USA BLOG POST DATED 8/ 16/ 17
Most teenagers across the country are preparing to start a new year of school, but in Wyoming many will pull double duty by earning college credit after they close their high school books.
Wyoming 4-H is continuing its Pathways to Higher Education program, an advanced placement partnership with the University of Wyoming that gives high school students the chance to earn college credits based on their 4-H livestock programs. Now entering its second year, the program already has 20 students enrolled in the university’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Pathways to Higher Education is a three-year program that provides one to four college credits, one credit per year, with the fourth credit coming from a capstone laboratory project. The program integrates the students’ own 4-H projects in beef, poultry, rabbits, sheep, horses, goats, and swine with the university’s animal science education. Lesson objectives include nutrition, care and disease prevention, reproduction and genetics, and meat science.
4-H is the flagship youth outreach program of the federal land-grant universities’ Cooperative Extension Service, administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). 4-H provides youth hands-on learning experiences and encourages learning about the world through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities.
The course corresponds with the university’s traditional Introduction to Animal Science offering, except that it is geared toward high school undergraduates.
Flexibility is one of the hallmarks of the program. “Course lectures are delivered remotely via Zoom to members across the state, and laboratory experiences include hands-on educational events and activities that members can participate in with or without their animal,” said Robin Schamber, 4-H and youth development specialist with University of Wyoming Extension.
In addition to the recorded lectures on the internet, students have a wide range of options when it comes to the laboratory requirements, including studying their own animals. “If an animal gets ill, they can follow the process of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery (or not) with their vet and write it up as a lab,” Schamber said.
Pathways to Higher Education was funded in part by the Ellbogen Foundation, which also provides some scholarships to students.
NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and extension and seeks to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue and USTR Robert Lighthizer Announce Expanded Access for U.S. Rice Exports to Colombia
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 17/ 17
(WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 17, 2017) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today announced an agreement reached with the government of Colombia to allow for expanded market access for U.S. exports of paddy rice.
A previous agreement in 2012 between both countries enabled exports of U.S. paddy rice to Colombia, but under strict and costly requirements related to phytosanitary concerns. The new agreement lifts these requirements and expands access beyond the single port of Barranquilla, which was the only port previously open to U.S. exporters.
The new agreement reflects the close trade ties between the United States and Colombia, and the high quality and safe rice produced by the U.S. rice industry. The agreement, combined with preferential access under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA), will further accelerate increased U.S. exports of food and agriculture to Colombia.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said:
“Today’s announcement is another great testament of our determination to expand export opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers and to ensure fair trade with our international partners. This agreement expands opportunities for U.S. rice producers in the important Colombian market. It also underscores the value of improved relationships to solve problems, based on a solid trade agreement that benefits both parties and on a commitment to science-based rule-making.”
U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, said:
“I welcome this new agreement and the expanded market access and opportunity it will afford to U.S. exporters of paddy rice.
“This outcome is a result of the Administration’s efforts to enforce international trade commitments on behalf of the American people, and to deepen our bilateral ties with key trading partners, particularly allies like Colombia.”
Background:
Colombia is the United States’ 12th largest export market for food and agricultural products, with exports valued at over $2.4 billion in 2016 – a sharp increase over exports prior to completion of the CTPA, when Colombia ranked as the 26th market for U.S. food and agricultural exports in 2011, with an associated value of $1.12 billion. Exports of milled rice to Colombia have increased dramatically since entry into force of the CTPA in 2012, averaging $79 million per year compared to $3 million in 2011.
Exports of paddy rice since 2012, when the CTPA entered into force and the letter exchange provided for market access, have constituted a small but growing share of total U.S. rice exports to Colombia, reaching $15 million in 2016. Under the new agreement on paddy rice, costly and unnecessary fumigation and processing requirements are rescinded, and access expanded to all ports of entry in Colombia.
Paddy rice, also known as “rough rice,” is the whole rice grain, along with its hulls. It is harvested directly from rice fields or paddies and transported or exported to processing facilities. As part of the processing, the protective hull is removed, leaving only the actual rice kernel for consumption. By leaving the sturdy hull on, it is possible to store the kernels for several months without incurring product losses due to spoiling or infestation.
