Klobuchar announces aid for Minnesota’s pork producers Nov 13, 2009
The purchase was announced today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Since the discovery of the H1N1 virus, domestic hog farmers have suffered from decreased international demand, despite no known link between eating pork products and virus. (Agri-View, WI)
China will lift H1N1-related ban on U.S. pork (19) Nov 9, 2009
U.S. trade representative Ron Kirk, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke attended the meeting. Re-opening the Chinese market to U.S. pork was at the top of their agenda. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
R-CALF asks for overturn of Canada over-30-month rule (2) Nov 8, 2009
In a Jan. 27, 2009, letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, R-CALF USA provided more detailed information to support its request that the agency overturn in its entirety the over-30-month rule (OTM Rule), which allows into the U.S. imports of older Canadian cattle, as well as beef products from those older Canadian animals. USDA did not publish in the Federal Register a final agency action in this matter on or before noon on Jan. 20, 2009, and as such, the OTM Rule is now under the purview... (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
NFU President Meets With USDA Secretary Vilsack (2) Nov 8, 2009
National Farmers Union President Tom Buis met last Wednesday with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to discuss the challenges currently affecting those in rural America. Buis and Vilsack discussed the drastic change in the rural economy due to the sharp decline in commodity prices and what this means for producers. (Agri-View, WI)
$450 million offered in water cleanup Nov 7, 2009
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spent the day in Fowler -- his second day in the area -- while Sen. Dianne Feinstein met with farmers and water agency officials on the west side. (Fresno Bee)
More of this story Nov 7, 2009
According to Gov. Mike Beebe's office, a June Secretarial Disaster Declaration for spring flooding in 54 counties, including Ashley County, by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, may already make those farmers eligible for financial help due to present flooding. Gov. Beebe also asked Sec. Vilsack for the same designation for an additional 26 counties on Oct. 9. (Hamburg Ashley County Ledger, AR)
USDA Says It Wants to Resolve Indian Farmer Claim Nov 7, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Indian farmers and ranchers during a meeting Thursday that the department was "committed to resolving" litigation involving them. On Friday, Justice Department spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz said the case is expected to be considered again by the court early next year. (ABC News -- Wire)
Make no mistake: He's running Nov 6, 2009
Harkin was not trying to create a presidential boomlet, so much as to maintain his own neutrality in a 2008 field that included Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and outgoing Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack. Then, last month, Obama set an unofficial statewide pre-primary record when 1,600 New Hampshire Democrats paid $25 each to hear him speak at a Rarely has a fledgling presidential candidate entered the fray propelled by such stirring auditions in the first caucus and primary states. (Salon)
When Is It Legal To Frame A Man For Murder? Nov 5, 2009
Terry Harrington, center, stands with his family and friends outside the Clarinda Correctional Facility after Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack signed a reprieve for Harrington, April 17, 2003, in Clarinda, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall / AP. (Time.com)
Minnesota State Fair study provides new information about H1N1 Nov 5, 2009
On Oct. 19, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that scientists had conducted tests that confirmed the presence of H1N1 in one pig. As of Oct. 29, samples taken from six pigs at the Minnesota State Fair were confirmed with the virus. (Agri-View, WI)
Wheat lacking fundamental supports as stocks remain large Nov 5, 2009
Hogs rallied last week on stronger than expected cash trade and news that China plans to lift its ban on U.S. pork, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said. Vilsack and Kirk added they look forward to China's official announcement soon. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Kids need nutritious school lunches Nov 5, 2009
Of course, improving school lunches requires more money, and the Obama administration is proposing an additional $1 billion a year for the next 10 years, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in October. He cited the institute's findings that children don't eat enough dark green and dark orange vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat and nonfat dairy products. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Local briefs: Porterville man arrested in carjacking Nov 5, 2009
The awards to communities in eight states were announced Wednesday by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Mendota and Glenn County were the only local governments in California awarded grants. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
More news reports... Nov 4, 2009
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the formal launch Oct. 8 of the new National Institute of Food and Agriculture. . (The Battalion, TX)
Slaughterhouse closed for inhumane treatment Nov 4, 2009
Inspector's behavior scrutinizedThe video also appeared to back up a Friday statement in which U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack described the conduct of a USDA inspector at the slaughterhouse as "inexcusable.". It showed an unidentified inspector appearing to coach a plant worker on how to avoid being shut down by another inspector and failing to stop an animal being cut while awake. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Pork is safe to eat Nov 4, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a sample from a show hog in Minnesota. This does not suggest infection of commercial herds because show hogs and commercially raised hogs are in separate segments of the swine industry that do not typically interchange personnel or animal stock. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Market Forecaster Nov 3, 2009
