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Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) and Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) have introduced
bipartisan food safety legislation, “The Safe Food Enforcement,
Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act.”
In a statement, Costa said, “Although American food still continues to
be among the safest in the world, it’s not surprising that recent food
safety problems have caused Americans to lose confidence in our
nation’s ability to keep our food safe. We lack a system which ensures
the best management practices and facilitates a strong relationship
between federal and state agencies to better prevent and control food
safety threats at all levels of food production. Quite simply, this
legislation will help make the American consumer’s food supply even
safer by preventing these problems before they occur.”
The legislation:
- Requires all domestic and foreign companies selling food in the
U.S. to conduct a food safety risk analysis that identifies potential
sources of contamination, outlines appropriate food safety controls, and
requires verification that the food safety controls implemented are
adequate to address risks of food-borne contamination.
- Grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to access
food safety production records during emergencies and deny importation
of goods if strict food safety standards are not met.
- Directs FDA to adopt a risk-based approach to inspection, giving
greater scrutiny to facilities posing greater risks.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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The chain will not be broken.
The food chain in America is not about hide color. It’s about quality,
it’s about passion, it’s about people making a life-long investment
to feed a global population of more than six billion people. Our food
chain begins with an Angus genetic supplier in the nation’s
breadbasket and ends with a satisfied eating experience from the family
dinner table to the Waldorf=Astoria. The strength of our food chain
depends on the quality product with sustainable value from the pasture
to the center of the plate.
Angus, the power of people and progress. www.angus.org
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California Mulls Antibiotic Use In Livestock Measure
California State Sen. Dean Florez has introduced a bill to restrict
antibiotic use in animal ag. As introduced, SB 416 would:
- Prohibit, commencing Jan. 1, 2012, a school or school district
from serving poultry and meat products (from which the animals have
been) treated with antibiotics.
- Prohibit, commencing Jan. 1, 2015, a person from using antibiotics
for non-therapeutic and prophylactic use in any animal raised for the
production of any human food product.
- Require state and local governments, when purchasing meat supplies,
to prefer meat supplies produced without the use of medically important
antibiotics as feed additives.
The bill can be viewed at www.nmaonline.org/Bill.pdf.
-- National Meat Association
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With research indicating 65% of households of 4+ people changing
their grocery shopping patterns due to economic pressures, and 71% of
consumers cooking more at home and eating out less, Cargill is rolling
out a new promotional program called “Feed the Whole Family for
$10.” It includes point-of-purchase signage, on-pack stickers,
full-color recipe cards – each with a hearty ground beef recipe –
and a website (www.groundbeefvalues.com
) with more $10 recipes and resources.
“This program helps retailers address the economic pressures their
customers are facing by providing cost-effective meal solutions as well
as all of the recipes and preparation tips they need,” says Elizabeth
Gutschenritter, Cargill brand manager. “Our research shows 30% of
consumers are purchasing more ground beef than a year ago. Our goal is
to ensure consumers a positive experience with the product by arming
them with easy-to-prepare, great-tasting recipes that may provide a new
experience with ground beef and spur repeat purchase.”
The promotion also includes an instant-win game that gives consumers the
chance to win “Free Ground Beef for a Year.” Each of 14 winners will
receive coupons redeemable for 150 lbs. of free ground beef.
The “Feed the Whole Family for $10” promotion runs through April 13
in 1,100 retail grocery locations across the country.
-- Cargill Meat Solutions
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 More Deere. Less Dough
Learn more about the versatile new line of Utility Tractors from John
Deere.
Click
here to find a dealer near you.
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A Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame (CFHF) has been established to honor
the visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the
cattle-feeding industry. CFHF is designed to celebrate the rich
traditions of the cattle-feeding industry and recognize individuals who
devoted their careers to preserving its mission and improving production
practices.
A five-person nominating committee will develop a ballot of CFHF
nominees that will be distributed next week to the industry. Once
ballots have been submitted and counted, the top two vote getters will
be announced in May.
In the short-term, a virtual CFHF museum is being created to house the
history of the U.S. cattle-feeding industry and recognize the
entrepreneurs and visionaries who contributed to its success.
The nominating committee includes: Richard McDonald, former Texas Cattle
Feeders Association CEO; Del Miles, veterinarian and industry
consultant; Terry Stokes, National Cattleman’s Beef Association former
CEO; Topper Thorpe, former Cattle-Fax CEO; and Betty Jo Gigot, CALF
News.
-- Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame release
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For Jay Jensen and his family, feeding cattle every day through an
Idaho winter has become a distant memory instead of a chore. This is the
third winter that a field of silage corn is an automatic feeder for
their herd near Moore in central Idaho, where they also raise grain and
hay.
-- To read this article go to:
hayandforage.com/silage/corn/0301-winter-corn-grazing/
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 Right Then. Right Now.
Actual feedlot performance data clearly shows performance always pays.
Recent data on over 100,000 head of steers demonstrates today’s ideal
steer gains 3.5 lbs. or more per day, finishes at 1,400 lbs. and
qualifies for additional premiums paid for high quality carcasses.
To read the entire white paper, click here. >>>
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An article in The Costco Connection published by retail giant
Costco asks the question, “Should Animals Have the Same Rights as
People?” The article offers opposing views, with People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals arguing the affirmative and David Martosko
with the Center for Consumer Freedom offering an opposing opinion. You
can weigh in on the debate at delivery.texterity.com/costco/index000342983.cfm
Go to www.costcoconnection.com/
to read the article.
-- Ron Hays, Radio Oklahoma Network
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 More Pounds without Bigger
Cows
Cattle producers need every edge in today’s tough economy. Get more
pounds of calf to sell by using Gelbvieh or Balancer bulls on those
British-based cows. The Gelbvieh-influenced heifer mates give you the
benefits of a crossbred cow without a larger mature cow size, according
to MARC data. Get more at www.smartcross.org
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Breeding season is nigh. To help you get ready, Oklahoma State
University’s Glen Selk and the University of Kentucky’s Les Anderson
will conduct a webinar on the application of estrous synchronization
protocols for beef cows and heifers from 12-1:15 p.m.(CST) on March 25.
The webinar will help you sort out the various synchronization protocols
and how they can be applied in your herd. To join the webinar, go to
connect.extension.iastate.edu/beefcattle/.
Enter your name under the “Enter as Guest” heading, then click on
“Enter Room” and follow the instructions.
-- Burt Rutherford
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The House Agriculture Livestock Subcommittee held a hearing this
week to review animal ID systems. Collin Peterson (D-MN), House Ag
Committee chairman, said, “After five years of throwing over $100
million at a voluntary system, we are still in pretty much the same
place. Even worse, many of the crucial aspects of the program show
little promise of ever being substantially implemented.
“Agency staff has told us that the program as currently structured
would never be effective in providing the country with a reliable
trace-back system. The stakeholders out there need to get together and
resolve their differences, a mandatory animal ID system is crucial in
order to avoid the economic consequences of a major animal disease
outbreak."
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) testified in favor of
a voluntary program stating concerns about confidentiality with a
mandatory system.
Meanwhile, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) testified in favor
of mandatory animal ID. NPPC said mandatory ID would:
- Provide U.S. pork producers and federal and state animal health
officials with improved tools to manage swine herd health through
disease surveillance, control and eradication programs;
- Enable U.S. pork producers to maintain and promote access to
international markets, which are critical to the continued viability of
the pork industry; and
- Strengthen the security of the nation’s livestock industry,
especially in the event of an intentional introduction of a pathogen or
toxin that could affect animal health.
--
P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C. correspondent
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The national average price for regular gasoline ticked up for a
second week (0.7¢ to $1.941/gal.), for the week ending March 9.
Meanwhile, diesel was down in all regions, the average price falling for
the eighth straight week, shedding 4.2¢ to $2.045/gal.
The average price for regular gasoline at retail is down $1.284/gal.
below a year ago and $2.173 under the all-time high set on July 7, 2008.
