Banner Graphic, Volume 10, Number 250, Greencastle, Putnam County, 25 June 1980 — Page 14
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The Putnam County Banner Graphic, June 25,1980
The Homesteader: Avoiding heat stress among barnyard animals
By STEVEN HUNTER Special correspondent With the heat beating down upon us once again, it's time to think about barnyard preparations for animals that are adversely affected by hot weather. The most susceptible of barnyard livestock, under any conditions. are nursing or expectant mothers, and their young. HOT WEATHER ADOS immensely to stress under birthing conditions, and may be the catalyst for a variety of ills. Cattle, horses, and goats are generally mast afflicted with stress diarrhea, heat or sunstroke, and, surprisingly, pneumonia and colds. When such large livestock are to be kept in buildings with poor ventilation, or pasture with little shade, it is generally a good idea to shave or clip any excess hair from the beasts, and keep them clean. A somewhat lower protein diet may be in order, and vitamins and minerals are especially critical at this time. Wherever possible, hose down the outsides of buildings where young animals or expectant mothers are kept during the heat of
USDA investigation in doubt
GAO probe of FCIC requested
Washington Star Service WASHINGTON Sen Ed ward Zorinsky. D-Neb.. has asked the General Accounting Office to conduct an independent investigation into charges of improper sexual conduct and illegal personnel practices at the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. In a speech on the Senate floor Monday. Zorinsky expressed doubts about the Agriculture Department’s own investigation of the FCIC charges "I am not certain that any department of government is able to investigate itself or air its dirty linen." Zorinsky said. Accordingly, he said that because the GAO is the investigative arm of Congress, he has asked it to begin an investigation as soon as possible to help Congress prepare itself for "upcoming hearings on the FCIC " A spokesman at GAO said he could not comment on Zorinskv’s request until they receive his letter. If the GAO fails to initiate an independent probe. Zorinsky said he will request inquiries by both the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Government Operations Committee "I have witnessed so many delays that my patience is
Swine decline reported WEST LAFAYETTE-As of June 1. the number of hogs and pigs on Indiana farms--4.4 millin-was six per cent below a year ago and indications are the decline will continue. According to state-federal agricultural statisticians at Purdue University, the state pig crop for the December 1979Mav 1980 period totaled 3.27 million head, down four per cent from the comparable period of 1979. Sow farrowings for the same period totaled 455.000 head, down six per cent. Furthermore, during the next six months. Indiana farmers expect to farrow only 435.000 sows, which is 13 per cent below the June-November period of 1979, statisticians said. Although Indiana swine numbers were down, the nation’s count was estimated at 65.9 million head June 1. one per cent above last year and the largest June inventory of record, they said. (Fifty-five million of these animals were in the 14 major hog producing states This is an eight per cent increase over a year earlier). The December 1979-May 1980 U S pig crop was nearly 53 million head, a five per cent increase from last year and 25 per cent more than two years ago. At 7.3 million, sows farrowed during the six-month period were two per cent above a year earlier U S producers, however, intend to have only 6.7 million sows farrow during the JuneNovember period, a decrease of eight per cent from the same period in 1979. statisticians reported The 1979 harvest employed some 5 million American farm workers, according to Sperry New Holland, which says the same harvest before machines would have taken 31 million people using 61 million horses and mules.
almast exhausted. ” Zorinsky said, explaining that his office has been investigating alleged abuses at FCIC “for the past three years” The USDA’s own investigation - a six-state probe involving top FCIC officials and field office personnel - is expected to be completed late this week. Agriculture Secretary Bob Bergland said in an earlier interview. Zorinsky. noting recent statements by USDA officials, said he fears nothing will come of the department’s investigation. Based on preliminary reports from the inspector general’s office. USDA officials said last week they see nothing to support "action against any individual.” Zorinsky said Monday, these statements suggest “a business as usual attitude in hopes the
Extension calendar June 25-26- 1980 Farm Management Tour. Clinton and Boone counties. Call the Extension Office for more details. June 25- County Demonstration Contest, starting at 6:30 p.m, at the Fairground. June 26- 4-H Council meeting. 7:30 p.m., Farm Bureau Insurance Building. Mini 4-H meeting at the Fairgrounds. June 27- Expert Swine Judging Contest at Purdue. June 30- 4-H Electric Workshop. 9 a m.-12 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. For all divisions. July I- 4-H Leather Workshop, 9 a m.-12 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. July 7- 4-H Sheep Workshop 9 a.m. at the home of Bill and Helen Hurst. 4-H Goat meeting. On the agenda will be trimming, clipping, grooming etc. July 27-August 2- Putnam County Fair. Market report INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana direct hog market Tuesday at 70 yards and plants: Demand moderate to good, estimated 1,400 today. Barrows and gilts 1.00-1.50 higher. 1-2 200-240 lbs 41.0042.00, few 40.75: 240-250 lbs 40-25-41-25; 1-3 250-260 lbs 39.2540.25. Sows .50 to 2.00 higher, mostly 1.00-1.50 up; 1-3 300-600 lbs 29.00-31.00, few 28.00-29.00. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) Hogs: 500. Barrows and gilts 1.00 higher. 1-2 200-240 lbs 42.00,1 lot 190 lbs 41.00. Sows 1.50 higher, 1-3 350-500 lbs 31.50-33.00.
