March 22, 2011 • Page 16 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Protect ag inputs from potential flooding PIERRE — Because of the potential for spring flooding, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) encourages agricultural retailers and producers to take some basic precautions in storing fertilizers, pesticides, seed, and feed products. BULK LIQUID FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDES: • Accelerate or postpone shipments • Lock and protect valves • Close and lock site gauge valves on bulk fertilizer storage tanks • Secure empty storage tanks to prevent movement or damage by flood waters • Prominently display firm manager’s name and telephone number on all tanks receipt of drugs and feeds • Move manufactured feed out of flood-prone areas • Store drugs for animal feed off the ground and out of flood-prone areas BULK DRY FERTILIZER: • Construct barriers at flood water entrances to prevent water from entering bins • Delay shipments or temporarily move product to higher ground SEED: • Dike or sandbag bins • Store seed off the ground and out of floodprone areas • Consider keeping a copy of the labeling and an unopened seed container for each lot; which may preserve evidence in case of performance problems FEED: • Delay shipments or Valley Ag Supply is your locally owned, National Forage Testing certified hay testing lab. Hay tests are done on site and results can be e-mailed, faxed or mailed the same day! 2011 with the seed SMALL PACKAGED PESTICIDE CONTAINERS: • Postpone incoming shipments • Move products to an area protected from flood waters and away from drains • Keep containers off the floor and secured • Move grain fumigants out of flood-prone areas ANHYDROUS AMMONIA: • Have a plan to move product out and ship to terminal or other storage facility • Move nurse tanks and other ammonia equipment out of flood-prone areas • Secure storage tanks to prevent movement or damage by flood waters • Drain lines and remove pumps and other system components • Lock and protect tank valves • Turn off power to ammonia system when unattended • Prominently display firm manager’s name and telephone number on all DAN & JEANNE DEVINE Midwest Insurance Agency • Farm • Crop Hail • Auto • Business • Home 909 Broadway, Tripp Park Plaza, Yankton, SD 1-605-665-2389 Annual Geothermal Event 509 Washington Street (that’s Main Street) Gayville, SD • 267-3100 As always, we have the equipment and trained, knowledgeable people to get the job done right this spring! Monday, April 11th 11am-8pm Informational Presentation Noon and 6:30pm Industry experts and products on hand. Refreshments Served 808 W. 23rd, Yankton, SD • 665-2895 Phone: 605-267-4426 www.freeburghay.com 3609 West 8th • Yankton Ph. (605) 665-7433 (866) 293-7433 www.allseasonspowersportsinc.com From 29 to 65 Meters 80’ Telebelts tanks SDDA also reminds retailers and agricultural producers that spring road restrictions could limit the pace at which products can be moved. Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 143,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ or follow us on Facebook. National agpolitics expert to speak at SDSU BROOKINGS — Wes Jamison, a nationally recognized expert in agricultural politics and public relations, will speak at South Dakota State University on March 25. Jamison is a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, and he will present a keynote speech entitled “The Morality of Food Production.” The event takes place from noon-2 p.m. at the SDSU Performing Arts Center in Brookings. In addition, Jamison will visit with other groups and classes while on campus. Jamison will discuss the intense conflict in U.S. animal agriculture regarding the proper role and treatment of animals. Most analysis of these issues involves physiological, behavioral, and economical impacts, yet some say the issue simply can be boiled down to what is determined “socially and politically acceptable by two competing worldviews.” Jamison’s seminar will cover information on the conflicting views regarding the consumptive use of livestock, the tactics of the Humane Society of the United States, and a completely new concept that explains the need of animal agricultural producers to share the stories about their work with the public. Extension Swine Specialist Bob Thaler, who helped organize the Jamison event, said the professor’s visit gives many South Dakotans an opportunity to gain insight from an expert. The SDSU PreVeterinary Club and the SDSU Swine Club have collaborated to organize the Jamison presentation. The National Pork Producers Council is a co-sponsor of the program.