Intrastate DOT Numbers to be Required in SC

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s State Transport Police will begin implementation of a new program for intrastate commercial motor vehicle operators.

Operators of Commercial Motor Vehicles in intrastate operation have been required for years to register with the US DOT and obtain a US DOT number. A commercial vehicle is defined as follows:

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or a gross combination weight rating, or a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more; or
• Is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver for compensation; or
• Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
• Is used in transporting hazardous materials as defined under federal law.

Registration is not limited to “trucking companies.” As defined by law, a “motor carrier” is any commercial enterprise that used such vehicles in it business operations and as a result they are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. This includes many small businesses such as landscapers, plumbers, electricians who operate smaller commercial motor vehicles.

The South Carolina State Transport announced on November 15, that Intrastate (motor carriers that do not cross a state line) operators of CMV’s would now be required to register. Program deadline to register is October 1, 2011. Intrastate motor carriers can go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website www.fmcsa.dot.gov and follow the same procedures as interstate motor carrier in obtaining a US DOT number except they should note they are an intrastate motor carrier. There is not a charge for obtaining the DOT number and “the issuance of an intrastate DOT number does not subject commercial motor carriers to additional or different safety requirements” state Col. Nick Moore, commanding officer of the State Transport Police. After registering electronically, the company will receive their registration number and pin number. Enforcement for non-compliance starts 10.1.2011.

USDA Grants Available to Assist with Energy Efficiency Improvements to Poultry Houses

SUBJECT: USDA Grants Available to Assist with Energy Efficiency Improvements to Poultry Houses

TO: State Poultry Organizations

FROM: Bennie Hutchins, Energy Program Coordinator

Enclosed is information about the Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants program that we encourage you to share with poultry producers in your state. Many of your producers are continually making improvements to their poultry houses that result in energy conservation, as well as enhancement of production efficiency. Growers may qualify for a USDA grant to pay for 25% of the cost of these improvements.

Over the past 8 years we have assisted more nearly 200 poultry producers from 8 states in securing grants for more than $7 million! A recent evaluation of 40 producers that participated in this program over the past several years revealed that they have been able to reduce their annual electricity consumption by 6% and their annual propane consumption by 41%. This grant program, with its resulting Energy Audit and retrofits, is for real! Don’t let your growers miss out on this opportunity.

USDA-Rural Development is now receiving applications for 2011 funding. No application deadline has yet been announced, but producers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible while funds are still available. Improvements that are eligible for funding assistance includes any work to make the houses tighter and better insulated (walls, doors, ceilings), improved brooders (radiant, direct-spark or tube), lighting, computer controllers, vent doors, curtain improvements, interior stir fans, exhaust fan replacement with more efficient fans, water/drinking systems, baffles, insulated brood curtains, etc.

As representatives of the poultry industry and of contract producers/growers in your state, you are one of the best networks we have to get information on availability of these grants out to your state’s poultry producers.

Please distribute the enclosed 1-page flyer to your member/growers and to representatives of poultry companies in your state, especially the Production Managers. Another key network in getting this information to growers are your poultry supply contractors and vendors. If you have a data-base of those contractors that you can provide to use, we will be glad to distribute this same information for their use.

Make additional copies as needed. If you would like to receive this flyer in digital format, email your request to AER@msrcd.org and one will be emailed to you. Also consider converting it into a Press Release for use in your organization’s newsletter, or in whatever other media outlet you feel appropriate.

Once growers are informed, those that are considering poultry house upgrades can then call or email our office and we will email or mail them a complete Applicant Information Package. However, funding approval is not a guarantee, but approval rate for our clients is over 90%, or double the national average. Interested producers need to get in contact with us as soon as possible, but at least a minimum of 15 days before they plan to start their improvements.

Note that any expenses incurred by the applicant/grower prior to the date that the grant application is received in the state office of Rural Development will not eligible for reimbursement. Applicants may begin the improvements as soon as we are able to complete their grant application and turn it in to Rural Development state office...at their own risk, of course.

If you have any questions, please call me at 601-748-2622 or email me at AER@msrcd.org. Thanks for your help in getting the word out to your poultry producers!

Ford Foundation Allocates Student Recruiting Grants

TUCKER, GA, October 19, 2010 - The U.S. Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation has approved student recruiting grants totaling more than $160,000 to the six U.S. universities with poultry science departments, and 11 other institutions with poultry programs. The Foundation provides annual recruiting funds to colleges and universities to attract students to their poultry programs.
The six poultry science departments receiving the grants were:

• Texas A&M - $30,413
• North Carolina State - $18,540
• Mississippi State - $17,079
• University of Georgia - $17,714
• Auburn - $17,905
• University of Arkansas - $18,349

The 11 other institutions with poultry science programs receiving recruiting grants under the Foundation's Poultry Science Education Funding Program:

