Category: News
Celebrating Idaho Agriculture
March 23 marks the celebration of National Ag Day.
This past year has given us much to reflect on and appreciate about the importance of food production. Throughout the pandemic Idaho agriculture experienced severe economic swings and workforce challenges.
Still, we saw agriculture’s unique perseverance in spite of significant setbacks. Because agriculture was still working, Idahoans could have faith in our food supply.
In any given year, Idaho agriculture is an economic powerhouse. Food production and processing account for nearly one-fifth of Idaho’s total economic output. Agriculture is a diverse and highly productive industry. And, it remains the backbone of small and large communities across the state.
While we celebrate the tremendous productivity of Idaho agriculture, this way of life ultimately is about people.
It’s about farmers and ranchers whose tireless work truly sustains life here and across the world.
It’s about farm workers without whom this industry would be unrecognizable.
It’s about food processors who enhance and elevate agriculture with innovation.
And, it’s about consumers who are invited to experience the bounty and proud heritage of Idaho agriculture.
This is not some faraway notion. Agriculture is the inimitable link between people.
Whether you are enjoying your favorite Idaho meal or learning more about the way your food is produced, I hope you join me in celebrating National Ag Day.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2021
By ISDA Director Celia Gould
Idaho Continues Work on Invasive Mussels in Aquarium Products
Since detections of zebra mussels in aquarium products last week, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has continued working in coordination with state and federal partners to further identify retail distribution, collect affected products, and ensure proper disposal. This collaborative approach has included several activities:
Activation of the Columbia River Basin Rapid Response Plan
As a standing member of the Columbia River Basin Team, ISDA participates in multi-agency coordination for planning purposes outside of emergencies and also during incidents requiring coordinated response. The CRB Team includes state, federal, Tribal, and university partners which strategize response models and planning for invasive species detections.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) assigned enforcement officers to visit pet and aquarium vendors and aquarium product distributors/wholesalers across the country in order to continue the traceback of product origination, retail distribution and sales, and if samples show the presence of zebra mussels. Not all states have invasive species program equipped for enforcement actions, so USFWS activities help to ensure a nationwide response to the issue. USFWS is coordinating with Idaho and other states with invasive species programs to avoid duplication of work. USFWS also is investigating what federal regulations or statutes may have been violated. USFWS is handling any follow-up on possible violations.
Effective March 10, USFWS updated their recommendations for treatment and disposal of moss balls, water, and other affected aquarium material. Again, USFWS’s approach must anticipate needs and requirements across the entire country and not just in individual states. ISDA appreciates these new recommendations and considers them the most current and relevant recommendation. Recommendations from northwest states were developed to be consistent with the regional partners, but the new recommendations better address concerns with treatment of water and products before disposal. The new recommendations for Destroy! Don’t Dump! can be found on the USFWS website.
New recommendations specify additional disposal requirements:
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- DO NOT dispose of moss balls in drains, waterways, or gardens. Moss balls must be destroyed and disposed of in a sealed container in the trash.
- DESTROY moss balls by freezing, boiling, or by submersing in chlorine bleach or undiluted white vinegar.
- DISPOSE of moss balls and any packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. If vinegar, boiling water, or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed of down a household drain but never down a storm drain where it could enter and damage local waterways.
- DRAIN and clean the aquarium using either a hot water or disinfection method, keeping manufacturer recommendations in mind.
Continued Investigation in Idaho
ISDA staff have continued to investigate additional distributors shipping product to Idaho retail stores. ISDA’s intent is to verify presence or absence of invasive mussels. To date no additional distributors or Idaho retail stores have been identified with contaminated aquarium stock. ISDA recommends all aquarium owners carefully examine their own material for invasive species and follow the steps to safely dispose of contaminated material.
ISDA recommends the public contact the Idaho Invasive Species Program hotline at (877) 336-8676 or via email at info@isda.idaho.gov.
This investigation effort is ongoing and evolving. We encourage stakeholders to check for updates on the ISDA Invasive Species website – invasivespecies.idaho.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2021
Contact: Lloyd Knight
Mobile: (208) 859-4173
Lloyd.knight@isda.idaho.gov
Idaho Discovers Invasive Mussels in Aquarium Products
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) Invasive Species Program announced today the detection of invasive zebra mussels in aquarium products sold in the state. The ISDA has found live, viable zebra mussels in Marimo moss balls which commonly are sold for use in aquariums.
ISDA officials were first made aware of the issue Wednesday and agency personnel immediately responded with in-person inspections. ISDA’s response has been part of a coordinated nationwide effort to remove these products from store shelves and advise stores and the public about proper disposal of affected material.
