contained in that
food/drink." Cheers!!!=20
COFFEE PROTECTS DRINKERS' LIVERS: A study published in the journal
"Archives of Internal Medicine" indicates that coffee may greatly reduce
the risk of liver damage in those who consume alcohol regularly. Every
daily cup of coffee reduced the incidence of cirrhosis, a condition that
destroys liver tissue, by 22 percent, according to researchers at the
Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. However, Dr. Arthur Klatsky, the
leader of the study, said the results "should not be interpreted as
giving a license to drink without worry, because of all the other
problems connected with drinking." adding, "the only proper advice is to
drink less." =20
Learn more:=20
http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ex243x321=
7
238&
=20
BEER INGREDIENT REDUCES PROSTATE CANCER RISK: A new study from
researchers at Oregon State University reveals that a natural ingredient
found in beer may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The ingredient,
found in the hops used to brew beer, is xanthohumol, and belongs to a
group of plant compounds called flavonoids that can trigger the death of
cancer cells along the surface of the prostate gland. Researchers are
quick to point out the amount of xanthohumol in beer is far too low to
be of any benefit, estimating it would require consuming a case of beer
per day to activate the positive effects. German brewers have already
responded by creating a beer with ten times the amount of xanthohumol,
marketing it as a "healthy beer."=20
Learn more:=20
http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1ex244x321=
7
238& =20
Nurse says tea good for what ails
Garden supplies ingredients for medicinal blend.
MARTA HEPLER DRAHOS
Traverse City Record-Eagle
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- As the midmorning light filtered through her
kitchen windows, Angela Macke sipped a cup of tea and looked out at the
vines and gardens and fruit trees just starting to awaken for spring.
Dotting the fertile valley around her Leelanau Peninsula home and
sloping down the surrounding hillsides, the gardens supply the herbs and
flowers and some of the fruits that find their way into her signature
teas and tisanes.
Since leaving her job as a registered nurse at Munson Medical Center to
become a master gardener, Macke has been more in tune with the rhythms
of nature and the peace and satisfaction that working among it brings.
They're the same feelings she associates with the ancient ritual of tea,
which she's enjoyed all her life.
"For many people, drinking tea is about this simple lifestyle, about
slowing down and spending time with kids and family," said Macke, who
has a husband and two young children.
A native of Whitehall, Mich., Macke's interests in gardening, health and
tea converged a few years ago when she began to research her favorite
beverage. Though she was already sold on the medicinal benefits of tea,
having experienced them to relieve an autoimmune disease, she said she
discovered that most tea bags contain lower grades of tea with
ingredients that are crushed rather than whole.=20
Deciding she could do better, she began to blend her own high-quality
loose leaf teas using herbs and flowers from her organic gardens, giving
them away as Christmas gifts. Teas in loose leaf form not only taste
better, but have more benefits, she said.
What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a cottage industry called By
the Light of Day. Now Macke produces 36 blends of black, green, white
and oolong teas, plus fruit melange, chakras, tisanes -- an infusion of
anything but tea -- and red tisanes.
With names like Leelanau Licorice and Peaceful Peninsula, the premium
organic teas are as beautiful and fragrant as they are tasty. Each is
blended by hand in 5-pound batches in her certified organic kitchen,
then stored in chests away from heat, light and moisture.
"It's the real article," said Macke, whose tea leaves come from
certified organic and fair trade farms in Sri Lanka, India, Nepal,
Taiwan and China. "This is how tea is blended historically."
Starting with a base leaf, she scents it with oil, then adds herbs,
flowers, fruits and other ingredients she either freeze-dries or dries
in an oven or food dehydrator. Careful drying extends the tea's shelf
life, she said.=20
"With my teas, it's forever because it's down to three percent moisture.
Normally it's three years," she added.
In keeping with her philosophy that people need to know what they're
putting in their bodies, Macke lists all the ingredients in her teas.
For instance, her Creamy Earl Gray blend starts with black Assam tea
scented with oil of bergamot and vanilla, and includes vanilla beans,
blue cornflowers and lavender.
Most of the ingredients are grown on her 12-acre property, almost a
quarter of which is given over to thousands of herb and flower plants
like cornflowers and chrysanthemums, lemon balm and lemon grass,
chamomile, lavender and assorted mints. She harvests them all summer
long. There are also assorted berry bushes, fruit trees and grapes for
raisins.
Other fruit is supplied by local Community Supported Agriculture farms
or, in the case of tropical fruit, by other U.S. organic farms.
Little by little, Macke is also growing her own tea. She purchased 10
tea plants called Camellia sinensis from a North Carolina nursery and is
clearing land for more every day.=20
Although the evergreen shrubs are indigenous to Asia -- Zone 8, as
compared to northern Michigan's Zone 5 -- she's hoping her property
offers the right combination of light, air, drainage and slightly acidic
soil to allow them to thrive.
On the market for only a year, Macke's tea line is sold at nearly two
dozen locations around the region and as far away as Lansing, Grand
Rapids and Frankenmuth, Mich. It's also served at several area
restaurants.
"Tea is being touted as having a lot of health benefits, so people are
picking up that message," said Bruce Vaughan, owner of Silver Tree Deli
and Cafe, a Suttons Bay delicatessen and wine and spirit shop where
Macke's teas are sold and served. "And teas are less acidic so they
don't tend to mess with your stomach like coffee does. With black tea,
you can still get a nice punch of caffeine."
Since introducing Macke's line, the store has gone from preparing tea
the generic way -- with a bag in a cup of hot water -- to brewing and
serving it in individual teapots, Vaughan said. More and more, customers
are turning to the coffee alternative.
=20
=20
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><b><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***</span></font></b><font
size=3D2 color=3Dpurple><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'> =
</span></font><font
color=3Dpurple><span style=3D'color:purple'>TAKE ACTION: USDA CLOSE TO =
APPROVING
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED PLUMS<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'text-align:center;border:none;
padding:0in'><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-weight:bold'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><b><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***</span></font></b><font
color=3Dpurple><span style=3D'color:purple'> SUCCESSFUL LAWSUIT FORCES =
EPA TO PHASE
OUT DANGEROUS PESTICIDE<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><b><font
size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>***</span></font></b><font
color=3Dpurple><span style=3D'color:purple'> NATION'S LARGEST DAIRIES =
TRYING TO
AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'>GROWTH HORMONE <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'>*** COFFEE PROTECTS DRINKERS' =
LIVERS<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'>*** BEER INGREDIENT REDUCES PROSTATE CANCER =
RISK<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'>***</span></font><b><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black;
font-weight:bold'> </span></font></b><font color=3Dpurple><span =
style=3D'color:
purple'>Nurse says tea good for what ails<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'>***</span></font> <font color=3Dpurple><span =
style=3D'color:purple'>Ethanol
Facility Powered by Renewable Energy From Dairy Waste Planned For Fair =
Oaks
Dairy Farm in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Indiana</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D3 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;
color:purple'>***</span></font> <font color=3Dpurple><span =
style=3D'color:purple'>POSITION:
Extension Educator, Fruit & Ornamentals, <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'><o:p> </o:p></span></fon=
t></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><b><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>For
Healthy Cover Crops: Learn About Seed =
Sources!<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Brook J. Wilke =
and Sieg
Snapp, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kellogg Biological Station, =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></fon=
t></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> Perhaps you have =
experienced problems establishing cover crops
on your farm, even during relatively good growing conditions. Often, =
inadequate
moisture and cold temperatures make establishment and growth of late =
summer and
fall seeded covers difficult, but what about the times when these =
limiting
factors just could not explain the poor stand? A potential solution to =
this
problem is learning more about your cover crop seed. Where and when was =
it
grown? Is it a named variety? How was the seed processed? How old =
is it? These
are just a few of the questions you might ask before purchasing cover =
crop seed
if you want to reduce the risk of poor establishment and =
growth.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> Plants are plastic, =
meaning that they can adapt in certain ways
to handle different environments. But genotypes will usually be most =
productive
in their natural habitat. A classic experiment performed by Clausen, =
Keck, and
Hiesey in 1940 showed that three varieties of sticky cinquefoil =
(<i><span
style=3D'font-style:italic'>Potentilla glandulosa</span></i>) were =
naturally
found at three different altitudes. When the three ecotypes were grown =
together
at each of the three altitudes, they were all proportionally most =
productive in
their native habitat. Cover crop species follow these same general rules =
and it
matters where your cover crop seed is produced. Often, legume cover =
crops are
grown for seed in <st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region> west
coast states such as <st1:State w:st=3D"on">Oregon</st1:State> and =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State w:st=3D"on">Washington</st1:State></st1:place>, =
where the
climate is quite different than what is found in upper Midwestern =
states.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> For example, hairy =
vetch (<i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>Vicia
villosa</span></i>) is often cultivated in <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State
w:st=3D"on">Oregon</st1:State></st1:place> for seed and then sold =
through
retailers in Midwestern and Eastern states. This hairy vetch variety is =
most
likely adapted to an environment that has a much milder temperatures and =
year
round gentle precipitation rather than the variable rainfall and harsh =
cold
temperatures in the fall and winter that we face in the upper <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Midwest</st1:place>.
