DAIReXNET Upcoming Webinar: Using Social Media to Deliver Extension

DAIReXNET

The source for reliable dairy information.

Upcoming Webinar: Using Social Media to Deliver Extension 

The use of social media in public engagement and extension is a relatively new phenomenon, and many scientists are cautious about using it professionally. Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam will join us on December 15th to discuss the prevalence of social media in extension work, how she and her colleagues at UC Davis have used it, and some of the potential risks and pitfalls of using various platforms.

To find out more about this webinar, visit our Upcoming Webinars Page.

ARCHIVED: The Importance of Good Handling Skills 

Watch the recording of Dr. Proudfoot’s webinar, in which she discussed what makes animal handling so important! In addition to the whys, you can also learn how to tell when your farm could use a training program.

New Feature Article: Simplified Scoring System to Identify Respiratory Diseases in Dairy Calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as shipping fever or pneumonia, is a significant problem for dairy replacement heifers. According to reports from the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), 18.1% of pre-weaned dairy heifers experienced respiratory disease (USDA 2012), but respiratory problems accounted for 22.5% of deaths in unweaned heifers and 46.5% in weaned heifers (USDA 2010). That means respiratory disease is the single greatest cause of heifer deaths after weaning.

To read more, view the full article online!

Bovine Leukosis Virus

Bovine Leukosis Virus, also sometimes referred to as “Bovine Leukemia Virus” or BLV has been recognized as a cancer-causing virus in cattle for over 4 decades. Despite widespread distribution in the United States, the virus usually has a minor economic impact on commercial dairies and has thus been ignored while attention is focused on more obvious issues such as lameness, mastitis, breeding problems, and infectious diseases such as BVD (Bovine Virus Diarrhea) or Johne’s disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis). However, with a recent report that BLV could be associated with breast cancer in women, we may no longer have the luxury of treating BLV as a virus confined just to animals. Now we may be forced to deal with it as a public health concern.

To read more, view the full article online.

Feeding Frosted Forages

During the fall of the year, the risk for frost poses some concerns for forages fed to dairy cattle. The damage from the frost can certainly affect the levels of dry matter (DM) and nutrients in the plants, but depending on forage type, the risks for prussic acid or nitrate poisonings may exist.

To read more, view the full article online.

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Snow Control Tools Webinar - December 2, 2015

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Join Us for Two WebinarsSNOW CONTROL  TOOLS

10:00—10:45 A.M. (CENTRAL TIME)

n  WEB DECISION TOOLS 

1.      Cost-Benefit Tool (value of these snow control measures)
·         Modifying road ditches
·         Planting living snow fences
·         Leaving standing corn rows
·         Installing structural snow fencing
2.      Snow Fence Design Tool (where snow fences are placed)
n  WORKING WITH FARMERS/LANDOWNERS
n  INVOLVING 4-H AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN HAND PICKING STANDING CORN ROWS
n  TO REVIEW THE WEB TOOLS: snowcontroltools.umn.edu

SHRUB-WILLOWS FOR LIVING SNOW  FENCES
1:00—1:45 P.M. (CENTRAL TIME)
n  ESTABLISHMENT
n  DESIGN
n  FUNCTIONALITY AND SNOW CAPTURE
n  POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS


TO REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR(S):
z.umn.edu/snowtools
 

PRESENTERS:

Diomy Zamora

Extension Educator

zamor015@umn.edu

Eric Ogdahl

Research Assistant

ogdah005@umn.edu

Gary Wyatt

Extension Educator

wyatt@umn.edu

October Edition of The County Agent - Posted

October Edition of The County Agent

The latest edition of The County Agent magazine (October/2015) is now available for viewing/download at http://www.nacaa.com/countyagent/2015-03.pdf

Printed copies (for those of you who request a hard copy) have been mailed and should be arriving any day via the U.S. Postal Service delivery (realize this takes up to 10 days or so for everyone to receive).

