News Update

News Update
Nov. 28, 2005

Ag Trade Forecast Released

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) has released its latest forecasts for fiscal year (FY) 2006 agricultural trade.

According to the report, FY 2006 ag exports are forecast to reach a record $64.5 billion, up $2.1 billion from 2005 figures. Livestock products are up $500 million, with record pork exports expected to reach $2.4 billion. Grain export value remains mostly unchanged, according to ERS.

FY 2006 ag imports are also expected to reach a record-setting figure, with $61.5 billion forecasted — $3.8 billion more than 2005. Live animal imports are up $600 million due to resumption of cattle trade with Canada.

To view the entire report and the latest forecast of value and volume of U.S. farm exports, visit www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/so/view.asp?f=trade/aes-bb/.

Researchers Test Retinal Scan Technology

New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers are testing advanced retinal imaging technology on cattle and studying its applications for a national animal health tracking system.

The project, the first of its kind, included tests on 35 market steers using eye-scanning technology alongside radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags for animal ID evaluation, NMSU reports.

The retinal imaging technology flashes a beam of light into the animal’s eyeball and records the unique pattern of veins in the eye. The image is downloaded to a computer database, providing quick, accurate and traceable animal ID.

For more information visit http://spectre.nmsu.edu:16080/media/news2.lasso?i=844.

Extension Services Combat Medicare Confusion

The University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension Service is coordinating a statewide effort to help Kentucky’s senior citizens clear up the confusion surrounding Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage plan.

The Medicare Part D Prescription Benefit Plan, which opened enrollment Nov. 15, is the federal government’s effort to help senior citizens better afford their prescription drugs. Although coverage begins Jan. 1, 2006, enrollment is open until May 15.

Why all the confusion? The prescription drug program is being marketed by private insurance companies that offer a bewildering array of options, deductibles, premiums and exceptions. The plans also vary widely in costs — sometimes by thousands of dollars.

Extension agents in every Kentucky county receive weekly updates about Medicare Part D, including scam alerts, that they can pass on to their clientele, and the UK Brown Sanders Center on Aging and the Council on Aging has helped Extension agents understand how senior citizens make decisions.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to try to assist those who need prescription drug coverage to get the support they need,” said Deborah Murray, associate director of UK’s Health Education through Extension Leadership program.

For more information contact Murray at (859) 257-4736, Ext. 276.

— Release provided by University of Kentucky.

Panhandle Beef Conference Set for Thursday

The 2005 Panhandle Beef Conference is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., Dec. 1 at the Grand Plaza of the Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas.

The conference is expected to provide an update on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and explore uses of animal ID and opportunities for cattle producers.

Other topics of discussion will include the Texas Cattle Feeders Association’s Quality Systems Assessment for Age and Source Verification and the role and requirements of cow-calf and stocker producers.

Visit http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/ANSC/Nov1705a.htm for more information.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc.