23 Jul 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Keynote the Iowa Farm Bureau's 2012 Economic Summit

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012 - TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will keynote the Iowa Farm Bureau's 2012 Economic Summit. The Secretary will discuss the ongoing drought, USDA's efforts to assist producers, and the innovation and resilience of rural Americans in tough times such as these. He will also discuss some of the strengths shared by producers and rural communities that better position us to face this drought now than in years past - new technologies, lower debt, and the continuing strength of export markets.

 

As of July 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 1,297 counties across the country as disaster areas. According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 88 percent of our nation's corn and 87 percent of our soybeans are in drought-stricken areas.

 

At President Obama's direction, USDA has announced a number of measures using existing authority to help producers impacted by drought. On July 11 USDA announced a final rule to simplify the process for Secretarial disaster designations; reduced the interest rate for Farm Service Agency Emergency Loans, lowering the current rate from 3.75 percent to 2.25 percent; and reduced the payment reduction for Conservation Reserve Program lands that qualify for emergency haying and grazing in 2012, from 25 to 10 percent.  Today Secretary Vilsack announced additional measures to create more flexibility within USDA's major conservation programs - allowing additional emergency haying and grazing on more Conservation Reserve Program lands and other conservation lands for drought-stricken producers. Secretary Vilsack also today sent a letter to crop insurance companies asking them to voluntarily defer the accrual of any interest on unpaid spring crop premiums by producers until November, an extra 30 days.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

12 p.m. CDT

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver keynote remarks to the Iowa Farm Bureau's 2012 Economic Summit

WHERE: Iowa State Center Scheman Building

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

 

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23 Jul 2012

Loebsack, Iowa Delegation Introduce Legislation to Ensure Access to Ag Disaster Programs

By Joe Hand

Crop and Livestock disaster relief programs expired in Fall of 2011 !!!

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today led the entire Iowa delegation in introducing legislation to extend agriculture disaster programs that were created in the last farm bill through 2012.  The Loebsack authored Agriculture Disaster Assistance Act will help farmers and livestock producers with drought losses beyond insurance until a new farm bill is signed into law.  Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

"I have seen firsthand the damage this drought has already caused to crops and livestock.  With no end in sight to the current conditions, we must move quickly to ensure farmers and producers in Iowa and across the country who are struggling have access to a safety net.

"I am pleased the rest of the Iowa delegation joined me in introducing this legislation and hope they join me in calling on House leadership to quickly bring up and pass it.  Until a new farm bill is passed and signed into law our farmers and producers need to know that they are not in this alone and that 2012 won't be the year that sinks their farm."

Specifically, the Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act will extend the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), Livestock Disaster Forage Program (LFP), Tree Assistance Program (TAP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) temporarily through 2012.

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23 Jul 2012

Lt. Gov. Simon to announce recipients of farmers' market grant

By Rick Martin

CARBONDALE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will host a media call-in Tuesday afternoon with Audrey Rowe, Administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, to announce that up to 50 farmers' markets across Illinois will receive free wireless machines that accept Link, debit and credit cards as part of the Illinois Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Wireless Project. With these markets coming aboard, one in three farmers' markets statewide will accept food stamp benefits for the first time.

Simon and Rowe will be joined on the call by Connie Spreen, the executive director of the Chicago non-profit Experimental Station, and vegetable farmers Cheryl and Josh Dotson of Dotson Farms in Beecher, a mother-son team that sells produce at several farmers' markets in Chicago. Simon and Rowe will explain the wireless grant program and discuss USDA efforts to boost access to local foods and the impact that can have on the health of citizens and the economy.

DATE: Tuesday, July 24

TIME: 1 - 2 p.m.

All callers using the above pass code will be placed in listen only mode. To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.

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23 Jul 2012

THE QUAD CITY WOLFPACK FOOTBALL GAME WILL FEATURE TIM DWIGHT FORMER NFL PLAYER.