• Abraham Baldwin (GA) - $3275
• California Polytechnic - $4000
• California State Fresno - $4000
• Clemson - $3500
• Georgia Tech - $1500
• Jones County Jr. College (MS) - $4000
• LSU - $5500
• Modesto (CA) - $2500
• Penn State - $7000
• Stephen F. Austin - $3000
• West Virginia - $3000

"It is vital that we continue to attract bright young people to study for careers in the poultry industry," said USPOULTRY chairman Steve Willardsen, Cargill Value Added Meats, Wichita, KS. "The future of our industry depends on aspiring young managers joining our companies today who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Ford Foundation recruiting grants play an important role encouraging students to enroll in poultry studies," he said.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association established the Ford Foundation in 1994 to provide student recruiting funds to universities with poultry science departments. In 2004 the Poultry Science Education Funding Program was added to the Foundation's umbrella so that other colleges and universities that offer identifiable poultry science studies also are eligible to apply for recruiting grants. Application must be made for these grants, which provide up to $7,000 each.

Monty Henderson, George's, Inc., and Chairman of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation, presented a check in the amount of $18,349 to Dr. Michael Kidd,Head of the University of Arkansas Poultry Science Department and Director of the Poultry Science Center of Excellence. Joining the presentation was Marvin Childers, The Poultry Federation. "Attracting young people into poultry studies today is essential for the poultry industry's prosperity in the future," Henderson said.

National Chicken Council Decries EPA Decision on Higher Blends of Ethanol in Motor Fuel

WASHINGTON – October 13, 2010 -- Increasing the amount of ethanol in motor fuel, as authorized today by the Environmental Protection Agency, will eventually hit food shoppers in their pocketbooks, the National Chicken Council said today.

“Rising grain prices driven by the voracious demand for feedstock from the heavily subsidized ethanol industry caused an increase of six percent in the retail price of fresh whole broiler chickens from 2008 to 2010,” said George Watts, president of the National Chicken Council. “Channeling even more corn into ethanol will, in time, only drive up the cost of chicken even more. Consumers will end up paying for the ethanol industry’s demands. It is time to put an end to interference in the market and government mandates that benefit the ethanol industry and raise the price of corn.”

EPA issued a partial waiver to allow gasoline marketers to add up to 15 percent ethanol to motor fuel, a sharp increase from the current limit of 10 percent. EPA acted at the behest of ethanol industry organizations.

The National Chicken Council represents integrated chicken producer-processors, the companies that produce and process chickens. Member companies of NCC account for more than 95 percent of the chicken sold in the United States.

Come See Us!

Please stop by and visit the South Carolina Poultry Federation at the SC State Fair on October 14Th-16Th! You will find us in the Cantey Building in the SC Ag section. Hope to see you!

Golf Reminder

Please get your golf registrations in for the upcoming Birdies for the Birds golf tournament. Thursday, September 30Th is the deadline for entries and golf hole sponsor pledges. If you need another form or have questions, please call the SCPF office at (803)779.4700. We look forward to seeing you on October 14th.

Golf Hole Sponsorships Available!

This year we are offering golf hole sponsorships at the Albin S. Johnson, "Birdies for the Birds" golf tournament, to be held October 14Th. The golf forms are being mailed out today, so get a team together now! If you would like to register over the phone, please call the SCPF office at (803) 779.4700.

Confined Animal Manure Management Recertification Hours

The deadline for receiving the required ten (10) hours of continuing education credits to maintain certification was June 30, 2010.

Regulation 61-43, Standards for the Permitting of Agricultural Animal Facilities sections 100.190 (swine), 200.190 (other animals) and 400.120 (manure brokers) specify the requirements to obtain certification and that “Training and/or certification shall be maintained as long as the facility remains in operation”. Failure to maintain certification is a violation of this Regulation and could subject you to penalties to be determined by the Department’s Enforcement Section.

To assist you in obtaining the necessary ten (10) hours, the CAMM program will be offering four (4) all-day classes to be held this fall on September 21, September 29, October 13 and November 3. Please contact Bryan Smith, Clemson Extension at 864-984-2514 x112, to sign up for one of these classes.

If your facility has closed or for any reason, is no longer in business, please notify us in writing within ten (10) days of receipt of this correspondence. If you should have any questions or concerns, please call my office (803-898-4225) or Bill Chaplin (803-898-3532).

Tonya B. O’Cain
Agricultural Compliance Manager
Bureau of Water

Save The Date!

The 2010 Albin S. Johnson, "Birdies for the Birds" memorial golf tournament will be held October 14th at Cobblestone Park (formally known as The University Club)in Blythewood, SC. Registration will begin at 10:30 and a shotgun start at 11:30. Please contact the SCPF office if you are interested in sponsoring or playing in this great event!

Information for Growers on the GIPSA Proposed Rules

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has released proposed new regulations that directly affect the production contracts that exist between poultry growers and integrators. These regulations are being touted by some as “good for growers.” In reality, if allowed to stand, these regulations will actually take money out of the pockets of the hardest-working, most progressive growers. Here’s a look at some of the specific rules on poultry contracts and how they might affect you if they are finalized as proposed.