It may grow on your farm, but probably not as well as a variety that was
produced in closer proximity with similar environmental conditions. =
Sometimes
hairy vetch sold in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place>
may have establishment problems and grow poorly. If this is =
observed,
determine where the seed was produced, and if it is a genetic type that =
is
adapted to the <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Midwest</st1:place>. Also make =
sure your
seed is inoculated with the proper strain of <i><span =
style=3D'font-style:italic'>Rhizobium</span></i>,
a bacteria that is essential for nitrogen fixation and legume growth. =
Legume
cover crop establishment is difficult enough, and finding the right =
variety or
selection will improve the success of your cover crop in the =
environments found
on your farm.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> It may also be =
helpful to evaluate the time of the year when
the cover crop seed was grown. Cover crops can be sown at different =
times of
the year and still produce seed sometime during their lifetime. However, =
some
species such as winter rye and winter wheat generally require =
vernalization
(winter stress) to bolt, flower and produce seed. A few varieties =
of cereal
rye are summer annuals and do not require this vernalization to produce =
seed.
These generally are less winter hardy varieties. The same goes for =
winter
annual legumes. Hairy vetch varieties grown in areas with very harsh =
winter
environments such as Minnesota are most likely cultivated as a summer =
annual
and will not necessarily be winter hardy, even in relatively warmer =
climates.
Finding a commercial source that produces seed locally, or growing your =
own
seed, are some of the ways that farmers can insure that cover crop seed =
is
suited to an area.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> Many identified =
cultivars are available for the cover crop
species we use. Cover crops such as red clover and winter wheat have =
been
cultivated for many years and numerous cultivars have been developed. =
Buying a
named variety of a cover crop will reduce genetic variability and help =
insure
cover crop establishment and successful growth. Common varieties =
are generally
more inexpensive but carry the risk of having changed over time, which =
may
actually increase or decrease establishment and growth (depending among =
other
factors on whether they were exposed to local selection pressure or =
selection
pressure in a different climate). An example is the dry or cold fall =
conditions
found in the upper <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Midwest</st1:place>, where =
common
varieties produced locally may be more genetically diverse and exhibit =
more
balanced germination and growth across fluctuating environmental =
conditions. <i><span
style=3D'font-style:italic'>Don’t be afraid to use diverse =
assemblages of
cultivars or cover crop species to buffer strenuous fall environmental
conditions and stabilize your cover crop establishment.</span></i> Often =
times,
retailers will mix species and varieties of seed for you, but it is =
important
to communicate your environmental conditions and the type of mixture =
required
for different cover crop uses on the farm. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> Cover crop seed is =
cultivated, harvested and sorted (if
necessary) in several different ways. Certain techniques will be much =
more
destructive to the seed than others. Perhaps you have had an experience =
where
your seed was cracked or had a high amount of chaff. Be specific about
obtaining seed that was harvested to be planted again and not just for =
grain.
Also, inquire about the age of the seed before purchasing it. Since =
cover crop
seed is not mass produced, it is sometimes stored for several years =
before
being planted. In some cases, storage time will have moderate effect on
germination rates, but when available, obtaining fresh cover crop seed =
is
ideal. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> You may find yourself =
asking questions like, “Should I
buy the seed that was grown in my county five years ago or last years =
seed from
2,000 miles away?” Or, “Do I want the crimson clover =
cultivar that
establishes well in dry conditions but might not over-winter on my =
farm?”
Don’t deliberate on questions like these so much that it causes =
you to
lose sleep, but keep in mind that minor details may make a large =
difference
when establishing cover crops during variable growing conditions in the =
fall.
If you are considering saving your own cover crop seed, this will =
require
understanding of the reproductive systems of different species. =
Information is
widely available regarding how to select and save seed from many plant =
species,
including websites such as <a =
href=3D"http://www.seedsave.org/">http://www.seedsave.org/</a>
and general information about cover crop rates and seeding techniques =
for <st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Upper Midwest</st1:place> cropping systems is available at =
<a
href=3D"http://www.covercrops.msu.edu/General/seeding_methods.htm">http:/=
/www.covercrops.msu.edu/General/seeding_methods.htm</a>.<o:p></o:p></span=
></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'> =
****************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></f=
ont></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>TAKE ACTION:
USDA CLOSE TO APPROVING GENETICALLY ENGINEERED =
PLUMS<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>The United
Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting public comments
regarding the commercial approval of a genetically engineered plum, =
known as
"C5." The approval of C5 would be the first widely released
genetically engineered (GE) tree in the <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Approval of =
C5 will
also pave the way for more GE tree and fruit varieties, including =
peaches,
cherries, and apricots. GE tree pollen can drift for several miles, =
leading to
contamination of neighboring organic crops and indigenous trees. The =
USDA is
currently accepting public comments on this issue. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>Learn more
and Take Action: <a
href=3D"http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1e=
x23ex3217238&">http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqt=
bkk3um_0-1ex23ex3217238&</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>SUCCESSFUL
LAWSUIT FORCES EPA TO PHASE OUT DANGEROUS =
PESTICIDE<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>A =
lawsuit
filed by the United Farmworkers of America against the Environmental =
Protection
Agency (EPA) has forced the agency to begin phasing out a highly toxic
organophosphate pesticide that has contaminated food and poisoned =
farmworkers.
The pesticide, azinphos-methyl ("AZM"), is used on a variety =
of food
crops, including potatoes, cranberries, and peaches. AZM is a highly =
toxic
neurotoxin derived from nerve agents used during World War II. In 2001, =
the EPA
found that AZM posed unacceptable risks to farmworkers, but due to =
industry
pressure, the agency kept it on the market. "This pesticide has put
thousands of workers at risk of serious illness every year," said =
Erik
Nicholson of the United Farmworkers of America. The EPA will phase out =
AZM over
the next four years. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>Learn more: <a
href=3D"http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1e=
x240x3217238&">http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqt=
bkk3um_0-1ex240x3217238&</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>NATION'S
LARGEST DAIRIES TRYING TO AVOID MONSANTO'S BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>The largest
retailers and distributors of milk and dairy products in the <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> are considering =
eliminating
rBGH from their products. According to the trade journal Dairy Food and =
Market
Analyst, Wal-Mart and Dean Foods have begun pressing suppliers for a =
larger
supply of milk produced without rBGH, in response to increasing consumer
demand. The synthetic hormone rBGH is a genetically engineered drug =
designed to
make dairy cows produce more milk. The controversial hormone has been =
banned in
Europe and <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place>
due to its links to increased risks for cancer and antibiotic =
resistance.