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the day. Provide copious quantities of fresh, running water, and inspect all animals several times daily for signs of heat prostration or stress-induced disease. Fowl are extremely adaptable to weather conditions, though a chicken may be addled by the sun as quickly as a steer, under proper conditions. While following the same general guidelines as for larger stock, remember that excessive humidity, or the presence of oil buildup in feathers, acts as an insulating blanket, helping the fowl keep its body heat. This is fine in cold weather, but a muggy day in a closed building can lead to wholesale avicide. So, during heat spells, give chickens, turkeys, geese, etc., an extra bit of ventilation, or turn them out during the hot times. If there has been a great deal of rain, provide talc or sandbaths for your birds, since they will be unable to fluff oilremoving dust into their feathers. And, perhaps more importantly for birds than any other stock, make sure they always, midnight to noon and back, have lots of fresh, clear water. UNDERSTANDABLY, THE MOST productive animal on the farm is the most easily damaged by hot weather. Rabbits wear their thick fur coats through the hottest summer days, and the
farm
impetus of this investigation will dissipate.” FCIC employees have made sworn statements about department officials abusing their power by having sex with lowranking employees and promoting them to higherranking positions, other illegal conduct against personnel and misuse of government funds. The allegations of harassment of personnel and improper procedures at FCIC may be symptomatic of a far more pervasive problem in government requiring the introduction of new legislation. Zorinsky said. They show, Zorinsky said, that legislation intended to sharpen and improve the performance of the civil service by creating a senior executive service has “loopholes" and “can be abused.” “Allegations over the past
four months of abuse of everything intended by the civil service reform show me that the Utopia promised is not for thcoming,” Zorinsky said. “They attack the very structure of the FCIC and other departments,” he added. For that reason, Zorinsky said he may introduce legislation amending the law in such a way that high-ranking bureaucrats are no longer able to “politicize their departments.” The USDA investigation of FCIC involves top officials - including James D. Deal, manager ; Otto Johnson, deputy manager; and Roy Altton, assistant manager for administration - in addition to state field offices in Nebraska. Missouri, Kansas, Montana, Texas and Washington.
Down to IVk percent
1980 crop loan rate drops
The interest rates on 1980 crop loans has come down from 13 per cent to UM> per cent, according to Roger Bailey of the Putnam County ASCS Office. The 13 per cent interest rate had been announced earlier in the year as the 1980 interest rate Bailey, said, but economic conditions since that time have made it possible for the rate to
Hoosier grain stocks increase
WEST LAFAYETTE-Indian-a’s corn, soybean and wheat stocks were higher on June 1 than a year earlier, but oat supplies were down, according to state-federal agricultural statisticians at Purdue University. Corn stocks were up by 22 per cent and totaled 190.0 million bushels, they said. Soybean
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energy requirements for thermoregulation place an added metabolic drag on the lapin physiology. Large rabbits must always be in the shade, never in the sun. While younger rabbits can stand a bit more direct light, heat stress increases as the animals coat thickness increases. Always give rabbits the benefit of the greatest shade available, and the most summer breeze (keeping in mind that the same area will have to be modified in cold weather, as the animals are as susceptible to cold winds as to high heat). A common problem in hot weather is the appearance of infection or fungus growth on the dewlaps of nursing does, as females with litters drink a great deal, immersing the dewlap in water, which makes it soggy and opens the door to bacterial, viral, and fungal infestations. The best prevention for this condition is the use of tall drinking containers, and the clipping of hair on the dewlap with small scissors. If the condition persists, treat with Combiotic or an injectable penicillin compound available from the vet. YOUNG RABBITS AT pre-weaning are easily killed by excess
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Six Members Of the Greencastle FFA chapter recently attended that organization's state convention at Purdue University. Accompanied by their advisor Steve Cash (far left), FFA members participating at the event were (front, from
Comments on program sought
Sherman Hacker, chairman of the Putnam County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, asked today for comments from local farmers on the provisions of the 1981 wheat program. Hacker said comments are being sought from area farmers on such things as the amount of national program acreage, the need for a wheat set-aside
come down. The interest rate for crop loans is based on the cost of money to the Commodity Credit Corporation. Bailey also announced the loan rate for 1980 crop wheat at $2.46 up one cent per bushel from last year’s $2.45. These loans are for nine months with the grain being the security for the loan.