“Tournament” System

GIPSA wants to change the so-called “tournament” system of performance-based compensation for contract poultry growing. The proposed rules do not ban the tournament system of pay. Instead they mandate a redistribution of the money available in that tournament system. The proposed changes will hurt the more efficient and progressive growers – taking money right out of their pockets. Here’s how:

The proposed rule says:

“No live poultry dealer shall offer a poultry growing arrangement containing provisions that decrease or reduce grower compensation below the base pay amount.”

But the base pay specified in most contracts is an average. Growers with lower costs get more pay and growers with higher costs get less. Saying that no one can be compensated below the average is like saying that no one performs below average – which everyone knows isn’t true.

The rule means either:

Growers with below-average results will be paid the same as average growers – which will leave nothing extra for above-average growers. Everyone will be paid at the same rate.

or

Companies will have to redefine the “base” to a figure closer to the “minimum” that is now paid, so that below-average growers will get more pay – but above-average growers will get less.

Each integrator will have to decide whether and how to adjust base pay if the rules go into effect as proposed. Results will vary from company to company, and no one can say for sure how it will turn out. But here’s a comparison using some hypothetical numbers.


SAMPLE ONLY

EXAMPLES OF COMPENSATION UNDER THE PROPOSED GIPSA RULE
All figures are hypothetical and are used for illustration only
Showing compensation per pound of product

Category Now All at base Revised base
Above Average $0.060 $0.050 $0.055
Average $0.050 $0.050 $0.050
Below Average $0.040 $0.050 $0.045

Either way you cut it, the above-average growers lose out.

Incentives

If the grower loses some or all of the compensation he now gets for superior performance, what is his incentive to work hard, pay attention to his operation, put in the extra time, and invest money in new or improved facilities? If compensation is the same or nearly the same, why should you work harder and take more risk than the average or below-average grower? GIPSA doesn’t say.


Availability of financing

Anyone who has been to the bank for any kind of loan lately knows that it is getting harder to borrow money. More documentation is being demanded by loan officers. Under the existing system, banks are usually willing to lend money to poultry growers who can show that their contracts will “cash-flow.” But if the base pay is reduced, or the grower can’t expect to receive above-average compensation, then how can he expect to get a loan? The “base pay” changes included in GIPSA’s proposed rule will likely make it more difficult for growers to obtain loans.

Comparison of housing

The proposed GIPSA rule also says:

“Live poultry dealers must rank growers in settlement groups with other growers with like house types.”

GIPSA doesn’t bother to define “house types” (although definitions are provided for some other terms in the proposed rule). Presumably this means that tunnel-ventilated houses and conventional houses would have to be in separate groups.

Since results for tunnel houses are usually (but not always) better than conventional, especially in the summer, separating them out will mean that the ranking for tunnel houses will be tighter. Once again, the more progressive and efficient growers will be squeezed and will make less money. This proposed rule change is especially unfair to those growers that have invested in premium or tunnel houses in recent years. This rule will deprive those growers of the competitive advantage they have enjoyed in the settlement process and will reward those growers who have not made the same investments.


Litigation

These rules were drafted by J. Dudley Butler, a plaintiffs’ attorney who for over 20 years made his living bringing lawsuits against agribusiness companies. Therefore, it is no surprise that the rules benefit plaintiffs lawyers first and foremost. They include many vague provisions that would have to be interpreted in court. GIPSA itself has said that the proposed rules create a situation that “warrants judicial reexamination of the issues,” i.e., lawsuits.

The rules will invite lawyers to bring endless lawsuits against the companies over every act that they may want to argue is “unfair,” “unreasonable” or “distorts competition.” Mr. Butler, himself, has said that “when you have a term like ‘unfair’ or ‘unreasonable’ . . . that’s . . . a plaintiff’s lawyers dream.” The losers in this process will be the growers who like the system and don’t go to court, since their compensation will be reduced to satisfy the demands of plaintiffs’ lawyers. GIPSA’s proposed rules seek to make the “dreams” of plaintiffs’ lawyers come true on the backs of hardworking, progressive poultry growers.


A Threat To All Growers

The proposed regulations might seem like a “win” for growers who usually have below-average results. In reality, the “win” would be short-lived. Over the longer term, the regulations would threaten the entire system of broiler production. That’s because they would drive innovation, competition and high performance out of the system and reduce the efficiency of the domestic poultry industry. This is a threat to ALL growers, because it threatens the sustainability of their industry and their way of life. Over the long term, the only real “winners” will be plaintiffs’ lawyers and foreign competitors.

Role of Government

You might ask, why is the GIPSA doing this? The answer seems to be GIPSA is responding to the complaints of a few growers (and some livestock producers) who have complained about the existing system.

