More Important News

Eastland Middle School Finalists from 5th thru 8th Grade were:Back Row l to r: Dominic DeMichele, Austin Young, Austin Sargent, Katrina Stenli, and Levi Shellhause. Middle Row l to r: Cooper Pauley, Chase Giedd, Kori Freidag, Megan Janssen, Katherine Murphy, Peyton Sturtevant, and Ramsey Truckenmiller. Front Row l to r: Conner DeGroot, Dillon Schoeny, Bailey Heckman, Lauren Swanson, Bree Rose, and Payton DeMichele. (Photo courtesy of EMS)

The Eastland Middle School Spelling Bee was held on January 28. The three medalists were (l to r) Chase Giedd (6th grade), 3rd place, son of Rod and Tammy Giedd; Peyton Sturtevant (8th grade), 2nd place, daughter of Scott and Lavonne Sturtevant; Katherine Murphy (8th grade), 1st place, daughter of Brian and Sandra Murphy. Katherine and Peyton will be representing Eastland in Pearl City on Feb. 10 at the Regional Spelling Bee. (Photo courtesy of EMS)

CCSWCD 4th Grade Poster Contest

By Jessica Edwards, Administrative Coordinator

The Carroll County Soil and Water Conservation District recently sponsored a Poster Contest with 4th Grade Students in Carroll County. The theme this year is "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil." This year's theme is intended to get people thinking about the importance of soil in our everyday lives. Soils make our lives possible. We build on them, play on them, drive on them, eat food grown in or raised on them, take medicines from them, wear clothes we wouldn't have without soils, drink water that wouldn't be clean without soils, breathe air we wouldn't have without the plants and trees growing in soils. The entire earthevery ecosystem, every living organismis dependent upon soils.

The SWCD Board of Directors judged the top entries from each class on February 5th. Participating in this year's contest were 4th grade students from West Carroll Intermediate School.

Olivia Burton, 4th grade student at West Carroll Intermediate School, is this year's County Grand Champion Winner. Her poster will be entered in the State Competition at the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Annual Meeting in July of 2009 in Springfield. She will also receive a ribbon and a $50 Savings Bond from the District.

This year's second place winner was Natalie Shaw. Third place went to Jenna Laho. These students worked hard on developing their posters in their art classes, taught by Mrs. Schneider. The Carroll County SWCD would like to thank all the students for their hard work and participation in this year's contest.

Local Based National Publication Ceases

Floyd K. Roberts, owner/publisher/editor of the 33 year old Grain & Feed MANAGER magazine and sponsor of the www.grainandfeedmanager.com website has announced that the magazine will not publish the Spring edition of the nationally distributed, industry magazine, published quarterly. The popular website will close February 28.

The complimentary publication's editorial and website information were provided to over 11,000 readers with the focus being on "helping managers be leaders," Roberts said. "It is a shame that the industry will lose these two resources because now, more than ever during the past 25 years, industry managers leadership skills are going to be tested."

The growth of use of the website had been explosive, but sponsorships were a challenge to develop. "Small publishing organizations have been going out of business at a fast pace recently," Roberts explained. 'We normally lack depth in our organization, as well as the resources to sustain non-profitable activities."

The magazine had developed a unique cadre of professional, industry-experienced, executives and consultants who provided specialized management information columns and features in each attractive issue. The readership niche was well defined and the name had been changed from Grain & Feed Marketing with the Summer 08 issue, when the new website premiered.

"Some have described the changing economic conditions, the dramatic market changes, the information resource changes and general uncertainty of business in general, as 'the perfect storm' but it sure isn't perfect for us!" he said.

Home Based Business Workshop

The opportunity to be your own boss, make money, and stay home all day can look very attractive. Learn what the steps are to create your own home based business and determine if its right for you at the Feb 26th workshop "Is a Home Based Business Knocking on Your Door?" The program will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll.

Workshop speakers include Brian Borger, Small Business Development Center at Highland Community College and Don Henry, Northwest Region Entrepreneurship Center. The workshop will conclude with entrepreneurs sharing their life experiences in starting and running their home based businesses. As a workshop bonus, each attendee will be provided a business start up guide and reference materials.

