News

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UDAF Media Response Team

Public Information Officer Larry Lewis at 801-514-2152 or larrylewis@utah.gov.
Public Information Specialist Jack Wilbur at 801-538-7098 or jackwilbur@utah.gov

 

National Press Releases and Articles

• News Releases from USDA-NASS (Utah Ag. Statistics)
• National Agricultural News from NASDA (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture)
  
• News Releases from USDA-FSA (Farm Service Agency) in Salt Lake City
• News Releases from USDA
  

Links to Newsworthy Articles

How livestock can improve climate change.
Click here to see interesting news items
AgWeek Magazine

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Current UDAF Press Releases and Articles 2013

• See the latest USDA Crop Weather report for Utah. Here
• May 20th is the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875.
  Find out what that means to consumers here.
• Click here to read a rebuttal from Commissioner Blackham
  to commentary offered on the subject of pesticides and our food supply.
• Equine Herpes Virus Quarantines Lifted - Outbreak Ends
  Read more.
• Specialty Crop Grant Program Offers $250,000 for 2013.
  See the details.
• Animals in Disasters Workshop - Media Advisory
• USDA weather forecast for Western states
• Call for entries for the 2013 Utah Leopold Conservation Award
• Latest NRCS update on Utah snowpack.
• UPDATE: Equine Herpes Virus Confirmed in Cache Co. Horses. Read more.
  
• Economic Contribution of Agriculture to Utah Economy 2011
• Applications Sought For $1 Million in Grants to Fight Invasive Weeds
• UDAF presentation to the: Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. February 12, 2013.

Current UDAF Press Releases and Articles 2012

• Utah Sets Record in 2012 for Corn Grain Production
• USDA Issues Final Rule for Animal Disease Traceability. Read the news release.
• Equine Herpes Virus Quarantine Lifted in Cache County
• Governor Herbert Pardons Lucky Tom the Turkey During Ceremonies at
  Thanksgiving Point
• Commissioner Blackham Earns 2012 Rural Honors Award
• Commissioner Blackham and Deputy Stephens receive awards
• What's Cookin' With Utah's Own at the Utah State Fair.
• Foreign Animal Disease Disaster Drill - Media Advisory
• Read a UDAF letter in response to an unfortunate pet death.
• Specialty Crop Grant Funds awarded.

• Feed the Animals fund established to help Utah livestock impacted by wildfires.
  Make a donation to help Utah livestock impacted by wildfires.
  Read the news release

• Agriculture Sustainability Task Force Makes 29 Recommendations for
  protecting Utah agriculture.
  Read the full report including:
  pg. 21 - Urban growth patterns and projections
  pg. 22 - Then and now satellite pictures of population areas
  pg. 24 - Food production vs. food consumption levels
  Read the news release

  See "The County Seat" public affairs program on this topic.

• USDA publishes its annual review of pesticides.
  An annual examination of consumer dietary exposure to pesticides. This report shows that pesticide residues found on foods tested are at levels below the tolerances set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  Annual Summary, Calendar Year 2009

• New Mexico Livestock Disease Prompts Call For Caution in Utah
• Take the 10,000 gardens challenge. Whether you grow a tomato in a pot, tend a row in a community garden, or work a fruit and vegetable farm, we want to hear from you. Click here to join the challenge and watch our gardens grow.
  See the kickoff video.
  
• Invasive Weeds in State Crosshairs for 2012 and beyond.
• Link to USDA information on BSE (Mad Cow)
• $1,000,000 in Invasive Species Mitigation Weed Control Grant - Application deadline May 18, 2012.

• $260,000 in Specialty Crop Grants now available for application.

• Statement on: Lean Finely Textured Beef (pink slime).
• Video: Utah County protects farmland in pipeline right-of-way dispute. Click here:
  
  

• Changes to Utah Code relating to the harvesting and processing of poultry.
  Interested parties are invited to attend a review of the Poultry Exemption Law (R58) on May 16.
  Click here for more information.
  

