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	<title>Mike Strain Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry</title>
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	<description>Mike Strain Commissioner of Agriculture & Forestry News</description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:27:00 -0600</pubDate>
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		<title>Wildfire Reported Near Albany</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=16</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) wildland firefighting crews have responded to a wildfire about three miles west of Albany, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.
The fire is located south of Hwy. 190 and near the end of Blount Road between Albany and Holden.
The LDAF wildland firefighting bulldozer crews are on the scene and the third is enroute. Local volunteer firefighters are protecting structures in the area.
An LDAF spotter plane is in the air assisting ground crews and Forestry enforcement officers are investigating the cause of the fire.
Strain said the fire has been contained but an estimated 80 acres of pine plantation will be affected.
Smoke from the fire is rising to a high altitude and should not be a hazard during the daylight hours but could cause visibility problems for motorists on Interstate 12 and other highways as night falls.]]></description>
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		<title>LDAF Donates Pet Food to Louisiana Animal Shelters</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=15</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) donated 13,456 pounds of pet food to five Louisiana animal shelters, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.
The pet food, donated by national pet food producer Hill's Pet Nutrition, was unused from the state's emergency pet sheltering response to this year's spring flood event. The LDAF is charged with evacuating and sheltering companion residents with critical transportation needs during declared emergencies like hurricanes or floods.
The five pet organizations are River Cities Humane Society for Cats in Monroe, Humane Society in Monroe, Morehouse Humane Society in Bastrop, Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter in West Monroe, and the Alexandria Animal Shelter.
Strain said Hill's Pet Nutrition is always generous when it comes to aiding the LDAF in emergency pet sheltering.
"Fortunately, the flood event did not cause any large scale pet evacuations so Hill's is allowing us to donate the pet food to animal shelters before its use-by date expires," Strain said. "I'm pleased that we are able to help these organizations."]]></description>
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		<title>SPCC Compliance Date Extended for Farmers</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=14</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has amended the date by which farms must prepare and implement their Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans to May 10, 2013, Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.
Strain said agricultural interets across the state have issues with the proposed rules and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry sent an official statement to the EPA.
"The proposed measures will cause severe economic hardships to Louisiana farmers who have already suffered tremendous losses from flooding as well as drought," Strain said. "The disaster conditions impacted planting schedules and have limited farm budgets."
Strain said many state farmers are already implementing scientifically based best management practices through the Louisiana Master Farmer Program. The program addresses on-farm fuel storage issues.
"These BMPs are reducing the amount of pollutants released into air and state waters," Strain said. "The Master Farmer Program is firmly rooted in state law and backed by sound science. It's a critical component of Louisiana's overall nonpoint source management plan."
Strain said the USDA acknowledged that an overwhelming segment of the United States was affected by wildland fires and flooding during the spring and summer of 2011. Many counties in a number of states were declared disaster areas by either the federal or state government or both. As a result, the EPA delayed the rule change.
Strain said the amendment, if implemented, does not remove the regulatory requirement for owners or operators of farms in operation before August 16, 2002, to maintain and continue implementing an SPCC Plan in accordance with the SPCC regulations in effect. Such farms continue to be required to maintain plans during the interim until the applicable compliance date for amending and implementing the amended plans. Finally, the amendment does not relieve farms from the liability of oil spills that occur.]]></description>
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		<title>Coach Les Miles Featured in Louisiana Turfgrass Ad Campaign</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=13</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said Coach Les Miles will appear in a statewide ad campaign promoting "Louisiana Grown" turfgrass.
Miles' image will be used in a series of outdoor, print and web ads that will promote Louisiana Grown turfgrass and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry's (LDAF) Specialty Crop Program.
"We couldn't have dreamed of a better spokesperson for Louisiana turfgrass than Les Miles," Strain said. "Les is not only a national championship-winning head coach and a respected figure in the state, but he also happens to have a genuine appreciation for the turfgrass."
Strain said the billboards and ads will be in the public eye in the coming weeks.
Miles was famously captured on camera last year chewing on a blade of grass during the LSU-Alabama football game.
Miles has embraced the publicity.
"Nothing beats Louisiana Grown turfgrass," Miles said. "It's local, fresh and reliable. And it's the grass of champions, whether you chew it for luck or not!"
Louisiana turfgrass has advantages for the local consumer, said Ron Strahan, LSU AgCenter associate professor. Strahan represents turfgrass farmers throughout the state.
"It's fresher, for one thing," Strahan said. "The location of the turfgrass farm really does make a difference. Because Louisiana turfgrass travels from farm to lawn quicker it's less susceptible to transplant shock."
"We're proud to have Coach Les Miles and Commissioner Strain working with our industry to inform consumers about Louisiana's exceptional grass."
In addition to the billboards and print ads, Strain said posters of Les Miles will be distributed to nurseries and and retail outlets throughout the state.
"You can't buy a better product than locally-grown turfgrass," Strain said. "Support your farming neighbors and demand Louisiana Grown turfgrass."
The Louisiana Grown turfgrass campaign is funded through the Louisiana Specialty Crops Program, which is administered by the LDAF .
The United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS), as directed by the 2008 Farm Bill, has issued funds to states to increase the competitiveness of their specialty crops. The turfgrass project is just one of Louisiana's funded projects. Other commodities, like strawberries, citrus, sweet potatoes, and pecans, have also received assistance in recent years.
For more information about the Louisiana Grown turfgrass marketing campaign or the Louisiana Specialty Crops Program, contact Michelle Estay, LDAF commodity promotion and research director at 985-345-9483 or visit LouisianaGrown.com.]]></description>