There is an early bird registration fee if received prior to February 20. Registrations received after February 20 or at the door will be more. Checks payable to University of Illinois Extension can be sent to Carroll County Extension, 807D South Clay Street, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053. On-line registration with credit card payment can also be done via the Jo-Carroll Unit website at http://jdc.extension.uiuc.edu. For more information or to obtain a brochure, contact Carroll County Extension at 815-244-9444. Workshop co-sponsors include the Mt. Carroll Community Development Corporation, the Small Business Development Center, John Huggins, VISTA Member, and University of Illinois Extension.

New Timber Price List Available

The latest "Illinois Timber Prices" prepared by the Illinois Field Office of the National Agriculture Statistics Service in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ­ Division of Forestry, is available at the University of Illinois Extension Offices in Mt. Carroll and Elizabeth. This is a compilation of the prices paid Illinois timber producers from May, 2008 ­ August, 2008.

This report can be used only as a general guide for determining market value of timber. General market and economic conditions are the major price-determining factors. Certain local considerations such as accessibility, site and terrain, distance to market, size of sale, and tree size and quality also affect the price paid.

For a copy of the latest timber price list contact the University of Illinois Extension in Mt. Carroll at 815-244-9444 or in Elizabeth at 815-858-2273.

The price list can also be obtained at the University of Illinois Extension "Virtual Forest" web site at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/agroforestry.html

'Cool Season Vegetable Gardening' Telenet Offered

If you missed the previous "Cool Season Vegetable Gardening" telenet you have one more opportunity to attend the program. It will be offered on Monday, February 16, at 10:00 a.m., at the University of Illinois Extension Offices in Mt. Carroll and Elizabeth.

This program focuses on vegetables that can be grown in the cooler temperatures of late winter into early spring. The seminar features a color slide presentation accompanied by the voice of the instructor as people from all over the state participate. Advance registration is needed. To attend in Mt. Carroll call 815-244-9444 or in Elizabeth call 815-858-2273.

Explore Living Single in a Coupled World

"Increasingly, people who are single are living their lives fully. Those who have the resources to do so are buying homes, traveling the world, and pursuing their passions. Their lives are meaningful ­ and yes, they are happy." writes researcher Bella De Paulo of the University of California. Achieving this in a "couples culture" is no easy task.

Changing demographics indicate that while our society may seem very coupled, many adults are single by choice or as the result of divorce or death of a spouse. Some have dubbed this century, "The Singles Century." Adults today are likely to experience a life in which singleness is more permanent with periods of marriage or coupling as the in­between state. For many people, successfully navigating their way through life will require a change in attitude and behavior regarding singlehood. The seminar, Living Single in a Coupled World, will discuss current research regarding beliefs about singleness and strategies for dealing with the challenges of singlehood.

Amy Griswold, University of Illinois Extension family life educator, will conduct the seminar on March 3 at 10:00 at the Carroll County Extension Office, 807D S. Clay St. Mt. Carroll, IL.

The seminar is provided free of charge to HCE members, but advance registration is needed. To register, call U of I Extension in Carroll County, 815-244-9444, or email your name, postal address and phone number to carroll_co@extension.uiuc.edu. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call by February 24.

Carroll County 4-H Steer Weigh-In & Tattooing

4-H Steer weighing and tattooing will he held Saturday, February 14, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Jim & Kayla Ruter farm near Shannon. Snow date will be February 21 at the same location.

Any 4-H'er who has a beef steer or a market heifer for a project must attend the weigh-in. Also anyone that is remotely thinking of showing steers at the State Fair Show in August in the Jr. Department beef steer and beef premiere classes. State Fair animals must also be tagged with an electronic ID tag. Cost is $3.00 per tag. Qualifying carcasses must grade at least low choice, have a yield grade lower than 4.0 and weigh 900 lbs. or less.

For more information or to register by February 11 to attend the weigh-in and tattooing, contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or e-mail at lrahn@illinois.edu.

CC 4-H Federation to Meet

The next monthly meeting of the Carroll County 4-H Federation will be Thursday, February 12th at 6:00 p.m. in the Extension Office meeting room in Mt. Carroll. Following the regular business meeting everyone will go to the Good Samaritan Nursing home to make Valentines with the residents. All 4-H'ers, friends and families are welcome to attend.