For the week, the Midwest was at $1.918, the Gulf Coast $1.819, the
Rocky Mountains $1.814, the West Coast $2.168, and California
$2.196/gal.
The average diesel price is $1.774/gal. below the price a year ago and
$2.719 below the all-time high of July 14, 2008. For the week, the
Midwest shed 4.2¢ to hit $1.988, the first week since Feb. 21, 2005
that any region fell below $2. Otherwise, the East Coast shaved 3.1¢ to
$2.122, the Gulf Coast 3.7¢ to $2.006, the Rocky Mountains 7.4¢ to
$2.017, and the West Coast was at $2.12. California was down 6.9¢ to
$2.075/gal.
-- U.S. Energy Information Administration
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 Gardiner Angus Ranch Annual Production
Sale
Join Gardiner Angus Ranch, Saturday, April 4, for their 30th Annual
Production Sale. The offering includes 1002 head of registered bulls;
donor, bred and open cows ; commercial cows and 3 Quarter Horse colts.
Contact Mark Gardiner, 620/635-5095 or view the catalog online at www.gardinerangus.com
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“They’re black and they’ve had their shots… any more
questions?” is the theme of the 2009 Montana Livestock Forum and
Nutrition Conference, April 21-22 in Bozeman. Set for the GranTree Inn,
the meeting is sponsored by Montana State University Extension and the
Montana Feed Association.
Among the program topics are: Black-hided and shots: Is there more to
being successful?, Who will pay for a national animal ID program,
Reducing ranch expenses, Beef product sampling, Meaningless information
that cattle buyers don’t value anymore, Protein supplementation in cow
fertility, Fetal Programming and heifer development before and after
birth, and Growing supplemental energy on the ranch.
Registration is $65 for two days or $45 for the April 21 program only
and $30 for the April 22 program. To learn more, call Anita Gray at
406-994-3414 or email anitag@montana.edu.
-- Montana State University Extension
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week proposed the
first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by “major sources” in
the U.S. According to EPA, about 13,000 facilities, accounting for
85-90% of greenhouse gases emitted in the U.S. would be covered.
The proposal would require reports by refineries, automobile makers,
power and ethanol plants, coal mines, and large manure ponds on farms
that emit greenhouse gas emissions equal to or greater than a
“threshold of 25,000 metric tons/year.” The proposed rule will be
open for public comment for 60 days.
Find more info on the proposed rule at: www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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With high-quality pasture always seemingly in short supply, oats and
Italian ryegrass might be the surest way to have the high quality needed
by your cattle, says Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska Extension
forage specialist.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska forage specialist
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Looking to plant a new hay field this spring? Instead of
automatically planting pure alfalfa, consider mixing in some grass, says
Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska Extension forage specialist.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska forage specialist
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The fourth edition of the “Power of Meat,” a joint study by the
American Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute, finds the
recession is affecting meat-department purchasing behavior, reports
FMI/Nielsen/Lempert E-Newsletter.
Thanks to greater price sensitivity, consumers are opting for more
home-cooked meals but also looking for ways to save money inside the
store. While the overall spending amount remains roughly the same at
$91/week, the report says more shoppers are using coupons, buying only
what they need, and switching from national brands to store brands.
Other tactics include resisting luxury foods and buying items that are
on sale.
-- Read more at:
app.subscribermail.com/.
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Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) have
introduced S. 460, which would require a packer’s daily kill to
include 25% from the spot market. Similar legislation was introduced by
Grassley in the previous Congress.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C.
correspondent
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Texas Ag Commissioner Todd Staples has scheduled Operation New
Fences, a volunteer relief effort on April 25 to rebuild fences
destroyed when Hurricane Ike hit Southeast Texas last year.
“Hurricane Ike was devastating to everyone in its path, but
particularly to those ranchers on the southeast coast of Texas,” says
Dave Scott, first vice president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle
Raisers Association. “Of approximately 30,000 head of cattle in the
storm zone, some 20,000 were displaced after debris destroyed ranching
businesses and fences were literally washed away. Over 10,000 head of
cattle died from the impact of the storm or later from dehydration,
sickness or starvation.”