Despite these bans, 18% of <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place>
dairy cows, especially those on factory-style farms, continue to be =
injected
with the drug. Over the past few years, millions of consumers have =
switched to
milk and dairy products from organic farms, which ban the use of rBGH =
and
antibiotics. Starbucks, by the way, is still serving up coffee drinks =
across
the country that are laced with rBGH--another good reason to patronize =
local
independently owned coffee shops that offer organic and Fair Trade
alternatives. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>Learn more: <a
href=3D"http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1e=
x242x3217238&">http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqt=
bkk3um_0-1ex242x3217238&</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>More and more… our body knows what it needs!! I always =
said,
“When you crave a food it because you are lacking something =
contained in
that food/drink.” <b><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Cheers!!!</span></b>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>COFFEE
PROTECTS DRINKERS' LIVERS: A study published in the journal =
"Archives of
Internal Medicine" indicates that coffee may greatly reduce the =
risk of
liver damage in those who consume alcohol regularly. Every daily cup of =
coffee
reduced the incidence of cirrhosis, a condition that destroys liver =
tissue, by
22 percent, according to researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Medical =
Care
Program. However, Dr. Arthur Klatsky, the leader of the study, said the =
results
"should not be interpreted as giving a license to drink without =
worry,
because of all the other problems connected with drinking." adding,
"the only proper advice is to drink less." =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>Learn more: <a
href=3D"http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1e=
x243x3217238&">http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqt=
bkk3um_0-1ex243x3217238&</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></=
p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D2 =
color=3Dpurple
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'>BEER
INGREDIENT REDUCES PROSTATE CANCER RISK: A new study from researchers at =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Oregon</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> =
reveals that a
natural ingredient found in beer may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. =
The
ingredient, found in the hops used to brew beer, is xanthohumol, and =
belongs to
a group of plant compounds called flavonoids that can trigger the death =
of
cancer cells along the surface of the prostate gland. Researchers are =
quick to
point out the amount of xanthohumol in beer is far too low to be of any
benefit, estimating it would require consuming a case of beer per day to
activate the positive effects. German brewers have already responded by
creating a beer with ten times the amount of xanthohumol, marketing it =
as a
"healthy beer." <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'text-autospace:none;border:none;padding:0in'><font
size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
color:purple'>Learn more: <a
href=3D"http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqtbkk3um_0-1e=
x244x3217238&">http://alerts.organicconsumers.org/trk/click?ref=3Dzqt=
bkk3um_0-1ex244x3217238&</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D6 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:24.0pt;color:black;font-weight:bold'>Nurse says tea =
good for
what ails<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D5 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:18.0pt;color:black'>Garden supplies ingredients for =
medicinal
blend.</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><br>
<br>
<br>
</span></font><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D2
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>MARTA =
HEPLER DRAHOS<br>
<st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Traverse =
City</st1:place></st1:City>
Record-Eagle</span></font><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'><br>
<br>
<st1:City w:st=3D"on">TRAVERSE =
CITY</st1:City></span></font></st1:City><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Mich.</st1:State></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> -- As the midmorning light =
filtered
through her kitchen windows, Angela Macke sipped a cup of tea and looked =
out at
the vines and gardens and fruit trees just starting to awaken for =
spring.<br>
<br>
Dotting the fertile valley around her <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Leelanau</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">Peninsula</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>
home and sloping down the surrounding hillsides, the gardens supply the =
herbs
and flowers and some of the fruits that find their way into her =
signature teas
and tisanes.<br>
<br>
Since leaving her job as a registered nurse at Munson Medical Center to =
become
a master gardener, Macke has been more in tune with the rhythms of =
nature and
the peace and satisfaction that working among it brings. They're the =
same
feelings she associates with the ancient ritual of tea, which she's =
enjoyed all
her life.<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-autospace:none'><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>"For
many people, drinking tea is about this simple lifestyle, about slowing =
down
and spending time with kids and family," said Macke, who has a =
husband and
two young children.<br>
<br>
A native of <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Whitehall</st1:City>, <st1:State
w:st=3D"on">Mich.</st1:State></st1:place>, Macke's interests in =
gardening,
health and tea converged a few years ago when she began to research her
favorite beverage. Though she was already sold on the medicinal benefits =
of
tea, having experienced them to relieve an autoimmune disease, she said =
she
discovered that most tea bags contain lower grades of tea with =
ingredients that
are crushed rather than whole. <br>
<br>
Deciding she could do better, she began to blend her own high-quality =
loose
leaf teas using herbs and flowers from her organic gardens, giving them =
away as
Christmas gifts. Teas in loose leaf form not only taste better, but have =
more
benefits, she said.<br>
<br>
What began as a hobby soon blossomed into a cottage industry called By =
the
Light of Day. Now Macke produces 36 blends of black, green, white and =
oolong
teas, plus fruit melange, chakras, tisanes -- an infusion of anything =
but tea
-- and red tisanes.<br>
<br>
With names like Leelanau Licorice and <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Peaceful</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">Peninsula</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>,
the premium organic teas are as beautiful and fragrant as they are =
tasty. Each
is blended by hand in 5-pound batches in her certified organic kitchen, =
then
stored in chests away from heat, light and moisture.<br>
<br>
"It's the real article," said Macke, whose tea leaves come =
from
certified organic and fair trade farms in <st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">Sri
Lanka</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">India</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st=3D"on">Nepal</st1:country-region>, =
<st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">Taiwan</st1:country-region> and <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>. "This is how =
tea is
blended historically."<br>
<br>
Starting with a base leaf, she scents it with oil, then adds herbs, =
flowers, fruits
and other ingredients she either freeze-dries or dries in an oven or =
food
dehydrator. Careful drying extends the tea's shelf life, she said. <br>
<br>
"With my teas, it's forever because it's down to three percent =
moisture.