• National Ag Day 2012 invites you to ask a farmer a question about the food system. See the videos.

• $150,000 in Cap Ferry Agriculture Research Grants - Round II - application deadline May 15, 2012

• From the Western Livestock Journal - "Utah program puts science to work for grazers"

• Information on Lean Finely Textured Beef

• 2012 Legislative Session – Ag. Bills Summary

• The Great Utah ShakeOut2012 at the UDAF

• Agriculture Sustainability Task Force Makes 29 Recommendations for
  protecting Utah agriculture.
  
  Read the full report including:
  pg. 21 - Urban growth patterns and projections
  pg. 22 - Then and now satellite pictures of population areas
  pg. 24 - Food production vs. food consumption levels
  Read the summary and action items.
  Read the news release

• Public Opinion Poll Results
  What Wasatch Front residents believe about Utah agriculture.
  When it comes to supporting farmland protection Wasatch Front residents:
  • Overwhelmingly (97%) feel farming and ranching are important to the future of the state and (80%) feel development of farmland into subdivisions will eventually lead to greater dependence on foreign food.
  

  Click here to view poll results.
  Read a summary

• NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - Feb. 13, 2012
  Proposed R70-520 “Standard of Identity and Labeling Requirements for Honey"
• January issue of Utah Business Magazine features Utah agriculture.
• Utah agriculture featured in the January 2012 edition of John Deere's The Furrow Magazine.
• Information session offered to Utah farmers' market venders and managers
• UDAF's Milk and Dairy inspection program earns "Model" status by FDA. see the letter
• Public Opinion Poll Results
  What Wasatch Front residents believe about Utah agriculture.
  Clickhere to view poll results.
  Read a summary

Press Releases and Articles 2011

• Governor Herbert's Rural Utah Jobs Tour
• Milk Doesn't Come From Wal Mart.
  Read Utah Lt. Governor, Greg Bell's blog about reasons to save farmland.
• U.S. Army veteran joins the UDAF and finds challenges and safety in his new career.
• Governor Herbert Appoints Kathleen Clarke to Head Public Lands Office
• Tips for preventing the spread of Salmonella
• USDA Deregulates Roundup Ready Alfalfa
• Citation Leveled Against Homemade Cheese Producer/Distributor
• Lucky Tom the Turkey pardoned by Governor Herbert.
  
• UDAF's Statement on Queso Fresco Cheese Investigation.
• Utah Department of Agriculture and Food successfully hosted America's agriculture commissioners, secretaries and directors Sept. 14 - 19 in Salt Lake City.
  See the results of NASDA's 2011 Annual Meeting.
  Link to NASDA site
• 2011 Pesticide Applicator Workshop Schedule
  See where and when you can take Continuing Education Units (CEU's).
• Governor Herbert's Rural Jobs Tour
• Video on care of animals in the Utah pork industry
• The Utah Department of Agriculture & Food has approved 19 projects to receive a total of $280,050 from the USDA in Specialty Crop Block Grant Money
  View a list of the recipients.
  
• UDAF updates Pesticide Control Rule
• State Vet. Lifts Horse Quarantines - Outbreak Over in Utah
• Plant Industry Division Director Named
• Status update on Japanese radiation and food issues.
  Click here
• Gasoline Pumps Remain Accurate
• New Brand Bureau Chief Named
• Update to the Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak:
• Thursday, June 2, 2011, 4 PM MDT - One Additional Utah Horse Tests Positive for EHV-1
• Dr. Bruce King appointed Animal Industry Director
• Preparing For Flooding on the Farm.
  Tips on how to keep animals safe.

• Farmers Market Vendors
  Does your market and/or vendors meet the latest food safety codes? Learn how to keep your customers healthy and happy.
  2011 Outdoor Market Requirements
  Farmers' Markets Q. and A.s
  See the video

• Did you give or get a baby chick this Easter? Learn how to raise it safely here.