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		<title>St. Landry Parish Juveniles Arrested in Horse Thefts</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=12</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said Livestock Brand Commission Inspectors and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office arrested two Opelousas juveniles Oct. 10-11 for livestock theft.
Strain said seven horses were stolen from the St. Landry Parish Animal Control Shelter during a series of five break-ins from Aug. 8 through Oct. 1.
One juvenile suspect was charged with seven counts of livestock theft, four counts of criminal trespass and one count of cruelty to animals.
The second juvenile suspect was charged with one count of livestock theft and one count of criminal trespassing.
Six of the horses have been recovered. Investigators are still searching for the unrecovered horse.]]></description>
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		<title>Strain: USDA Designates Entire State of Louisiana as Primary Natural Disaster Area</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=11</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Louisiana producers in all 64 parishes may be eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) low-interest emergency loans due to losses caused by severe storms, tornadoes, severe spring flooding, Tropical Storm Lee, drought and excessive heat that began Jan. 1, 2011, and continues, Agricultural and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.
In addition to Louisiana's primary disaster declaration, counties in Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas were declared contiguous natural disaster areas.
Farmers located in both primary and contiguous parishes are eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met.
"Louisiana producers faced many challenges this eyar including high temperatures, drought conditions and flooding that impacted crop yields and livestock," Strain said. "The assistance will provide much needed relief to producers."
Strain urged all producers who may be eligible to contact their local Farm Service Agency office for further information. Farmers and ranchers have eight months from the disaster declaration date, Oct. 13, 2011, to apply for the loans. For additional information, visit disaster.fsa.usda.gov.]]></description>
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		<title>Media Advisory: Sept. 2 Natchitoches Parish Wildfire Losses Estimated at More Than $5 Million</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=10</link>
		<description><![CDATA[State and local officials will make an announcement Oct. 18 concerning the Sept. 2 Natchitoches Parish wildfire that burned nearly 5,000 acres of timberland. The wildfire also destroyed 10 homes, 35 outbuildings, several automobiles and four wheelers. The fire damage ws estimated at $5 million in timber losses and $2 to $3 million in losses to homes and other items.
Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., will join representatives from the Louisiana Forestry Association, Hancock Forestry, Roy O. Martin Co., Weyerhaeuser and the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce at a press conference at the home of Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Deputy Ronnie Quick. Quick's home was destroyed in the fire.]]></description>
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		<title>Commissioner Strain Welcomes New Free Trade Agreements</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=9</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the passage of three new free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama should provide a long-range boost for Louisiana agricultural producers.
"These free trade agreements should increase U.S. agricultural exports by $2.3 billion annually," Strain said. "Any time new markets open up it should be a boost for agricultural exports."
Strain, who also serves as the president of the Sotuhern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), said the new pacts will benefit the states that are part of that trade group. SUSTA is a non-profit agricultural export trade development associaiton comprised of the departments of agriculture of the 15 southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Its primary mission is to assist exporters of high-value food and agricultural products.
"The greatest agricultural growth in the future will be in the southern United States," Strain said. "We have the resources and the transportation infrastructure to take full advantage of the new agreements."
Strain said the U.S. International Trade Commission has estimated the agreements should double U.S. farm exports to Korea, to $3.8 billion annually, through increased sales of grains, fruits and vegetables, pork products and wine.
According to reports from the United States Department of Agriculture, the current U.S. export forecast for fiscal year 2011 is $137 billion, $22 billioin higher than the previous record set in 2008 and $28 billion above 2010.
"Stron exports have enabled agriculture to remain one of only a few sectors of the U.S. economy to enjoy a trade surplus," Strain said. "The passage of these free trade agreements should really help agriculture in Louisiana, the South and the United States overall."]]></description>
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		<title>Benton Man Arrested for Timber Theft</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=8</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said a Benton man was arrested Oct. 6 on one count of timber theft and two counts of criminal damage to property.
Randall Lee Harvill, 66, 1854 Linton Road, was arrested for allegedly ordering the removal of 1,600 feet of boundary trees without permission from his neighbor's property. Boundary trees are trees marked with paint to delineate the line between properties in lieu of a fence.
Harvill also allegedly ordered the removal of 32 large pine and hardwood trees a quarter-mile within his neighbor's property. The trees were valued at more than $500.
Harvill was charged with criminal damage for the unauthorized removal of the boundary trees and building of a loging road on part of the neighbor's property.
The timber theft charge was a result of the unauthorized removal of 32 trees on the neighbor's property.
Harvill was booked into the Bossier Parish Jail Oct. 6 and posted a $20,000 bond.]]></description>
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		<title>Strain Urges Caution While Wildfire Danger Is High</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=6</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said abnormally high wildland fire danger conditions are expected for the next few days.
"Weather forecasters have predicted temperatures in the 90s, low relative humidity and increased winds that will make conditions ripe for dangerous wildfires," Strain said.
Parishes currently under outdoor burning ban orders include: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Desoto, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Point Coupee, Rapides, Red River, St. Landry, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Webster and Winn.
"Since there will be a lot of hunters and others enjoying the outdoors this weekend, residents who lie in the wildland urban interface area should follow common sense wildfire prevention tips," Strain said.

