Southeast AgNET

USDA recently released their latest production figures for both cattle and hog producers for the next year.

Researchers met recently to express their doubts of last years claims by one organization that tied meat to cancer.

The latest projections has meat production numbers cutting back over the next year.

According to the latest figures, U.S. exports of pork to Japan are continuing to rise.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it would deny a request by Texas Governor Rick Perry to reduce the Renewable Fuels Standard.

EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson says they carefully considered the more than 15,000 comments on the issue and found that “the RFS is not causing economic harm but is strengthening our nation’s energy security and supporting American farming communities.”

But there are many in the livestock industry disappointed with the EPA’s decision.

With implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling just over six weeks away, USDA is working to assist retailers and food industry organizations in implementing mandatory Country of Origin labeling with outreach and information.

Suppliers and retailers are invited to a free webinar outlining COOL requirements from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. Pre-registration is required by Aug. 7 to participate. Click here to pre-register and receive audio dial-in instructions. Computer log-in instructions will be sent separately to all pre-registered attendees before the seminar.

USDA has issued the interim final rule for Country of Origin Labeling and are seeking comments. Listen to report here: To learn more about the new COOL rule, click Here

Producers attending last weeks Cattle Industry Summer Conference got an update concerning trade issues from two representatives with the USMEF, and overall it looks good.

Listen to report here:

While corn prices have dropped back some recently, overall they remain very high and the forecasts are for them to continue rising.

Listen to report here:

At next week’s meeting, the National Pork Board will be electing new officers for the upcoming year along with discussing others issues facing producers at this time.

Listen to report here:

Both pork and beef exports have some impressive new numbers according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. 

Listen to report here:

Due to many problems with meat recalls, new rules have been established and will start in a few weeks to help consumers better understand what needs to be done and where. 

Listen to report here:

Many in animal agriculture may not realize it but there is a group out there watching your back everyday when it comes to threats from activists.  Report (1:15 mp3)   To learn more log on to www.consumerfreedom.com

Input costs continue to rise affecting the bottomline for most everyone in agriculture, as the President of the National Pork Producers Council says energy costs is just one area that’s affecting those in that industry.  Report (1:00 mp3)

We are now less than 3 months from the implementation of Country of Origin Labeling, and while many are worried about being ready for the September 30th start date, Ag Secretary Ed Schafer says there will be a six-month grace period once it starts.  Report (1:00 mp3)

The latest hogs and pigs report shows producers at this time are still increasing herd numbers, but many don’t expect that trend to last much longer.  Report (1:15 mp3)

Higher feed costs have U.S. forecasters predicting we’ll see lower meat production levels next year.  Report (1:00 mp3)

Due to rising input costs, many pork producers are facing tough times right now and the President of the National Pork Producers Council knows changes are going to have to occur in order for them to cope.  Report (1:00mp3)

The Alabama Department of Agriculture’s Homeland Security & Emergency Prepardeness Section will be conducting a foreign animal disease training excerise to evaluate their response should a disease outbreak occur in the state.  Report (1:00mp3)

Due to rising feed prices, USDA has made changes to their meat production forecasts for the rest of this year and next year.  Report (:40 mp3)

Many in agriculture are facing higher input costs in a variety of areas this year, and that includes those in the pork industry.  Report (1:00 mp3)

The World Pork Expo officially opens Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa.  Report (1:00 mp3)

To learn more about the World Pork Expo click Here

When it comes to exports of U.S. beef & pork, the first quarter numbers for this year look good.  Report (1:00 mp3)

It is with great sadness and tremendously heavy hearts we report of the passing of Lee V. McCoy, known to many of his legions of friends and colleagues as the “RealMcCoy”. Lee lost his battle with cancer early morning Thursday May 22 in a Georgia hospital, admitted the Monday before in a bout with pneumonia.

Please find details regarding Lee’s memorial services at the end of this news post.

For nearly a decade until making a move into a new career opportunity last year, Lee was a regional representative of this radio network. He travelled the region and nation, and occassionally overseas, newsgathering and representing the network from his home location Read the rest of this entry »

From cattle, to hogs, to broilers the numbers have been updated as far as projections for 2008 stand with livestock prices. Report  (1:00 mp3)

Many hog producers are seeing tough times right now due to a variety of reasons and because of this, USDA has been requested to help with some pork purchases. Report (:30 mp3)

January and February were two good months for U.S. Pork Exports. Report (:45 mp3)

The 2008 Pork Management Conference is coming up May 7th-9th in Destin. Florida.  Report (:30 mp3)

A business plan has been released by USDA in their effort to get animal ID underway across the nation.  Report (1:30 mp3)

The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging USDA to help support the pork industry by making some purchases.  Report (1:00 mp3)