Obama Administration Names Julia Wickard to Serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Indiana

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2008- The Obama Administration today announced that Julia Wickard will serve as Indiana State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.   "Julia Wickard has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Wickard is the Executive Vice President for the Indiana Beef Cattle Association and Indiana Beef Council, a post she has held since 2005. In this role she directs agricultural and beef initiatives throughout the state. Wickard has worked for a variety of Indiana-based agricultural and environmental groups since 1995 and has extensive knowledge of farming issues. She is actively involved in many community groups and agricultural organizations. In 1998 Wickard completed the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program and is currently a managing partner for her family farm. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Purdue University.   The Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include providing direct operating loans for farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as rural housing loans to help rural people buy, build or rent housing. FSA also procures various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs. At the same time, the agency creates jobs by funding the growth and creation of rural businesses and cooperatives.   The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.

#

Hello to all!

My name is Sydni. As some of you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis 3 years ago. I am now 5.

She has quarterly check ups at Riley and has been doing very well. She is gaining weight and seems as healthy as possible. She gets a breathing treatment and a vest treatment and has to take enzymes with every meal and every snack daily. This has just become routine and she is very good about it.

Sydni was on a cheer squad for Upwards this winter and is now getting geared up to play softball. She loves to swim and go to the camp ground in the summer as well! She has also learned how to do some beginning gymnastics and loves the trampoline. Sydni’s first trip to Florida will be over Spring Break and she is more than excited about it. This fall she will attend kindergarten at Eastern Hancock.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects over 30,000 children and young adults in North America. CF affects the body in two primary ways. First, CF affects the digestive system preventing the body from absorbing key nutrients from food and, consequently, making it difficult to grow. Second, CF affects the lungs making it hard to breath at times. The median life expectancy for half of people with CF currently stands at 37 years of age. Great Strides provides the primary fundraising income for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and gives patients and families hope that one day, a cure will be found!

I would like to invite you, your family and friends to the 2009 Greenfield Great Strides Walk to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The walk will be held Saturday, May 16, at the Greenfield Middle School located at 204 W. Park Avenue. Registration begins at 9:00 am (or register online at www.cff.org) and the walk begins at 10:00 am. If you can’t make it to the walk but would like to support SYDNI’S STARS to help find a cure for CF please send checks to us, made payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

We would like to thank you in advance for all of your support and we hope to see you all at the walk!!!

Bill, Sheri, Tori, Austin and Sydni Bednarski