H5N1 Avian Influenza Detected At Kent Co. Broiler Operation

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A case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in a Kent County commercial broiler farm.This is the first confirmed case in central Delaware, following earlier positive test results in New Castle County, Queen Anne’s County and Cecil County.Testing activity has increased since the recent discoveries and poultry farmers and growers have been…

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Grants Available For Farmers To Plant Cover Crops

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More than $540,000 will be available for the planting of cover crops in the Delaware Bay and Inland Bays watersheds of Sussex County over the next two years. The USDA protection project focuses on improving water quality by improving the health of the soil and is locally coordinated by the Sussex Conservation District. “We are…

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Summer Meals For Kids Available Through IRSD

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Schools in the Indian River School District will take part in the U.S.D.A. Summer Food Service Program this year. Meals will be provided at no charge on a first-come first-served basis at several schools in the district. Breakfast will be served on days and times that summer school is in session. The Indian River School…

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Farms Pack Boxes To Help Local Families

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Farms and farmers carry out a critical role in helping Delaware families who are facing financial challenges during the pandemic. Vincent Farms in Laurel is among those participating in the Farmers to Families Food Box program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program that started earlier this year helps to supply fresh produce,…

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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Now in All of NCCo

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Effective July 1, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) will quarantine New Castle County in its entirety due to established populations of spotted lanternfly found in Odessa.  This is an expansion of the quarantine initially enacted in February 2019 and updated in September 2019. DDA continues to partner with USDA to conduct surveys and property…

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USDA Taking Public Comment on Proposed Revisions to National Conservation Practice Standards

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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to 49 national conservation practice standards. The proposed revisions are available in the Federal Register now until the public comment period closes on April 23, 2020. The 49 updated national conservation practice standards include: 12 agronomic practices for water quality and erosion…

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USDA to Reopen All Farm Service Agency Offices Nationwide

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices nationwide will soon reopen to provide additional administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the lapse in federal funding.  Certain FSA offices have been providing limited services for existing loans and tax documents since January 17, and will continue to do so…

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Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey – Tips from the USDA

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Turkey Basics: Safe Cooking (If you still need help – USDA Meat & Poultry hotline at 1-888-MPHotline /1-888-674-6854 – open year round 10am to 6pm – or online at askkaren.gov )  A food thermometer should be used to ensure a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F has been reached to destroy bacteria and prevent…

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