Hogs rallied last week on stronger than expected cash trade and news that China plans to lift its ban on U.S. pork, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said. Vilsack and Kirk added they look forward to China's official announcement "soon." News from Russia also prompting better export ideas and some floor talk circulated that they bought U.S. hams. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Schools improve certification for school lunches Nov 3, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the report shows areas where states can improve. Kevin Concannon, the USDA's undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, said the report "will help us share promising lessons from the most successful states.". (Concord Monitor)
Weather service: 2 more Ark. tornadoes confirmed Nov 3, 2009
Members of the state's congressional delegation said they had written Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting Gov. Mike Beebe's request that 36 Arkansas counties be declared disaster areas after months of record rain and extensive flooding. Thursday's storms were blamed for the deaths of three people whose cars were submerged by rising waters, in Pulaski, Independence and Mississippi counties. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Vilsack declares natural disaster in 10 S.D. counties (14) Nov 2, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack recently announced that sufficient production losses in 10 counties in South Dakota warrant a secretarial natural disaster designation. In addition, 15 counties in South Dakota were named as contiguous disaster areas. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Coby to attend D.C. conference Nov 2, 2009
Expected Administration officials Thursday include: Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Deputy Attorney General David Ogden, HUD Deputy Secretary Ronald Sims, DHS Deputy Secretary Jane Lute, Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli, and Indian Health Service Director Dr. Yvette... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Farmers fight climate bill, but warming spells trouble for them Nov 2, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in written testimony while traveling in China last week that the bill would create opportunities for farmers to sell renewable energy and to earn money by selling credits for reducing emissions. He also said the bill contained provisions that would prevent fertilizer price increases before 2025, even though fuel prices would rise. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Antelope study leads to change (22) Nov 1, 2009
At its meeting in June, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed a pact with U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Energy Secretary Steven Chu to gather more information about wildlife migration to guide planning for energy exploration, power transmission and land development. So far, the Idaho study has been limited to members of a herd of up to 130 pronghorns that spends summers in the Pioneer Mountains and winters in the... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
* World News Quick Take Nov 1, 2009
Chinas intent to remove its H1N1-related ban on US pork marks an important step forward in cooperation between the countries on agriculture issues, said US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who was in China this week along with other top US trade officials. HONG KONG Bottom attacker jailed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Nine years and Hispanic farmers still waiting for discrimination suit ruling Nov 1, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack created a task force in April to review the department's civil rights complaints. "These are just the first actions in a continuing effort to ensure that civil rights of USDA constituents and employees are respected and protected," Vilsack said in a statement. (Fresno Bee)
Minnesota Farmers Union recognizes Tom Vilsack as Ag Secretary (2) Nov 1, 2009
Minnesota Farmers Union recognizes Tom Vilsack as Ag Secretary ... St. Paul (December 17, 2008) - President-elect Barack Obama nominated former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as United States Secretary of Agriculture. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Walker lands top rural development post Nov 1, 2009
The appointment, made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, requires no confirmation. Walker backed bills that would have required businesses receiving tax incentives, such as from enterprise zones, to show how the money was spent, as well as how many jobs the incentives spawned. (The Business Journal of Portland, OR)
Head of Ala.'s office of rural development named Nov 1, 2009
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the appointment in a statement Friday. Davis has worked in various positions for the U.S. Farm Service Agency since 1995. (WSJA.com, AL)
Feds Close Vt. Slaughterhouse Oct 31, 2009
Slaughterhouse - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports. WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Feds Close Vt. (WCAX.com, VT)
Disaster area Oct 31, 2009
Greenville, Mississippi - - Chronicling Stories of the Delta since 1868. Friday, October 30, 2009 1:08 PM CDT. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
China lifts ban on U.S. pork products Oct 31, 2009