By Gale McClean
The Quad City Wolfpack semipro football team is playing at the Brady Street Stadium this Saturday, July 28th at 5pm. Tim Dwight will be at the game signing autographs and supporting the Quad City Wolfpack and King's Harvest Ministries. Tim is a former collegiate and professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the NFL for 10 seasons. He played college football for the U of I, and was a two-time All-American. He played professionally for the Falcons, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Oakland Raiders of the NFL.

The Quad City Wofpack are generously donating a portion of their ticket sales to help King's Harvest Ministries. King's Harvest serves the poor and homeless in the Quad Cities and is located at 824 W. 3rd Street in downtown Davenport.

Anne McVey, Fundraising Coordinator for King's Harvest Ministries stated "It is a fun event for the whole community. People can attend the football game with their friends and family, meet Tim Dwight and help King's Harvest and their Shelter for Homeless Mothers with Children."

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Matt McClean, owner and General Manager of the Quad City Wolfpack, please call 563-590-3985. If you would like more information on King's Harvest please call Gale McClean, 563-370-6458.

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23 Jul 2012

Braley Reaction to USDA Announcing Assistance for Drought-Affected Farmers

By Jeff Giertz

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after the US Department of Agriculture temporary changes to their major conservation programs to help livestock producers as this summer's drought intensifies.

"The efforts announced today by the USDA are good first steps to start helping Iowa farmers affected by this summer's drought.  If this drought continues, farmers will need more help.

 

"That's why I'll keep working with the USDA to ensure we're doing everything possible to stand behind farmers during this challenging time.  The drought not only threatens the livelihood of countless Iowa farmers, it will have incredible effects on Iowa's economy.  That's why it's so important we do everything we can to keep Iowa farmers on their feet.

 

"And with many of the disaster recovery programs from the 2008 Farm Bill already expired, it's more important than ever we quickly get a new Farm Bill passed into law."

The assistance announced today takes advantage of the Secretary of Agriculture's existing authority to help create and encourage flexibility within four USDA programs: the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

More details on the USDA steps announced today can be found at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/fEp

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23 Jul 2012

USDA Deputy Secretary Merrigan to Host #ASKUSDA Virtual Office Hours on Local Food

By USDA Communications

UPDATED: Media Advisory: USDA Deputy Secretary Merrigan to Host #ASKUSDA Virtual Office Hours on Local Food

Focus on 2.0 version of USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012–TOMORROW at 1:30 pm EDT, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will host a live Twitter chat focusing on the Department's support for local and regional food systems and the recent release of the 2.0 version of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass. Deputy Secretary Merrigan will answer your questions about the Department's work related to local food and ways the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass can assist your community.

This Twitter chat is a follow-up to last week's Google+ Hangout hosted by the White House and USDA on the same topic.

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass is a digital guide to USDA resources that support of regional food production. Originally released in February 2012, the 2.0 version of the Compass guide contains new case studies of successful regional food projects, while the interactive map feature now includes data on food hubs, farmers markets, meat processing facilities and more, as well as data on USDA-supported projects in all fifty states. The map is also searchable by key word and zip code, enabling users to zero in on the topics or regions that interest them most and see how USDA can help.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

1:30 p.m. EDT

WHAT: USDA Deputy Secretary Merrigan will answer questions about USDA's support for local and regional food systems and the 2.0 version of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass.

Follow the @USDA Twitter account. Use hashtags #askUSDA and #KYF2 to submit questions in advance and during the live Twitter chat.

USDA Virtual Office Hours, a monthly live question and answer series, allows stakeholders to directly engage with USDA leadership and subject matter experts through Twitter. Sessions are focused on a specific mission, issue or program as aligned with the Department's strategic goals and based on stakeholder interests.

