USDA Casts Vision for Scientific Initiatives Through 2025
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the publication of the USDA Science Blueprint, which will serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) vision for and continued commitment to scientific research.
“USDA’s agricultural research is vital to helping our farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters increase efficiency and productivity, and our science agencies play an integral role in setting forth new visions for innovation through their work,” said Secretary Perdue. “As the Department strives to anticipate and meet the future needs of our customers, the USDA Science Blueprint will serve as a roadmap to guide our scientific collaboration over the next five years across the Department and with our partnering research organizations.”
“USDA has a long history of putting its scientific discoveries and knowledge into practice,” said Dr. Scott Hutchins, who leads USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area. “By prioritizing our research initiatives around these themes, it will enable us to best conduct critical, long-term, broad-scale science and spur innovation throughout our nation’s agricultural enterprise, natural resource base, and food systems. We are committed to putting science to work for the American public. We will always strive for scientific excellence and integrity in support of America’s agriculture.”
Dr. Hutchins first announced the publication during remarks to the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) conference yesterday.
Background:
The USDA Science Blueprint provides a foundation for focused leadership and direction in advancing USDA’s scientific mission through 2025. It lays out five overarching themes for research, education, and economics, each with established objectives, strategies, and evidence-building measures. The five Program Themes include:
The USDA Science Blueprint (PDF, 2.6 MB) includes the four REE mission area agencies — the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Economic Research Service (ERS), the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) — along with the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) and the science arms of the U.S. Forest Service (FS), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
USDA continues to strengthen strategic coordination of our science portfolio to better inform the Department and the federal government's decisions, policies, and regulations. Together, USDA’s science agencies serve our nation’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and consumers by delivering timely and relevant scientific innovations and knowledge.
USDA Announces Details of Risk Management Programs for Hemp Producers
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 6, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of two programs that protect hemp producers’ crops from natural disasters. A pilot hemp insurance program through Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) provides coverage against loss of yield because of insurable causes of loss for hemp grown for fiber, grain or Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage protects against losses associated with lower yields, destroyed crops or prevented planting where no permanent federal crop insurance program is available. Producers may apply now, and the deadline to sign up for both programs is March 16, 2020.
“We are pleased to offer these coverages to hemp producers. Hemp offers new economic opportunities for our farmers, and they are anxious for a way to protect their product in the event of a natural disaster,” said Farm Production and Conservation Undersecretary Bill Northey.
Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Pilot Insurance Program
The MPCI pilot insurance is a new crop insurance option for hemp producers in select counties of 21 states for the 2020 crop year. The program is available for eligible producers in certain counties in Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. Information on eligible counties is accessible through the USDA Risk Management Agency’s Actuarial Information Browser.
Among other requirements, to be eligible for the pilot program, a hemp producer must have at least one year of history producing the crop and have a contract for the sale of the insured hemp. In addition, the minimum acreage requirement is 5 acres for CBD and 20 acres for grain and fiber. Hemp will not qualify for replant payments or prevented plant payments under MPCI.
This pilot insurance coverage is available to hemp growers in addition to revenue protection for hemp offered under the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection plan of insurance. Also, beginning with the 2021 crop year, hemp will be insurable under the Nursery crop insurance program and the Nursery Value Select pilot crop insurance program. Under both nursery programs, hemp will be insurable if grown in containers and in accordance with federal regulations, any applicable state or tribal laws and terms of the crop insurance policy.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
NAP provides coverage against loss for hemp grown for fiber, grain, seed or CBD for the 2020 crop year where no permanent federal crop insurance program is available.
NAP basic 50/55 coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production. Buy-up coverage is available in some cases. The 2018 Farm Bill allows for buy-up levels of NAP coverage from 50 to 65 percent of expected production in 5 percent increments, at 100 percent of the average market price. Premiums apply for buy-up coverage.
For all coverage levels, the NAP service fee is $325 per crop or $825 per producer per county, not to exceed $1,950 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties.