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently resolved the trade impasse. I am relieved to see sound science has finally prevailed over political science in re-establishing the trade of pork and live swine with China, Staples says. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Intensive high-level contacts warm up Obama's China visit Oct 30, 2009
This year's JCCT talks, highlighted by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, were widely seen as part of preparations for the presidential summit next month. "Today's JCCT meeting laid a solid groundwork and made full preparations for President Obama's visit in two weeks, which will help build the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relations toward the 21st century," China's Minister of Commerce Chen Deming said... (Xinhuanet, China)
US, China huddle for high-level trade talks Oct 29, 2009
US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met for a second day with a team led by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan in the eastern city of Hangzhou. Obama is due to begin his first presidential visit to China on November 15, and the two sides are looking to smooth over trade tensions on a number of issues before his high-profile trip to Shanghai and Beijing. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Washington, Iron counties designated natural disaster counties Oct 29, 2009
Nixon requested the designation from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in September. Missouri farmers suffered significant losses from storms this spring and summer, Nixon said. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
US hopes for China talks on trade disputes Oct 28, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " Locke also said climate change and clean energy would be high on the agenda for the meeting of the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which last convened in Yorba Linda, California, in September 2008. "As the world's two biggest emitters of carbon emissions, we also have a responsibility to act," Locke said. Washington and Beijing will be key players at the global climate change talks in Copenhagen in December, which will aim to... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Can USDA reject the Rosemont mine project? Oct 28, 2009
The meetings came days after a letter from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council indicated that a no-action ruling wasnt an option because of the 1872 Mining Act. Two days later, he backed off, saying his staff sent the signed letter without his approval. (Nogales International, AZ)
Typhoon-hit Philippines gets U.S. food aid Oct 28, 2009
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that the food aid, consisting of rice and dry milk, can feed nearly half a million people for two months, officials said. The food aid "will help the people in the most need of assistance," said Vilsack, who led a trade mission to the capital, Manila. (MSNBC -- International)
Vilsack Makes Decision On Run Against Grassley Oct 27, 2009
Vilsack is the wife of Tom Vilsack, a two-term Iowa governor who is now U.S. Agriculture secretary. Two former state legislators, Bob Krause and Tom Fiegen, said they'll seek the Democratic party's nomination, and Des Moines lawyer Roxanne Conlin said she'll probably join the race. (7 KETV Omaha)
CLIMATE CHANGEImpact on Agricultural Industry Oct 26, 2009
Despite meeting with Bennet and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Eckhardt remains skeptical of an Agriculture Department's analysis of the House climate bill that says farmers stand to make more money from trapping carbon in their soil and crops than they will pay out in higher energy prices. "I know my fuel will go up, I know my chemicals will go up. And the question that was asked at the meeting we had with them was how much? And their answer was not as much as you think it will," said... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Pakistan willing to be flexible on Kashmir: Shaukat Aziz Oct 26, 2009
US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who was in Manila on a four-day trade mission, said. Seoul - South Korea on Monday offered North Korea its first food aid in nearly two years as part of a recent cautious rapprochement between the two neighbours. (Yahoo News -- Kashmir Dispute)
Washington veteran expects changes to be big and fast (2) Oct 25, 2009
Tom Vilsack becomes the third consecutive former governor to head USDA. We will know more of the direction of USDA by the deputies (Obama) picks, Wiesemeyer said. The foundation of agriculture is good, but the risk is volatile, Wiesemeyer said. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
NPPC Congratulates Vilsack On Nomination (2) Oct 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 17, 2008 The National Pork Producers Council congratulates former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack for being picked to be the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ... Tom Vilsack knows production agriculture and the pork industry and will make a good Secretary of Agriculture, said NPPC President Bryan Black, a pork producer from Canal Winchester, Ohio. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Ag official gets earful on Rosemont Oct 25, 2009
The meetings came days after a letter from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to the Green Valley Community Coordinating Council indicated that a no-action ruling wasn t an option because of the 1872 Mining Act. Two days later, he backed off, saying his staff sent the signed letter without his approval. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Groups run ad urging stop to timber sales in Tongass Oct 25, 2009
ANCHORAGE - Nearly a dozen conservation groups are appealing to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to put a stop to two timber sales in the Tongass National Forest ... ANCHORAGE - Nearly a dozen conservation groups are appealing to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to put a stop to two timber sales in the Tongass National Forest. (Juneau Empire)