ISDA is working with local Petco store managers to obtain any additional product currently in transit. “Store managers and staff have been very cooperative in this process,” said Nic Zurfluh, Invasive Species Section Manager. “They have worked with us, and we are grateful for their understanding.”
What the Public Can Do
Do not dump aquarium tank water or dispose of moss balls in natural waterbodies.
Aquarium owners can safely dispose of the moss ball(s) by one of two methods:
- Remove the moss ball(s) and place in a plastic bag. Put the bag in a freezer and leave for at least 24 hours. After that, the moss ball(s) can be disposed of in the trash.
- Place moss ball(s) in boiling water for at least one full minute. After that, the moss ball(s) can be disposed of in the trash.
For moss balls that have already been in an aquarium, the ISDA recommends cleaning the entire aquarium:
- Collect fish and plants and place them in another container. Dispose of the water in a sink or toilet (municipal wastewater is treated to kill pathogens, and septic tanks are fully self-contained underground).
- Carefully scrub the tank, accessories, rocks, and decorations with a strong solution of chlorine bleach/water. Another option (if you don’t want to use chlorine bleach) is to carefully use water that is 140 degrees to flush and coat all the tank and accessory surfaces. ISDA recommends another water change within a week and to continue to monitor the tank for any unusual aquatic growth.
- For very large aquariums that you may not be able to completely dewater/decontaminate, dispose of the moss ball(s) as above. It is recommended that you do conduct frequent water changes and continue to monitor the tank for any unusual aquatic growth.
“We have always said private citizens are Idaho’s best line of defense in protecting our state from invasive species,” said Zurfluh. “Once again, we are asking for Idahoans help to keep invasive species from getting a foothold in our state.”
Anyone with questions or concerns about zebra mussels or other invasive species concerns may contact the ISDA Invasive Species Hotline at (877)336-8676 or info@isda.idaho.gov.
About the Invasive Species Program
“Many people are familiar with our Invasive Species Program’s effort to inspect boats coming to the state. However, many do not realize that the agency works year-round to monitor and respond to threats of all kinds,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of dynamic monitoring and significant collaboration.”
Zebra mussels are aquatic invasive species that establish themselves in lakes, rivers, canals, and water systems where they cause significant ecological damage as well as damage to irrigation and water distribution systems. They are not currently found in the Columbia River Basin or Idaho, where ISDA operates a significant prevention effort highlighted by watercraft inspection stations located statewide.
Quagga and zebra mussels can clog pipes and mechanical systems of industrial plants, utilities, locks, and dams. If zebra or zebra mussels were to infest Idaho’s waters, as they have done in other states, it could cost the state nearly $100 million annually in damage and lost revenue.
The ISDA’s Invasive Species Program has been in place for 13 years working to protect Idaho’s waterways and environment from invasive species. The Program works with partners across the state, nation and with neighboring countries.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2021
Media contact: Lloyd Knight
Phone: (208) 859-4173
Lloyd.knight@isda.idaho.gov
ISDA Director Congratulates State Veterinarian on Retirement and Makes New Appointment
Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould announced today the appointment of Scott Leibsle, DVM, as the new State Veterinarian following the retirement of Bill Barton, DVM.
“Dr. Barton showed his deep love of agriculture through years of service and with steadfast commitment to all Idahoans,” said Gould. “He will always have a special place within this agency and among producers. I am honored to have worked alongside Bill these many years.”
Dr. Barton worked for the ISDA for 14 years. Among his successes as State Veterinarian, Barton and his staff efficiently responded to animal disease events, supported service to a growing livestock sector, and worked on behalf of our producers to maintain a functional marketplace in Idaho and beyond.
“As sad as I am to see Dr. Barton’s departure from the agency, I am excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Leibsle as State Veterinarian and administrator of the ISDA’s Animal Industries Division,” said Gould. “I am incredibly grateful to have someone with his energy, intellect and experience. Scott has my complete confidence. He will be a great fit for this important role.”
Dr. Leibsle received his veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Leibsle worked in Idaho for the first time in 2005, when he practiced for two years at Sawtooth Equine Service in Bellevue. He then went on to become the third generation of his family to practice large animal medicine at Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic in Wisconsin. After five years of dairy and equine private practice, Leibsle moved back to Idaho in 2011 to join the ISDA as the Deputy State Veterinarian. In his most recent position, Leibsle played an active role in the oversight of Idaho’s dairy industry, coordination of animal care training for Idaho law enforcement and the development of Idaho’s livestock traceability program. Leibsle is one of only 55 veterinarians nationwide to be board certified in equine practice.