But many poultry growers feel that government should stay out of the relationship between growers and integrators beyond enforcing the laws and regulations that already exist. If the system works for the benefit of most producers, companies, and consumers, why should government get more involved? It’s called “private enterprise” for a good reason.


What You Can Do

If you don’t like the proposed GIPSA rules, you have the right and the opportunity to make your voice heard.

You can contact the members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives from your state and Congressional district to let them know what you think and ask them what they are going to do about this proposed rule.

GIPSA itself is required to consider comments from the public before finalizing the proposed rule. We encourage you to write to GIPSA to express your opinion.

Be sure to include the following reference:

Re: Farm Bill Comments, Federal Register, June 22, 2010, Vol. 75, No. 119, page 35338Docket RIN 0580-AB07


Send your comment in one of the following ways:

by U.S. Mail:

Tess Butler
GIPSA
USDA
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 1643–S
Washington, DC 20250–3604

By Fax: (202) 690-2173

By E-mail: comments.gipsa@usda.gov

By Internet: Go to the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulation.gov.
Click once on “Submit a comment.”
In the box that says “Enter keyword or ID,” enter 0580–AB07 and hit “Search”
Under “Actions,” hit “submit a comment” and fill in the form that comes up.

All comments will become a matter of public record.

Today at The State House

Today, the SC General Assembly returns to deal with the veto's issued by Governor Sandford on June 6Th. The SC Poultry Federation will be busy trying to get the below veto's overridden. If you have the opportunity to contact your house member and/or senator, listed are talking points and information on the veto's.

• The veto’s that Governor Sanford issued, eliminate an additional $4.7 million in funding for Clemson PSA.
• These reductions are over and above the $6.6 million in recurring cuts to Clemson PSA for FY10-11.
• Regulatory Services and Livestock-Poultry Health bear the brunt of these cuts and will no longer be able to provide critical services to the citizens of South Carolina if these vetoes are sustained.

IT IS CRITICAL TO THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN SC AND TO AG AS A WHOLE THAT YOU VOTE TO OVERRIDE THE FOLLOWING VETOS:

# 35 - Department of Agriculture - $376,500
The general funds that are being vetoed will eliminate the state funding for seed inspection, food safety (such as testing corn for aflatoxin), certifying pharmaceutical products for interstate commerce, etc. Many of these services are statutorily required.

# 36 - Department of Agriculture Marketing and Branding - $562,905
This is one of the most successful public-private partnerships state government operates. According to a USC School of Business Survey, for every dollar the state spends on this program, the state of South Carolina gets over 11 dollars back in state revenue. In other words, this veto will cost the state over 6 million dollars.

# 37 - Clemson (PSA) - $478,736

#38 – Override of this veto would restore general fund money appropriated by the conference committee to PSA Livestock Poultry Health for personnel service. These general funds are used to perform mandated agricultural regulatory functions as the state animal health authority for livestock and poultry and also to operate the SC Meat Poultry Inspection Division. (Meat Inspection funds are matched by USDA FSIS dollar for dollar). The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory also receives partial funding from these general funds. The Governor himself proposed the same general fund amount for Livestock Poultry Health Animal Health Programs and the diagnostic lab in his executive budget for 10-11 that the legislature adopted. The activities performed by this division are essential to SC’s largest industry, agriculture & forestry, especially animal agriculture and its largest sector – poultry.-$1,598,679

# 94 - Department of Agriculture - $200,000
This money will be used to match money from the private sector to promote S.C. Grown. According to Department officials, the private sector is matching 7 dollars for every dollar put up by the state. This money is generating millions of dollars for South Carolina.

# 95 - Clemson University PSA - $2,600,000

Upcoming CAMM Training

On Wednesday, June 16Th, Clemson will be offering two training classes in Lexington at the Lexington Extension Office. "Ethanol, Biodiesel, and Biomass Energy: Potential Opportunities for Animal Producers" will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 and "Soil Fertility and Manure Utilization" will be held from 6:30 to 8:30. Each class is good for 2 credits. For more information on how to sign up and for other training dates and locations, please go to www.clemson.edu/camm .

Time Is Running Out..

To those of you attending the SCPF annual conference this July, you must make your room reservations now if you have not already done so. Our block of rooms will be released on this coming Sunday. Please contact the Crowne Plaza at (843)842.2400 to make your reservations.

Conference is Just Around the Corner!

The SC Poultry Federation annual conference will be held July 8-10th at the Crowne Plaza Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and we have plenty of spots for those of you interested in golfing or fishing. We urge you to make your room reservations immediately, as the block of rooms will only be held until June 6th. If you plan on attending and have not filled out a registration card, please call the office so that we may get you registered. For any questions, contact the SCPF at (803)779.4700.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

Rural Business—Cooperative Service Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for Inviting Applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans under the Rural Energy for America Program
AGENCY: Rural Business—Cooperative
Service, USDA.