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23 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Signs Laws To Reduce Disability Parking Abuse

By Nafia Khan
New Laws Increase Penalties for Unauthorized Use of Handicap Placards

CHICAGO - July 23, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed two new laws that will crack down on unauthorized use of handicap parking placards. The laws will help those with a disability find parking and help municipalities crack down on abuse that raises costs for taxpayers. The governor was joined by legislators, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and disability advocates from across Illinois.

"People who rely on handicap parking should not be victimized by those who would use fraudulent placards," Governor Quinn said. "These laws will ensure more fairness and fight fraud across Illinois."

House Bill 5624, sponsored by Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) and Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest), increases the initial fine for unauthorized use of a disability license plate or parking decal to $600 (up from $500), and doubles the initial fine for creating or possessing fraudulent disability plates and using a genuine disability placard in the absence of the authorized holder ($1000, up from $500). The new law also imposes an initial fine of $1000 on a physician or other specified healthcare professional who knowingly falsifies a certification for a person who does not have a disability to entitle him or her to a disability license plate or parking decal. The legislation was developed following numerous reports of abuse.

The legislation ends, effective in 2014, the full parking meter fee exemption for those with disability placards and allows the Secretary of State to issue a new meter-exempt decal to people with disabilities who meet certain requirements and who are unable to access or operate a parking meter. Fraud and misuse of this broad exemption have resulted in lost revenue and decreased parking availability for people with disabilities in municipalities across Illinois.

House Bill 5056, sponsored by Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero), establishes tougher penalties for the improper use of a deceased person's handicap placard. The law makes the new offense a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,500 and mandatory revocation of the offender's driving privileges. It also raises the fine for a second conviction of misuse of a disability placard from $750 to $1000 and allows the Secretary of State to suspend or revoke driving privileges. The Secretary of State may also revoke or suspend the driving privileges of an offender who violates a similar local ordinance against improper use of disability placards. This bill is an initiative of the Secretary of State's Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety. The Secretary of State oversees 600,000 disabled-parking placards and 82,000 handicap license plates statewide.

"It is against all the laws of human decency for an able-bodied person to deprive a person with a disability of using a disability parking spot. I commend Governor Quinn for signing this important legislation," said Secretary of State Jesse White.

Both laws passed the General Assembly overwhelmingly and are effective Jan 1.

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23 Jul 2012

In Iowa`s Interest: Tapping the ADA Generation Workforce

By Sen. Tom Harkin

By Senator Tom Harkin

At a recent field hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in Cedar Rapids, a new generation of Iowans living with disabilities described their high expectations to succeed in the competitive labor market.  This group of young people, whom I refer to as the "ADA Generation," are inspiring and motivated.  The strategies they shared should serve as a national model of what can be done to increase the employment participation rate for all individuals with disabilities.

Emilea Hillman of Independence is only 24 years old, but she is already an entrepreneur and owner of Em's Coffee Co., a café where she employs six people.  After spending months developing a business plan and navigating the challenges that face any new small business owner, she opened the shop in 2009.  Em, who has an intellectual disability, uses various techniques to help her in remembering orders and now has a loyal customer base.

Ron Frank, the manager of the Walgreens in Cedar Rapids, described how his company has pioneered efforts for enhancing employment for youth and adults with disabilities.  This local store has partnered with Goodwill of the Heartland to provide a job skills training program, allowing job seekers with disabilities to gain both classroom knowledge of the retail environment and skills necessary for hands-on experience in a retail setting.

As these Iowans demonstrated, young people with disabilities know that they can succeed in the workplace, and the private and public sectors are ready to give them the chance.  But despite those facts, people with disabilities have not begun to see the benefits of our nation's economic recovery.  Last year, nearly 3 million Americans without disabilities joined the labor force, but over same period, 94,000 workers with disabilities left the labor force.  In Iowa, even with our relatively low unemployment rate in comparison to the rest of the country, individuals with disabilities face barriers to finding jobs.  As Alex Watters of Milford, a young man with a spinal cord injury, said at the hearing, "A talent pool is sitting stagnant due to the overwhelming obstacles in their way."