Normally it's three years," she added.<br>
<br>
In keeping with her philosophy that people need to know what they're =
putting in
their bodies, Macke lists all the ingredients in her teas. For instance, =
her
Creamy Earl Gray blend starts with black <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">Assam</st1:country-region></st1:place> tea scented with oil =
of
bergamot and vanilla, and includes vanilla beans, blue cornflowers and
lavender.<br>
<br>
Most of the ingredients are grown on her 12-acre property, almost a =
quarter of
which is given over to thousands of herb and flower plants like =
cornflowers and
chrysanthemums, lemon balm and lemon grass, chamomile, lavender and =
assorted
mints. She harvests them all summer long. There are also assorted berry =
bushes,
fruit trees and grapes for raisins.<br>
<br>
Other fruit is supplied by local Community Supported Agriculture farms =
or, in
the case of tropical fruit, by other <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> organic farms.<br>
<br>
Little by little, Macke is also growing her own tea. She purchased 10 =
tea
plants called Camellia sinensis from a <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">North
Carolina</st1:State></st1:place> nursery and is clearing land for more =
every
day. <br>
<br>
Although the evergreen shrubs are indigenous to Asia -- Zone 8, as =
compared to
northern <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place>'s
Zone 5 -- she's hoping her property offers the right combination of =
light, air,
drainage and slightly acidic soil to allow them to thrive.<br>
<br>
On the market for only a year, Macke's tea line is sold at nearly two =
dozen
locations around the region and as far away as <st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Lansing</st1:City>,
<st1:City w:st=3D"on">Grand Rapids</st1:City> and <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City
w:st=3D"on">Frankenmuth</st1:City>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Mich.</st1:State></st1:place>
It's also served at several area restaurants.<br>
<br>
"Tea is being touted as having a lot of health benefits, so people =
are
picking up that message," said Bruce Vaughan, owner of Silver Tree =
Deli
and Cafe, a Suttons Bay delicatessen and wine and spirit shop where =
Macke's
teas are sold and served. "And teas are less acidic so they don't =
tend to
mess with your stomach like coffee does. With black tea, you can still =
get a
nice punch of caffeine."<br>
<br>
Since introducing Macke's line, the store has gone from preparing tea =
the
generic way -- with a bag in a cup of hot water -- to brewing and =
serving it in
individual teapots, <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Vaughan</st1:City></st1:place>
said. More and more, customers are turning to the coffee =
alternative.</span></font><font
size=3D2 color=3Dpurple><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;color:purple'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:dotted =
windowtext 3.0pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:PersonName w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki
Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Michigan</span></font></st1:PlaceN=
ame><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
Bldg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>East
Lansing</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
(cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
(fax)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id=3D"_x0000_t75" =
coordsize=3D"21600,21600"=20
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------_=_NextPart_002_01C696D0.A13B8F36--
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:24:07 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Mich org news for week of June 19-23 part I of II
MIME-Version: 1.0
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boundary="----_=_NextPart_002_01C696D0.B037BD29"
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=20
Ethanol Facility Powered by Renewable Energy From Dairy Waste Planned
For Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in Indiana
(CSRwire) <http://www.csrwire.com> FAIR OAKS, Ind. -- Bion
Environmental Technologies and Fair Oaks Dairy Farms, the largest dairy
east of the Mississippi River and an industry leader in efforts to find
a solution to dairy environmental issues, today announced a joint
venture that will enable environmentally sustainable expansion of animal
agriculture in concert with ethanol production. Bion's patented animal
waste technology supports the synergistic integration of ethanol
production with animal agriculture by enabling herd concentration. Herd
concentration both provides the scale needed to achieve the economically
viable generation of renewable energy in support of ethanol production,
and establishes a stable local market for the entire volume of produced
co-product distiller grains without the need for drying.=20
Bion's technology platform provides sufficient renewable energy from the
associated animal waste stream to produce ethanol absent any outside
fuel source such as natural gas or coal, while it directly addresses the
growing long-term risk to distiller grains revenues as those markets
become increasingly saturated by the continued expansion of U.S. ethanol
production. The result of Bion's unique integration of ethanol with
animal agriculture is economic and environmental sustainability for
both.=20
Early results indicate that implementation of Bion's patented and
proprietary technology improves the net energy balance in the production
of ethanol from corn from 1.4 to 1 up to 2.5 to 1. In essence, Bion's
technology platform utilizes the inherent energy value of the cellulosic
component of the manure stream to improve both net energy value and
margins in the production of ethanol.=20
The integrated Bion platform incorporating ethanol production at Fair
Oaks will be a balanced, closed-loop system that the company's research
indicates will create sufficient renewable energy to support one million
gallons of ethanol for every 1,000 dairy cows. "Based on Bion's ratio
forecast between herd concentration and ethanol production, it appears
that both heat energy and ethanol co-product can be in balance in an
environmentally sustainable manner," according to John Ewen of Ardour
Capital, an advisor to Bion.=20
The two-stage joint venture announced today provides for the
construction of a research center in Stage One to determine the economic
and environmental sustainability of utilizing sand bedding in
conjunction with Bion's technology platform. Based upon that evaluation,
Stage Two will include a Bion treatment system for Fair Oaks' dairy herd
and potentially other local dairy herds, along with an ethanol plant of
a size to be determined by the number of participating dairy animals.
Stage I construction is expected to commence shortly; Stage II is
projected to commence in 2007.=20
End products from the animal waste stream in Bion's proprietary system
include renewable energy, and high-value biological solids to be
marketed as either organic fertilizer or as a high-protein animal feed
ingredient for other species.=20
Bion's implementation plan projects a number of dairies located within a
geographic area, each with modular waste treatment facilities capable of
handling the waste stream of 10,000 dairy cows or more. Renewable energy
produced by the Bion technology platform will meet the natural gas
requirements of an ethanol plant on a ratio of 1,000 dairy cows to one
million gallons of ethanol production. This model will enable Bion to
secure burner-tip (retail) values for the renewable energy produced,
instead of wellhead (wholesale) values presently being achieved by
anaerobic digesters and other renewable energy technologies focused on
the animal waste market.=20
Expanded herd concentration directly resulting from the implementation
of Bion's patented technology platform can lower capital costs while
significantly improving operating margins of expanding or new ethanol
facilities. Ethanol production sites will not require dryers,
eliminating both the capital and the imbedded energy costs in the corn
co-products. In addition, the ability to create a local herd in
immediate proximity to the ethanol plant essentially eliminates the
distiller grains marketing and revenue risk, reducing transportation
costs and eliminating the requirement for natural gas in the site
selection process. It will enable existing older plants and East Coast
facilities to "create" markets for their ethanol co-product, and
therefore to remain competitive with newer larger facilities in the
Midwest.=20
Bion's patented technology significantly reduces environmental impacts
of large-scale animal farming while enabling herd concentration required
for economies of scale in the generation of renewable energy. The
patented "microaerobic" process for biologically treating dairy waste
encapsulates most of the pollutants so they can no longer escape into
the air and water, reducing the nutrient content of the treated waste
stream in the effluent discharge by 75-90% and air emissions by 90-99%.
The closed-loop ethanol production system simultaneously provides an end
user for the undried distiller grains and for the dairy's waste stream.=20
The new research center at Fair Oaks will also test the closed-loop
ethanol-production system with waste from other farm animals, such as
hogs and beef cattle.=20
For more information on Bion's system performance data, peer review team
and test protocols, see http://www.biontech.com/technology.=20
About Fair Oaks Dairy Farms: Dr. Michael J. McCloskey, one of the
principals of Fair Oaks Dairy Farms, has held leadership roles at all
levels of the dairy industry. A veterinarian by training, he is also
active in the ownership and management of other dairies in New Mexico,
Michigan, and Indiana, and previously operated two dairies in Southern
California. He founded in 1992 and continues to co-own and manage
Quality Milk Sales, which is responsible for marketing over 4 billion
pounds of milk a year on behalf of Select Milk Producers and Continental
Dairy Products, whose operations stretch through New Mexico, Texas,
Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. He was instrumental in
the formation of the Southwest Agency, which controls the marketing and
transportation of virtually all milk in Texas and New Mexico on behalf
of private dairy farmer cooperatives. Its success has been viewed as a
model for achieving price stability without government intervention in
other parts of the country. Dr. McCloskey is acting chairman of the
Southwest Cheese Company, set up to handle 10 million pounds of milk per
day, and serves on the board of the National Milk Producers Federation,
participating in the Federal Order Policy and Dairy Export Policy
committees. In 2004 he started a large-scale agri-tourism and
brand-building experience, the Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure and Fair Oaks
Dairy Products Partnerships.=20
About Bion: Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.'s patented and
proprietary technology for large dairy farms (as well as swine and other
animal facilities) mitigates the nutrient releases to water and gaseous
emissions to air created by the waste streams of such operations while
enabling profitable integration of renewable energy production (methane
and ethanol). Bion's stock trades under the symbol "BNET" on the Pink
Sheets. This material includes forward-looking statements based on
management's current reasonable business expectations. In this document,
the word "intends" and similar expressions identify certain
forward-looking statements. These statements are made in reliance on the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities
act of 1933, as amended. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that
could result in actual results differing materially from expected
outcomes.=20
For further information, please visit the Bion website at=20
http://www.biontech.com, or contact
=20
For more information please contact:
John Ewen <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , Ardour Capital Partners,
LLC
(212) 375-2950, ext.