Eligibility Requirements
Under a regulation authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and issued in October 2019, all growers must have a license to grow hemp and must comply with applicable state, tribal or federal regulations or operate under a state or university research pilot, as authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
Producers must report hemp acreage to FSA after planting to comply with federal and state law enforcement. The Farm Bill defines hemp as containing 0.3 percent or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry-weight basis. Hemp having THC above the federal statutory compliance level of 0.3 percent is an uninsurable or ineligible cause of loss and will result in the hemp production being ineligible for production history purposes.
For more information on USDA risk management programs for hemp producers, visit farmers.gov/hemp to read farmers.gov frequently asked questions. For more information on the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, visit USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services’ website to read AMS frequently asked questions.
Thomas Fullmer announces the release of ‘Roslyn, the Reluctant Rattlesnake’
SALT LAKE CITY – Thomas Fullmer is a retired postal worker who now spends most of his time with his children and grandchildren, being very active in their lives. When his youngest granddaughter asked him to come up with a story about snakes, he writes “Roslyn, the Reluctant Rattlesnake” (published by Xlibris), a children’s book about “coming to know who you are and accepting yourself, while enduring the trials of life.”
A rattlesnake named Roslyn wants to have a forest friend, but when one comes close, she gobbles them up because she is a rattlesnake, and that is what rattlesnakes do. Now, she has to come to grips with who she is and what her purpose is in the web of life. Will Roslyn come to understand who she is and accept herself for it?
“We all struggle with challenges. We all face difficulties that seem to be too great to bear at times. This story shows that not only can we endure our trials, but that we can grow from them. Life is a journey with difficulties. We do not know all the answers, so we go on this journey,” Fullmer says. “We can learn from those struggles, as we come to know who we are and what our purpose is. There are those along the way who will help, if we are open to receiving that help. Coming to discover our true selves might be difficult at times, but it will always be worth it.”
An excerpt from the book:
Roslyn told her neonates, “Life is full of dangers and challenges to face. Go through your lives with courage, and each day embrace. There really is meaning to everything you do. Just remember who you are, and to your own self be true. You were born to be rattlesnakes to hunt the forest floor. So go forth and prosper. Life’s full of wonders to explore.”
“Roslyn, the Reluctant Rattlesnake”
By Thomas Fullmer
Hardcover | 8.5 x 8.5in | 28 pages | ISBN 9781796083569
Softcover | 8.5 x 8.5in | 28 pages | ISBN 9781796083552
E-Book | 28 pages | ISBN 9781796083545
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the Author
Thomas Fullmer is a published poet who also writes children’s stories. He has been published in FM quarterly poetry magazine many times over the past few years. Born in Coalville, Utah, he grew up in the sleepy town of Gunnison, Utah, where he gained an appreciation for nature and hard work. He began writing children’s books to read to his five grandchildren, all of whom love the stories. He received a bachelor’s of science degree in anthropology from the University of Utah, where he also took writing courses. He also has an MBA from that university. Now a retired postal worker, he spends most of his time with his children and grandchildren, being very active in their lives. “Roslyn, the Reluctant Rattlesnake” is his first published children’s book, but he has completed several other stories, many with a scientific orientation he hopes to see published. He continues to write poetry as well. He recently published his first book of poetry, “From the Fabric of My Mind”. Though most of the poems in the book are oriented towards adults, there are several also oriented to children. “Roslyn, the Reluctant Rattlesnake” is purely a children’s story that reflects one of his core beliefs. “Roslyn, the Reluctant Rattlesnake” is also available in an interactive, coloring version.
Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide.
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Trump shoots Romney at prayer breakfast; GOP shrugs
by Steve Klinger
328 words
(Satire)
President Donald Trump pulled out a handgun at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning and shot Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, fatally wounding him. A day earlier, Romney had become the first senator in history to vote to convict a president of his own party in an impeachment trial.
