The Ohio-based burger chain Wendy’s will reduce antibiotics use in its beef supply chain. The announcement follows similar measures the fast food restaurant chain took in its poultry supply chain. Starting next year, Wendy’s will source about 15 percent of its beef from producers that have committed to a 20 percent reduction of the only medically important antibiotic product routinely …
Organic Trade Association Filed Complaint About Organic Livestock Rule
The Organic Trade Association filed a complaint in federal court regarding the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule a week before the Department of Agriculture announced its withdrawal. USDA on Friday published noticed that it would withdraw the rule because the rule exceeded USDA’s statutory authority. The rule is subject to 30 days of public comment. The Organic Trade Association …
Livestock Producers Taking Part in NASS Surveys
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is busy each and every month with various surveys. Some are local and regional, while some are for producers across the nation. When it comes to livestock, there are two surveys they work with in December. National Operations Division Director for NASS, Joe Prusacki, tells us what those are. Livestock Producers Taking Part in …
Weekly Livestock Market Report
Here are the weekly livestock market reports for Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, for the week ended December 15, 2017, compiled by the Livestock Market News Service for all three states. AL Livestock Market Report: AL Livestock Market Report At Alabama Livestock Auctions for the Week ended-December 15, 2017, receipts at 21 markets totaled an estimated 9,400 head compared to …
Agroterrorism: American Food Supply a Growing Concern In DC
What’s being done to keep the American food supply safe and allow farmers to continue to produce the food and fiber the nation needs? That was one of several topics discussed during a Senate hearing Wednesday. General Richard Myers, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for President George W. Bush, was asked what currently keeps him up at …
Legislation Would Improve Students’ Access to Milk
The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017 introduced by Representative Glenn Thompson would allow schools to give students more milk choices. American Farm Bureau Federation market intelligence director John Newton says the bill gives schools the flexibility to bring back low-fat flavored milk. Legislation ”Newton says the legislation provides a market opportunity for dairy farmers. Market Allowing schools to provide …
Future Milk Prices Hinge on U.S. Dairy Exports
The world is hungry for protein—and U.S. dairy products are a leading choice for that protein. In the coming year, dairy exports will continue to play a critical role in helping U.S. dairymen achieve top prices for their milk. U.S. dairy exports in 2017 are stronger than they were a year ago, and have been on an uphill climb over …
Livestock Producers Need a Fix to CERCLA and EPCRA Issue
Three weeks ago a Washington, D.C. Circuit Court issued a stay regarding farm emissions reporting required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The court-ordered stay, which is in effect until January 22, was welcome news to livestock producers across the country. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief …
NCBA Comments on Tax Reform
Tax reform and trade are inserted daily in today’s agricultural conversations all around the United States. 2017 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Elect Kevin Kester says these issues are on the forefront of all in the cattle industry, too. Regarding tax reform, Kester says they support a full elimination of the death tax. Tax Kester says there is also …
USDA Predicts Lower Red Meat and Poultry Production
The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts lower red meat and poultry production due to lower beef and pork production forecasts. Beef production is lowered on the current pace of cattle slaughter and lighter carcass weights. The pork production forecast is lowered on smaller-than-anticipated hog slaughter this quarter although …