Mark Smith <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , President and General Counsel
(719) 256-5329 office
(303) 517-5302 cell
David Mager <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , Vice President - Public
Policy
(413) 247-0120 office
(413) 427-1768 cell
Job announcement for sustainable or organic fruit and ornamental
extension educator
Please pass this announcement or apply yourself if you qualify and are
interested in working with MSU extension to expand opportunities for
Michigan fruit producers, including organic growers. Michigan offers a
huge selection of fruit and ornamental production, unlike many of our
neighboring states and this is a smorgasbord of opportunity for an
educator interested in expanding and enhancing the markets and knowledge
for our fruit and ornamental producers, especially in the organic
arena!! Please pass this along to anyone you feel may fill this great
need.
June 2006
=20
#1507
=20
POSITION: Extension Educator, Fruit & Ornamentals, Berrien County=20
=20
OFFICE LOCATION: Benton Harbor, MI
=20
STATUS: This position is funded 100% by a grant with appointment on an
annual renewal basis. =20
=20
AVAILABLE: September 15, 2006
=20
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 18, 2006
=20
STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with training and experience up to
$44,500.
=20
POSITION DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS: See attached.
=20
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply using the Web Employment Application
process at: =20
=20
http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs
=20
FURTHER INFORMATION:
=20
Barbara Campbell
MSU Southwest
Michigan State University Extension
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Phone: 269/671-2444
Fax: 269/671-2409
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
=20
=20
Extension Agriculture and=20
Natural Resources Educator
Fruit and Ornamentals Area of Expertise
Berrien County
June 2006
Summary Description:
=20
Berrien County is the state's 14th most populous county at 162,453
persons (80% white, 16% African American). (Source: 2000 US Census)
The predominant economic segments are manufacturing, agriculture, and
service/retail. Berrien County is situated in the most southwestern
corner of the state bordering Lake Michigan and the State of Indiana.
=20
The moderate temperatures, soils, proximity to markets, and an
established agricultural infrastructure combine to make Berrien County
one the most diverse horticultural areas east of the Mississippi River.
Berrien County ranks second in Michigan for fruit production with 388
farms (17,580 acres) including apples, peaches, tart cherries, and
grapes. Both fresh-market vegetable production and an expanding
ornamentals industry make up other components of horticulture. (Source:
2004 County Agricultural Statistics; MASS) A major Michigan State
University horticulture research and demonstration center is located
adjacent to the county Extension office.
=20
General Responsibilities:
=20
Provide leadership and cooperate in planning and delivering effective
Extension educational programs in commercial horticulture with emphasis
on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), especially in fruit and nursery
crops. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate Extension educational
programs that focus on strengthening profitability.
=20
1. Provide research based technical and crop management
information to farm operators, producers, agri business and related
industries in the counties.
=20
2. Improve the knowledge and skills of producers and agri
business personnel in the application of research-proven techniques to
their production or marketing situations.
=20
3. Provide program leadership by collaborating with the County
Extension Directors, extension educators, Extension Specialists and Area
of Expertise (AoE) team members to deliver programs to the horticulture
industry in Berrien County. =20
=20
4. Contribute to the effective use of agricultural resources as a
part of overall social, economic, and environmental development in the
county.
=20
5. Represent MSU Extension on the USDA County Emergency Board and
the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and stay informed on
matters that relate to farm commodity and farm chemical safety and
security.
=20
6. Develop and support agriculture leadership within the Berrien
County agriculture and natural resource community.
=20
Specific Responsibilities:
=20
1. Provide Extension leadership in reviewing and assessing the
horticulture industry situation in relation to the region, state,
nation, and world. Communicate and interact with related commodity
groups.
=20
2. Provide leadership to determine priority needs in the
horticulture industry in cooperation with local Extension staff and
stakeholder groups. Develop advisory group(s) or other structures for
program development and input.
=20
3. Provide clientele/producers current and timely technical
recommendations applicable to industry through farm visits, one to one
contact, group presentations, newsletters, direct mail, news releases,
electronic media and other means. Provide farmers and other
agriculturalists with the results of unbiased research results in
agriculture and other related subject matter areas.=20
=20
4. Provide leadership and support to the Agricultural Industry
through active participation in relevant Area of Expertise teams.
=20
5. Serve as the lead county Extension educator in matters
pertaining to farm labor policy education and stay informed with key
local and state organizations that support/coordinate/administer
programs for farm labor.
=20
6. Serve as an information resource for Extension personnel
throughout the district and region. Maintain and update databases of
horticulture producers to include: fruit, vegetable, ornamental
horticulture, and floriculture.
=20
7. Develop Educational Initiatives, based upon program priorities
in accordance with local needs, advisory groups, and established
policies and procedures.
=20
8. Assist growers in developing a strong farm financial
management system based on recordkeeping, cost of production data,
computer assisted decision-making and long-range planning.
=20
9. Cooperate with other educators, with AOE team, with campus
based departments/specialists in establishing, conducting, and
evaluating demonstrations and research efforts in the area. Cooperate
with other USDA, county, and state agencies that support agriculture
industries.=20
=20
10. Communicate the Extension and research needs of the area to
campus based departments, crop integrators, and research partners.
Assist departments and AOE team in determining these needs through
interaction with state commodity groups and associations
=20
11. Cooperate with county and campus based Extension staff in
developing and implementing programs for improved crop production and
products (including strategies for value added products), improved
management decision making, and overall advancement in the industry.
Conduct educational programming in proper pesticide use, storage, and
safety.
=20
12. Regularly share plans and results with County Extension Director
and other appropriate Extension colleagues.
=20
13. Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate
current information about the industry to producers. Use communication
technologies (e mail, FAX, Web Page, etc.) to keep producers aware of
current pest conditions.
=20
14. Actively participate in conferences, in service education, and
professional development activities to continually improve technical
expertise and proficiency as an educator. Submit reports, evaluations,
and other materials in a timely fashion, as required by MSUE.
=20
15. Facilitate interactions with appropriate industry groups and
associations within the region as well as on a statewide basis.
=20
16. Work with appropriate team members to meet the natural resource
and public policy programming needs related to agriculture, environment,
and land use issues.
=20
17. Work with Extension Council and other advisory groups for
support of Extension programming.
=20
18. Implement the directives and objectives of Equal Opportunity and
Affirmative Action regarding the availability of Extension programs.
Strive to reach a diverse audience and extend Extension programs to
under served audiences.
=20
19. Perform other duties as assigned.
=20
Qualifications:
=20
Master's degree related to horticulture with focus on fruit and/or
ornamentals. Course work or experience in integrated pest or crop
management or entomology preferred. Three years of Extension and/or
Extension related experience. Experience in improved crops management
practices to increase profitability, reduce undesirable environmental
impacts, manage insects and diseases, and food safety. Prior
experiences in conducting programs related to Integrated Pest
Management, Integrated Crop Management and value added products
preferred. Knowledge of farm management practices such as farm labor,
records, financial planning, marketing channels and organizations
preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop leadership in the agriculture
community. Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks required.