Clubs to bring refreshments are the Savanna Smiles and Thomson Sandburrs.

For more information about the 4-H program, contact Leanne Rahn at University of Illinois Extension Office at 815-244-9444 or e-mail lrahn@illinois.edu.

Chadwick 4-H Club Holds Meeting

By Douglas Williams, Reporter

On February 4 the Chadwick Achievers met at the Methodist church in Chadwick. The first thing mentioned was that the fair was in need of picnic tables and trees and the 4-H building was in need of tables. It was decided to form a committee to find out the cost of building a picnic table. A decision will be made at the next meeting as to whether the Achievers can afford to make one.

It was reported that Federation is still collecting shampoo and towels. The club passed a motion to bring children's shampoo, towels and hair accessories to the next meeting.

A sheet for dates for volunteering with Special Olympic athletes in Lanark was passed around. Lastly, they gave information about the heritage arts fair. There were talks made by Rebecca Alexander on First aide on cuts. Douglas Williams talked about dairy housing. MaKaylee talked about tattooing Rabbits ears. Garret talked about Woodworking safety equipment and rules in the shop. The meeting was then adjourned. The next meeting will be March 4, 2009.

CC 4-H to Hold Public Presentation Contests

It's time to select your topic, gather your notes and practice, practice, practice for the annual 4-H Public Presentation contests to be held Saturday, February 28. The public speaking contest will start at 9:00 a.m., at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll. 4-H'ers may choose from the following areas for their presentation: Illustrated speech, formal speech, extempore speaking, oral interpretation, original works, speaking of horses or horticulture.

The demonstration contest will be held following the Public Speaking Contest. 4-H'ers may choose from the following area for their presentation: Food division - International, ethnic, or regional cuisine; nutrition; food science; food preservation; food safety; making food dollars count; general demonstration; horse demonstration and horticulture demonstration. Both contests will be held in the morning. Savings bonds, cash prizes or gift certificates will be awarded to the top 4-H'ers in each area. Registration deadline is February 16.

The public is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Leanne Rahn at Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office at 244-9444 or lrahn@illinois.edu.

Local Students Named to Northwestern College Dean's List

Adam S. Rozanas, of Polo, and Hannah M. Eshelman, of Galena, have been named to the fall 2008 semester dean's list at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minn. The dean's list includes full-time students with a semester grade point average of 3.65 (out of 4.0) or higher.

Rozanas achieved Honors status, while Eshelman attained High Honors. She is the daughter of Paul & Laurel Eshelman of Galena.

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private christian liberal ars college in St. Paul, Minn., offering 50 majors, two master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. over 3,000 students representing 35 states and 23 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and continuing and graduate education programs in North and South America.

Clarke College Announces Dean's List

Tiffany A. Truckenmiller of Shannon was named to the Dean's List at Clarke College for the fall 2008 semester. She wast recognized as a full-time Clarke student who has earned a 3.65 grade point average or above, on a 4.0 scale, with a minimum of 12 graded hours.

Clarke College is a dynamic, Catholic, liberal arts college known for superb teaching and academics. Academic offerings include more than 40 undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional programs and four graduate degree programs. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke is located near the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. It is the only BVM college in the country. Clarke's 55-acre campus is a blend of historic buildings and new, state-of-the-art facilities.

Highland Community College Announces Fall 2008 Graduates

FREEPORTHighland Community College announces its fall 2008 graduates. These local graduates received associate of arts degrees, associate of science degrees, associate of applied science degrees and certificates in various disciplines.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

Lanark: Colton Burkholder; Justin Jacobs; Mt. Carroll: Hannah Boyer; Pearl City: Brett Yeoman; Savanna: Kelly Libberton.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE

Mt. Morris: Devon Buse; Pearl City: Philip Gothard; Savanna: Amy Brown.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Agricultural Management -Lanark: Tyler Gruhn; Early Childhood Education - Savanna: Denise Stachel-Angelitti; Industrial Manufacturing Technology - Pearl City: Barbara Endress.