SUMMARY: The Rural Energy for America Program, formerly section 9006 under the 2002 Farm Bill, is composed of several types of grants and guaranteed loan programs. These are: Guaranteed loans and grants for the development/ construction of renewable energy systems and for energy efficiency improvement projects; grants for conducting energy audits; grants for conducting renewable energy development assistance; and grants for conducting renewable energy feasibility studies.
The Agency is implementing the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year 2010 through the publication of three REAP notices:

• Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grants and guaranteed loans;
• Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants; and
• Renewable energy feasibility study grants.

This REAP notice announces that Rural Business—Cooperative Service is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2010 for the purchase of renewable energy systems and the making of energy efficiency improvements for agriculture producers and rural small businesses in eligible rural areas. The amount of funds available for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in FY 2010 will be approximately 88 percent of mandatory and discretionary funding. Funding will be available in the form of grants and loan guarantees. In addition to grants and loan guarantees, applicants may apply for combination loan guarantee and grant funding (combination package).

Lastly, the Agency intends to publish a proposed rule that will revise the current program at 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B to include renewable energy feasibility study grants, and that will add a new subpart C to address energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. Together, these two subparts will represent the Rural Energy for America Program as authorized under section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 as amended by section 9001 of the Food, Energy, and Conservation Act of 2008. The Agency anticipates publishing final regulations to operate the Rural Energy for America Program in fiscal year 2011.

DATES: Complete applications under this notice must be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than 4:30 local time June 30, 2010. Neither complete nor incomplete applications received after this date and time will be considered for funding in FY 2010, regardless of the postmark on the application.

ADDRESSES: Application materials may be obtained by contacting one of Rural Development’s Energy Coordinators or by downloading through http:// www.grants.gov.

Submit electronic applications at http://www.grants.gov, following the instructions found on this Web site. To use Grants.gov, all applicants (unless the applicant is an individual) must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at 1–866– 705–5711 or online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Submit completed paper applications to the Rural Development State Office in the State in which the applicant’s proposed project is located.

Shannon Legree, USDA Rural Development,
Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835
Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC
29201, (803) 253–3150,
Shannon.Legree@sc.usda.gov

A SC Taste

 
 
 
 


On Wednesday, the SC Poultry Federation once again participated in "A SC Taste", on the statehouse grounds. This annual event is held every May to bring awareness and attention to the commodities and countless food products produced here in South Carolina, to the members of the general assembly. As always, we had a great turnout, 24 different exhibits fed over 500 guests.

On another note, Tuesday before the event, SCPF staff delivered canvas tote bags filled with kitchen implements to each senator and house member. The bags and kitchen tools all said, "May is National Egg Month", or "The Incredible Edible Egg", along with an insert reminding them that poultry in SC is the largest animal agriculture business. Staying visible and having a presence with our state's lawmakers is extremely important. If you have the opportunity to speak with the members, remind them that we need them in our corner, fighting for SC's poultry industry and agriculture.

Sparkleberry Country Fair

Mark your calendars for the Sparkleberry Country Fair community fair that will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia.

The theme, "Building the Future from the Past", is designed to showcase antique tractors, antique cars and much more. The Country Fair centers around agriculture-past and present, and those attending the Fair enjoy all sorts of fair events while learning about South Carolina agriculture and wildlife.

The Fair gives urban folks an opportunity to interact with farm animals, develop an appreciation of how how food is produced, and learn about the wildlife in the surrounding communities while promoting community spirit and unity. Last year over $19,000 was raised at the Country Fair to support education, all of which was donated to area schools as grants and as scholarships for students attending in-state universities.

For more information, contact Howard van Dijk at the Richland County Clemson Extension Office, 803-865-1216.

SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE TO DEAL WITH SURFACE WATER WITHDRAWAL

When the House returns from furlough on Tuesday, April 13th, the House Agriculture Subcommittee will meet to take up the Senate passed version (S.452). As passed in the Senate, agricultural users will not be required to obtain a permit however; they would be required to register with DHEC (for free) what they are currently drawing. Farmers who are currently drawing water would be grandfathered in at their highest usage based on the rate capacity of their existing pumps.

If you are a constituent or know any of the subcommittee members please contact them and express the importance of this bill to you. The members are Rep. David Hiott, Rep. Tommy Stringer, Rep. Chandra Dillard, Rep. Nelson Hardwick, and Rep. Mike Forrester.

Vessel Composting

 
 
 
 

On Wednesday, March 24th, invited members of the SCPF met at the State Farmer’s Market on Bluff Road to view a compost demonstration. The Ecodrum In Vessel Composter is considered by many to be a superior form of dealing with poultry mortality and composting of litter. The presentation was made by Bill Townshend, Project Manager of the South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District.
The advantages of Ecodrum Composting include
• Uses half the shavings than Bin Composting
• Compared to Incineration a lot less energy
• Ecodrum eliminates leaching and soil contamination
• Fewer odors than other composting method
• Reuse up to 50% of composting back in the process
• Allows for cold weather composting
• Neighbor friendly
With the interest generated by this presentation, we have asked to visit a poultry farm in the North Carolina area that is currently using this system. Once we have a time, date and place established we will post the info on our blog and anyone interested may sign up. Space will be limited, and it will be on a first come first served basis.
A special thanks to those who attended: Dr. Boyd Parr, Dr. Julie Helm, Leon Fulmer, Tommy Smith and Mark Baxley.