JCEP Leadership Conference Proposals – November 2 Deadline

Don’t forget! Deadline For JCEP Leadership Conference Proposals – November 2

JCEP’s Leadership Conference will be February 10 and 11, 2016, at The Tropicana in Las Vegas.  “Leadership Across Generations” is the theme for the 2016 conference.  The planning committee is seeking proposals for concurrent sessions, “Ignite” Sessions, and Roundtables discussions that will enhance the leadership skill and abilities of Extension Professionals.  Proposals are being accepted now. If selected, you will have an outstanding opportunity to present at a national meeting to your peers from across the country.  Go to www.jcep.org for details. November 2, 2016 is the deadline for proposals, so act now!

Deadline for Public Issues Leadership Development Conference Concurrent Session Proposals - November 6
The 2016 Public Issues Leadership Development Conference planning committee is seeking proposals for oral presentations for next year’s conference, April 12-15, 2016; at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Virginia. This year’s Theme is “Innovation: The Story of Extension.”  The focus of the proposals should be on the professional development of Extension professionals and volunteers rather than being program reports. 

This is an excellent opportunity to share in methods used in communicating the value of Extension programs and building partnerships to enhance programming efforts. Go to www.jcep.org to get additional information about this opportunity to present at this outstanding conference that is sponsored by the Joint Council of Extension Professionals.  Keep in mind that the deadline for submissions is Friday, November 6, 2016. Submit your RFP today!

Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference - October 1 Deadline

The deadline for registration is October 1, 2015 …. We now have 184 people signed up – so only 16 seats left. 3 seats left on the Biltmore tour.

If you are interested see the link for registration ASAP !!!

http://ecoipm.org/protecting-pollinators-conference/

2015 AM/PIC Proceedings Now Available On-line

The 2015 AM/PIC Proceedings has now been posted online and can be found at http://www.nacaa.com/ampic/2015/2015%20Proceedings%20web.pdf

2015 AM/PIC Survey Now Available for your Input

NACAA Members,

 

Here's a link for the 2015 AM/PIC Survey https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1WYUnS0lSWVzzr7

 

We would like all NACAA members to participate, whether you attended the 2015 AM/PIC or not, as there are questions which will pertain to you, and will help NACAA for future meeting planning.

 

The survey will be active for the next two weeks and information will be summarized and shared with the NACAA Board.

 

Thank you for your membership in NACAA.

Protecting Pollinators In Ornamental Landscapes Conference

Protecting Pollinators In Ornamental Landscapes Conference

The early registration deadline – Aug. 1 – for the Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference is quickly approaching. This conference, hosted by Michigan State University Extension and North Carolina State University, is Oct. 12-14, 2015. It is intended for extension educators, academic and industry researchers, growers and representatives of related industries interested in or involved with ornamental plant production or maintenance.

Experts from across the country and from Canada and the United Kingdom are presenting at the conference on how to protect pollinators in managed landscapes, yards and gardens. Speakers will share research-based information on the factors contributing to bee decline of native bees and managed honeybees. The largest session, “Pesticides and Pollinators,” will offer talks from seven leading researchers on the impacts of pesticides on pollinators in landscapes. Speakers will also highlight programs that they have designed to engage consumers in the national conversation on pollinator health.

In addition to the 23 educational sessions, the conference will offer a poster session open to all attendees to share their research, outreach and achievements with their colleagues. The posters must demonstrate conservation, education, extension/outreach, regulatory perspectives or research about protecting pollinators. The posters must be submitted for review by Sept. 1, and authors will be notified of their acceptance by Sept. 15.

An optional tour to Biltmore, the 8,000 acre estate of George Vanderbilt, will feature a one-hour horticultural tour to learn how Biltmore Gardens addresses pest management and protects and encourages pollinators. Attendees will then have a two-hour, self-guided visit inside the Biltmore house, gardens and conservatory, as well as the village, farm, winery and legacy exhibit at Antler Hill. The Biltmore Horticultural Gardens Tour is rapidly filling up, so register today to get a spot!