Idaho’s State Veterinarian also serves as the administrator for the ISDA’s Division of Animal Industries, which oversees livestock health, dairies and dairy processors, rangeland services and other aspects of animal-related agriculture. Dairy and beef cattle production are Idaho’s largest agricultural sectors. The two sectors make up over half of Idaho agriculture’s total farm gate receipts.
Dr. Leibsle’s appointment is effective immediately.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2021
Contact: Chanel Tewalt
Phone: (208) 332-8615
ISDA Agricultural Resources COVID-19 Updates & FAQs
Find the latest ISDA Agricultural Resources COVID-19 Updates & FAQs here.
Unsolicited Seed Packages from China
July 27, 2020- The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is sharing information for Idahoans who have received unsolicited packages of seeds from China.
The ISDA has received approximately 20 calls or emails reporting these kind of packages being sent to Idahoans. Several states are reporting similar occurrences. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware of the issue.
Idahoans who have received unsolicited packages of seeds are asked to take several steps:
- Do not plant the seeds,
- Do not open the seed packages,
- Contact the Idaho office of USDA APHIS at (208) 373-1600,
- Retain the label and seed package,
- And, please wait for further instruction from USDA about disposal and follow-up.
Questions from the media should be directed to USDA APHIS at APHISpress@usda.gov.
ISDA Statement on Asian Giant Hornets
As of May 7, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has no confirmed reports of Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) being found in the state. At this point in time only two specimens have ever been collected in the United States – both in northwest Washington.
Each year ISDA investigates calls concerning the observation of possible non-native bees and hornets. Some native species are surprisingly large with a color pattern similar to that of the Asian giant hornet. One local species of note is the Western Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis), which is reported multiple times each summer.
The ISDA routinely surveys for many invasive pests around the state annually and evaluates potential sightings by the public on other species of local and national concern. We are monitoring the situation with Asian giant hornets closely. When non-native species are found, ISDA works with property owners and communities on control measures if any are appropriate and available.
ISDA also is developing a public fact sheet with more information about Asian giant hornets, including known distribution and identifying characteristics. That will be available soon.
Use extreme caution near Asian giant hornets. A person who is allergic to bee or wasp stings should never approach an Asian giant hornet. If you believe you have found an Asian giant hornet, please email info@isda.idaho.gov with information and photographs (if you can do so safely). You may be contacted by ISDA to discuss confirmation by scientific experts.
If You Feel Sick, Please Cancel and Reschedule Your ISDA Licensing Exam
Attention: Pesticide Training Events Postponed
In regard to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is taking precautionary actions to protect the safety of our customers. Effective immediately all pesticide-related training events hosted by ISDA have been postponed and will be rescheduled on a later date. The events affected by this decision include:
Worker Protection Standard (WPS) and Chemigation Training Seminars
- March 18 (Twin Falls)
- March 18 (Mt. Home)
- March 19 (Caldwell)
- March 19 (Weiser)
- March 24 (Lewiston)
- March 24 (Moscow)
- March 25 (Coeur d’Alene)
- March 26 (Bonners Ferry)
ISDA’s Free Pesticide Training Event
- March 25-27 (Nampa)
- April 1-3 (Jerome)
- April 15-17 (Idaho Falls)
- April 29-30, May 1 (Post Falls)
Individuals who have already pre-registered for events will be notified with information about the new date, time and location of the training. Your registration will be valid for the rescheduled event. We appreciate your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For questions please contact ISDA at 208-366-5157. For additional information about COVID-19, please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/.
Idaho Preferred Holiday Gift Box
Idaho Preferred holiday gift boxes make the perfect gift this holiday season. Several Idaho products are attractively packaged and make a gift you can be proud to give. You can skip the long lines and support local from the comfort of your home. The gift boxes include:
- Anew Foods (6oz bag of Museli)
- Backcountry Bar
- Cowboy Tom’s Gift Set
- Cox’s Honey bear (12oz)
- Wine Jelly from D’Arcy’s Bakeshop or Kelley’s Canyon Orchard Peach Jam
- Herbal Amy – First Aid Salve (1oz)
- Idahoan Mashed Potatoes (4oz package)
- Kauffman Farm Heary Barley Soup mix
- Dillys pickled Asparagus
- Nature’s Indulgence Cranberry Almond Granola
- Wagner’s Mustard
- Weiser Classic Candy Idaho Huckleberry candy bar
- Homemade by Dorothy’s Potato Soup Mix
OUT OF STOCK FOR 2019. See you next year!
Prices are $50 (plus shipping and sales tax).
Box quantities are limited, order before they’re gone!
Thanks for supporting Idaho agriculture and shopping local.
