SC

Diamond Pet Foods based in Gaston, South Carolina has recalled several products due to the presence of salmonella infantis. SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers says the company is working with SCDA and the FDA to get the word out, and offers some contact information:
 

“Folks can get information on this…diamondpetrecall dot com, then the toll-free number, 866-918, 8756.”
When contacting Diamond Pet Foods, be prepared to supply information about the product you have:
 

“If people have a Diamond Pet Food product, then can call, tell them the product number on the bag, and all the identification things necessary, and find out what they need to do with that product.”
 

This recall of pet food is a bit different than previous…salmonella infantis is transmissible to humans, so handling contaminated product with care, and washing frequently of hands, washing surfaces that have come in contact with food thoroughly with soap and warm water
 

South Carolina Shrimping Season Underway
 

The shrimping season has begun in South Carolina. The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that wildlife officials say shrimp turned up in the state's waters earlier than usual this spring, prompting the decision to open the season Monday.
Cold that killed shrimp in the winter of 2011 prevented the commercial season from opening until late June. Biologists had been worried that those losses would deplete this year's crop.
 

Natural Resources Department biologist Larry DeLancey says he expects a standard shrimping season this year.

North Carolina Wildfire Problem Explained by NC Ag Commissioner
 

Wildfires continue to be of concern in North Carolina, and Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler explains some of the statistics:
 

“This year, we’ve nearly 1,700 wildfires since January, and as of last week, our investigations have been completed on 1,300 of them, and it’s been determined that 522 of these fires have been caused by the careless burning of debris.”
 

And to get this message out, through a federal grant, North Carolina Division of Forestry has a new ad campaign this month:
 

“They consist of public service announcements in newspapers and on TV and radio stations across the state, and we began running it late last month, and it’s going to continue through mid-May.”
 

To learn more about fire control and prevention, visit ncforestservice dot gov and click on ‘fire control & prevention.
 

Canada and Japan Waiting to Get Into TPP

Canada could soon join the Trans-Pacific Partnership. While Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast doesn’t have a firm commitment that Canada will be accepted – he is hopeful – stating he made significant progress in negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. The United States is the other hold-out – but Fast is confident if the three nations evaluate Canada on the merits – they will welcome them to the negotiations. By the end of the month Japan’s Prime Minister is expected to confirm his country’s intentions to join the TPP. A dairy industry heavyweight in New Zealand is warning against admitting both countries due to agricultural policies.
 

Small Grain Field Days Get Underway Today
 

Today is the first of three North Carolina small grains field days. Today’s is at the Wilton Shooter & Sons Farm near Rowland, in Robeson County. Registration gets underway at 4:00 pm with tours beginning at 4:30, concluding about 6:30. A meal will be served afterwards. For more information or directions, visit our website, SFNToday.com.