CERTIFICATES

Early Childhood Education, Basic Childcare - Savanna: Denise Stachel-Angeletti; Early Childhood Education, Lead Teacher - Savanna: Denise Stachel-Angeletti; Industrial Maintenance Technician - Pearl City: Barbara Endress; Quickbooks Professional - Lanark: Veronica Dietz; Mt. Carroll: Heather Leitzen.

Kubatzke Receives ROTC Honors

Army ROTC Cadet Adam Ray Kubatzke has received the Army ROTC Honors Award for achieving a cumlative semester grade point average of 3.20 - 3.59 at Western Illinois University, Macomb, Ill. Upon graduation, the cadet will receive a bachelor's degree and a commission of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

The ROTC program prepares student cadets with the tools, training and experiences to help them succeed as effective leaders in any competitive environment. Army officers serve as leaders, counselors, strategists and motivators, who lead other soldiers in all situations occurring in ever-changing environments. As trained problem-solvers, key influencers and planners, they are driven to achieve success on team missions.

Kubatzke received the ROTC Honors Award for achieving a semester grade point average of 2.50 and a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 in at least three ROTC classes. He was also presented the Battalion Commander's Academic Award presented to cadets in each Military Science class based on their ROTC grades.

The cadet is the son of Kelly Ray Kubatzke and Amy Jo Kubatzke of W. Egan Road, Leaf River, IL.

His wife, Christina, is the daughter of Rodger and Beverly Husband of Jackson St., Savanna, IL.

Kubatzke graduated in 2003 from Forreston High School.

Last Day For Crop Disaster Sign-Up

The sign-up period for the 2005-2007 Crop Disaster program (CDP) will end Friday, February 27, 2009, according to Alan Flikkema, County Committee Chairman of the Carroll County Farm Service Agency. The ending date applies to the receipt of a signed and completed FSA-840 application, along with all supporting documentation and required forms available at your County FSA office. No late filed applications will be approved after the Feb. 27 deadline.

All application determinations will be made by March 27, 2009. For further questions about the CDP and the sign-up deadline, contact the Carroll County FSA Office at 815-244-8732, or visit the FSA's website at www.fsa.usda.gov.

Illinois Poet Laureate to Speak in Dixon

Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein will share his love of words with the public when he speaks at 1:30 p.m. March 5 at the Loveland Community House dining room, 513 W. Second St. The program, which is sponsored by the Phidian Art Club, is free.

An award-winning poet, critic, editor and teacher, Stein is an English professor and creative writing program director at Bradley University in Peoria. He became the state's poet laureate in 2003, filling a position previously held by Gwendolyn Brooks, Carl Sandburg and Howard Austin.

In this role, he travels around the state, reading poetry and discussing words and their power with groups large and small. The author of seven poetry collections, as well as other books, poems and essays, Stein's poetry is considered accessible and moving. The University of Illinois Press released his most recent collection of poems, "Sufficiency of the Actual," in December.

"Having a poet of this caliber visit is a wonderful opportunity for poetry lovers. Even people who don't write poems will enjoy hearing one of the best writers in the state," said Judy Dixon, chairman of the Phidian Literary Committee. "I think everyone will enjoy Kevin's presentation. He loves to share his love of words with people."

Larry Dunphy of Books-on-First in Dixon will make available Stein's books for purchase and signing at the Loveland Building following the reading. The books are also available at the book store at 202 W. First St. in Dixon.

Stein is also the poetry judge for the Phidian Literary Contest this spring.

When Seconds Count:

Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke

Stroke is a serious, life-threatening emergency in which every second counts for reducing damage to the brain. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a primary cause of long-term disability. About 600,000 new strokes occur in the United States each year.

The Illinois Council on Long Term Care, a state nursing home association, offers the following crucial information about recognizing the signs of a stroke, seeking immediate intervention and avoiding strokes.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, which is why it is often called a "brain attack." There are two major kinds of stroke:

· Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain. About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic; and?· Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds into the brain. About 20 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic.

Stroke can affect the entire body and lead to serious disability. The effects of a stroke can include paralysis, vision impairment, problems with thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional difficulties. Many people may need intensive therapy and rehabilitation after a stroke, and some have a hard time living independently.

