The National Pork Producers Council was encouraged that the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry included in its 2018 Farm Bill — the text was released today (June 8, 2018) — language establishing a vaccine bank to deal with an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). FMD is an infectious viral disease that affects cloven-hooved animals, including cattle, pigs and …
National Pork Board Elects New Officers
Steve Rommereim, a pork producer from South Dakota, was elected president of the National Pork Board at the organization’s June board meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of the World Pork Expo. Rommereim is the owner, manager and operator of Highland Swine, which markets 10,000 pigs annually. He also grows corn and soybeans, as well as has a cow/calf …
Pork Producers Respond to Mexican Retaliation
Mexico levied punitive tariffs – 10 percent effective today (June 5, 2018), escalating to 20 percent on July 5 – on unprocessed pork (not including variety meats) in retaliation for tariffs on its metal exports to the United States. Mexico’s decision follows similar retaliation in early April by China, which imposed additional 25 percent tariffs on U.S. pork, reducing live …
Trade Retaliation Already Hurting Pork Producers
The National Pork Producers called for a swift resolution to the U.S.-China trade dispute because pork producers are feeling the pain. Iowa State University Economist Dermot Hayes says U.S. pork farmers have lost $2.2 billion on an annualized basis. The losses are a direct result of the events leading up to and following China’s 25 percent punitive tariffs in retaliation …
Brazil Trucker Strike Disrupting Ag Exports
The Brazilian trucker strike has officially disrupted supply and exports of farm products from one of the biggest ag exporting countries in the world. A Reuters report says Brazil is the top exporter of soybeans, sugar, coffee, and chickens. The strike over high fuel prices has brought Latin America’s largest economy to a complete stop. Roads are empty and major …
Biosecurity Important for Poultry Owners
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reminding those in the poultry industry of the need for biosecurity after the recent confirmation of a case of virulent Newcastle disease in California. As Rod Bain reports, it serves as a reminder that flock owners need to practice proper biosecurity measures. Biosecurity Important for Poultry Owners Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive …
USDA Will Not Recognize Third-Party Inspections Regarding Animal Welfare
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, will not establish new criteria for recognizing third-party inspection and certification programs when determining the Agency’s own inspection frequency under the Animal Welfare Act. In December of last year, APHIS announced a series of public listening sessions as for leadership to gather information about the concept of third-party …
Trade Retaliation Hurting U.S. Pork Producers
Producer Losses at $2.2 Billion Since March 1 The National Pork Producers called for a swift resolution of the United States-China trade dispute, paving the way for increased U.S. pork exports to the world’s largest pork-consuming nation. According to Iowa State University Economist Dermot Hayes, U.S. pork producers have lost $2.2 billion on an annualized basis due to events leading up to and following China’s 25 percent punitive tariffs in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel. …
New Hours of Service Bill in U.S. Senate
Last week, a new bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate that basically reforms federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules in a way that ensures animal welfare, highway safety and the well-being of livestock haulers. The Transporting Livestock Across America Safely (TLAAS) Act was introduced by 10 senators. Allison Rivera, executive director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association …
Cattle Groups Applaud Introduction of Livestock Hauling Bill
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as well as the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, were both pleased with the introduction of the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act on Wednesday. The NCBA says the legislation will reform the Hours of Service Rules in a way that ensures animal welfare, highway safety, and the well-being of livestock haulers. NCBA President and California producer …