Calling the current flu outbreak by the name of “Swine” Flu is nothing but hogwash. Putting the term “swine” in the name is incorrect; the World Organisation for Animal Health (also known by its acronym OIE) is calling it the “North-American Influenza.” All the data says there are no recorded instances of swine anywhere in the world infected with the influenza virus strain that has led to people becoming ill in Mexico and the United States.
The USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say that the flu virus causing this outbreak is not transmitted by food, eliminating the possibility of infection from eating pork or pork products.
I just want to remind Texans that while this flu strain is very serious, it is still safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork, and pork products. You can read more about what TDA is doing to monitor hogs and pigs in the Lone Star State here.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Helping Operation New Fences
We are blessed to live in the great state of Texas. Today, I witnessed this first hand when I joined volunteers in Operation New Fences.
Today the true character of Texas was demonstrated. Volunteers are here helping Southeast Texas ranchers rebuild, one fencepost at a time.
The same spirit that was alive and well in 1836 that built this great state is still alive in 2009.
Today the true character of Texas was demonstrated. Volunteers are here helping Southeast Texas ranchers rebuild, one fencepost at a time.
The same spirit that was alive and well in 1836 that built this great state is still alive in 2009.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Honoring the Heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto
On April 21, 1836, Texans won a decisive battle. In about 18 minutes our Texas heroes won the battle of San Jacinto and the future of Texas was defined.
That same Texas spirit that drove Texans back then to put their lives on the line for a better life is still alive today. All across our grand state men and women are fighting to ensure Texas has a prosperous future. As Texans we need to support each other to be the best we can be, live honestly and work hard so we all can succeed.
On this day, I want to remind Texans of the sacrifices that were made to ensure that future generations could live an independent life. We should be thankful of our past and remind Texans that we have an obligation to continue this legacy and I can’t think of a better day to do that than on this day as we remember our heroes of San Jacinto.
That same Texas spirit that drove Texans back then to put their lives on the line for a better life is still alive today. All across our grand state men and women are fighting to ensure Texas has a prosperous future. As Texans we need to support each other to be the best we can be, live honestly and work hard so we all can succeed.
On this day, I want to remind Texans of the sacrifices that were made to ensure that future generations could live an independent life. We should be thankful of our past and remind Texans that we have an obligation to continue this legacy and I can’t think of a better day to do that than on this day as we remember our heroes of San Jacinto.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Request to Change Federal Policy to Enhance Cuban Trade
I have sent a letter to the administration requesting two changes in federal policy that will enhance trade relationships between the U.S. and Cuba. First, a Texas airport should be authorized to provide direct flights between Texas and Cuba. Second, we need to increase opportunities for Cubans to travel to the U.S. for agribusiness, educational opportunities and medical trade purposes.
While I disagree with Cuba’s political philosophy, I believe by expanding relations with our island neighbor, Cubans can see the success of democracy and embrace a free market society, and at the same time, Texans will benefit through job growth. It is important to review our Cuba policy, but its critical Cuban leaders begin reforming their government before the embargo is completely lifted.
Here is a story that recently appeared on KXAN News.
While I disagree with Cuba’s political philosophy, I believe by expanding relations with our island neighbor, Cubans can see the success of democracy and embrace a free market society, and at the same time, Texans will benefit through job growth. It is important to review our Cuba policy, but its critical Cuban leaders begin reforming their government before the embargo is completely lifted.
Here is a story that recently appeared on KXAN News.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Wildfires Impact North Texas Ag Community
Ongoing wildfires covering 12 counties north and northwest of Ft. Worth are devastating. Lives have been lost, an untold number of homes destroyed and Texas agriculture has taken a tremendous blow. Courageous firefighters are working to tackle this out of control inferno under the coordination of the State Operations Center.
Texas AgriLife Extension agents, along with personnel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are currently undertaking an assessment on a county-by-county basis. No conclusive numbers are in yet, and according to emergency crews, as of Friday afternoon only 75 percent of the fires were contained.
We activated the Emergency Agriculture Communications Team, which is a broad spectrum of ag associations along with our state and federal partners.
While we know this has placed a terrible burden on producers in this area, we do not yet know the full extent of the damage and are hopeful all agencies involved will be providing their assessments sometime during the weekend.