It's not always easy to recognize when someone is having a stroke. It might seem like the person just seems a bit dizzy or confused. Be alert for the following stroke symptoms:

· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

·Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

·Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

·Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

·Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

The National Stroke Association offers the following simple test, called "Act F.A.S.T.," for determining if someone is having a stroke. The Council recommends that people memorize the following guidelines:

Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he or she repeat the sentence correctly?

Time - If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is extremely important. Call 911 and get the person to the hospital as soon as possible.

Every second counts when someone is having a stroke. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save people's lives and enhance their chances for a successful recovery. Unfortunately, according to the National Stroke Association, most people don't go to the emergency room until more than 24 hours after they experience stroke symptoms.

Here are some important lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of stroke:

· Keep your blood pressure under control. There are many medications that can help you achieve this important goal. High blood pressure is perhaps the biggest risk factor for stroke.

· Don't smoke. Smoking can more than double your risk of having a stroke. Avoid secondhand smoke too.

· Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fish, fruits and vegetables, beans, high-fiber grains and breads, and olive oil. Reduce your consumption of salt.

· Talk to your doctor about creating a safe and healthy exercise program.

· Know your cholesterol levels, and talk to your doctor about the proper use of medications.

· Limit your alcohol consumption. Having more than two drinks a day increases your risk of stroke.

· Take a daily aspirin or other medicines as advised by your doctor.

· If you have diabetes, keep it under control. Diabetes causes destructive changes in the blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain. High blood glucose levels at the time of a stroke can lead to more severe and extensive brain damage, leading to higher levels of disability.

Black Bear Captured in Bureau County

On February 3, officers from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Illinois Conservation Police, along with the assistance of a wildlife expert from the Quad Cities, tranquilized a black bear that had been seen roaming Bureau County. The male black bear weighing approximately 200 pounds was located in the Neponset area. The animal was in a state of semi hibernation at the time. It was transported to a USDA licensed facility in southern Illinois that is permitted to possess bears.

The origin of the bear is unknown and is suspected to have been in human care prior to its release or escape. The IDNR Conservation Police first learned of this bear in June of 2008 when it was observed in the Sheffield area. In December 2008, the bear was observed and photographed in the Neponset area during a warm spell.

Officers from the Illinois Conservation Police consulted with federal, state and county wildlife and law enforcement agencies to formulate a plan of response to the bear's presence. After reviewing several options, officials decided it was best to attempt to take the bear alive and place it in an approved facility. Upon arrival at the facility, the bear was in good health and will receive proper food, shelter, and veterinarian care. An investigation is underway to determine the bear's origin.

First State Bank Plans 2 Day Cruise

The First State bank Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll invites you to join them on a two-day cruise on the Mississippi River from LeClaire, Iowa to Dubuque, Iowa on June 2nd and 3rd aboard the elegant Twilight Steamboat. Relax on the promenade deck and enjoy the wildlife, towering bluffs and historic river towns.

The cost covers all meals and snacks, on-board activities, overnight accommodations at the Riverfront Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque, and admissions to the National Aquarium and Museum. We will pass through Lock and Dam 12 and 13 and even be invited to view the river from the captain's pilothouse. Don't miss this unique experience. Everyone is welcomed on our trips! Seating is limited. Call now for information at 815-864-2111 or 815-946-2777.

Phyllis Dublo Selected To Serve On ANCC Panel

Congratulations to Phyllis Dublo who was recently selected to serve on the standard setting panel for the American Nursing Credential Center (ANCC). While on this panel, Phyllis will develop the next test for ambulatory nursing certification. Back in October, the ANCC invited Phyllis to do the field test of potential examination items at DePaul University. "The purpose of the field test was to evaluate test questions to ensure their acceptable statistical properties before they are used as scored items on future ambulatory care nurse exams", Dublo said. After doing this, the ANCC invited her to apply for a panel seat to set the passing score on the ANCC ambulatory care nurse exam. The standard setting (passing score) study involves the collective judgment of a panel of only ten nurses in the specialty area from across the country, seven nurses will be certified NI ambulatory care and three nurses certified in telephone triage. "I feel really fortunate to have been accepted to this panel representing telephone triage nurses from across the country, and CGH Medical Center" Dublo said. The panel, which met for two days in Washington, D.C. in January, reviewed each question on the exam and made judgment about what percent of the entry level ambulatory care/telehealth nurses would answer each question correctly. They also ensured the passing test scores are fair and defensible.