As the country celebrates the 22nd anniversary of the ADA this July 26th, I released a report that urges Congress, the Administration, the business community, and society at large to make the issue of disability employment a national priority.  In this report, I call attention to the bad shape that disability employment is in right now, but I also focus on several new factors, which have the potential to reshape employment for people with disabilities.  I am delighted that the new chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), Jack Markell of Delaware, recently announced that he will make boosting disability employment his top priority during his tenure of the leader of NGA.

Although the numbers highlighted in my report are sobering, I think that we are at a turning point for bringing more people with disabilities into the workforce.

For more information about the ADA, please contact any of my offices in Iowa or Washington, D.C., or visit my website at harkin.senate.gov.

A PDF version of the article is available by clicking here

23 Jul 2012

drought- watering guide

By Michelle Campbell
We are concerned about the health and wellbeing of plants as we drive around town so we put out this article for the public. Hopefully we can help save area trees and shrubs together.-Michelle Campbell, Horticulturist (563) 271-0381
THE GREEN THUMBERS GUIDE TO WATERING July 2012
During this period of drought, it is imperative that plants receive the proper amounts of water to survive. We have outlined below the proper watering techniques to follow.
NEW PLANTINGS: Including any new shrubs and perennials that were planted this year. Water three times per week (large leafed plants such as Hydrangea may need more, up to every other day if leaves are drooping). Certain perennials may need more frequent watering as well, depending on the amount of sun they are getting. When you water, using a water wand with a rain water head is going to give the best results. Do not use a pistol nozzle or just an open hose. This is very important. If you don't have one, you will want to purchase one, they run from $15.00 to $30.00, Dramm offer the best quality. Recommended Water times: Shrubs- for each approx. 45 seconds X2. Perennials-for each approx. 20 seconds X2. Which means, to water a grouping of plants and then go back and water them a second time for the same length of time.
ANNUAL FLOWERS in containers: Water daily. Be sure to water enough so that water drains from the bottom of the container. Fertilize containers Bi-weekly with a good quality fertilizer.
ANNUAL FLOWERS in the ground: Water twice per week with a water wand, typically soaking each plant for 5 to 10 seconds in addition to soaking entire area. Again, water each plant and then go back and water each again for the same length of time.
NEWLY PLANTED TREES: Turn your water wand down to half pressure, so the water bubbles out instead of a flowing. Set the wand near the base of the tree and let it soak for approx. 10 to 15 minutes. If it was a large balled and burlap tree when planted, set the water wand on one side of the tree for 10 minutes and then move the wand to the other side of the tree for the same amount of time. I would recommend watering once per week.
ESTABLISHED PLANTS: There are a couple of ways to water established plants. You could purchase a soaker hose and wind it around your plants. Hook up your garden hose to the end of it and let the water run for approx. 2 - 3 hours. The other method would be to water using your water wand, turning the water on to half pressure so that the water bubbles out, set the wand near the base of the plant and let it set there for 10 to 30 minutes per plant, depending on the size. I would recommend water established plants once every two weeks.
ESTABLISHED TREES: Using your water wand, turn the pressure down to half, set the wand a couple feet from the base of the tree and let it soak for 30 minutes. Then move it to other side of the trunk and let it soak for another 30 minutes. Another option would be to set a sprinkler up to run underneath the tree and let it run until approx. 1" of water is applied (set a rain gauge in the area to measure the water). NOTE: it will take several hours to accumulate 1" of water. I would recommend watering trees once every three weeks.
LAWNS: Water your lawn using a sprinkler and a rain gauge to measure water. Ideally water each area of your lawn until you have measured 1" of water in your rain gauge (set a rain gauge in the area to measure the water).
NOTE: it will take several hours to accumulate 1" of water. I would recommend watering once a week.
VEGETABLE GARDENS: Water thoroughly once per week by either using a soaker hose in the garden or using a sprinkler and a rain gauge to measure the water. Apply until approx. ½" of water is measure in the rain gauge. You may also individually water using your water wand the same as "Newly Planted".
THE GREEN THUMBERS (563) 323-4984
23 Jul 2012