Although the cattle industry in the area is slowly rebuilding, many
producers are still dealing with the loss of equipment, barns, fences
and with debris, he adds.
For more info or to make a donation, go to www.texasagriculture.gov
and click on “Operation New Fences” or call 1-800-TELL-TDA
(835-3832)
-- TSCRA release
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Texas Gov. Rick Perry last week sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom
Vilsack seeking disaster status for all 254 Texas counties due to
continuing drought.
“The drought has created an economic emergency because of losses
suffered by many farmers and ranchers,” Perry says. “The farmers and
ranchers are unable to control the cause of their economic and physical
losses, which exceed state, local and private-sector assistance
capabilities.”
If granted, a federal drought declaration would allow Texas counties to
apply for assistance for drought mitigation.
-- Texas AgriLife Extension release
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“Enjoy your freedom,” was the way Jack van der Geest, one of
most amazing people I’ve ever met, always signed his autobiography. It
was a lesson he learned the hard way and one he worked tirelessly to
spread all across the nation and world.
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by Joe Roybal
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USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA will begin implementation
of the $28 billion provided for ag in the stimulus package. This
includes:
-- Click on headline to read the rest of this
story by P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C. correspondent
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USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told farmers at the National Farmers
Union convention this week that the cap on ethanol content in gasoline
should be increased from 10% to 12 or 13% "fairly quickly" without
causing problems to car engines and equipment. The Associated Press
reports that ethanol producers are urging the Environmental Protection
Agency to allow a 15% ethanol blend, though automobile and small-engine
manufacturers say there's no certainty that such an increase won’t
harm engines and fuel lines.
Meanwhile, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) joined with Growth
Energy, the American Coalition for Ethanol, the National Ethanol Vehicle
Coalition, and other groups to file an official waiver request with EPA
asking it to approve for general use gasoline blended with up to 15%
ethanol (E15).
Bob Dinneen, RFA president and CEO, said: “Increasing ethanol blending
above 10% is important to the long-term viability of America’s ethanol
industry and the success of the Renewable Fuels Standard. We encourage
EPA to fully evaluate the merits of moving to ethanol blends up to 15%.
We believe comprehensive testing and sound science will demonstrate that
increasing ethanol content in gasoline above 10% can be done with little
if any impact on existing vehicle technologies.”
-- Associated Press
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A resolution signed by Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal last week calls
on Congress to avoid any legislation that would interfere with a state's
ability to direct the transport or processing of horses. The bill passed
the Wyoming House unanimously, and the Senate on a 25-5 vote.
Prime sponsor Rep. Sue Wallis said: “In Wyoming, we understand what a
devastating impact these misguided measures have on our traditional
ranching way of life, and the livelihoods of horse people everywhere.”
Wallis noted that the elimination of a U.S.-based horse processing
market and a faltering economy has destroyed the domestic market. And,
federal legislation has been introduced and supported by radical animal
rights organizations that would completely eliminate the export market
to Canada and Mexico.
“There’s really no difference between telling me I can’t sell my
unusable horse as a food animal and telling a dairyman he can’t sell
his unproductive milk cow for beef, or a shepherd the only legitimate
use for lamb is wool. We’re fooling ourselves if we don't think that
all animal agriculture is under attack," she said.
Meanwhile, at least two states are considering measures that would fill
the horse-processing breach. In the North Dakota state legislature, a
measure seeks to set aside up to $75,000 in agriculture fuel tax revenue
for a study to see if North Dakota could feasibly – and legally –
open a horse slaughterhouse, according to the Bismarck Tribune.
And in Montana, the state House approved legislation intended to
encourage construction of a horse-slaughter plant. A South Dakota bill
intended to provide $10,000 for a feasibility study of a horse
processing plant was killed in the Senate last month.
-- See the bill at:
campaign.constantcontact.com
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