USDA Rural Development Grant Workshops

USDA Rural Development (RD) will hold a series of Grant Workshops for agricultural producers and rural small businesses in South Carolina to discuss the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) programs. The Workshops will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Anderson, Chester, Florence, Kingstree, and Orangeburg.

REAP grants can pay for up to 25% of the cost of doing energy efficiency improvements to a facility, building or a process within the agricultural operation. The maximum grant amount is $250,000 and the minimum grant is $1,500. Assistance is also available for a system that produces or produces and delivers usable energy from a renewable energy source with a maximum grant of $500,000 and a minimum grant of $2,500. Applications can be filed at any time, but the awardees are not usually selected until September.

VAPGs are used to help eligible producers of agricultural commodities develop strategies to create marketing opportunities for their Value-Added Agricultural Products and/or to help develop Business Plans for viable marketing opportunities regarding production of bio-based products from agricultural commodities. The maximum grant amount for planning purposes is $100,000, and $300,000 for working capital.

Workshops are scheduled to be held at the following locations:

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
511 Michelin Blvd., Anderson, SC
864-224-2126, Ext. 4

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
525 College Place, Chester, SC
803-581-1906, Ext. 4

Thursday, April 1, 2010
527 Sumter Hwy., Kingstree, SC
843-354-9613, Ext 4

Tuesday, April 6, 2010
2200 Pocket Rd., Florence, SC
843-669-9686, Ext. 4

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
1550 Henley St., Rm. 100, Orangeburg, SC
803-649-4221, Ext. 4

For more information or to confirm attendance, contact Starla Turnage at
803-253-3183.

Celebrate agriculture! National Ag Day, March 20

March 20 is the first day of spring, but it’s also National Ag Day. The Agriculture Council of America hosts National Ag Day as part of the week long observance National Ag Week, March 14-20, to celebrate agriculture’s impact on our lives. Each March, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture.

Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, says that this observance is a reminder that the things we eat, use and wear on a daily basis are all products of agriculture. “For one week out of the year, the focus is on agriculture’s contributions,” he said. “I like to think here in South Carolina we recognize those contributions every day.”

There are many reasons to celebrate American agriculture – for the jobs it creates, the innovation it spurs and for giving us the world’s most abundant and safest food. Agriculture’s accomplishments may touch us in different ways, but they all improve our quality of life.

Agribusiness is our state’s number one industry creating nearly 200,000 jobs and generating $34 billion a year for the state’s economy. Our total output for our state’s economy is approximately $140 billion. Break all these billions down and you realize that agribusiness accounts for almost one-fourth of our economy.

Today, one American farmer feeds more than 144 people. Here in South Carolina, the ratio of principle farm operators to non-farmers is about 1 to 170 people, assuming there is one principle operator per farm in South Carolina with a population is 4.6 million. Quite simply, agriculture is doing more and doing it better. As the population grows, there is an even greater demand for food, feed, fiber, and fuel.

Commissioner Weathers said that a bumper sticker circulated a few years back says it best – “What would you be without farmers? – naked, hungry, and homeless”

“So, this year,” Commission Weathers said, “let’s not celebrate agriculture for one day or one week, let’s celebrate it all year long and recognize what farmers do for us.”

Tax Extenders Bill Passes Senate

Farmers affected by weather-related disasters are one step closer to receiving relief, after the U.S. Senate approved by a vote of 62 to 36 a disaster package as part of the Tax Extenders Act of 2009. Senate Ag Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln says, "We cannot afford to see our farmers forced out of business because of weather conditions out of their control. This will provide the relief producers need to stay in business."

The legislation, introduced by Lincoln, would provide an estimated 1.1-billion dollars in supplemental payments to producers who suffered crop losses in counties declared “primary” disaster areas by USDA. It also includes a clause extending the biodiesel tax incentive. If passed, the biodiesel tax incentive would, in effect, permit biodiesel producers to increase or, in some cases, resume production.

Also included is 300-million to assist specialty crop producers, 75-million in emergency loans to poultry producers, 50-million in assistance for livestock producers, 25-million in aquaculture assistance and 42-million dollars to aid first handlers of cottonseed.

Legislative Update

A recent attempt was made in the SC senate to move Clemson's PSA(Public Service Activities) under the SC Department of Agriculture, which would strip Clemson of their land-grant institution status. The SC Poultry Federation along with many other interest groups and organizations including, Clemson University, SC State University (also a land-grant institution), and Clemson's Cooperative Extension Service, Experiment Station, Livestock-Poultry Health, and Regulatory Services, all came out against S.872, the bill that made the proposal to move Clemson's PSA. After much testimony against S.872, the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee tabled the bill, keeping it from moving forward.