If you register for the conference before Aug. 1, the cost is $180. After Aug. 1, the cost of the conference is $250. Registration for the conference closes Oct. 1, 2015. Registration for the conference is limited to the first 170 participants! Register online for the Protecting Pollinators in the Ornamental Landscape Conference.

Lodging is not included with registration. Participants will need to reserve their rooms ($115/person/night for double room; $150/person/night for single room PLUS $5 registration fee) as soon as possible as space is limited. Reserve your hotel now.

Please also check out:

• Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference keynote speakers announced
• First national conference on how to protect pollinators in ornamental landscapes

Thank you to our current conference sponsors:

• Gold: Bayer CropScience, Valent
• Silver: Biobest
• Bronze: American Floral Endowment, MPS

NACAA 2015 AM/PIC Photos Are Now Available Online

NACAA 2015 AM/PIC Photos are now available online at http://www.nacaa.com/ampic/2015/2015AMPICPhotos.php

 

Pictures are catagorized by day.  There are still additional photos for a few award events that will be uploaded shortly.

 

These photos are hi-res versions (so please realize it may take a little while for the photo thumbnail images to load for viewing) - and can be uploaded Free of Charge - compliments of NACAA.

 

If you would like to order professional prints directly from the photographer you may do so by contacting Kevin Blayney at kblayney73@att.net or call him at 816-225-6120.

NACAA - OYF/Special Assignment - Applications Now Being Accepted

NACAA - OYF/Special Assignment

The NACAA board of directors has approved the renewal special assignment position to work with our friends at the Outstanding Young Farmer Fraternity. This prestigious award program provides recognition to the very best of America’s young farmers. NACAA has partnered with the OYF to help provide nominees for the program for several years. In an effort to provide more assistance to this program, NACAA is seeking a person to work with OYF in securing more nominees and coordinate publicity for the event. A more complete listing of the duties and expectations is listed below.

Please feel free to contact me or Wes Smith, Current OYF Liaison for more information or if you have questions.  Wes Smith’s email address is swsmith@uga.edu.

To be considered for the position, send your name, title, history of NACAA committee work and qualifications that make you uniquely qualified for the position to Cynthia L. Gregg, NACAA President at clgregg@vt.edu. The deadline for applying for the position is September 1, 2015.

Sincerely,

Cynthia L. Gregg

NACAA President

The NACAA Special Assignment will work with directly with the Outstanding Young Farmers Fraternity in securing nominees for the Outstanding Young Farmer Award from every state.  This can be done by working with the regional directors and state presidents to help insure proper publicity of the award and the application deadline.  OYF has developed a brochure that gives an overview of the program.  This brochure should be made available to the regional directors for distribution as they visit the state meetings each year. 

The NACAA Special Assignment will be responsible for coordinating publicity at the OYF annual meeting each year.  To insure that the annual meeting is given media coverage each year the special assignment shall work with the local extension office and affiliated Land Grant Institution(s) to help publicize the annual meeting.  Television, Radio, and local print media should be involved. 

The NACAA Special Assignment shall attend the National OYF conference with expenses being paid by NACAA.  The OYF Liaison is responsible for insuring that NACAA involvement is continual and of the highest level possible at the NOYF conference.  In the event that the NACAA Past President is not asked to serve as a judge of the National finalists, the special assignment chair shall continue to attend and conduct their duties.  The NACAA Special Assignment shall also attend the NACAA AM/PIC and have registration/travel costs covered by NACAA per NACAA policy. 

A critical service this designee shall fulfill is continuity of programming and enhanced communication between the NACAA Board of Directors, the AI&PR Committee and the OYF.  The designee of the NACAA Special Assignment, before final confirmation, shall have written approval from their respective extension administration to allow them to carry out the required functions of this assignment for the duration of the term as determined by the NACAA Board of Directors.  The OYF Liaison will report to the NACAA Board to present the Annual OFY Report and in addition will give a brief annual summary during Regional Meetings at the NACAA AMPIC.  There will need to be sent periodic updates via email to the Board members and membership pertaining to but not limited to, submission of nominees by members, number of finalists NACAA members nominated, etc.

