Herd Culled & Rural Water Project Funds

Herd Culled & Rural Water Project Funds plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

A Canadian pork producer has decided to cull his entire herd since discovering his hogs were infected with H1N1. Arnold Van Ginkel’s hogs were quarantined and as a result he had no market for his hogs even though officials have confirmed the meat from animals affected by H1N1 is safe to eat. The quarantine made by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency meant no animals from the farm could be marketed until proven free of the virus. Van Ginkel says he’s disappointed to cull his herd but the presence of H1N1 left him with few options.

Yesterday U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Recovery Act funding for rural water projects in 25 states including the NW states that will provide safe drinking water and improve wastewater treatment systems for rural communities.

VILSACK: The capacity to attract additional housing and the ability to attract additional industrial development is somewhat dependant on the capacity to handle the water needs in a safe and effective way. Our hope is by improving the waste water and water treatment conditions in the communities that we’re not only affecting and impacting people that live there today but hopefully give those communities opportunities to attract others.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

It’s not often thought of by the majority of the population as a hazardous occupation but farming can be very dangerous indeed. When you stop to consider that farmers and ranchers work with large and extremely powerful equipment and livestock on a daily basis then it isn’t surprising at all. Modern farm machinery can operate at amazingly high speeds and that means less reaction time for the farmer. And if you’ve ever been around an amorous bull or caught between a large sow and a hard place then you know first hand that not all farm animals are created equal. Sadly, according to the Census of Agriculture, there are more than 300 farm accidents involving young people that result in fatalities each year. Safety on the farm should be first and foremost and fortunately there are farm safety courses through various county extensions where students can learn first hand the basics of handling and operating farm equipment. Farming is one of the most rewarding of careers, and with the proper precautions and training, it can be a much safer career as well.

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.