South Korea Lifts U.S. Poultry Ban
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 17/ 17
WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 17, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that the government of South Korea has lifted its ban on imports of U.S. poultry and poultry products, including fresh eggs. Korea had imposed the ban in response to a recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
On August 11, the United States notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) that it is now free of HPAI. This notification removed any justification for U.S. trading partners to restrict imports of U.S. poultry due to HPAI concerns. Currently, Korea imposes a ban on all U.S. poultry in response to any HPAI detection, but USDA continues to work with Korean officials towards limiting any future import restrictions to the affected area, consistent with OIE guidelines.
“The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world and we were at once able to quickly identify, confine, and control this most recent disease outbreak. Our hope is that Korean officials will recognize that our system works and will move towards a regional approach in the event of any future findings of bird flu,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “South Korea is one of our best trading partners, and we want to continue being their most dependable supplier of high-quality food and farm products. Korea’s lifting of its most recent ban is an important move for our poultry and egg industries, but it is still just the first step.”
In 2014, the last full year without any HPAI-related trade restrictions in place, South Korea purchased $122 million in U.S. poultry products, including eggs, making it the United States’ tenth-largest market. South Korea’s imports from all sources exceeded $350 million in 2016, but only $39 million came from the United States.
Korea has also announced a temporary measure that will allow U.S. eggs and egg products to enter the country duty free in the face of a shortage of domestic supplies. Earlier this year, USDA worked with Korea’s agriculture ministry to reopen the market for U.S. eggs and egg products, but imports were again restricted after the HPAI detection in Tennessee. Year-to-date exports through June have totaled $12 million, up nearly $10 million compared with the same period last year.
On the state level
WSDA discovers first-ever live female gypsy moths in Washington
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 14/ 17
OLYMPIA — For the first time in its more than 40-year history of trapping for gypsy moths, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has discovered actively reproducing female gypsy moths during annual summer trapping.
"This is an extraordinary find for our team," said Jim Marra, WSDA Pest Program Manager. "While we have found evidence of reproducing gypsy moths in the past, we've never found female moths actively laying eggs in our state. To halt the egg-laying activity and remove this infestation before the caterpillars hatched likely saved our state from an extensive, multi-year eradication project that would have cost millions of dollars. It's confirmation that our program is working as intended."
This recent discovery came when trappers, who placed nearly 30,000 traps throughout the state this summer, recorded an unusually high number of catches of gypsy moths in the Puyallup area. When WSDA inspected the location, the team of trappers and entomologists Removing egg masses from treediscovered the infestation of moths in a residential neighborhood.
WSDA spent several days collecting female moths and removing vegetation at the site. In all, about 100 females were collected — most of which were actively laying eggs. Numerous males were also collected as well as egg masses, pupae casings, shed caterpillar skins, and live pupae which had not yet hatched.
As of August 11, the program had caught 80 male gypsy moths in traps in the Puyallup and Graham vicinity. Last year only 25 male moths were found in the entire state.
This gypsy moth detection has prompted WSDA to request help from local residents and landscapers in limiting the potential spread of this pest. Area residents are being asked to thoroughly check any vegetation or outdoor items for gypsy moth egg masses. The movement of egg masses could result in widespread infestation of gypsy moths throughout the state.
Anyone spotting what they believe to be gypsy moth egg masses should contact WSDA for proper identification and removal. Residents can find pictures of the moths and egg masses at agr.wa.gov/gypsymoth where they will also find updated gypsy moth catch totals and more information about the gypsy moth program. Reports can also be made by calling 1-800-443-6684 or e-mailing gypsymoth@agr.wa.gov.
The high number of catches and discovery of the infestation make it likely that WSDA will propose an eradication project next spring. But finding ‘ground zero’ will allow for a more limited proposal than would be possible if the source had not been found. Eradication proposals are developed in consultation with national experts, are open to stakeholder and public comment and require environmental impact review. WSDA will not begin developing a proposal, however, until trapping and egg mass surveys are completed in this fall.
