DOVER, Del. (January 26, 2023) – Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveys every agricultural producer across the country and in Puerto Rico to obtain a complete account of the industry, its changes, and emerging trends. Less than 25 percent of Delaware producers have responded to the 2022 Ag Census, which could jeopardize farm policy and decision-making about disaster relief, community planning, technology development, and more.

“We know from the 2017 Ag Census that more than half of Delaware’s farms are smaller than 50 acres. This is important to know when Delawareans are trying to decide if they should participate in the 2022 Ag Census because our agriculture industry is evolving to include more small-scale farms,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We want all producers to respond, including those in rural communities and those involved in urban agriculture. Whether you grow crops or nursery stock, are a beekeeper, or raise livestock or poultry, your participation helps tell the story of Delaware agriculture.”

Farm operations of all sizes which produced and sold, or typically would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022 are included in the Ag Census.

Producers received a survey code with an invitation to respond online at agcounts.usda.gov in November. Anyone who did not respond before should complete their survey online or submit it by mail no later than February 6. Everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire is required to return it, even if they are not currently farming. The first few qualifying questions on the form will determine whether completing the entire questionnaire is necessary.

Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, use the data only for statistical purposes, and publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the results of the Ag Census in 2024.

To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit https://nass.usda.gov/agcensus.

DOVER, Del. — The countdown is on for many Delaware youth and adult exhibitors as they get ready to showcase their agricultural exhibits at this year’s Delaware State Fair. Along with rides, food, and games, the state fair is a great opportunity for fair-goers to learn more about agriculture – Delaware’s top industry.

“By far, Delaware has one of the best fairs in the United States and with each year it only gets better. I encourage everyone to join our staff to celebrate the history and the accomplishments of 100th Delaware State Fair,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “This is an opportunity for Delawareans and visitors to learn about Delaware agriculture and all it does for our consumers and our economy. Take time to walk through the livestock barns to see the wide variety of animals that our young people are showing. Take time to ask questions and learn where your food comes from. Getting to see a dairy cow up close helps make the connection that milk comes from a cow.”

More than ninety-nine percent of Delaware’s 2,300 farms are family-owned. Delaware farmers produce a variety of agricultural products on more than 525,000 acres of farmland, including corn, soybeans, wheat, poultry and livestock, and fruits and vegetables. All of the state’s agricultural commodities can be experienced simply by visiting the barns and buildings along Holloway Street, from the front of the Fair by Quillen Arena all the way back to the 4-H/FFA Building (The Centre) and The Delmarva Building.

“We are excited to bring a new educational experience for visitors in the Department’s Agriculture Commodities and Education Building. So many people do not understand that their food really begins its journey on a family farm ─ not in the grocery store.” said DDA spokesperson Stacey Hofmann. “We have a really vibrant display that’s larger than life that will help start the conversation about how food gets from the farm to the table – whether your 5, 50, or 100.”

If you love trivia, the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Farms and Food game show is always a hit. Loaded with brand-new questions, bring your family and friends by the Delaware Agriculture Commodities and Education to have fun testing your Delaware agriculture knowledge.

Educational demonstrations will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from the first day of fair, through the last Friday. Topics include:

• Thursday, July 18: Utopia Fruita Snacks for All; One Health: How the Health of Humans, Animals and the Environment are Interconnected
• Friday, July 19: Drying Herbs; Dish on Delmarva Poultry
• Saturday, July 20: Making Straw Bracelets; Watermelon Demo
• Sunday, July 21: Butter Churning; Cooking with Honey
• Monday, July 22: Worm Composting; Bee Talk
• Tuesday, July 23: Is It a Wasp or A Bee?; Watermelon Demo
• Wednesday, July 24: Heat to Toe Avocado Show; LeadDelaware Class 5
• Thursday, July 25: Trees are Terrific; Dish on Delmarva Poultry
• Friday, July 26: Butter Churning; Honey Extraction

This year, Delaware’s Department of Agriculture, Delaware’s Division of Public Health, and Delaware’s Division of Fish and Wildlife are teaming up during State Fair to educate the public about rabies prevention. There will be a hands-on educational exhibit in the Delaware Agriculture Commodities and Education Building the last five days, as well as the presentation “One Health: How the Health of Humans, Animals and the Environment are Interconnected” on Thursday, July 18 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Rabies is endemic to the East Coast, but it has become more of an issue as development encroaches on the habitat of wild animals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin. Fortunately, rabies is also almost completely preventable.

