I always learn a lot when I teach a workshop. Sometimes I think I learn as much as the people who are attending.
Blueberry Council Alternate
Our Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced one importer alternate to serve on the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, for a term of office beginning immediately and ending on Dec. 31, 2006.
New National Mango Board Members
I almost missed this. It’s good to comb through the inbox you know.
USDA Broadband Loan Lawsuit
Not everyone is happy with the way USDA’s Rural Development office is doling out rural broadband loans. According to a story on C/net yesterday, the department is being sued by Mediacom Communications, the same company supplying us with our high speed access. Apparently a competitor (Lisco) in Fairfield, IA received a low interest loan to develop a system in a community that already has 2 other providers.
Manage Your Farm Energy Risk
With all the buzz about energy and fuel costs small and limited resource farmers as well as any producers might be interested in USDA’s “Energy In Agriculture, Managing The Risk” conference in Kansas City, MO on June 27-28.
More Rural Broadband Development
Here’s an example of what USDA is doing to help improve rural broadband internet access. The Rural Development Broadband Access Loan program is providing the funds. USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Tom Dorr had this to say. “Broadband can help to put rural communities on a level playing field when competing with bigger cities for new residents and businesses,” said Dorr. “When people can live in smaller communities that have a higher quality of life and still compete globally, that presents a great opportunity for rural America.”
No Stinking Bird Flu Here
The USDA has a series of PSA’s on avian influenza. They don’t use the line in my title but they could.
MyPyramid Website Rocks Along
Last week was the one year anniversary for the USDA MyPyramid food guidance system. Apparently the website has received a huge amount of traffic making it “one of the most popular federal websites ever.”
Promotion Board Appointments
Secretary Johanns was busy doing the appointing thing again last week. He must have to do a lot of interviews to fill these positions don’t you think?
Speech By Sec. of Ag Mike Johanns
Our U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, was on the program early today here at the Cattle Industry Convention. He spoke for about 25 minutes before taking some questions from the floor.