Braley Challenges Lange to Series of Three Debates

By Molly Scherrman
Suggests debates in Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, and Dubuque; broadcast on TV and radio

WATERLOO, IA -- The campaign of Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today challenged politician Ben Lange to a series of three debates before the November 6th election, broadcast by Iowa television and radio outlets.
In a written request sent to Lange's campaign, Molly Scherrman, Senior Advisor to Braley for Congress, proposed that the debates be held in Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, and Dubuque - the three population centers of the new First District.
Furthermore, Braley for Congress proposed that debates begin early enough in the fall to ensure that the large number of Iowa voters expected to vote early, by mail or in-person, have a chance to hear directly from the candidats.
"Rep. Braley and Mr. Lange may disagree about many things, but I'm sure they agree that the people of Iowa deserve a chance to know where candidates for public office stand on the issues affecting their lives and our country," Scherrman wrote.  "A series of debates broadcast on TV and radio that offers Iowans the chance to ask the candidates unscreened questions and hear honest, unrehearsed answers is the best way to educate voters about the choice they have this fall."
Braley's campaign proposed the following debate schedule:
  • A televised debate in Cedar Rapids, the largest city in the new First District, broadcast by KCRG-TV on Friday, September 28th.
  • A debate in Cedar Falls, broadcast by Iowa Public Radio on Wednesday October 10th.
  • A televised debate in Dubuque, hosted by Iowa Public Television, on Thursday November 1st.
Braley's campaign also proposed that the debates feature as many Iowa voters asking questions as possible.  Candidates should be denied access to questions before the debate, to ensure candid responses to questions.
A copy of the letter sent by Scherrman to the Lange campaign follows:
--
July 23th, 2012
Molly Scherrman, Senior Advisor
Braley for Congress
PO Box 390
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
Cody Brown
Lange for Congress
PO Box 389
Independence, Iowa  50644
Dear Cody,
Our nation is at a crossroads.  Iowa is facing enormous challenges, from an uncertain economic recovery to a worsening drought.
That's why it's critically important that voters get the chance to hear the candidates for Congress in Iowa's First District answer questions and offer details about who they are, where they come from and what they stand for before the November 6th election.  Questions like:
  • What will each candidate do to create jobs and grow the economy?
  • What candidate will work to strengthen and protect middle class families?
  • Who will protect Medicare and Social Security for generations of retirees to come?
  • Who will work to break the gridlock and dysfunction in Washington?
  • What will each candidate do to keep farmers on their feet during the drought?
Rep. Braley and Mr. Lange may disagree about many things, but I'm sure they agree that the people of Iowa deserve a chance to know where candidates for public office stand on the issues affecting their lives and our country.
A series of debates broadcast on TV and radio that offers Iowans the chance to ask the candidates unscreened questions and hear honest, unrehearsed answers is the best way to educate voters about the choice they have this fall.
That's why today, on behalf of Rep. Braley, I write to propose a series of three debates this fall, broadcast by Iowa media outlets.  We propose an early start-date to the series of debates, to accommodate the large numbers of Iowa voters expected to vote early by mail or in-person weeks in advance of November 6th.
  • First, we propose a televised debate in Cedar Rapids, the largest city in the new First District, broadcast by KCRG-TV on Friday, September 28th.
  • Second, we proposed a debate in Cedar Falls, broadcast by Iowa Public Radio on Wednesday October 10th.
  • Finally, we proposed a televised debate in Dubuque, hosted by Iowa Public Television, on Thursday November 1st.
We also propose that the debate format include as many Iowa voters asking questions as possible.  Furthermore, candidates should not have access to questions beforehand.
We hope you accept this proposed schedule of debates.  Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Molly Scherrman
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