WSDA first created its gypsy moth trapping and eradication program in 1974. Gypsy moths are an invasive pest that feed on hundreds of different trees and bushes, destroying trees in homes, parks, and forests. In 2016, gypsy moth damage in New England, where the moths are permanently established, could be seen from space. Thousands of acres of trees were entirely defoliated and hundreds of acres of these trees died and had to be removed
DOE: Skagit County farm, Ecology settle irrigation fine
$16,000 toward stream restoration in lieu of penalty
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 10/ 17
LYMAN – A blueberry farm on Cockreham Island along the Skagit River will restore habitat on a nearby stream under a settlement agreement with the Washington Department of Ecology.
U.S. Golden Eagle Farms appealed a $16,000 penalty from Ecology in 2016 for irrigating fields without proper authorization. Now the company will spend that same amount on two nearby restoration projects along a Skagit River tributary. U.S. Golden Eagle Farms will place large woody debris for fish habitat and plant native vegetation to improve the stream bank area.
In a separate action, the company last year secured proper authorization from Ecology to irrigate its acreage.
“This restoration work, combined with coming into compliance, brings this case to a positive and productive close,” said Tom Buroker, Ecology’s Northwest Regional Director. “We are encouraged that the farm is committing to protect fish habitat and water resources.”
Ecology oversees Washington’s water rights system to ensure that water is available for people, farms and fish.
NEWS FROM OLYMPIA
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE SEEKS US SUPREME COURT REVIEW IN CULVERTS CASE
OLYMPIA — The Attorney General’s Office today filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the “culverts case,” officially referred to as United States of America et al. v. State of Washington. Today was the deadline for filing the petition for Supreme Court review.
Washington State Court Administrator named to leadership positions in two national court organizations
August 17, 2017
(Williamsburg, VA) – Washington State Court Administrator Callie T. Dietz has been named president of the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), and vice-chair of the National Center for State Courts Board of Directors. Both positions are one-year terms and became effective last week during the annual joint meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators in Philadelphia.
DOE: Yakima Basin water-rights case coming to a close
State’s largest stream adjudication will confirm 2,500 water rights
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 17/ 17
UNION GAP – The historic Ecology v. James Acquavella, et al adjudication determining and confirming all surface water rights in the Yakima River Basin will soon be final, announces the Washington Department of Ecology.
After 40 years of court proceedings and deliberation, Yakima Superior Court Judge F. James Gavin entered a proposed final decree for the case on Aug. 10, 2017, including a draft schedule of rights set to be confirmed over the next eight months. Information is now being mailed to water right holders, beginning a review process after which the court will enter a final judgment concluding the case.
An open house is scheduled for 5-7 p.m., Sept. 6, 2017, at Ecology’s Central Regional Office, 1250 W. Alder St., Union Gap, where people can ask questions about their water rights and learn more about the process including deadlines for filing objections.
Under the threat of drought in 1977, Ecology filed a petition for an adjudication to determine the legality of all claims for use of surface water in the Yakima River Basin. The resulting court case began a thorough and binding review of all historical facts and evidence associated with each claim for rights to surface water use in the basin, including Kittitas, Yakima, Benton and parts of Klickitat counties.
Nearly 2,500 water rights in 31 subbasins (tributary watersheds) for individuals and about 30 major claimants, including irrigation districts, cities, federal projects (Reclamation and Forest Service) and the Yakama Indian Nation, have been meticulously substantiated.
“Now water users have clarity about their water rights and stability on what they can expect going forward,” said Ecology’s deputy director Polly Zehm. “This process brought parties to the courtroom to settle claims, and over the long years laid the foundation for a more collaborative approach to meet all our water needs through adoption of the Yakima Integrated Water Management Plan.”
The draft schedule of rights is available for review on Ecology’s website. Anyone may file written objections with the court until Nov. 15, 2017. A schedule for court review and responses to objections will follow as needed until April 14, 2018.
Record low unemployment continues in Washington
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 8/ 16/ 17
OLYMPIA – Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate clocked in at 4.5 percent for the third consecutive month in July, according to the state Employment Security Department.