• License and Establishment Registration Portal
  Renew online. It's FREE and easy. Click here

• Advisory for Agland impact tour
• $285,000 in Grants Available for Specialty Crops
• Orem Japanese beetle spray information
• 2011 Legislative Wrap Up.
• Does your market and/or vendors meet the latest food safety codes?
  Learn how to keep your customers healthy and happy.
  2011 Outdoor Market Requirements
  Farmers' Markets Q. and A.s
• Ask A Farmer - 2011 National Ag. Day Project.
• UDAF State Veterinarian, Dr. Bruce King, elected to USAHA board.
• UDAF offers classes on proper pesticide handling through Dec. 17, 2010.

 

Press Releases and Articles 2010 and beyond

• Commissioner Blackham Elected NASDA President
• Unwanted Pesticide Collection Sets Record
• Plant Industry Settles Pesticide Violation Charges With Bugman, Inc., and Seven Employees
• National Pollinator Week June 21 - 27. Read the proclamation.
• Discover the world of bees at a pollinator workshop offered by Utah State University June 25th.
• 2009 Grasshoppers and Mormon Crickets report
• 2010 Japanese beetle spray program begins June 9
• Statement on Ethanol in Utah Gasoline

• One-day Japanese Beetle Spray Program in Orem concluded June 9.
  Smaller area - fewer restrictions Expanded JB information
  

• Utah Again Earns Certification for National Shellfish Safety Program.

• Salt Lake City elementary school teacher wins national Agriculture in the Classroom award
• UDAF's Milk and Dairy inspection program earns "Model" status by FDA.
  see the lette

• Plant Industry Files Notice of Violation and Hearing Against Pesticide Applicator and Company for Misapplying Fumitoxin

• Mark your calendars for the 2010 FREE unwanted pesticide disposal program

• Thinking about creating a backyard or community garden this Spring?
  Get started here.
• Census 2010 Vital to Utah Farmers and Ranchers
• Specialty Crop Grant applications now available
• Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Receives Accreditation
• National Agriculture Day -"Real Talk From Real Famers" video contest. Record a video, submit it to the UDAF. The 10 best will win a family Thanksgiving dinner with Commissioner Blackahm in November.
• 2010 Brand Renewal Process Begins
• Pesticide Safety Workshops offer valuable information to commercial and private applicators.
  
• Utah State University study shows Utah agriculture contributes at least 14% to Utah's economy.
• Cache County Representative, Jack Draxler, proposes HB 102 to protect Utah farmland.
  Read the bill.
• State of Utah Veterinarian, Dr. Bruce King, explains how Utah dairy farmers care for their animals while safeguarding the food supply.
  See the video
  
• Commissioner Blackham moderated a conference aimed at finding ways to protect Utah's farmland.
  See a video by Utah Lt. Gov., Greg Bell
  
• Commissioner Blackham and Deputy Commissioner Clarke Join Governor Herbert's Council to Address State Resource Needs
• Commissioner Blackham Proposes "Meat the Need" Program to Help Ailing Ag. Sectors and the Needy.

• Commissioner Blackham applauds Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's plan to care for the nation's wild horses and burros by creating preserves in the Midwest and East.
  Read letter from Commissioner Blackham and see video of Utah's wild horses.
• UDAF statement on H1N1 flu and other information.
  
• Japanese Beetle 2009 Recap and Plan for 2010
  
• Japanese Beetle 2009 Powerpoint recap with maps for 2010
• Japanese Beetle in Utah County Going, Going...
  
• Detailed information about H1N1 flu, agriculture and
  the food supply..
  
• Utah High School Rodeo leaders honored by UDAF.
• Detailed information about H1N1 flu, agriculture and
  the food supply.
  
  
• Black Grass Bug Banished in Box Elder and Beyond!
  