Clemson University (formerly Clemson College) was founded in 1889 on Thomas Green Clemson’s belief that education could create a better way of life for the people of South Carolina. Clemson is South Carolina’s 1862 land-grant university, with a federal mandate to improve the quality of life for the citizens of South Carolina by developing and delivering research and education programs that support the state’s largest industry, the $34 billion agribusiness community.

CLEANEast Grant Program

The SCPF just received information on CLEANEast Grant Program, which owners and operators of poultry operations are eligible to apply to receive an environmental assessment, new NMP and/or an update of their current NMP completely free of charge.Agri-Waste Technology, Inc. (AWT) is the technical component of this grant in which, AWT would schedule and complete the site visit and then develop/update the NMP and send it directly to the grower.

Just a little overview of the process: Once the application is submitted, it takes about 3 weeks for the review committee to determine whether or not the farm is accepted into the program. At that point, they would contact AWT and AWT would contact the grower directly to schedule the site visit at a convenient time/date that fits their needs. AWT would then send them the final report. Thus far, all of the applications that AWT have submitted have been accepted into the program, but the sooner the applicants can get their information into the review committee, the better.

If you are interested in the program, please contact us the SCPF office for additional information and forms at (803)779-4700.

Bill Prestage Honored with the NTF Lifetime Achievment Award

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) honored Bill Prestage, founder of Prestage Farms, Clinton, N.C., with the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award.

Presented during the NTF Annual Convention, this turkey industry leader received the award for his long-term, unselfish dedication to creative innovation in turkey production.In presenting the award, Bill’s three sons, John, Ron and Scott, executives with Prestage Farms, spoke about how their father grew his single turkey operation into a fully integrated business.

Bill Prestage joined the turkey business in 1967 when he purchased share in Carroll’s Mill where he pioneered new and innovative production practices such as moving the birds inside to better control their environment and provide optimum growth opportunities.

Scott Prestage said, “Dad perfected this new way of growing turkeys and then carried these practices into the swine production business and within a few years the company had become a significant player in both poultry and swine production.”

In 1983 Bill Prestage sold his share in Carroll’s Foods and went right back into the turkey business with his wife Marsha and sons, John and Scott, to create Prestage Farms. With 22 employees and 18 contract growers, Prestage Farms produced 8 million pounds of turkey in its first year of operation.

Prestage’s turkey operation went to new heights in 1993 with the construction of the world’s largest single-stage hatchery and the capability of setting up to 650,000 eggs per week. The turkey division of Prestage Farms expanded into South Carolina in 1994 when Ron Prestage joined the family business.

“Dad’s turkey production efforts were brought full circle in 2000 with the purchase of the Rocco turkey processing plant in St. Pauls, N.C., and the beginning of the development of a Prestage Foods Label,” said John Prestage. Today, Prestage Farms produces 450 million pounds of turkey and 750 million pounds of pork annually. Prestage employs more than 1,800 associates and contracts with more than 700 farm families.

John went on to explain the characteristics that make Bill Prestage deserving of such an award. “His humility and commitment to the community is visibly in the many honors he has won for volunteerism and distinction,” John said. Bill Prestage has served as president of both NTF and the North Carolina Turkey Federation as well as on the Board of Directors for North Carolina Natural Gas and Smithfield Foods.

John concluded, “The Lifetime Achievement Award is for those who have given their lives to the turkey industry and who have left better off for their efforts – that sums up our father perfectly.”

NTF initiated the Lifetime Achievement Award program at its 1946 Annual Convention. Since that time, 65 recipients have been recognized with this honor. Past recipients include turkey industry leaders, executives of national and state poultry/turkey organizations, allied industry leaders, government officials, university professors, researchers and journalists.

SCPF 2010 Annual Conference

Please mark your calender for the 22nd Annual South Carolina Poultry Federation conference, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Resort, Hilton Head Island, July 8-10th.

We are currently looking for sponsors, so if you are interested in your company being at the forefront of South Carolina's largest poultry event, please contact the SCPF for more information. If you would like to be on our mailing list for conference information, please give us a call at 803-779-4700.

Come join us for a great event with the greatest people!

Your Voice Matters

With the South Carolina General Assembly in session, now is the time to contact your senator and house member to remind them to make agriculture and agribusiness a top priority. It is crucial that our elected officials hear from the voters on matters that are important. Keeping South Carolina’s poultry industry viable and strong has to be a main concern for not only us who make our living in the industry, but those who are the decision makers of our state. Your phone call, your letter, your email, your visit to their office, matters. Listed below you will find a few talking points you can use when speaking with your representative. If you are unsure who your representative is, please go to the link below.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/cgi-bin/zipcodesearch.exe

South Carolina’s poultry industry makes up 80% of animal agriculture and 40% of all agriculture.