Clear excessive vegetation and fuel such as pine needles and dry leaves as least 30 feet away from your home and other structures.


Avoid installing dry mulch-covered flowerbeds and gardens in direct contact with your home or other valuable outdoor structures. 


Avoid parking vehicles or equipment on dry grass.


Re-fuel machinery in areas void of vegetation.


Practice extra caution when fire danger is high.

"In the event of a wildfire, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) wildland firefighting crews stand ready to take action," Strain said. "Our surveillance planes fly routes daily looking for smoke from wildfires. Any fire outbreaks are immediately reported to ground crews. The LDAF also employs bulldozers to plow firebreaks which help to contain wildfires."
Strain said the LDAF should be notified of any emergency involving wildfire, pesticides and animal health.
"The LDAF is the lead state agency for the detection and suppression of wildfires," Strain said. "Call the LDAF immediately if you suspect a wildfire is beginning to burn. The emergency hotline number is 1-855-452-5323."]]></description>
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		<title>Press Release: Caddo Parish Man Arrested for Attempted Arson</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=5</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) enforcement agents arrested a Caddo Parish man Sept. 16 for attempted simple arson.
Two witnesses observed Kevin Lee Dumas, 41, 7798 Nichols Camp Road, Hosston, shooting a Roman candle Sept. 13 into a young pine plantation located across the road from his residence.
Forestry Enforcement Officer Jason Watts said the witnesses, concerned the Roman candle fireballs were going to set the plantation on fire, filed a complaint with the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office.
Dumas was arrested by deputies on an outstanding warrant from Bossier Parish, Watts said.
During the investigation, LDAF wildfire arson investigators recovered the spent Roman candle cylinder and found numerous burn marks on the side of the roadway beside the five-year-old pine plantation.
Dumas was arrested in Oil City and booked in the Caddo Parish Detention Center. Bond was set at $50,000.
"Northwestern Louisiana has been under exceptional drought conditions for some time and it doesn't take much to ignite a wildfire," Strain said. "So far wildfire damage in Louisiana has been limited but it would only take the action of one misguided person to set a fire that could burn homes and businesses."
Strain said wildfire fighting crews are always on 24-hour-alert.
Caddo Parish has been under an outdoor burn ban notice since Aug. 24. Other parishes under outdoor burn ban orders are Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, DeSoto, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, LaSalle, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Webster and Winn.
Strain said a new emergency hotline has been installed at the LDAF to handle all emergency calls, including wildfire emergency calls. The number is 1-855-452-5323. The phone will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.]]></description>
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		<title>Press Release: 2011 Urban &amp; Community Forestry Grants Proposals Solicited</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=4</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain said applications for the 2011 Urban &amp; Community Forestry Grant will be accepted until Oct. 19.
Strain said five grants of $10,000 each of federally matched funds will be available for the 2011 program year and be distributed through a competitive grants allocation process. The cost-share program is for currently unfunded programs, projects or activities and not intended to substitute for existing funding levels.
Tree City USA recipients and first-time applicants shall be awarded bonus points in the scoring process.
"The programs is designed to help establish new community forestry programs in Louisiana and strengthen existing ones," Strain said. "We're also trying to increase the number and diversity of informed individuals who are involved in community and forestry plans."
One objective of the program, as outlined by the National Urban Forestry Guidelines and the Louisiana Urban Forestry Council's Strategic Plan for Louisiana Community Forestry, is to encourage the employment of professional urban forestry staff at the community level.
The development of community forestry management plans based on resource assessments/inventories, development or strengthening of community forestry ordinances and policy, and development or enhancement of local advocacy/advisory organizations are additional goals the United States Forest Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) want to reach.
Grant applications are available on the LDAF website at www.ldaf.la.gov (http://tinyurl.com/423fch6)
Applicants may also contact Whitney Wallace at 225-925-4500 or wwallace@ldaf.state.la.us.]]></description>
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		<title>Strain: agriculture, forestry, energy demand will drive future world economic growth</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=3</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Press Release