After the shooting law professor Alan Dershowitz persuaded federal marshals at the event not to apprehend Trump. "He believes it's in the nation's interest," Dershowitz shouted. "The president cannot be charged or prosecuted."
Trump began his appearance by grinning broadly and waving newspapers with headlines declaring "Trump Acquitted" before the crowd of elected officials and religious leaders at the event. He followed speakers who had urged everyone to forgive their enemies, but Trump said, "I'm not sure I agree with you," before producing the gun from his suit jacket and aiming it at Romney.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham defended Trump after the shooting. "I wouldn't be surprised if Romney was an agent of the Democrats," he charged. "The president's enemies will stop at nothing to keep him from being re-elected."
Back at the White House, Trump tweeted, "Lots of people are saying Treacherous Mitt conspired to throw the 2012 election to Barack HUSSEIN Obama! What I did was perfect. Now Total Exoneration!"
Democrats quickly huddled to consider new articles of impeachment, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, fighting back tears, conceded, "We're not finding anything in the Constitution that states premeditated murder is a direct cause for impeachment. We already know how the Senate feels about 'high crimes and misdemeanors.'"
Authors and presidential scholars Jon Meacham and Michael Bechsloff agreed in a joint statement declaring the situation unprecedented: "These are extraordinary circumstances. We have never seen anything like this before in the behavior of a president of the United States."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tried to evade reporters requesting a reaction, but when cornered in an elevator, he shrugged and said, "In the immortal words of Dick Cheney, 'So?'"
-30-
Steve Klinger is a veteran community journalist and college English instructor based in southern New Mexico. Frequently skeptical about the capacity of the written word to inspire activism, he also writes songs, hoping to add the power of music to his topical lyrics.
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Another National School Choice Week is behind us, but we're still savoring all the great #NSCW moments from 2020! Take a look below for some of our favorite reads and stories from the week.
“It was a privilege to be with the students, parents and teachers of True North today and recognize their many accomplishments."
Governor Jeb Bush
Though NSCW started in 2011, the idea of “school choice” long predates the week that now celebrates it. As stakeholders across the nation reflect on the current status of school choice, it is equally important to consider the history of school choice.
WATCH: Tricia Shelton: Where is she now?
Two years after being named a finalist in ExcelinEd's Choices in Ed Video Contest, Tricia Shelton now has adopted two more children into her family. Because of school choice, Tricia is able to send her kids to the schools that best fit their unique needs.
Is school choice against the wall? Not according to the data. Demand for and use of school choice programs has been steadily (and in some cases dramatically) increasing.
WATCH: Cabral Clements: Where is he now?
After winning ExcelinEd's Choices in Ed Video Competition two years ago, Cabral Clements has settled into his professional life as a filmmaker. He recently reflected on how school choice allowed him to find his passion for film, and how he developed personal skills that left a lasting impact on his college and career goals.
In 2011, just 150 events took place to celebrate the first-ever National School Choice Week. This year, the annual celebration of opportunity in education sparked nearly 52,000 events. But just who, exactly, uses the school choice opportunities that millions are celebrating in 2020?
EXPLORE: New Resource to Help States Address Charter Facility Needs
ExcelinEd's new brief Building for Success: How States Can Address Charter School Facility Needs can help states determine how well charter school facility needs are being met with existing state policies. The brief introduces a Charter School Facility Index which states can use to assess whether they are addressing the full facility needs of charter schools.
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Weber State University hosts annual Red Cross blood drive
Pre-med student encourages blood donation after receiving blood as a child
REVISION TO PREVIOUS EMAIL: Please note the correct spelling of first name: Caden
OGDEN, Utah (Feb. 6, 2020) — Weber State University (WSU) is partnering with the American Red Cross to host their annual blood drive Feb.10-13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WSU Student Union Building. Wildcats are giving back to help ensure patients battling cancer and other illnesses receive the lifesaving blood they need to survive.