Job description of NACAA OYF Liaison

Duties

·         Secure nominees for the Outstanding Young Farmer Award from every state

·         Notify any agent who has a National OYF Winner (top 4) that their NACAA AM/PIC Registration Fee will be reimbursed to the next NACAA meeting. 

·         Be the contact person for agents that have National finalist attending OYF Congress, sharing pertinent information about Congress and what they need to do.

Duties at OYF Congress & NACAA AM/PIC

·         Make initial contact with local media of host city in October/November.  Follow up two weeks out and again during the Congress week. (OYF Congress)

·         Make report to the board at pre- or post-board meeting about the progress on the program. For example: how the liaison has had contact with membership, how many times, and what national media has covered the program due to the liaison’s efforts. The liaison also needs to report how many applications the previous year were from NACAA and take recommendations from the OYF board to the NACAA board. (NACAA AM/PIC)

·         Meet with each region during region meeting to update on the program and make final push for applicants for that year as our national meeting is around 2 weeks before the deadline.  (NACAA AM/PIC)

·         Try to include OYF personnel at their state’s Night Out to help foster relationship between the two organizations.  (NACAA AM/PIC)

·         Help OYF with booth on our trade show floor as schedule permits.  (NACAA AM/PIC)

Ag Issues & Public Relations Webinar – June 30th -10 am PST, 11 am MST, 12 pm CST and 1 pm EST

Ag Issues & Public Relations Webinar – June 30^th -10 am PST, 11 am MST, 12 pm CST and 1 pm EST.

http://breeze.wsu.edu/foodchoice/

Webinar Topic: Agriculture’s Opportunity to Take a Role in Monarch Butterfly Conservation

The monarch butterfly is one of the most well-known and widely distributed butterflies in the United States.  Dozens of species of milkweed are acceptable larvae host plants, but over much of the eastern and central United States common milkweed and butterfly weed are a few of the most widely available.  Both species are strongly influenced by agricultural land use decisions and weed management practices.

A sharp decline in the population of this butterfly over the last decade has captured public and government attention.  The Corn Belt region of the U.S. is known as a high production area for breeding monarchs, but with the widespread loss of their larval host plants in the region due to the onset of herbicide tolerant crops, monarch and milkweed populations have diminished. While this has been identified as one of the chief causes of the monarch decline, conservationists are working to mitigate numerous threats throughout the North American range.

Public Opinion on Agriculture’s Impacts on the Monarch Butterfly

Public concern about B.t. toxins in the pollen of B.t. corn causing harm to monarch larvae is also apparent. Studies have shown that while this toxin can be detrimental to other Lepidoptera, including monarchs, it may not be as high of a conservation priority because exposure levels are lower.

Significant reduction of milkweed populations due to an increase in use of glyphosate-resistant GE corn is a more recent focus of public attention.  See http://www.mlmp.org/results/findings/pleasants_and_oberhauser_2012_milkweed_loss_in_ag_fields.pdf  for a published article documenting the reduction of milkweed availability and its impact on monarch populations.    

Butterfly weed, among other species, is a typical component of seed mixes used in conservation plantings.  High corn prices raised public concern that conservation plantings would be put into crop production, lessening natural habitat for many wildlife species, including monarchs.

These topics have generated a great deal of discussion amongst many partners looking to identify ways to collaborate on a viable solution for an iconic species.  

Scientific and Governmental Attention to the Monarch Butterfly Situation

A North American Monarch Conservation Plan was put forth in 2008 by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an organization with representation from the United States, Canada and Mexico.  See http://www.mlmp.org/Resources/pdf/5431_Monarch_en.pdf

In February 2014 a joint statement was issued by President Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.  It included:

            “Our governments will establish a working group to ensure the conservation

              of the Monarch butterfly, a species that symbolizes our association.”

In August of 2014 a petition to place the monarch on the federal threatened and endangered species list was presented to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.  Some groups disagree with this method of protection monarchs, but it has garnered a lot of public attention to the issue. The fate of this petition is still to be determined. The full petition can be found at http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/invertebrates/pdfs/Monarch_ESA_Petition.pdf.  