“The good economic news continues in Washington,” said Paul Turek, economist for the department. “Unemployment is at a record low and Washington businesses continue to add jobs. Plus, newly released data shows early-year hiring was much stronger than originally thought.”
Washington employers added 1,600 nonfarm jobs in July. The department released the seasonally adjusted, preliminary job estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics as part of its July Monthly Employment Report.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
CLALLAM COUNTY COMMISSION MEETINGS
Work Session agenda highlight item:
EXECUTIVE SESSION - August 21, 2017 at 3 p.m.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested an Executive Session with the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator, the Director of Community Development, the Director of Human Resources/Risk Department and outside legal counsel.
The purpose of this session is to discuss with the Board an application for a 32,000+ square feet structure proposed by applicant Judy Lee and a related lawsuit captioned as "Judy Lee v. Clallam County, Clallam County Board of Appeals." The lawsuit is filed in Kitsap County Superior Court under #16-2-02354-3. On July 28, 2017 the Superior Court Judge denied the LUPA Petition, thereby affirming the December 2016 decision of the County Board of Appeals. Counsel for Judy Lee is now asking that the plans as revised by her be reviewed by Department of Community Development. Possible county responses, if any, will be discussed. Judy Lee has until August 28, 2017 to appeal to the Court of Appeals.
Discussing such matters in executive session is appropriate because public knowledge of the discussion would reveal the County’s legal strategies and likely result in an adverse legal or financial consequence to the agency. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(i) expressly authorizes a governing body to convene an executive session for the above-described purposes, specifically actual litigation against the County.
See full work session agenda
2) Department of Natural Resources - 1 p.m. Quarterly income report
CLALLAM COUNTY REGULAR SESSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
Grant amendment A with Washington State Department of Commerce to extend the grant period and increase the grant amount
See full agenda
OTHER LOCAL AND REGIONAL MEETINGS
CLALLAM PUD MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT
EDC Executive Director Bob Schroeter will provide an update on EDC activities (See full agenda)
JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
AGREEMENT re: School Based Mental Health Services; In the Amount of $137,156; Jefferson County Public Health; Discovery Behavioral Healthcare (See full agenda)
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA HIGHLIGHT ITEMS
1) Resolution 17-038 Tasking Various City Offices Regarding Affordable Housing
Action: Move to approve Resolution 17-038 Tasking Various City Offices Regarding Affordable Housing. Action: Move to authorize and direct the City Clerk to set a Special Meeting of the [council][ad hoc committee] for August 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
2) Resolution 17-039 Expressing the City Council’s Support for Jefferson County’s Proposition 1, a Bond Measure to Levy an Additional Property Tax to Provide Funding for Very Low-Income and Low-Income Housing
Action: Move to approve Resolution 17-039 Expressing the City Council’s Support for Jefferson County’s Proposition 1, a Bond Measure to Levy an Additional Property Tax to Provide Funding for Very Low-Income and Low-Income Housing. (see full agenda)
WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS
FROM THE UN NEWS CENTER:
Yemen's 'man-made catastrophe' is ravaging country, senior UN officials tell Security Council
18 August 2017 – Warning about escalating suffering in Yemen's man-made catastrophe, senior United Nations officials today addressed the Security Council, calling on the international community to push for a political solution to the more than two-year-old conflict.
Protecting aid workers ‘paramount,’ UN relief chief says ahead of World Humanitarian Day
17 August 2017 – As conflicts around the world continue to take a massive toll on people’s lives, the top United Nations relief official stressed the importance of ensuring that the brave men and women who risk their lives to help those in need are not themselves a target.
THE NATION
THE HILL: ‘Sheriff Joe’ Arpaio says he’d be honored by Trump pardonThe bombastic former sheriff of Maricopa Country, Ariz., Joe Arpaio, who was found guilty of criminal contempt last month, said he would be honored if President Trump decided to pardon him.
CNBC: Mitt Romney urges Trump to apologize for Charlottesville reaction
Mitt Romney on Friday urged President Donald Trump to take "remedial action in the extreme" following Trump's response to violence at a white nationalist rally in Virginia last weekend.
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Philippians 1:21 NKJV
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