Caden Erickson, a WSU pre-med student knows first-hand the need for blood and is eager to spread the word about the importance of having blood on the shelves when it’s needed. At 4 years old, Erickson was diagnosed with leukemia; his treatment included regular blood transfusion at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City.
“Until I was 7 years old, I received blood transfusions at least four times a month before my chemotherapy treatments,” said Erickson. “That, and platelets. Platelets couldn’t form, and If I didn’t receive platelets my blood couldn’t clot and I could bleed out with a simple nose bleed or a cut.”
Every day, the Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood donations and more than 2,600 platelet donations for patients who rely on blood to survive. Shortfalls in donations can cause delays in essential medical care for patients like Erickson.
Fortunately, for Erickson there wasn’t a delay in medical treatments and at 20 years old he is cancer free and determined to give back what he received from blood donors and doctors who gave him so much to be thankful for.
“Because of the blood donations and platelets, I received while going through treatment, I decided to pursue a career in the field that helped me be where I am today,” said Erickson. “I want to go into oncology or pediatrics to pay it forward to the kids who need help like I did.”
Donors of all blood types – especially types O positive and O negative – are urged to make an appointment to give blood now at the WSU blood drive using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device and use sponsor code bleedpurple
How to donate blood
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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Weber State University hosts annual Red Cross blood drive
Pre-med student encourages blood donation after receiving blood as a child
OGDEN, Utah (Feb. 6, 2020) — Weber State University (WSU) is partnering with the American Red Cross to host their annual blood drive Feb.10-13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WSU Student Union Building. Wildcats are giving back to help ensure patients battling cancer and other illnesses receive the lifesaving blood they need to survive.
Camden Erickson, a WSU pre-med student knows first-hand the need for blood and is eager to spread the word about the importance of having blood on the shelves when it’s needed. At 4 years old, Erickson was diagnosed with leukemia; his treatment included regular blood transfusion at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City.
“Until I was 7 years old, I received blood transfusions at least four times a month before my chemotherapy treatments,” said Erickson. “That, and platelets. Platelets couldn’t form, and If I didn’t receive platelets my blood couldn’t clot and I could bleed out with a simple nose bleed or a cut.”
Every day, the Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood donations and more than 2,600 platelet donations for patients who rely on blood to survive. Shortfalls in donations can cause delays in essential medical care for patients like Erickson.
Fortunately, for Erickson there wasn’t a delay in medical treatments and at 20 years old he is cancer free and determined to give back what he received from blood donors and doctors who gave him so much to be thankful for.
“Because of the blood donations and platelets, I received while going through treatment, I decided to pursue a career in the field that helped me be where I am today,” said Erickson. “I want to go into oncology or pediatrics to pay it forward to the kids who need help like I did.”
Donors of all blood types – especially types O positive and O negative – are urged to make an appointment to give blood now at the WSU blood drive using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device and use sponsor code bleedpurple
How to donate blood
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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DENVER—Today, the Interior Department finalized resource management plans for the reduced Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah by releasing two Records of Decision. A 2016 proclamation made by President Trump attempted to eliminate 2 million acres of public lands from the two national monuments—an action still being challenged in court.
In response, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Policy Director Jesse Prentice-Dunn:
“The only certainty today's announcement creates is of a long drawn-out court fight to stop yet another unprecedented attack on America's public lands by the Trump administration. With these plans, the administration is racing to allow new development on formerly protected public lands before the courts can overturn its illegal action.
“When the administration solicited public comments, more than 99 percent of the 2.8 million Americans who responded opposed shrinking or eliminating national monuments. Instead of listening to the public, the Interior Department spent more than $4.6 million to develop these unnecessary plans that will inevitably be invalidated.”
Rule Tracker: the Trump administration’s unfinished business on public lands [Center for Western Priorities]
For more information, visit westernpriorities.org. To speak with an expert on public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org. Sign up for Look West to get daily public lands and energy news sent to your inbox.