The U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service released information regarding $2 million in funding for monarch conservation in February of 2015.  For more information, see:

http://www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews.cfm?ID=6F9989BD-0738-14CE-50EAC980BE1A75FC

“Conservation and Management of Monarch Butterflies: A Strategic Framework” was published by Forest Service of the U.S.D.A. in March of 2015. 

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/documents/ConservationManagementMonarchButterflies.pdf

There are a number of organizations and groups that are concerned with monarch conservation, two of the most authoritative are:

Monarch Joint Venture- http://monarchjointventure.org/

Monarch Watch- http://www.monarchwatch.org/

Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D.

Small Fruit / Consumer Horticulture Educator

Michigan State University Extension

520 W. Front Street, Suite A, Traverse City, MI 49684   

phone: 231 922-4822  fax: 231-947-6783  email:  elsner@msu.edu

Duke Elsner has been an agricultural educator for Michigan State University Extension for 25 years, currently specializing in small fruit production and consumer horticulture.  He holds a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology, and has studied North American butterflies and moths for over 40 years.  He is a former president of the Michigan Association of Extension Agents and the Michigan Entomological Society. 

Wendy Caldwell is the coordinator of the Monarch Joint Venture, a national partnership working to conserve the monarch butterfly migration. In this position, she works with over 30 partner organizations across the U.S. to protect and restore habitat for monarchs and other pollinators. Prior to her role with the Joint Venture, Wendy worked for Dr. Karen Oberhauser at the University of Minnesota Monarch Lab, leading the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project and assisting with research efforts and educational workshops for teachers.

Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference

Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference (October 12-14, 2015) The registration process is now open at:  http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=PPOL

This professional development opportunity will be limited to the first 170 participants so please register early if you wish to ensure your attendance. The program is jointly sponsored by Michigan State University and North Carolina State University.

See this article for more details:

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/protecting_pollinators_in_ornamental_landscapes_conference_keynote_speakers

http://www.ornamentalpollinators.org/

NACAA AM/PIC Early Bird & Pre-tour Reg. Deadlines - this Friday - May 15th

Just a reminder that this Friday - May 15th at midnight (CST) - is the final date to take advantage of the early-bird registration fee. On Saturday - May 16th the fee will jump $100 for everyone.  On-line Registration can be completed at https://okzyhxiuzf.formstack.com/forms/?1959638-MIUG7m8VIw

 

If your mailing in your hard copy registration form, if postmarked by the 15th - you'll get the early-bird fee.

 

PRE-TOUR REGISTRATIONS

 

Pre-Tour registrations will also conclude this Friday.  For the Soils Pre-Tour...you register online thru the AM/PIC registration.

 

Horticulture Pre-Tour - http://www.nacaa.com/awards/apps/ - then
select the Horticulture Pre-AM/PIC Workshop & Tour.

 

Animal Science Pre-Tour - http://www.nacaa.com/awards/apps/ - then
select the Animal Science Pre-AM/PIC Workshop & Tour.

 

Hoping to see you all in Sioux Falls!

The First National Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference

The First National Protecting Pollinators in
Ornamental Landscapes Conference
Save the Date—Registration Opening Soon!
Date: October 13, 2015 and October 14, 2015

The First National Conference on Protecting Pollinators in the Ornamental Landscape will take place October 13 and 14, 2015 at the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. Hosted by Michigan State University and North Carolina State University, this conference is intended for extension educators, academic and industry researchers, growers, and representatives of related industries interested in or involved with ornamental plant production or maintenance.

Sessions will include research presentations and discussions on topics such as: Function of urban pollinators, threats to pollinators, impacts of neonicotinoids and other pesticides, pollinator-safe products and strategies, and educating the public about pollinators. Registration will be opening in May 2015. For more information, visit www.ornamentalpollinators.org and look for more details to come!

