Chinese Ag Delegation Visits La. to Explore Trade Opportunities

Small Farmer Ag Leadership Institute graduation >see page 20 VOL. 98, No. 20 www.LDAF.la.gov October 1, 2015 Chinese Ag delegation visits La. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., to explore trade opportunities and China’s Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu met to discuss By Veronica Mosgrove trade opportunities through Louisiana’s ports. As China and the United States delegation was humbling. “I come work on an agreement to export from the small town of Vacherie rice to Asia, a delegation from and to have the ag minister visit my China visited Louisiana in mid- farm, I still can’t believe it.” September to learn more about Gravois is a third generation exporting. The group, which sugarcane and soybean farmer. included China’s Minister of “I believe the magnitude of what Agriculture Han Changfu, met we do over here is huge because with Louisiana Agriculture and their farms are one or two acres Forestry Commissioner Mike compared to my 3500 acre farm. Strain, D.V.M., to discuss trade I think it really opened their eyes opportunities through Louisiana’s to the type of farming operations ports. While visiting the Gravois some of us have with all of our “Our job is to feed billions of farm in St. James Parish, Chi- machinery. They could see how people in this world. Trade, science, na’s Minister of Agriculture much our combines could harvest in Han Changfu climbed aboard innovation and perseverance are a short period of time. I’m not sure a combine. huge when it comes to agriculture. what they can and cannot adapt to Through our ports, we move more Changfu noted that while the with the climate they have and it’s grain than any other state,” said American farmer is “powerful”, uncertain how quickly they will be Strain. Strain has worked closely they are also “vulnerable” to such able to mechanize.” with Louisiana port officials on things as weather conditions. “Both Gravois says with the discretionary trade and other important issues governments – the United States income the Chinese have, it will be such as dredging. and China—need to do more for a win-win for everyone as products Strain told the visiting group that our farmers,” added Changfu. from the United States become the economy depends on trade. “China and the United States are more available. One in three acres of produce in worlds apart geographically, but we “As a sugarcane farmer, I respect Louisiana is exported. share the need for food security. I all commodities. We are part of the Changfu added through an am here with huge interest to learn global economy and we have an interpretor, “Food is the first priority more about American farmers and agriculture and forestry department for anyone no matter where you are see how your life is on the farm.” and a commissioner who is very from.” Then he acknowledged how For sugarcane and soybean instrumental in trade deals. This is much he enjoyed the gumbo he was farmer in St. James Parish, Greg big for us here in Louisiana,” said served for lunch. Gravois, the visit from the Chinese Gravois. Page 2 Market Bulletin October 1, 2015 Louisiana Agriculture & Forestry Today Planning for avian influenza in Louisiana As fall approaches and migratory birds be- and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to enter Louisiana from an area designated as a gin heading south, the Louisiana Department confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic increase testing of wild birds. The LDAF HPAI infected zone until the official quaran- of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is con- avian influenza (HPAI) in 21 states in com- also provides educational information for tine has been released. ducting meetings with poultry farmers across mercial premises, backyard flocks, captive commercial growers and backyard hobbyists Poultry includes chickens, turkeys, quail, the state to discuss food safety, public health wild birds and/or wild birds. Those states to reinforce the practice of biosecurity mea- pheasants, peafowl, guineas, chukars and and biosecurity in an effort to mitigate the include Arkansas, California, Iowa, Idaho, sures to prevent the introduction of disease other partridge, grouse, ratites and domestic possible spread of High Path Avian Influenza Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Min- into their flock and to report any spikes in sick ducks. (HPAI). nesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North birds or decrease in egg laying. As a reminder, poultry should be handled “While we do not have avian influenza in Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, CDC considers the risk to people from properly and the cooking of poultry and eggs Louisiana, we want our poultry growers and South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin these HPAI infections in wild birds, backyard should be at a temperature of at least 165 de- backyard enthusiasts to be aware of the po- and Wyoming. There have been 232 prem- flocks, and commercial poultry, to be low. grees Fahrenheit which kills bacteria and vi- tential threat this disease could have on the ises which have tested positive for HPAI (211 No human infections with these viruses have ruses. poultry industry especially as we enter into commercial and 21 backyard). Approximate- been detected at this time. These virus strains can travel in wild birds the fall migratory months,” said Agriculture ly 7.5 million turkeys and 42.1 million chick- Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of without them appearing sick. People should and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, ens have been affected. Health and Hospitals also offered advice for avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wild- D.V.M. “As we work to control this disease from poultry farmers and backyard enthusiasts. life. If contact occurs, wash your hands with Since December 2014, the United States spreading, I urge our federal partners and “We strongly encourage all poultry farmers soap and water and change clothing before Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal Congress to ensure there are the proper re- to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza having any contact with healthy domestic sources available to support bios- to prevent co-infection with HPAI. Such co- poultry and birds. ecurity protocols, depopulation and infections give the two viruses opportunities All bird owners, whether commercial Louisiana Market Bulletin disposal of birds,” added Strain. to exchange genes, which may result in the producers or backyard poultry enthusiasts, (USPS 672-600) Over the years, Louisiana has in- creation of a new flu virus. In addition, by should continue to practice good biosecurity, Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner creased its surveillance of poultry getting vaccinated, poultry farmers can avoid prevent contact between their birds and wild As a public service to state residents, the Louisiana in the state. LDAF tests commer- confusion if they do get ill with flu-like illness birds, and to report sick birds or unusual bird Market Bulletin offers free listings subject to cial poultry before they enter the this season.” deaths to state/federal officials, either through existing regulations. Out-of-state residents may list food chain and tests backyard birds The USDA is working on four key areas: your state veterinarian at 225-925-3980, the Want Ads only. Ads may not exceed 25 words. The in conjunction with the National preventing or reducing outbreaks; enhancing LDAF toll-free Hot Line at 1-866-927-2476 name, address and telephone number as well as the Poultry Improvement Program. preparedness; improving and streamlining re- or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866- price of the item must be included with each ad. LDAF personnel swab birds at 4-H sponse capabilities and preparing for the po- 536-7593. Additional information on bios- Subscription fee for the Market Bulletin is $10.00 livestock shows and at local swap tential use of AI vaccines. ecurity for backyard flocks can be found at for a one-year subscription. meets. LDAF has partnered with No live poultry or poultry products may healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov The Louisiana Market Bulletin assumes no responsibility for any notice appearing in the Bulletin nor for any transaction resulting from published notices. Advertisers are cautioned that USDA Agriculture Marketing Service Hay Prices it is against the law to misrepresent any product Values are in tons unless otherwise noted offered for sale in a public notice or advertisement carried in any publication or that is delivered Alabama SE Hay Report, Sept. 24, 2015 through the United States mail. Bermuda Small Square...........................................................................Premium..................$180-$300 Commercial listings or advertisements from Good........................$160-$160 anyone acting in the capacity of any agent cannot Bermuda Large Rounds..........................................................................Premium.........$133.33-$133.33 be accepted. 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