Governor signs bill for Ohio bioproducts
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 131 Saturday, legislation which will establish a bioproducts preferred purchasing program in Ohio in an effort to spur growth in our state’s promising bioproducts industry, support Ohio farmers and help attract business development and job creation to local communities.

Ohio becomes the first state in the country with such a program in statute. Sen. Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) introduced S.B. 131 in June 2009.

“This is a historic day for Ohio and important news for the future of our economy, the well-being of our state’s workforce and the success of Ohio agriculture,” said Gillmor, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Similar to “Buy Ohio” provisions in current law, which say that the state must support Ohio vendors whenever possible, S.B. 131 would require state agencies and state-supported colleges and universities to give purchasing preference to biobased products when a biobased alternative is available.

Gillmor said S.B. 131 is modeled after the Federal BioPreferred program established in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The federal program includes a testing and certification process to create a list of approved bioproducts. S.B. 131 will rely on this list to determine what products should get preference in Ohio.

In addition, to ensure the program does not create an undue financial burden on state government or public higher education, the bill allows for an exemption if the bioproduct is not available within a reasonable period of time, fails to meet performance standards or is too costly. It will take effect in 90 days.

GIPSA ensuring swine contracts’ compliance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2008 farm bill established new requirements for swine contracts under the Packers and Stockyards Act. These requirements went into effect on June 18, 2008, upon passage of the farm bill.

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is reviewing contracts involving pork producers to ensure their compliance with farm bill requirements. It amended the Packers and Stockyard Act to require that swine contracts:
•Allow swine growers to cancel growing or production contracts for up to three days after signing, or any date specified in the contract or growing arrangement (the contract must disclose method and deadline for cancellation)

•Include a disclosure statement on the first page that clearly states whether additional large capital investments may be required of the grower during the term of the contract

•Allow growers to opt out of arbitration provisions before entering a contract

GIPSA is increasing its audits of swine production contracts to ensure their compliance with farm bill requirements. The agency is seeking civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation when they find that swine contractors have not complied with requirements.
For additional information, contact Jay Johnson, GIPSA Midwestern Regional Office, at 515-323-2579.

Program provides $100 discounts to ICGA

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana corn farmers can now receive $100 discounts on their 2010 seed purchase by renewing their existing three-year memberships or by becoming new three-year members of Indiana Corn Growers Assoc. (ICGA). The cost of renewing or becoming a new three-year member of ICGA is $150.

This new seed program offers a $100 discount on a future seed purchase of at least 20 units for seed corn purchased in the 2010 calendar year from these participating companies: AgriGold, Beck’s Hybrids, Dekalb, Great Lakes Hybrids, LG Seeds and Stewart Seeds.
ICGA members are also members of the National Corn Growers Assoc. and can take advantage of special discounts through Ford, Lincoln, Volvo, Dell, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Cabela’s, to name a few.  Members also have the opportunity to attend Commodity Classic for less, apply for $1,000 one-year scholarships and take part in the annual National Corn Yield Contest.

To become a member, visit http://incorn.org and download an application. For more information regarding the seed program, contact Jared Coppess, ICGA Membership and Policy manager, at 317-644-2797 or by e-mail at jcoppess@indianacorn.org

Chronic wasting disease found in Mo. deer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — State officials say a captive whitetail deer in northern Missouri’s Linn County has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD).

The disease is transmitted from animal to animal or from soil to animal. The state veterinarian said Thursday there was no risk to domestic animals or humans.

CWD is a neurological disease found in deer, elk and moose. It has been documented in 15 states and two Canadian provinces.
The farm-raised deer in Linn County had been inspected as part of Missouri’s CWD surveillance and testing program. The agriculture department said the state immediately initiated a contingency plan to limit spread of the disease among the deer population.