Hosted by Michigan State University and North Carolina State University

2015 NACAA AM/PIC “First Timers” Webinar

2015 NACAA AM/PIC “First Timers” Webinar

Presented by NACAA – Early Career Development Committee

Thursday, April 30, 2015

12:00 PM Central Time

Join WebEx meeting

Meeting number:	743 125 300
Meeting password:	NACAA2015

 Click on the Join WebEx meeting above or click on the link to participate: 

 https://umn.webex.com/umn/j.php?MTID=md19568223d1502774de3d54b133303ea

To test your technology follow the Join a Meeting Test link: https://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html

Have you ever wondered about some of the opportunities at an Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement? Have you ever wondered exactly what do I get for attending these conferences? This webinar can be helpful if you answered yes to either question. The NACAA Early Career Development Committee will provide a presentation regarding the NACAA AM/PIC to be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from July 12-16^th.

The South Dakota Association of Agricultural Extension Professionals (SDAAEP) and the NACAA Early Career Development Committee would like to extend an invitation and encourage you to attend the 2015 NACAA AM/PIC. We are very excited about this year’s event and confident that the program offers opportunities for program sharing, motivational speakers, and meeting others from across the U.S. Plus, the registration fee for any first timer with less than 10 years of experience is FREE!

The first step you need to take is getting registered. For someone new to the NACAA AM/PIC, this can be somewhat of a daunting task. There is a very comprehensive schedule to navigate through and numerous decisions that need to be made on what to attend. The NACAA Early Career Development Committee is offering a free webinar that will hopefully make your decision to attend the NACAA AM/PIC process much easier.

An hour-long webinar will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. We plan to highlight the benefits of attending the NACAA AM/PIC, what events and activities first timers and others can and should attend throughout the week and finally we will take you through the steps of the registration process. This will be a live webinar so be sure to ask questions. We are planning to record the webinar and will provide details on how to access the recorded presentation. Further questions can be directed to Nathan Winter at 320-484-4303 or by e-mail at wint0146@umn.edu. 

Also, NEW in 2015 the first timer orientation and welcome will be fun, fast-paced, and energizing to learn more about NACAA AM/PIC. You will not need to worry about feeling confused or lost as a first timer as you will be matched up with an experienced mentor for the conference! Yes, you will meet a fellow Extension professional that will help you successfully navigate your first AM/PIC. Excited yet? I know we certainly are as these are new things previously never offered to first timers!! For someone new to the AM/PIC registration process, we understand that there are many decisions that must be made. To aid in your registration process, there are various resources available. The County Agent magazine is a great place to start along with the Ag Agent’s conference website (https://agagents.wordpress.com/).

Two events that First Timer’s are encouraged to attend are:

First Timer’s Reception on Sunday July 12th, 2015

First Timer’s Luncheon on Monday July 13th, 2015

Questions regarding these events can be directed to Lindsay or Jenny:

Co-Chair:  Lindsay Chichester, Nebraska, lindsay.chichester@unl.edu

Co-Chair:  Jenny Rees, Nebraska, jenny.rees@unl.edu

Thank you,

Nathan Winter 

Early Career Development Committee, Chair

NACAA 2015 AM/PIC Registration Now Open - Magazine in the Mail

Early-Bird Registration for the 2015 AM/PIC in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (July 12-16, 2015) - is now officially open and will run through May 15, 2015.  The April, 2015 edition of The County Agent was placed in the mail today.  Realizing that it may take several days for the magazine to travel across the country and be in everyone's hands - an electronic copy of the magazine can be found at http://www.nacaa.com/countyagent/2015-01.pdf.  This edition of the magazine highlights AM/PIC activities and includes the registration form.  On-line registration can also now be completed at the following link https://okzyhxiuzf.formstack.com/forms/?1959638-MIUG7m8VIw

 

This link can also be accessed at the NACAA website at www.nacaa.com  underneath the AM/PIC logo where it says "2015 AM/PIC Registration".