Ability to accept and delegate responsibility. Effective oral and
written communication skills. Knowledge and skills in the use of
computers for use in educational programming and management required.
Understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative
action and diversity/pluralism. Upon employment, must reside within
Berrien County (waiver available under certain circumstances).
=20
Responsible to:
=20
This position is responsible to the County Extension Director in Berrien
County. Interacts with input from the Regional Director, appropriate
CEDs and educators in counties served by this position, Area of
Expertise team, campus specialists, and other Extension or campus
department personnel, as needed.
=20
=20
Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to
eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, marital status, or family status. Persons with
disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable
accommodations.
MSU Southwest
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Phone: 269/671-2444
Fax: 269/671-2409
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
=20
=20
END 0f MI organic news for week of June 19-23
Wish you all a good week ahead!!
=20
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<body bgcolor=3Dwhite background=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" =
lang=3DEN-US
link=3Dblue vlink=3Dpurple =
style=3D'margin-left:11.25pt;margin-top:18.75pt'>
<img src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]"
v:src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" v:shapes=3D"_x0000_Mail" =
width=3D0
height=3D0 class=3Dshape style=3D'display:none;width:0;height:0'>
<div class=3DSection1>
<p class=3Dprtitle><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Ethanol Facility Powered by Renewable Energy From Dairy Waste =
Planned
For Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Indiana</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><a
href=3D"http://www.csrwire.com">(CSRwire)</a> FAIR OAKS, Ind. -- Bion
Environmental Technologies and Fair Oaks Dairy Farms, the largest dairy =
east of
the Mississippi River and an industry leader in efforts to find a =
solution to
dairy environmental issues, today announced a joint venture that will =
enable
environmentally sustainable expansion of animal agriculture in concert =
with
ethanol production. Bion’s patented animal waste technology =
supports the
synergistic integration of ethanol production with animal agriculture by
enabling herd concentration. Herd concentration both provides the scale =
needed
to achieve the economically viable generation of renewable energy in =
support of
ethanol production, and establishes a stable local market for the entire =
volume
of produced co-product distiller grains without the need for drying. =
<br>
<br>
Bion’s technology platform provides sufficient renewable energy =
from the
associated animal waste stream to produce ethanol absent any outside =
fuel
source such as natural gas or coal, while it directly addresses the =
growing
long-term risk to distiller grains revenues as those markets become =
increasingly
saturated by the continued expansion of <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region
w:st=3D"on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> ethanol production. =
The result
of Bion’s unique integration of ethanol with animal agriculture is
economic and environmental sustainability for both. <br>
<br>
Early results indicate that implementation of Bion’s patented and
proprietary technology improves the net energy balance in the production =
of
ethanol from corn from 1.4 to 1 up to 2.5 to 1. In essence, Bion’s
technology platform utilizes the inherent energy value of the cellulosic
component of the manure stream to improve both net energy value and =
margins in
the production of ethanol. <br>
<br>
The integrated Bion platform incorporating ethanol production at Fair =
Oaks will
be a balanced, closed-loop system that the company’s research =
indicates
will create sufficient renewable energy to support one million gallons =
of
ethanol for every 1,000 dairy cows. "Based on Bion’s ratio =
forecast
between herd concentration and ethanol production, it appears that both =
heat
energy and ethanol co-product can be in balance in an environmentally
sustainable manner," according to John Ewen of Ardour Capital, an =
advisor
to Bion. <br>
<br>
The two-stage joint venture announced today provides for the =
construction of a
research center in Stage One to determine the economic and environmental =
sustainability
of utilizing sand bedding in conjunction with Bion’s technology =
platform.
Based upon that evaluation, Stage Two will include a Bion treatment =
system for <st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Fair Oaks</st1:place>’ dairy herd and potentially =
other local
dairy herds, along with an ethanol plant of a size to be determined by =
the
number of participating dairy animals. Stage I construction is expected =
to
commence shortly; Stage II is projected to commence in 2007. <br>
<br>
End products from the animal waste stream in Bion’s proprietary =
system
include renewable energy, and high-value biological solids to be =
marketed as
either organic fertilizer or as a high-protein animal feed ingredient =
for other
species. <br>
<br>
Bion’s implementation plan projects a number of dairies located =
within a
geographic area, each with modular waste treatment facilities capable of
handling the waste stream of 10,000 dairy cows or more. Renewable energy
produced by the Bion technology platform will meet the natural gas =
requirements
of an ethanol plant on a ratio of 1,000 dairy cows to one million =
gallons of
ethanol production. This model will enable Bion to secure burner-tip =
(retail)
values for the renewable energy produced, instead of wellhead =
(wholesale)
values presently being achieved by anaerobic digesters and other =
renewable
energy technologies focused on the animal waste market. <br>
<br>
Expanded herd concentration directly resulting from the implementation =
of
Bion's patented technology platform can lower capital costs while =
significantly
improving operating margins of expanding or new ethanol facilities. =
Ethanol
production sites will not require dryers, eliminating both the capital =
and the
imbedded energy costs in the corn co-products. In addition, the ability =
to
create a local herd in immediate proximity to the ethanol plant =
essentially
eliminates the distiller grains marketing and revenue risk, reducing
transportation costs and eliminating the requirement for natural gas in =
the
site selection process. It will enable existing older plants and East =
Coast
facilities to "create" markets for their ethanol co-product, =
and
therefore to remain competitive with newer larger facilities in the =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Midwest</st1:place>. <br>
<br>
Bion’s patented technology significantly reduces environmental =
impacts of
large-scale animal farming while enabling herd concentration required =
for
economies of scale in the generation of renewable energy. The patented
"microaerobic" process for biologically treating dairy waste
encapsulates most of the pollutants so they can no longer escape into =
the air
and water, reducing the nutrient content of the treated waste stream in =
the
effluent discharge by 75-90% and air emissions by 90-99%. The =
closed-loop
ethanol production system simultaneously provides an end user for the =
undried
distiller grains and for the dairy’s waste stream. <br>
<br>
The new research center at <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Fair Oaks</st1:place> =
will also
test the closed-loop ethanol-production system with waste from other =
farm
animals, such as hogs and beef cattle. <br>
<br>
For more information on Bion’s system performance data, peer =
review team
and test protocols, see <a =
href=3D"http://www.biontech.com/technology">http://www.biontech.com/techn=
ology</a>.
<br>
<br>
About <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Fair Oaks</st1:place> Dairy Farms: Dr. =
Michael J.
McCloskey, one of the principals of Fair Oaks Dairy Farms, has held =
leadership
roles at all levels of the dairy industry. A veterinarian by training, =
he is
also active in the ownership and management of other dairies in =
<st1:State
w:st=3D"on">New Mexico</st1:State>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State>,
and <st1:State w:st=3D"on">Indiana</st1:State>, and previously operated =
two
dairies in <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Southern California</st1:place>. He =
founded in
1992 and continues to co-own and manage Quality Milk Sales, which is =
responsible
for marketing over 4 billion pounds of milk a year on behalf of Select =
Milk
Producers and Continental Dairy Products, whose operations stretch =
through New
Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. He was
instrumental in the formation of the Southwest Agency, which controls =
the
marketing and transportation of virtually all milk in <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Texas</st1:State>
and <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State w:st=3D"on">New =
Mexico</st1:State></st1:place>
on behalf of private dairy farmer cooperatives. Its success has been =
viewed as
a model for achieving price stability without government intervention in =
other
parts of the country. Dr. McCloskey is acting chairman of the Southwest =
Cheese
Company, set up to handle 10 million pounds of milk per day, and serves =
on the
board of the National Milk Producers Federation, participating in the =
Federal
Order Policy and Dairy Export Policy committees. In 2004 he started a
large-scale agri-tourism and brand-building experience, the Fair Oaks =
Dairy
Adventure and Fair Oaks Dairy Products Partnerships. <br>
<br>
About Bion: Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.’s patented and
proprietary technology for large dairy farms (as well as swine and other =
animal
facilities) mitigates the nutrient releases to water and gaseous =
emissions to
air created by the waste streams of such operations while enabling =
profitable
integration of renewable energy production (methane and ethanol). =
Bion’s
stock trades under the symbol “BNET” on the Pink Sheets. =
This
material includes forward-looking statements based on management's =
current
reasonable business expectations. In this document, the word
“intends” and similar expressions identify certain =
forward-looking
statements. These statements are made in reliance on the Private =
Securities
Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities act of 1933, as =
amended.