Rosemont letter sent by mistake, Ag official says Oct 24, 2009
An Oct. 14 letter to the GVCCC that indicated the federal government couldn t block the proposed Rosemont Mine was sent in error, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Vilsack s one-page letter sent to U.S. Rep. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Conlin Eyes 2010 Race Against Grassley Oct 24, 2009
One potential candidate is Christie Vilsack, a lawyer whose husband, Tom Vilsack, is a former Iowa governor and President Barack Obama s Agriculture secretary. A Research 2000/Daily Kos survey conducted Oct. 12-14 gave Grassley a 51 percent to 39 percent advantage over Vilsack and a 51 percent to 40 percent lead over Conlin. (Roll Call)
Southern cayuga student's essay about Ethiopia takes her All over Oct 23, 2009
Speakers at the institute included Bill Gates, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Pepsico CEO Indra Nooyi and many authors, ministers and former presidents from around the world. I didn't know a lot about this before, but I went there and heard about all the problems (Ethiopians) are facing, said Mattoon. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Mr. Ohlendorf goes to Washington Oct 23, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack grew up in Pittsburgh as a Pirates fan. He was invited to PNC Park this summer to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, which, fittingly, was caught by Ohlendorf, who asked to receive the pitch once he learned that it was Vilsack who was taking the mound. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Connecticut Dairy Farms May Get U.S. Funding Boost Oct 23, 2009
Courtney, co-chairman of the Congressional Dairy Caucus, recently led a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and other members of Congress to discuss the dairy industry. "The crisis is all over the U.S.," Courtney said. (FOX61, CT)
More of this story Oct 22, 2009
Even before this latest round of heavy rains, Governor Beebe had submitted a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Arkansas. The Farm Service Agency is conducting crop damage assessments to assist in that request. (Hamburg Ashley County Ledger, AR)
Second complaint ... Officials question Franklin sewerage ... True to locale\'s history ... Brown Bag stalwart steps down ... PEPPER CROWD LIKES IT HOT ... Career diploma was focus ... More than a car show ... The votes are in ... Miniature horses highlight familys pets ... Westgate hands NISH first loss ... LANDFILL CLOSED ... IPSO cleared and sued ... GRAND PIANO AWAITS BUDGINAS ... JSHS coach charged ... N.I. weekend road closings announced ... BOATBUILDING VISION KEEN ... Porn suspect a deputy ... THE HOTTER THE BETTER ... Iberia Parish united in support of area campaign ... IPSO deputy arrested for child pornography ... Gumbo winners ... Protocol key in DHS homecoming voting ... Jeanerette coach charged with having sex with student ... GUMBO CHAMP ... Heart is what makes \'Big Lou\' ... HIGHER RATES ... Area residents alarmed ... Rape of 87 year old linked to others ... TV visit adds file to city\'s big event ... St. Mary school bus hits SUV ... INSIDE THE BODY EXPERIENCE ... Development Ready push under way ... Cause born in loss ... Early voting gets started in Teche ... VILLAGE SALUTING PARK\'S FOUNDER ... Rain blankets much of Teche area ... Hundreds enjoy arts, crafts ... Doc \'morphed\' into new focus ... NISH, Jeanerette, Loreauville win ... Concerns raised at AGL public hearing ... Stinging lesson just for children ... RACE TO LEARN ... Okra festival cooking up fun ... HIGHER PRICES SWEETEN CROP ... \'I\'M CAJUN\' ESSAY A WINNER ... Sen. Vitter tours area facility ... Horse-powered parade ... Murder suspect killed ... Teche Area bakers as seen on TV ... Sugar Cane Festival Children\'s parade show for whole family ... Erath beats WSM; Hanson, SM fall while Westgate wins on road ... Homes, businesses get in spirit ... Iberia Fire District drills for rating ... KICKING IT OFF ... Auxiliary fundraiser ... GOING TO THE FAIR? ... Workin on Railroad ... Kids allege kidnap attempt ... ';var marqueewidth="515px";var marqueeheight="25px";var marqueebgcolor="#";////NO NEED TO EDIT BELOW THIS LINE////////////var pauseit=1;var marqueespeed=1 //slow speed down by 1 for NSvar copyspeed=marqueespeedvar pausespeed=(pauseit==0)? copyspeed: 0var iedom=document.all||document.getElementByIdif (iedom)document.write(''+marqueecontent+'')var actualwidth=''var cross_marquee, ns_marqueefunction populate(){if (iedom){cross_marquee=document.getElementById? document.getElementById("iemarquee") : document.all.iemarqueecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"cross_marquee.innerHTML=marqueecontentactualwidth=document.all? temp.offsetWidth : document.getElementById("temp").offsetWidth}else if (document.layers){ns_marquee=document.ns_marquee.document.ns_marquee2ns_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8ns_marquee.document.write(marqueecontent)ns_marquee.document.close()actualwidth=ns_marquee.document.width}lefttime=setInterval("scrollmarquee()",20)}window.onload=populate;function scrollmarquee(){if (iedom){if (parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))cross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(cross_marquee.style.left)-copyspeed+"px"elsecross_marquee.style.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8+"px"}else if (document.layers){if (ns_marquee.left>(actualwidth*(-1)+8))ns_marquee.left-=copyspeedelsens_marquee.left=parseInt(marqueewidth)+8}}if (iedom||document.layers){with (document){document.write('')if (iedom){write('')write('')write('')write('')}else if (document.layers){write('')write('')write('')}document.write('')}} Second complaint Oct 22, 2009
The Humane Society s complaint, however, reached the desk of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, who ordered a complete investigation into the facility. The investigation is complete, but the findings remain under legal review, said USDA Animal and Plant Health Services spokesman David Sacks. (New Iberia, LA)
