TB containment biggest 2009 challenge for Ag Department
Nebraska Department of Agriculture officials continue to lead trade missions to promote beef, pork and other ag commodities in Asia, Europe and South America.
By Lori Potter, The Kearney Hub
Nebraska Department of Agriculture officials continue to lead trade missions to promote beef, pork and other ag commodities in Asia, Europe and South America.
They are working on a new "Nebraska Verified" project that will be unveiled in the next few months for in-state, domestic and international marketing of Nebraska-born, -raised and -fed beef and pork.
However, the greatest challenge in the past six months involved a CSI-style effort to keep a case of bovine tuberculosis from staining Nebraska's disease-free reputation.
However, the greatest challenge in the past six months involved a CSI-style effort to keep a case of bovine tuberculosis from staining Nebraska's disease-free reputation.
State Ag Director Greg Ibach of Sumner reported Thursday at the Governor's Ag Conference that more than 20,000 cattle in north-central Nebraska were tested, and some herds were quarantined to ensure the problem was confined.
The effort required 10,000 man-hours by department staff, $400,000 from the department budget, another $400,000 in state emergency funds authorized by Gov. Dave Heineman plus federal support.
Ibach said the funding allowed equipment and human resources to be moved in quickly. "Many of our staff worked nights and weekends and were kept away from their families to get this done," he added.
Heineman also praised the state employees for their work in preserving the state's tuberculosis-free status.
Ibach said his department also provided funds and was successful in getting a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service to continue work to eradicate invasive weeds in the Republican and Platte basins.
Ibach said the funding allowed equipment and human resources to be moved in quickly. "Many of our staff worked nights and weekends and were kept away from their families to get this done," he added.
Heineman also praised the state employees for their work in preserving the state's tuberculosis-free status.
Ibach said his department also provided funds and was successful in getting a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service to continue work to eradicate invasive weeds in the Republican and Platte basins.
Federal funds totaling $225,000 were secured to provide vouchers for Nebraska's senior citizens to buy fruits and vegetables from their local farmers' markets.
Ibach said his staff continues its work to find market opportunities for ag producers. There are bonuses available now for beef producers able to sell into Europe's hormone-free markets because the demand is surpassing supplies.
"It may fit your operation well with little or no changes in your operations," he said.
"We're trying to do our best to represent you, Nebraska and agriculture," Ibach said. "We're open to your advice and counsel."
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