There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could result in actual =
results
differing materially from expected outcomes. <br>
<br>
For further information, please visit the Bion website at <a
href=3D"http://www.biontech.com">http://www.biontech.com</a>, or =
contact<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><img border=3D0 width=3D518 height=3D1 id=3D"_x0000_i1026"
src=3D"cid:[log in to unmask]" =
alt=3DCSRwire><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3Dminorheader><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>For more information please =
contact:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><a
href=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]">John Ewen</a>, Ardour Capital =
Partners,
LLC<br>
(212) 375-2950, ext.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><a
href=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]">Mark Smith</a>, President and General =
Counsel<br>
(719) 256-5329 office<br>
(303) 517-5302 cell<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div =
style=3D'mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid =
windowtext 1.5pt;
padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'>
<p style=3D'border:none;padding:0in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><a href=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]">David =
Mager</a>,
Vice President – Public Policy<br>
(413) 247-0120 office<br>
(413) 427-1768 cell<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Job announcement for sustainable or organic fruit and ornamental
extension educator<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Please pass this announcement or apply yourself if you =
qualify and are
interested in working with MSU extension to expand opportunities for =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place> =
fruit
producers, including organic growers. <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place>
offers a huge selection of fruit and ornamental production, unlike many =
of our
neighboring states and this is a smorgasbord of opportunity for an =
educator
interested in expanding and enhancing the markets and knowledge =
for our fruit
and ornamental producers, especially in the organic arena!! Please pass =
this
along to anyone you feel may fill this great =
need.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>June 2006<br>
<br>
#1507<br>
<br>
POSITION: Extension Educator, Fruit & Ornamentals, =
<st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType>
<br>
<br>
OFFICE LOCATION: <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:City
w:st=3D"on">Benton</st1:City> Harbor</st1:City>, <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State></st1:place><br>
<br>
STATUS: This position is funded 100% by a grant with =
appointment on
an annual renewal basis. <br>
<br>
AVAILABLE: September 15, 2006<br>
<br>
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 18, 2006<br>
<br>
STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with training and experience =
up to
$44,500.<br>
<br>
POSITION DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS: See attached.<br>
<br>
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply using the Web Employment =
Application
process at: <br>
<br>
<a
href=3D"http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs" =
title=3D"http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs">http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs</a><b=
r>
<br>
FURTHER INFORMATION:<br>
<br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Barbara</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Campbell</st1:PlaceName><br>
<st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">MSU</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Southwest</st1:PlaceName><br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place></st1:place>
Extension<br>
<st1:address w:st=3D"on"><st1:address w:st=3D"on"><st1:Street =
w:st=3D"on">3700 E.
Gull Lake Drive</st1:Street></st1:address><br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Hickory</st1:City></st1:place></st1:address>
Corners, MI 49060<br>
Phone: 269/671-2444<br>
Fax: 269/671-2409<br>
E-mail: <a href=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]" =
title=3D"mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</a><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Extension =
Agriculture and
<br>
Natural Resources Educator<br>
Fruit and Ornamentals Area of Expertise<br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place><br>
June 2006<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><u><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold'>Summary =
Description</span></font></u>:<br>
</b> <br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> is the state’s =
14<sup>th</sup>
most populous county at 162,453 persons (80% white, 16% African =
American).
(Source: 2000 <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:country-region =
w:st=3D"on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>
Census) The predominant economic segments are manufacturing,
agriculture, and service/retail. <st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType> is situated in the =
most
southwestern corner of the state bordering Lake Michigan and the State =
of <st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:State w:st=3D"on">Indiana</st1:State></st1:place>.<br>
<br>
The moderate temperatures, soils, proximity to markets, and an =
established
agricultural infrastructure combine to make Berrien County one the most =
diverse
horticultural areas east of the <st1:place w:st=3D"on">Mississippi =
River</st1:place>.
<st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType>
ranks second in <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:State></st1:place>
for fruit production with 388 farms (17,580 acres) including apples, =
peaches,
tart cherries, and grapes. Both fresh-market vegetable production =
and an
expanding ornamentals industry make up other components of =
horticulture.
(Source: 2004 County Agricultural Statistics; MASS) A major =
<st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Michigan</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType> horticulture =
research and
demonstration center is located adjacent to the <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">county</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Extension</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>
office.<br>
<br>
<b><u><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>General =
Responsibilities</span></u>:<br>
</b> <br>
Provide leadership and cooperate in planning and delivering effective =
Extension
educational programs in commercial horticulture with emphasis on =
Integrated
Pest Management (IPM), especially in fruit and nursery crops. =
Plan,
develop, implement and evaluate Extension educational programs that =
focus on
strengthening profitability.<br>
<br>
1. Provide research based =
technical
and crop management information to farm operators, producers, agri =
business and
related industries in the counties.<br>
<br>
2. Improve the knowledge and =
skills
of producers and agri business personnel in the application of =
research-proven
techniques to their production or marketing situations.<br>
<br>
3. Provide program leadership =
by
collaborating with the County Extension Directors, extension educators,
Extension Specialists and Area of Expertise (AoE) team members to =
deliver
programs to the horticulture industry in <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.