Your team at the Texas Department of Agriculture is fully engaged and we will report back with more information as it becomes available. In the mean time, pray for rain.
NOTE TO ALL PRODUCERS in the impacted area: A Disaster Resource Information Packet is available and provides pertinent contact information for state, federal and private agricultural disaster assistance programs. Additionally, TDA offers producers assistance with finding hay through a Hay Hotline that can be reached at 1-877-429-1998. This is a great resource for those who have extra hay to sell or a pasture to lease, and for those who need hay. Information on both resources can be found at www.TexasAgriculture.gov.
Texas AgriLife Extension agents, along with personnel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are currently undertaking an assessment on a county-by-county basis. No conclusive numbers are in yet, and according to emergency crews, as of Friday afternoon only 75 percent of the fires were contained.
We activated the Emergency Agriculture Communications Team, which is a broad spectrum of ag associations along with our state and federal partners.
While we know this has placed a terrible burden on producers in this area, we do not yet know the full extent of the damage and are hopeful all agencies involved will be providing their assessments sometime during the weekend.
Your team at the Texas Department of Agriculture is fully engaged and we will report back with more information as it becomes available. In the mean time, pray for rain.
NOTE TO ALL PRODUCERS in the impacted area: A Disaster Resource Information Packet is available and provides pertinent contact information for state, federal and private agricultural disaster assistance programs. Additionally, TDA offers producers assistance with finding hay through a Hay Hotline that can be reached at 1-877-429-1998. This is a great resource for those who have extra hay to sell or a pasture to lease, and for those who need hay. Information on both resources can be found at www.TexasAgriculture.gov.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
In Memoriam
The Texas Department of Agriculture lost a dedicated public servant this week in the passing of Fred Higgins. Fred served as Assistant Commissioner for Food and Nutrition since January of 2006. Although Fred’s years were cut short on this earth, his work to improve the health and lives of Texas school children will be remembered for many years.
Tremendous strides were made in a number of areas during Fred’s tenure at TDA. Fred demonstrated a passion for working with his dedicated team members and school personnel throughout the state to make sure good school nutrition policies were implemented.
Fred had a tremendous talent for bringing people together to work in harmony, be it the Education Service Centers (ESCs), school districts or new programs and staff from the Health and Human Services Commission. He worked to strengthen partnerships with providers, expand programs to serve more meals, and advocated for children and nutrition at the local, state and national levels.
TDA will miss Fred as a dedicated colleague, as well as a dear friend.
Tremendous strides were made in a number of areas during Fred’s tenure at TDA. Fred demonstrated a passion for working with his dedicated team members and school personnel throughout the state to make sure good school nutrition policies were implemented.
Fred had a tremendous talent for bringing people together to work in harmony, be it the Education Service Centers (ESCs), school districts or new programs and staff from the Health and Human Services Commission. He worked to strengthen partnerships with providers, expand programs to serve more meals, and advocated for children and nutrition at the local, state and national levels.
TDA will miss Fred as a dedicated colleague, as well as a dear friend.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Trade and Development Mission to Romania – Day 3
Commissioner Staples traveled to Romania March 29 - April 1 for a trade and development mission to Romania as an invitee of the Emanuel Agriculture Development Corporation. The trip serves many purposes: to establish a trade relationship that will foster bi-national commerce between Texas and Romania and to assist Romanian farmers and ranchers by sharing ideas that can improve their agriculture industry. Below is a day-by-day account of Commissioner Staples’ visit to Romania.
View a slideshow of his trip here:
The cars may be little and the streets narrow, but the Parliament Building is big – I mean really BIG. As in, second in size only to the Pentagon.
As the Romanian Senate Committee on Agriculture called it, the People's Palace, 12 stories above ground and at least 8 below (not all finished), is a very opulent structure and a marvelous display of many styles of architecture. It’s amazing that it was built only in 1984.
It is also amazing how productive Texas & American farms and ranches are compared to the agriculture industry in this young and new free market economy in a society that makes our country look like the babe it is.
I tried to convey to them our farmers and ranchers set the policy in Texas and the USA. Sometimes it gets out of balance, but an election or two usually sets things straight.