 

In the printed edition of the magazine soon to arrive in the mail, there is one modification to the registration form which has been made in the online version (as well as in the on-line registration).  The Soils Pre-Tour mentioned in the magazine - was supposed to have a spot on the registration form (page 36) to pay the registration fee.  The line was inadvertently left out of the printed magazine.  If you plan to submit a paper copy of your registration forms and plan attend this pre-tour - you will need to go to the magazine link listed above - and download the revised registration form - which shows this change.  As mentioned above, this change has already been added to the on-line registration, so for the 85-90% of you who register on-line....there is no change, the option to participate in the Pre-Tour is listed.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems with the online registration process.  We do our best to make sure there aren't any "bugs" in the registration system, so if you find any, please let me know and I'll do my best to get it fixed as quick as possible.

 

 

 

NACAA Executive Director
Scott Hawbaker
6584 W. Duroc Road
Maroa, IL 61756
Phone: 217-794-3700
Fax: 217-794-5901
Email: nacaaemail@aol.com
Web: http://nacaa.com

Recording of Public Relations & Ag Issues Webinar on GMO now available

The recent Webinar held by the Public Relations & Ag Issues Committee on "GMO's" is now available at http://breeze.wsu.edu/p7pwkr5s0em/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal

This Webinar - along with other webinars held by NACAA in the past can be found at:  http://www.nacaa.com/countyagent/Webinars.php

Ag Issues & Public Relations Webinar - March 18th at noon PST

Ag Issues & Public Relations Webinar - March 18^th at noon PST

Webinar Topic: GMO

Food Choices and GMO.

Genetically engineered crops, better known as GMOs, have become an item of interest and controversy for consumers, farmers, food companies and policy makers. What are the concerns from the consumer perspective and what are scientists saying about GMOs? How is food labeling impacting consumer choice and purchasing patterns? Join this session to explore the history of GMOs and why they are an important part of food production today. Identify foods commonly containing GMOs and understand the risks and benefits of genetic engineered crops from different perspectives of nutrition, crop yield, and the environment.

Understanding the Facts and Issues Surrounding Genetically Engineered Crops and Foods.

Are current engineered crops safe and beneficial?  Are they being used in a sustainable manner?  How are they regulated by the federal government? Can they coexist with organic crops?  And what do consumers really know about them?  This talk will cut through the rhetoric espoused by proponents and opponents of GE crops and provide the facts surrounding the current GE crops grown in the United States.  While answering each of those questions, Greg Jaffe will bring the Center for Science in the Public Interest's unique science-based consumer perspective to this topic in a way that is both informative and relevant to different professionals involved in agriculture.    

March 18^th at noon PST

To participate on March 18th – please log-in to http://breeze.wsu.edu/foodchoice/

About the speakers

Diane Smith is WSU Extension Regional Food Access and Nutrition Specialist for Skagit and Whatcom counties in western Washington. Her work includes community food planning, nutrition education and health promotion. Recent ballot initiatives on GMOs and food labeling raised questions from local residents which prompted Ms. Smith to explore the subject to help better understand the risks and benefits of GMOs and provide information to consumers to help in their decision-making process.  

Gregory Jaffe is the Director of the Project on Biotechnology for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (“CSPI”), a non-profit consumer organization located in the United States.  Mr. Jaffe came to CSPI in 2001 after a long and distinguished career in government service as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division and as Senior Counsel with the U.S. EPA, Air Enforcement Division.  He is a recognized international expert on agricultural biotechnology and biosafety and has published numerous articles and reports on those topics.  He was worked on biosafety regulatory issues in the United States and throughout the world, including the countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Nigeria.  He was a member of the Secretary of Agriculture’s Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology and 21^st Century Agriculture from 2003-2008 and was reappointed for a new term in 2011.  He was also a member of FDA’s Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee from 2004-2008.  Gregory Jaffe earned his BA with High Honors from Wesleyan University in Biology and Government and then received a law degree from Harvard Law School. 

For questions –please contact National Agricultural Issues & Public Relations Chair Don McMoran at dmcmoran@wsu.edu or by calling Don at (360) 428-4270, ext 225