FHN Blood Pressure Checks and Diabetes Review

Sarajane Wise, RN, will check your blood pressure prior to a free educational session about diabetes. Whether you are a new diabetic or a long time diabetic, there are always things to be learned. Please feel free to join us for this learning opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Sharing your stories may help others or the stories of others may help you.

NARFE Monthly Meeting

Chapter 604 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association will hold their monthly meeting at noon Thursday, February 19th, at the House of Events, Savanna. A luncheon buffet will be available at noon for those who wish to eat. The business meeting will follow at 1:00. Come and join your friends and neighbors and bask in the sunshine of NARFE. All active and retired federal employees, spouses and survivors, are cordially welcomed.

USDA Nationwide Lamb Referendum Began February 2, 2009

Illinois Farm Service (FSA) Acting State Executive Director, Charles Chadwell announced today that a nationwide referendum allowing lamb producers, feeders, and first handlers to vote on whether to continue or terminate the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order, authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 will be held February 2-27, 2009. To be eligible to vote, persons must certify and provide documentation, such as sales receipts or remittance forms, which show they have engaged in the production, feeding, or slaughtering of lambs during the period, Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2008. Beginning February 2 and continuing through February 27, Illinois Farm Service (FSA) county offices will conduct the referendum. Eligible voters should obtain form LS-86 from a county FSA office either in person, by mail, fax, or via the internet at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms. Persons must vote in the referendum at the County FSA office where their administrative farm records are maintained. For eligible voters not participating in the FSA programs, voting opportunities will be provided at the county FSA office where the person owns.or rents land. Form LS-86 and supporting documentation must be returned in person, by mail, or by fax to the appropriate county office prior to the close of business on Feb. 27, 2009. Mailed forms and documentation must be postmarked no late than midnight on Feb. 27, 2009, and received in the county FSA office by March 6, 2009. USDA monitors activities of the American Lamb Board. The Mandatory program is financed by producers, seedstock producers (Breeders), feeders, and exporters who are assessed one-half ($.005) per pound when live ovine animals are sold. The first handler, primarily packers, pays an additional 30 cents per head on ovine animals purchased for slaughter. Copies of the Final Rule and Notice are available from the Marketing Programs Branch: Livestock and Seed Program, AMS, USDA; STOP 0251-Room 2628-S; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; tel. (202) 720-1115; or via the internet at www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Lays Out Priorities, Extends Comment Period For Payment Limitations Rule

Illinois Farm Service (FSA) Acting State Executive Director, Charles Chadwell stated that on January 26, 2009 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced he will extend the comment period for the 2008 Farm Bill Farm Program Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility rulemaking process.

Vilsack discussed his priorities as Secretary of Agriculture during a teleconference call on January 26, 2009 with agriculture and other reporters across the country and said that as part of the regulatory review process outlined by the White House and Office of management and Budget (OMB), he is directing the Department to extend the comment period for the payment limits rule for an additional 60 days. "Let's be clear-in no way is this move a signal that we will modify the rules for the 2009 crop year," Vilsack said. "Sign up has begun and it's important that clear and consistent rules remain in place so that producers can prepare for the crop year and manage their risk appropriately."

To date, USDA has only received seven comments on the payment limits rule and Vilsack says that by extending the comment period additional farmers and other interested parties will have the opportunity to comment. "In keeping with President Obama's recent pledge to make government more transparent, inclusive, and collaborative, I would like to pursue and extended comment period so that more farmers and other individuals can participate in this rulemaking process," he said. "I'm particularly interested in suggestions that would help the Department target payments to farmers who really need them and ensure payments are not being provided to ineligible parties for future crop years."

Vilsack also announced that the Department does not plan to implement a proposal developed by the previous Administration that would cut more than $3 million from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, a popular program that promotes the growth of healthy fruits and vegetables to farmers who really need them and ensure that payments are not being provided to ineligible parties for future crop years.

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