Title
Strain: agriculture, forestry, energy demand will drive future world economic growth


Release Date
4/11/2011


&nbsp;
&nbsp;



Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., told conferees attending the National Export Initiative meeting in New Orleans today that future global population growth and energy demand will create an unprecedented market for agriculture and forestry.
"It's a great day in Louisiana and American agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, energy and all other resource based industries,&rdquo; Strain said. &ldquo;We have tremendous opportunities ahead for export and trade, which will revitalize our state and national economy.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The bottom line is this: each year the world will grow by more than 75 million persons, reaching over nine billion by the year 2050.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We must feed, clothe, house and provide energy worldwide to meet this growing demand and this will result in a tremendous economic impact to all of America.&rdquo;
Strain made his comments before 250 national and international business leaders gathered for the trade conference&rsquo;s opening session at the Lavin-Bernick Center on the Tulane University campus.
Strain said the Louisiana was positioned well to take advantage of the growth because of its transportation advantages.
&ldquo;The Port of South Louisiana from Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico, combined with our other ports, truck, rail and intermodal facilities represent the largest port system in the world," Strain said.
The conference, officially called the National Export Initiative (NEI) New Markets, New Jobs- Small Business Tour, is hosted by the World Trade Center of New Orleans, Tulane University's Goldring Institute of International Business, the Louisiana District Export Council, the Louisiana Committee of 100 for Economic Development and the Southern United States Trade Association.
Strain said the conference is designed to help connect small and medium sized Louisiana businesses with the resources they need to sell more of what they make in markets overseas. The National Export Initiative Small Business Tour is designed to help achieve the United States' goal of doubling exports in the next five years to support the creation of several million new jobs.
In addition to Commissioner Strain, speakers and panelists included U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, U. S. Congressman Cedric Richmond and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
NEI Director Courtney Gregoire, Louisiana Economic Development Assistant Secretary Don Pierson, Tulane University Provost Michael Bernstein and Bobby Brannon of the World Trade Center of New Orleans and other business and trade representatives from America and abroad addressed the conference.



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		<title>Delta Farm Press $9.9 Billion for 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.mikestrain.org/news?id=2</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Louisiana agriculture contributed $9.9 billion to the state&rsquo;s economy in 2010 &mdash; up 20 percent from the year before, according to the latest figures compiled by the LSU AgCenter in its annual Ag Summary.
The biggest gainers in 2010 were the same sectors that declined the most in 2009 &mdash; poultry and forestry &mdash; according to John Westra, LSU AgCenter economist. He compiles the Ag Summary, which has been done every year since 1978, from reports prepared by Extension agents across the state.
Click Here for the full news story at Delta Farm Press
&nbsp;]]></description>
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