ATTRA Matches Farmers and Ranchers with Interns

Since 1989, the listing of sustainable farming internships and apprenticeships has been a boon both for producers who need some enthusiastic help as well as anyone looking for on-the-job training opportunities. The listings are listed state-by-state in an interactive map; employers list the openings for a small fee, and there is no charge for browsing to see what’s there. 

There are hundreds of listings on the site. Check them out here. https://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/internships/

While many positions are for the summer, others are "full-time" or "continuously" filled.  There are currently 19 positions listed in Idaho alone!!

The Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program (SPCC) and Farm Fuel Tanks

by Tom Karsky, Univeristy of Idaho Extension Safety Specialist

The Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program (SPCC) can have an effect on growers that store fuel and oil on the their facilities. This program is not new, it was part of the Clean Water Act of 1974 but the part that affects farmers and ranchers is now coming into effect. The goal of the program is to prevent oil from spilling into waters of the US and adjoining shorelines. A key element of this program requires an oil spill prevention program called an SPCC plan to be completed by May 10, 2013. Those that are affected by this requirement must meet the following conditions:

1. Store, transfer, use, or consume oil or oil products such as diesel fuel, gasoline, lube oil, hydraulic oil, adjuvant oil, crop oil, vegetable oil, or animal fat. AND

2. Store more than 1320 gallons in above ground containers (only 55 gallon drums or larger should be included in the total) or more than 42,000 gallons in below ground containers. AND

3. Oil could be expected to discharge into navigable waters of the US or adjoining shorelines (lakes, rivers, streams). The nature and flow properties combined with a rain event must be considered.

USDA Risk Management Agency Billing Date Changes

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Contact: Jo Lynne Seufer, (509) 228-6320
jo.lynne.seufer@rma.usda.gov 

USDA Risk Management Agency Billing Date Changes 

Spokane, Wash., July 12, 2012 ---- The Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) Spokane Regional Office reminds Alaska and Pacific Northwest producers of the new billing date for Federal crop insurance premiums on most crops: August 15, 2012. Insured producers have until October 1^st to pay their premiums without being charged interest for crops with an August 15 billing date.  Interest will begin accruing until October 1 at a 1.25 percent per month. 

Cow Camp Chatter Strategic Weaning:Managing Cow Body Condition During Drought

Ron Torell, Long-Standing Educator and Advocate of Agriculture  

Many regions of the country are experiencing one of the driest precipitation cycles in recent history.  These extreme drought conditions require management intervention on behalf of the bovine. Some ranchers are turning their cows out on irrigated pasture with no plans of haying their meadows. Others are reducing the size of their herds through stringent culling and marketing. Cattlemen are faced with making critical management decisions. They need to either increase nutrient supply, which is costly, or decrease nutrient demand.  During periods of drought strategic weaning is one management option ranchers can use to reduce nutrient demand in an effort to manage cow body condition relative to the available nutrient supply.      

Livestock Judging Team Coach Wanted

Instructor, Livestock Judging Team Coach
Part Time / Regular Agriculture Department	Location: Twin Falls - Main Campus	Closing Date: 7/22/2012
(View Summary) (Full Announcement)

Judy Heatwole, 
MTDHuman Resource Specialist

COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO

315 Falls Ave, PO Box 1238

Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

Ph: 208-732-6269

Release of the National Beef Quality Audit

Dear Beef Producer,

Every five years the National Beef Quality Audit is released which interviews/surveys ranchers, feedlot operators, packers, retailers and government and allied industry.  The purpose of the audit is to document accomplishments, future challenges and to identify areas that need improvement.  Among the advancements that all of the industry should be proud of are the advancements made in tenderness, palatability, animal care, quality assurance, animal welfare,  stockman ship and stewardship, beef safety and continuing to tell the beef story.  As a prelude to the release of the results on July 26 at the summer National Cattlemens Beef Association (NCBA) meetings in Denver (by scientists from NE, TX, and CO), I would like to share with you a video which provides a summary of the challenges and opportunities identified from the audit and the road map to continuously  improve beef demand and quality.  The video highlights from a strategy team made up of  41 seed stock, cow/calf, feeders, packers and retailers who provided their reaction to the challenges and future opportunities identified by the audit.   Just click on it and it should start for you. This video and the audit would not have happened without the support of the beef checkoff and the Cattlemen's Beef Board.   Best regards.  JP

http://www.youtube.com/nationalbqa