<br>
<br>
4. Contribute to the effective =
use of
agricultural resources as a part of overall social, economic, and =
environmental
development in the county.<br>
<br>
5. Represent MSU Extension on =
the
USDA County Emergency Board and the Local Emergency Planning Committee =
(LEPC)
and stay informed on matters that relate to farm commodity and farm =
chemical
safety and security.<br>
<br>
6. Develop and support =
agriculture
leadership within the <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> =
agriculture and
natural resource community.<br>
<br>
<b><u><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Specific =
Responsibilities</span></u>:<br>
</b> <br>
1. Provide Extension =
leadership in
reviewing and assessing the horticulture industry situation in relation =
to the
region, state, nation, and world. Communicate and interact with =
related
commodity groups.<br>
<br>
2. Provide leadership to =
determine
priority needs in the horticulture industry in cooperation with local =
Extension
staff and stakeholder groups. Develop advisory group(s) or other
structures for program development and input.<br>
<br>
3. Provide clientele/producers
current and timely technical recommendations applicable to industry =
through
farm visits, one to one contact, group presentations, newsletters, =
direct mail,
news releases, electronic media and other means. Provide farmers =
and other
agriculturalists with the results of unbiased research results in =
agriculture
and other related subject matter areas. <br>
<br>
4. Provide leadership and =
support to
the Agricultural Industry through active participation in relevant Area =
of
Expertise teams.<br>
<br>
5. Serve as the lead county =
Extension
educator in matters pertaining to farm labor policy education and stay =
informed
with key local and state organizations that =
support/coordinate/administer
programs for farm labor.<br>
<br>
6. Serve as an information =
resource
for Extension personnel throughout the district and region. =
Maintain and
update databases of horticulture producers to include: fruit, vegetable,
ornamental horticulture, and floriculture.<br>
<br>
7. Develop Educational =
Initiatives,
based upon program priorities in accordance with local needs, advisory =
groups,
and established policies and procedures.<br>
<br>
8. Assist growers in =
developing a
strong farm financial management system based on recordkeeping, cost of
production data, computer assisted decision-making and long-range =
planning.<br>
<br>
9. Cooperate with other =
educators,
with AOE team, with campus based departments/specialists in =
establishing,
conducting, and evaluating demonstrations and research efforts in the
area. Cooperate with other USDA, county, and state agencies that =
support
agriculture industries. <br>
<br>
10. Communicate the Extension and research needs =
of the
area to campus based departments, crop integrators, and research
partners. Assist departments and AOE team in determining these =
needs
through interaction with state commodity groups and associations<br>
<br>
11. Cooperate with county and campus based =
Extension
staff in developing and implementing programs for improved crop =
production and
products (including strategies for value added products), improved =
management
decision making, and overall advancement in the industry. Conduct
educational programming in proper pesticide use, storage, and =
safety.<br>
<br>
12. Regularly share plans and results with =
County
Extension Director and other appropriate Extension colleagues.<br>
<br>
13. Develop and utilize appropriate media =
methods to
communicate current information about the industry to producers. =
Use
communication technologies (e mail, FAX, Web Page, etc.) to keep =
producers
aware of current pest conditions.<br>
<br>
14. Actively participate in conferences, in =
service
education, and professional development activities to continually =
improve
technical expertise and proficiency as an educator. Submit =
reports,
evaluations, and other materials in a timely fashion, as required by =
MSUE.<br>
<br>
15. Facilitate interactions with appropriate =
industry
groups and associations within the region as well as on a statewide =
basis.<br>
<br>
16. Work with appropriate team members to meet =
the
natural resource and public policy programming needs related to =
agriculture,
environment, and land use issues.<br>
<br>
17. Work with Extension Council and other =
advisory
groups for support of Extension programming.<br>
<br>
18. Implement the directives and objectives of =
Equal
Opportunity and Affirmative Action regarding the availability of =
Extension
programs. Strive to reach a diverse audience and extend Extension
programs to under served audiences.<br>
<br>
19. Perform other duties as assigned.<br>
<br>
<b><u><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Qualifications</span></u>:<br>
</b> <br>
Master's degree related to horticulture with focus on fruit and/or
ornamentals. Course work or experience in integrated pest or crop
management or entomology preferred. Three years of Extension =
and/or
Extension related experience. Experience in improved crops =
management
practices to increase profitability, reduce undesirable environmental =
impacts,
manage insects and diseases, and food safety. Prior experiences in
conducting programs related to Integrated Pest Management, Integrated =
Crop
Management and value added products preferred. Knowledge of farm
management practices such as farm labor, records, financial planning, =
marketing
channels and organizations preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop
leadership in the agriculture community. Ability to manage multiple and =
varied
tasks required. Ability to accept and delegate =
responsibility.
Effective oral and written communication skills. Knowledge and =
skills in
the use of computers for use in educational programming and management
required. Understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunity, =
affirmative
action and diversity/pluralism. Upon employment, must reside within =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> (waiver available under =
certain
circumstances).<br>
<br>
<b><u><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Responsible to</span></u>:<br>
</b> <br>
This position is responsible to the County Extension Director in =
<st1:place
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Berrien</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Interacts with =
input from
the Regional Director, appropriate CEDs and educators in counties served =
by
this position, Area of Expertise team, campus specialists, and other =
Extension
or campus department personnel, as needed.<br>
<br>
<br>
<i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>Michigan State University Extension
employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without =
regard
to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, =
political
beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. =
Persons
with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable
accommodations</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><br>
<i><font color=3Dred><span style=3D'color:red;font-style:italic'>MSU =
Southwest<br>
<st1:Street w:st=3D"on"><st1:address w:st=3D"on">3700 E. Gull Lake =
Drive</st1:address></st1:Street><br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City =
w:st=3D"on">Hickory</st1:City></st1:place>
Corners, MI 49060<br>
Phone: 269/671-2444<br>
Fax: 269/671-2409<br>
E-mail: =
[log in to unmask]</span></font></i><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>END 0f MI organic news for week of June =
19-23<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'>Wish you all a good week ahead!!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:PersonName w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3 =
color=3Dblack
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki
Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Michigan</span></font></st1:PlaceN=
ame><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
Bldg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font =
size=3D3
color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>East
Lansing</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack><span =
style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
(cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
(fax)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id=3D"_x0000_t75" =
coordsize=3D"21600,21600"=20
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------_=_NextPart_002_01C696D0.B037BD29--
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:16:19 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Soil building workshop for organic and biological systems
Comments: To: [log in to unmask]
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On Wednesday, August 23 the Morgan Composting and MSU will host a 1 day
workshop on building soils with compost, cover crops and soil
amendments. Roger Kropf from Midwest Biosystems will present as well as
successful organic vegetable and field crop farmers. There will be a
display of market opportunities and MSU programs and resources. Please
share this info through the enclosed flyer with interested farmers and
educators.
Thanks for your participation to serve our agricultural community.
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
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<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>On Wednesday, August 23 the =
Morgan
Composting and MSU will host a 1 day workshop on building soils with =
compost,
cover crops and soil amendments. Roger Kropf from Midwest =
Biosystems will
present as well as successful organic vegetable and field crop farmers. =
There
will be a display of market opportunities and MSU programs and =
resources.
Please share this info through the enclosed flyer with interested =
farmers and
educators.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Thanks for your participation to =
serve our
agricultural community.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
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Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
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w:st=3D"on">State</st1:PlaceType>
<st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>303 Natural Resources =
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style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
(cell)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
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style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
(fax)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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If you would like to access a searchable archive of the all the previous Mich-Organic listserv postings copy this URL and paste in your browser address field http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
------_=_NextPart_003_01C69C60.85C5F9F4--
=========================================================================
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:16:27 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: flyer for soil building workshop
MIME-Version: 1.0
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=20
I received notice from several of you that you did not receive the
attachment. I have increased the capacity of the listserv to accommodate
the flyer. I look forward to meeting some of you on Aug 23 at this
workshop.
Vicki Morrone
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
------_=_NextPart_003_01C69C68.F4E412FC
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<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>I received notice from several of =
you that
you did not receive the attachment. I have increased the capacity of the
listserv to accommodate the flyer. I look forward to meeting some of you =
on Aug
23 at this workshop.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Vicki =
Morrone<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p=
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Morrone</span></font></st1:PersonName><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>Organic Vegetable and Crop =
Outreach
Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><font size=3D3
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<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>C.S. Mott Sustainable Food =
Systems<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
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style=3D'color:black'>,
<st1:State w:st=3D"on">MI</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode =
w:st=3D"on">48824</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3542<o:p></o:p></span></fo=
nt></p>
<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-282-3557 =
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<p class=3DMsoAutoSig><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
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style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'>517-353-3834 =
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Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 13:20:24 -0400
Reply-To: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Sender: MI organic growers seeking info and ideas
<[log in to unmask]>
From: Vicki Morrone <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Actual flyer enclosed
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I have made another adjustment to the listserv input and hope this will
allow for the attachment.
Thanks for your patience
=20
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
=20
=20
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
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<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dblack face=3D"Times New =
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