“In the past, when wild animals got rabies, they would typically die and no one would really know about it because they were in their own habitat. Every once in a while, a rabid animal would come in contact with a pet or person, and then the individual would go through the series of rabies shots or a pet would be quarantined,” said Dr. Karen Lopez, Deputy State Veterinarian. “But today, these animals are making it into our developments more frequently because we are now living in their backyard. Typical animal behavior is no longer present when a wild or stray domestic animal is infected with rabies. We want to make sure owners are vaccinating their pets, horses, and livestock. It is also important for everyone to know what to do if they get bitten or scratched by an animal capable of carrying rabies. If transmission does occur, rabies is considered a fatal disease.”

On the grounds, fairgoers can travel back in time and revisit the history of Delaware agriculture through the Antique Machinery Showcase held on July 20 in the Quillen Arena. This event features antiques dating back to the early 1900s, and even some before then. With antique tractors, broom makers, craftsmen, and more, there is something for all ages to experience.

Attendees can also get a glimpse of the equine industry throughout Fair. Exhibitors will be participating in English and Western classes, showmanship, showing horses in hand, and driving. Harrington Raceway is one of three tracks in Delaware that offers horse racing. On Thursday, July 25, fair-goers are invited to attend harness racing in the M&T Bank Grandstand with a 7 p.m. post time. With approximately $600,000 in total purses, the race program will be headlined by four $100,000 Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund final events for 3-year-olds as well as program staples like the Governor’s Cup, which features some of Delaware’s top horses, ages three years and older. Governor John Carney will be on hand to present the trophy to the winner.

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Media Contact: Stacey Hofmann, 302-698-4542, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

HARRINGTON – In the event of an accident, emergency or natural disaster, such as Hurricanes Harvey or Irma, animals of all sizes may need help. That’s why the Division of Public Health Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) held a Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) course Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. The training was conducted by OAW’s Delaware Animal Response (DAR) team in conjunction with the Delaware State Fire School.

The first-of-its-kind course in Delaware prepared volunteers and emergency responders to rescue large animals from dangerous situations, like what is happening in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, where livestock, horses and even dolphins are in desperate need of rescue.

“The potential for disasters and emergencies involving large animals and livestock in Delaware is great,” said Delaware Animal Response Coordinator Karen Clark. “We feel it is vital to provide our emergency responders with the training, knowledge, and expertise to safely handle any large animal and livestock emergency situation that can arise.”

Attendees learned about the latest rescue concepts, techniques and equipment with hands-on practice. While the course is designed to concentrate on handling horses during emergency incidents, the skills learned can be applied to assist livestock, exotics and zoo animals. Training sessions included rescues from a barn fire, trench, mud and overturned trailers, and an evening search.

Funding for the TLAER course was provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The DAR program was established in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, when many people would not leave home without their pets and many pets had to be left behind by those who did evacuate. It became clear that pets must be included in emergency planning for the safety and welfare of all. Congress then passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires states to take into account the needs of household and service animals before, during, and after an emergency or disaster.

To become a Delaware Animal Response program volunteer, contact Karen Clark at 302-242-3594.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER — The Delaware Department of Agriculture reminds poultry and livestock growers to take proper precautions to shelter and protect their animals as winter storm season is upon us.

“Preparedness is the key to keeping animals safe,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who heads the Department’s Poultry and Animal Health Section. “Winter storm situations can be deadly to livestock and poultry, but taking the right steps can keep them healthy.”

In preparation for heavy snow and possible power outages, owners should inspect poultry houses and other structures; keep back-up generators, fuel, and filters on  hand; check feed inventories; have a back-up communications plan; and mark driveways and roads with tall poles or stakes. Roofs should be cleared of snow as soon as possible, while taking proper steps for worker safety.

Other precautions recommended by the Department of Agriculture include:

>> Check and secure all buildings and enclosures. Repair or secure loose boards, doors, window covers, metal sheeting, wire and equipment that could blow around in high winds.

>> Provide water and food. Make sure your animals have alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps and automatic waterers are not working. Have enough food and water on hand for seven days. Move feed to higher ground to prevent mold contamination from flooding.

>> Mark animals. Identifiers for returning lost animals could include ear tags with farm name and phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coats, or clipped initials in hair coats. Leg bands can be used for back yard poultry.

>> Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have basic veterinary supplies on hand and that your livestock are current on vaccinations.