I also tried to explain how farmers and ranchers interact with agribusiness, extension service, career/tech training, higher education and all levels of government to be so productive and, we hope, profitable more years than not.
The group of Texans I traveled with was more than eager to share their expertise and knowledge with those wanting to make positive change. Also, trade and export opportunities for Texas producers and agribusinesses were brought up frequently with the Romanian Minister of Agriculture, senators, and university and academia representatives we met with today. We also met with Department of Commerce, USDA FAS and economic officials at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. They gave the delegation some terrific ideas and were a very resourceful bunch.
I am anxious to see where all these positive visits lead for Texas agriculture. I am also very anxious to get back to Texas, which I am doing in the morning.
View a slideshow of his trip here:
The cars may be little and the streets narrow, but the Parliament Building is big – I mean really BIG. As in, second in size only to the Pentagon.
As the Romanian Senate Committee on Agriculture called it, the People's Palace, 12 stories above ground and at least 8 below (not all finished), is a very opulent structure and a marvelous display of many styles of architecture. It’s amazing that it was built only in 1984.
It is also amazing how productive Texas & American farms and ranches are compared to the agriculture industry in this young and new free market economy in a society that makes our country look like the babe it is.
I tried to convey to them our farmers and ranchers set the policy in Texas and the USA. Sometimes it gets out of balance, but an election or two usually sets things straight.
I also tried to explain how farmers and ranchers interact with agribusiness, extension service, career/tech training, higher education and all levels of government to be so productive and, we hope, profitable more years than not.
The group of Texans I traveled with was more than eager to share their expertise and knowledge with those wanting to make positive change. Also, trade and export opportunities for Texas producers and agribusinesses were brought up frequently with the Romanian Minister of Agriculture, senators, and university and academia representatives we met with today. We also met with Department of Commerce, USDA FAS and economic officials at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. They gave the delegation some terrific ideas and were a very resourceful bunch.
I am anxious to see where all these positive visits lead for Texas agriculture. I am also very anxious to get back to Texas, which I am doing in the morning.
Trade and Development Mission to Romania – Day 2
Commissioner Staples traveled to Romania March 29 - April 1 for a trade and development mission to Romania as an invitee of the Emanuel Agriculture Development Corporation. The trip serves many purposes: to establish a trade relationship that will foster bi-national commerce between Texas and Romania and to assist Romanian farmers and ranchers by sharing ideas that can improve their agriculture industry. Below is a day-by-day account of Commissioner Staples’ visit to Romania.
See a slideshow of his trip here:
An eastern European country just has a different feel to it that is hard to explain.
It is almost like a throw back in time in a way, yet not quite. There is a McCafe on every corner and plenty of BMW ‘s and Mercedes Benz that rapidly pass you by on these narrow pot-holed roads.
Communism was so dominant here for about 40 years. While a democracy has emerged, areas are still struggling. Graffiti is so widespread in downtown Budapest and Bucharest that you have to wonder how this could be allowed to continue. It makes our graffiti problems, as bad as they are, look like child's play.
Yet, the people we meet with have determination and resolve. It is my hope we bring back with us this same determination and resolve and rekindle the fire that burns inside of so many Texans and Americans. We must remind ourselves that we have a responsibility to leave things better than they were when we found them.
Our group expressed every bit of that during our lectures with undergraduate business students about the powerful possibilities of agriculture and the capital investment it brings, along with jobs and food security for a country's citizens.
I guess what we are doing is similar to what every farmer does each season as they plant a seed. They have the knowledge and skills to know they are doing the right thing. Then, they ask God to bless their efforts.
See a slideshow of his trip here:
An eastern European country just has a different feel to it that is hard to explain.
It is almost like a throw back in time in a way, yet not quite. There is a McCafe on every corner and plenty of BMW ‘s and Mercedes Benz that rapidly pass you by on these narrow pot-holed roads.
Communism was so dominant here for about 40 years. While a democracy has emerged, areas are still struggling. Graffiti is so widespread in downtown Budapest and Bucharest that you have to wonder how this could be allowed to continue. It makes our graffiti problems, as bad as they are, look like child's play.
Yet, the people we meet with have determination and resolve. It is my hope we bring back with us this same determination and resolve and rekindle the fire that burns inside of so many Texans and Americans. We must remind ourselves that we have a responsibility to leave things better than they were when we found them.