  
• Call for Specialty Crop Production Grants
  
  
• Africanized Honey Bee Detected in Cedar City
  
  
• Grants Awarded for Specialty Crop Production
  
  
• USDA extends certain CRP program contracts
  
  
• Pesticide Education Program Helps SL Schools Win Award
  
  
• Livestock fraud charges brought against Lewiston, Utah man
  
  
• Dr. Bruce King named State Veterinarian
  
  
• Federal Disaster Declaration Granted
  
  
• Insect Report 2008
  
  
• Africanized honey bee detected in southern Utah
  
  
• Utahns cautioned not to consume certain peanut butter products involved in a nationwide recall
  
  
• UDAF Public Information Officer Larry Lewis receives national communications award
  
  
• The 2008 Utah Agricultural Statistics/Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Annual Report is now available
  
  
• Commissioner Blackham responds to editorial opinion on agriculture
  
  
• UDAF Brand Inspector honored for heroism
  
  
• How to select the perfect turkey, and tips on food safety
  
  
• UDAF announces the launch of a Internet tool designed to assist the public in searching for and/or renewing their agriculture-oriented license.
  
  
• Utah’s high school rodeo cowboys and cowgirls won their third consecutive national crown during the National High School Final Rodeo competition in Farmington, New Mexico this summer.
  
  
• Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman has issued an Agricultural Disaster Declaration for six Utah counties
  
  
• What is UDAF doing to assure consumers are getting what they pay for at the pump?
  
  
• BLM honors UDAF with Outstanding Partner Award
  
  
• UDAF awards $2 million in grants to fight War on Cheatgrass
  
  
• A recent poll commissioned by UDAF shows that Wasatch Front residents place a high value on farming and ranching, and support livestock grazing on public lands.
  
  
• Gasoline Pump Investigation Results
  
  
• Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has moved to a 4-day work week
  
  
• Utah's Own and Mountainland Apples praise food distributors for promoting local products
  
  
• China trade mission creates future opportunities for Utah farmers and ranchers
  
  
• State Veterinarian Earl Rogers was recently awarded the Veterinarian of the Year by the Utah Veterinary Medical Association.
  
  
• UDAF Japanese Beetle Inspectors work with Real Salt Lake Soccer to prevent insect infestation
  
  
• UDAF statement on FDA warning on red raw tomatoes
  
  
• A reward is being offered to help locate and convict those responsible for the shooting of 10 cows in Tooele County. The reward fund currently sits at $10,000.
  
  
• UDAF collected nearly 9 tons of unwanted pesticides during this year's disposal program.
  
  
• UDAF Commissioner Leonard Blackham has appointed Stephen H. Ogilvie the Director of the Division of Administrative Services.
  
  
• UDAF awards more than $100,000 in grants to specialty crop farmers
  
  
• Utah beekeepers are experiencing heavy losses this spring, possibly due to Colony Collapse Disorder.
  
  
• Celebrate Ag Day 2008 with UDAF.
  
  
• UDAF, working with the Utah Partners for Conservation and Development (UPCD) has secured major reinforcements from the Utah Legislature for the war on cheatgrass.
  
  
• Participate in the Great Utah Agriculture Survey.
  
  
• Commissioner Blackham Attends EPA First Farm Advisory Committee Meeting
  
  
• UDAF Brand Inspectors use technology to track animals
  
  
• UDAF Commissioner Blackham appointed to EPA Agricultural Advisory Committee
  
  
• UDAF Position on Perchlorate
  
  
• UDAF Livestock Brand Inspector assists deputies in disturbing cattle theft investigation
  
  
• War on Cheatgrass presentation
  
  
• UDAF is advising people with long-term food storage pantries to check for recalled food items because of the potential for Botulism contamination.
  
  
• State Veterinarian Dr. Earl Rogers advises cattle ranchers to refuse any offers of low-cost pet food as a feed source for their animals.
  
  
• UDAF has received $2.5 million to help rehabilitate grazing lands burned in the Milford Flat Fire in Beaver and Millard Counties and other fires in Utah in 2007.View photos of the reseeding effort