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Media contact:

Dan Shortridge
Director of Communications and Marketing
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520
daniel.shortridge@delaware.gov

DOVER – Farmers and pet owners should take immediate precautions to protect their animals with Hurricane Sandy expected to arrive near Delaware over the weekend, the state’s agricultural and animal welfare officials are urging.

“Preparing and acting early can save the lives of your animals,” said Delaware State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who heads the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section. “People who own animals should not wait until the last minute to get ready for a storm.”

The Department’s Delaware Animal Response Program works with state emergency officials and animal welfare organizations to assist animal owners with preparation, sheltering in place and evacuation.

“Owners have a responsibility to care for all of their animals, and should be taking steps now to make sure they are safe,” said Deputy State Veterinarian Dr. Gina Jensen.

If evacuations are ordered, please have several evacuation route options planned. Delaware shelters which welcome small pets will be designated as pet-friendly shelters, and that information will be provided as shelters become available. Ultimately, owners are responsible for the care of their animals. If evacuated to a pet-friendly shelter, please be prepared to provide any ongoing medications, such as insulin, and also provide a photo ID of your pet.

Hirst said farmers and livestock owners should especially plan in advance by examining their land and structures. “A storm presents multiple threats to animals – high winds could collapse buildings, power could go out, or low land could flood,” she said. “Think about where you could move animals in case of flooding and evaluate your outbuildings. Livestock owners should make sure generators are running properly and have fuel.”

The Department of Agriculture recommends that animal owners take the following precautions:

Livestock and small flock owners

• Check and secure all buildings and enclosures. Repair or secure loose boards, doors, window covers, metal sheeting, wire and equipment that could blow around in high winds.
• Provide water and food. Make sure your animals have alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps and automatic waterers are not working. Have enough food and water on hand for seven days. Move feed to higher ground to prevent mold contamination from flooding.
• Mark animals. Identifiers for returning lost animals could include ear tags with farm name and phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coats, or clipped initials in hair coats. Leg bands can be used for back yard poultry.
• Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have basic veterinary supplies on hand and that your livestock are current on vaccinations.
• Study evacuation options. If you decide to evacuate your livestock, determine several locations that the animals could be taken and map out several routes to each location. Make arrangements in advance with owners to accept your animals, and be sure to contact them before taking the animals there. Options could include private stables, race tracks, fairgrounds, equestrian centers, private farms and humane societies. It is best to evacuate at the first recommendation to do so.
• Choose indoor sheltering or outdoor enclosed areas. If you decide to confine or shelter indoors, consider the structure strength and how it will hold up during high winds and torrential rain. If you give your animals the option of moving outside of their barn during the storm, survey your property to find the best location, do not let animals become trapped in low-lying pens, give them enough space to move around to avoid blowing debris and make sure the areas are clear of overhead power lines or poles.

Poultry

The Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., recommends that commercial poultry growers take steps that include the following:

• Check your back-up generator. Make sure you have fuel for several days, and that automatic starting systems are ready to go.
• Check propane gas. Make sure you have enough gas, and arrange an early delivery if necessary.
• Check feed inventory. Arrange for an early delivery if necessary.
• Have a back-up communications plan. Make sure cell phones are fully charged in case land-line telephone service is lost.
• Think long-term. Be prepared to keep birds for longer than normal if processing plants are unable to operate. Make plans for larger-than-normal carcass disposal if necessary.
• Check with your poultry company or flock supervisor regularly during any emergency situation.

Pets

• Make a disaster kit. Just like you have a kit for your family, your pets should have waterproof kits as well. Include medical records, vaccination history and medications, current photographs, veterinarian contact information, documentation of any behavior problems, alternate contact information, first-aid kit, leashes, collars, harnesses or muzzles with identification tags, a pet carrier, food and water bowls, litter pans, toys, blankets and food and water for at least seven days, with a can opener.
• Update vaccinations. Make sure your pet is up-to-date before a storm event occurs.
• Have an evacuation plan. Designated Delaware emergency shelters now offer housing for pets at or near human shelters. You should bring your pet disaster kit along, including food and water, and are encouraged to visit regularly and oversee day-to-day care for their pets. Owners should also have a list of other locations where they can evacuate with their pets, such as relatives, pet shelters or pet-friendly motels or hotels. Determine several routes to your local shelters before you leave.

Key tips are also available at http://dda.delaware.gov/storm_preparedness.shtml.

Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520