stocks, at 31.1 million bushels, were up 17 per cent, and wheat stocks, at 3.3 million bushels, were more than double June 1, 1979. With only 2.3 million bushels on hand, oat stocks declined eight per cent from a year earlier. Nationally, U.S. stocks of com on June l totaled a record
left) Anita Snyder, Lisa Rowings, Maggie Rowings; (back) Andy Henderson, Melanie Martin and Todd Masten. The club received the Superior Chapter award at the convention.
and/or paid diversion, the need for limits on planted acres, levels of payments on any diverted acres or set-aside, target prices and loan rates. Input is also sought on whether farmers should be required to comply with a farms normal crop acreage (NCA) and / or the feed grain porgram to be eligible for program benefits. The 1981 wheat program
Bailey, said that the ASCS office is encouraging farmers to take advantage of these loans to give them operating money while holding their grain for higher market prices later in the year. For more information about ASCS crop loans, stop by the Putnam County ASCS Office or call 653-5716.
3.59 billion bushels, the statisticians noted. This is 11 per cent more than a year earlier. At 774 million bushels, the soybean stocks were also at a record high-47 per cent above June 1,1979. Wheat, at 901 million bushels in all positions, was down three per cent from a year ago, while oat stocks were off 17 per cent.
heat. Always use airy, well lit nestboxes. Whether you use straw, Cerval, ground corn cobs, etc., on the floor of nestboxes, always place an inch-thick layer of sawdust on the floor of the box to soak up the urine and fecal material that may cause sore vent, infection, diarrhea and other deadly diseases. The most effective warm weather nestbox is made completely of 1 inch by inch rabbit floor wire, with a cardboard liner that may be removed as soon as the bunnies have opened their eyes, thereby eliminating the accumulated waste problem entirely. Keep a close eye on feed consumption of rabbits in hot weather. If your animals begin to eat less, cut back on heavy grains or pelleted feeds and add carrot, cabbage, and parsnip tops in small quantities. These help provide extra moisture and minerals to alleviate hot weather stress, and add roughage to harden stools. Never feed rabbits more greens or hard vegetables than they can eat within ten or fifteen minutes, twice a day. Never allow wilted leaf vegetables to lay in the bottom of the rabbit cage, as diarrhea will almost always result.
provisions will be announced no later than August 15, Hacker said, but Secretary of Agriculture Bergland hopes to make the announcement even sooner if possible. Comments must be received no later than July 21. They should be sent to the Director, Production Adjustment Division, ASCS, USDA, room 3630-S, P.O. Box 2415,
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Greencastle takes FFA honors Greencastle FFA chapter officers recently attended the 51st annual State FFA Convention at Purdue University. Attending the event were chapter president Andy Henderson and secretary Melanie Martin, who served as official delegates, also vice president Lisa Rowings, treasure Todd Masten, reporter Maggie Rowings, sentinel Anita Snider, and their advisor Steve Cash. During the convention Andy Henderson was elected District 7 treasure. The Greencastle FFA also received the Superior Chapter Award for the first time since 1976. The Greencastle Chapter congratulates Kenny Harris, who received the Honorary Hoosier Farmer degree at the convention.
Washington, D.C., 20013. All comments will be available for public inspection at the director’s office during regular business hours. A similar comment period will come later this year for the 1981 feed grain program. Hacker added. He encouraged local farmers to make their opinions known to the people who make the policies.