South Carolina Agribusiness contributes $34 Billion to the state’s economy each year.

South Carolina’s Agribusiness provides 200,000 jobs to South Carolinians.

Agriculture and forestry combined, is the largest industry in our state, larger than tourism.

Legislative Update

Since our last legislative posting, most of our time has been spent in House and Senate Committees.

S.452 Surface Water Withdrawal Permitting- passed out of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Senator Campsen still has major concerns over some of the language in the bill and how DNR and DHEC would coordinate their efforts in regards to implementation. It appears that if certain changes are not made to satisfy him that members of the environmental community will work to stop the bill from passing. Agricultural exemptions remain in the current language.

S.1034 TRAC Commission-has passed the Senate and is currently in the House Ways and Means Committee. The bill as passed out of the Senate would extend the Commission report due date from March 15, 2010 to November 15, 2010.

H.4482 was introduced last week and contained similar language as S.1034 however, it would allow the TRAC commission to consider all non-homestead property tax exemptions in its review. This would broaden the property tax base and allow overall property tax rates to be lowered.

We continue to monitor all legislative introductions and bills currently before the respective bodies. We are committed to keeping our poultry industry viable.

The House is in furlough this week and will return February 16Th. The Senate will meet this week in normal session.

SCPF Welcomes New Board Member

The South Carolina Poultry Federation would like to welcome Mr. Ray Cheeks of Louis Rich, a division of Kraft Foods, to our board of directors. Ray is the Raw Manufacturing Manager for the Newberry plant.

On Monday, Connie and I traveled to Newberry where we had the pleasure of meeting Ray and Glenda O'Brien, the new plant manager for Louis Rich. Glenda, while new to South Carolina, is not new to the Kraft family. She comes to us from Missouri where she was plant manager at another Kraft facility.

We again welcome both Glenda and Ray and look forward to a successful, continued relationship.

Upcoming IPE Nutrient Management Plan Workshop

IPE Nutrient Management Plan Workshop For Poultry Growers, Environmental Managers And Field Service Representatives.

Industry and the regulatory community are still at odds over how the new CAFO rules address National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements. On Thursday, January 28th in Room A-407 during IPE, Dave McGuigan and Chris Thomas of the EPA will provide an overview of the on-farm inspection process to help industry understand what the EPA is looking for during an inspection. Steve Schwalb of Perdue Farms will present Perdue’s newly implemented program to assist poultry producers with self evaluations and how to implement best management practices programs. Dr. Phil Hess from Purdue University will discuss a new internet tool to prepare Nutrient Management Plans and representatives from the USDA natural Resources Conservation Service will discuss on farm conservation practices. Plan to attend this informative program. Attendance is free with your registration to IPE.

SCPF LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2010

This year will prove very challenging for any legislation dealing with revenue. In 1991 the SCPF was responsible for the passage of most of the sales tax exemptions that our farmers currently have (electricity,farm machinery and their parts, natural and lp gas, building materials and equipment used for the production of poultry and livestock). The state's tax system in being reviewed by a committee (TRAC) that will make their recommendations to the General Assembly on what they think should be revisited, revoked or left in place. The SCPF position is that ag tax exemptions and ag property tax assessments remain in place.

There will be a strong move to increase the cigarette tax to the Southeastern average of 37 to 40 cents. Agribusiness (including the SCPF) is asking that one cent go to fund ag marketing programs and for state agricultural disaster relief.

For several years, there has been discussion on government restructuring. One suggestion would be to divide DHEC and allow the Governor to appoint a Secretary to his cabinet for that purpose. We oppose any division of DHEC.

Senate bill 452 (S.452) dealing with surface water withdrawals will be taken up again this year having retained its place on the Senate Ag Committee calendar. The current version exempts farm ponds and existing users at their current use. Ag would be a registered user for navigable streams withdrawal, but would not be subject to permitting. We support the language in the bill and will move for passage as long as ag remains exempt.

After discussion with the Department of Transportation (DOT), we learned today that DOT has created a pilot program that will allow the movement of 100,000 lbs. refrigerated containers throughout SC on specific permitted routes. Hopefully, this will be a boost to our poultry processors. Please see the web link below for more info.

http://www.scdot.org/doing/OSOW.asp

Connie Smith

Welcome to the Official Blog for the South Carolina Poultry Federation

We at the South Carolina Poultry Federation are thrilled to enter the world of blogging. It is our hope that our members and anyone interested, can use the blog as another way to stay up-to-date with the happenings not only of the SCPF, but the most current information about the poultry industry in South Carolina and the rest of the nation. The blog will be updated weekly, so add us to your favorites and check back often. If you have any news and or events that would be of interest to the industry, please let us know so that we may add it to our blog. We are now accepting advertisers for our blog, so contact Charleston, Marty, or Connie at(803)779.4700 for rates and more information. Hopefully, each of our blog followers will find this to be an informative, current and fun way to stay "in the know". Until next time.....