News Update

News Update
Dec. 21, 2005

U.S. Beef Served in Japan

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Wednesday hosted one of the first meals in Japan in the last two years to include U.S. beef, according to Reuters.

USMEF hosted the lunch, which included approximately 50 invited guests and media.

According to the article, industry officials are estimating that initial U.S. beef supplies to Japan will reach only 20% of their pre-ban status, and Philip Seng, USMEF chief executive officer (CEO), has suggested beef shipments could take up to three years to reach levels obtained before the ban was implemented.

Iowa Producers Register Premises

More than 300 Iowa operations have registered their livestock with the state department, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Patty Judge reported yesterday in an article by The Associated Press.

An Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) spokesperson reported that, so far, 170,000 farmers nationwide have registered with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS).

Program to Help Farm Transitions

Kansas State University (K-State) and the Kansas Rural Center (KRC) are developing an educational effort to help farm families and operators of rural businesses work through differences and plan for the long-term economic and emotional health of operations.

The effort, “Helping Farm Families Manage Successful Businesses,” will be fueled in part by $150,000 in partnership funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). The funding was awarded to K-State Research and Extension and the KRC. The organizations are developing workshops, a Web site, individual counseling and other tools to aid families as they work through issues and plan for the long-term growth of their businesses.

Initial workshops planned through the partnership will be held Jan. 18 in Wakeeney, Kan., and Jan. 19 in Smith Center, Kan.

Workshops to train those who work with the public, including Extension agents and clergymen, will also be a part of the effort. For more information about “Helping Farm Families Manage Successful Businesses,” call the Kansas Rural Family Helpline at 1-866-327-6578 or e-mail farmksu@humec.ksu.edu.