Hispanic farmers fight to sue USDA Oct 22, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has tried to address the issue and change the way the agency operates. "From the moment I became the secretary of agriculture, my message has been clear: discrimination in any form will not be tolerated at USDA," said Vilsack in September, when he announced the agency's programs would be evaluated to identify barriers to equal access. (Anchorage Daily News)
H1N1 Virus Confirmed in Minn. Pig Oct 22, 2009
"We have fully engaged our trading partners to remind them that several international organizations, including the World Organization for Animal Health, have advised that there is no scientific basis to restrict trade in pork and 00000DBB pork products," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the statement. "People cannot get this flu from eating pork or pork products. Pork is safe to eat.". (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Global hunger Oct 22, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said last week he hopes about 10 percent of the U.S. funding will go toward agricultural research. ID:nN15325264. (AlertNet)
Minnesota Pig Infected with H1N1 Flu Oct 21, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release Monday that the USDA has started to contact U.S. trade partners and international organizations to emphasize that H1N1, also known as the swine flu, can't be contracted by eating pork products. "We have fully engaged our trading partners to remind them ... that there is no scientific basis to restrict trade in pork and pork products," Vilsack said. (MEDLINEplus)
Giffords, Grijalva: This is what we want Jay Jensen to see Oct 21, 2009
In June, we wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in opposition to the Forest Service opinion that it could not consider a No Action decision on the Augusta Mine Plan of Operation. Subsequently, we met with USDA officials to press for a reversal of the Forest Service position. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Public meeting on Rosemont mine Oct 21, 2009
on Sept. 10 asked USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to review the opinion given by Coronado National Forest Supervisor Jeanine Derby that she cannot consider a No Action alternative (non-approval) on the mine plan of operations. The members of Congress also invited Jensen to tour the proposed mine site and meet with residents of nearby communities before the Forest Service releases a draft Environmental Impact Statement. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Many school lunches fall short on veggies Oct 21, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the Obama administration would review the report as it writes new rules for school meals. The report proposed new standards according to grade levels kindergarten through five, six through eight and nine through 12. (MSNBC -- Health)
Environmental impact statement delayed Oct 21, 2009
They want USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to have the Coronado consider the no-action alternative on the grounds that mitigation to the forest land is not possible. The Forest Service has never issued a decision denying a hard-rock mine, although litigation in response to agency approval has halted mining. (Nogales International, AZ)
Minnesota State Fair pig tests positive for H1N1 (20) Oct 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair submitted by the University of Minnesota. Additional samples are being tested. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Flu confirmed in pig, USDA defends pork products Oct 20, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said USDA officials have begun to reach out to US trade partners and international organizations to emphasize that H1N1, also known as swine flu, cannot be contracted by eating pork products. We have fully engaged our trading partners to remind them. (Boston Globe)
First case of H1N1 flu confirmed in U.S. pig Oct 20, 2009
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday that U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair submitted by the University of Minnesota. Additional samples are being tested. (Xinhuanet, China)
Minn. pigs may have tested positive for swine flu Oct 18, 2009
The Department of Agriculture's veterinary lab in Ames, Iowa, is conducting tests to confirm the results, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. In a conference call with reporters Friday, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson said officials don't know what happened to the three pigs, but that they probably were sent to slaughter soon after they were shown at the fair, which ended on Labor Day. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rosemont environmental impact statement delayed Oct 18, 2009
Giffords and Grijalva want USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to have the Coronado consider a no action alternative for the mine in the EIS, hoping it could lead to a denial on the grounds of no mitigation possible to the forest. The Forest Service has never issued a decision denying a hard-rock mine, although litigation in response to agency approval has halted mining efforts. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Pork: Request For Support Answered (2) Oct 18, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA's intention to purchase an additional 30 million in pork products in FY 2009 for federal food and nutrition assistance programs ... The National Pork Producers Council and Wisconsin Pork Association commended U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for his decision to lend assistance to the U.S. pork industry to help it weather a nearly two-year-old economic crisis that has put some producers out of business. (Agri-View, WI)