Our group expressed every bit of that during our lectures with undergraduate business students about the powerful possibilities of agriculture and the capital investment it brings, along with jobs and food security for a country's citizens.
I guess what we are doing is similar to what every farmer does each season as they plant a seed. They have the knowledge and skills to know they are doing the right thing. Then, they ask God to bless their efforts.
Trade and Development Mission to Romania – Day 1
Commissioner Staples traveled to Romania March 29 - April 1 for a trade and development mission to Romania as an invitee of the Emanuel Agriculture Development Corporation. The trip serves many purposes: to establish a trade relationship that will foster bi-national commerce between Texas and Romania and to assist Romanian farmers and ranchers by sharing ideas that can improve their agriculture industry. Below is a day-by-day account of Commissioner Staples’ visit to Romania.
See a slideshow of his trip here:
Our flight brought us into Hungary ahead of our Texas group. While we waited, we tried to visit the U.S. Embassy located just a stone’s throw off the Danube River, which runs through Budapest. It always sends extra chills down my spine when I see Old Glory flying on a building in a foreign country and am reminded of the sacrifices soldiers have made over the course of time to allow our flag to fly freely. Unfortunately, it was a weekend, and we were unable to get to see the inside.
When the others arrived, we drove for almost four hours into Oradea, Romania, and had a really late dinner with the president and dean of the business school at Emanuel University, both impressive people. The president was a strong proponent of the move toward a democracy and away from communism.
This private college is attempting to incorporate agriculture business classes in its curriculum and has signed a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech University for professors to come teach. The goal is to establish a dairy or greenhouse operation to use as a teaching and demonstration project.
Romania is a great place to explore new agribusiness initiatives. The country imports 70 percent of its food items. Since the fall of communism 20 years ago, agriculture has not developed as an industry. U.S. agricultural exports to Romania have fallen by about 50 percent since the country joined the European Union.
Emmanuel Agriculture Development Corporation, founded by Stan Ray of Austin (a former state FFA officer and vice president of Farm Credit of Texas) spearheaded the delegation and asked me to participate.
With the proposed and often debated changes to our national farm policy, it is essential Texas farmers and ranchers continuously explore new and expanded trade opportunities to maintain profitability. The Romanian people have come a long way toward embracing a democratic society with free market principles, and by supporting them, Americans can also further their interests.
We have a full schedule for the following two days that I will fill you in on. For now, it has been a long day and even these dorm rooms with single thin mattresses and the hot water already cut off are looking pretty good.
See a slideshow of his trip here:
Our flight brought us into Hungary ahead of our Texas group. While we waited, we tried to visit the U.S. Embassy located just a stone’s throw off the Danube River, which runs through Budapest. It always sends extra chills down my spine when I see Old Glory flying on a building in a foreign country and am reminded of the sacrifices soldiers have made over the course of time to allow our flag to fly freely. Unfortunately, it was a weekend, and we were unable to get to see the inside.
When the others arrived, we drove for almost four hours into Oradea, Romania, and had a really late dinner with the president and dean of the business school at Emanuel University, both impressive people. The president was a strong proponent of the move toward a democracy and away from communism.
This private college is attempting to incorporate agriculture business classes in its curriculum and has signed a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech University for professors to come teach. The goal is to establish a dairy or greenhouse operation to use as a teaching and demonstration project.
Romania is a great place to explore new agribusiness initiatives. The country imports 70 percent of its food items. Since the fall of communism 20 years ago, agriculture has not developed as an industry. U.S. agricultural exports to Romania have fallen by about 50 percent since the country joined the European Union.
Emmanuel Agriculture Development Corporation, founded by Stan Ray of Austin (a former state FFA officer and vice president of Farm Credit of Texas) spearheaded the delegation and asked me to participate.
With the proposed and often debated changes to our national farm policy, it is essential Texas farmers and ranchers continuously explore new and expanded trade opportunities to maintain profitability. The Romanian people have come a long way toward embracing a democratic society with free market principles, and by supporting them, Americans can also further their interests.
We have a full schedule for the following two days that I will fill you in on. For now, it has been a long day and even these dorm rooms with single thin mattresses and the hot water already cut off are looking pretty good.
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