News Update

News Update
Dec. 13, 2006

Feds Raid Swift Plants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raided six Swift & Co. meat plants yesterday in an effort to shut down illegal immigrants allegedly working there under stolen identities. More than 1,000 federal agents swarmed plants in Greeley, Colo.; Hyrum, Utah; Marshalltown, Iowa; Grand Island, Neb.; Worthington, Minn.; and Cactus, Texas.

According to Bloomberg.com, investigators found evidence of “substantial” identity theft traced to a crime ring that produced fake documents for illegal immigrants, including birth certificates and Social Security numbers. According to Meatingplace.com, DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division has been investigating the crime ring since February.

In a statement released by Swift, Sam Rovit, company chief executive officer (CEO) said the meat-processing giant had not condoned the employment of unauthorized workers, nor ever knowingly hired such individuals.

According to Bloomberg, the plants raided produce all of Swift’s U.S. beef and 77% of its pork. And this morning’s Denver Post article quoted Rovit as saying costs from the production disruption would near several millions of dollars for the company.

Donna Heidkamp of RJO Futures reported on InsideFutures.com that the cattle futures market showed mixed reactions yesterday as a result of the raid. Near-term effects should be bullish for boxed beef and bearish for feeders and harvest-ready cattle due to supply backlogs, the article noted.

Drought Relief on Its Way to N.D. Producers

North Dakota producers will be receiving $1.8 million in total feed assistance, according to Farm and Ranch Guide.

According to the article, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Livestock Assistance Grant Program (LAGP) provided the funds, which are being distributed directly to livestock producers whose forage was adversely affected by the 2006 drought.

More than 2,000 livestock producers from 25 of the 27 eligible counties — representing a total of 337,500 beef cattle and other livestock — are receiving a portion of the limited funds.

University, Agencies Fight Johne’s Disease

Kansas cattle producers eager to prevent Johne’s disease in their herds now have some help, thanks to the Kansas Voluntary Johne’s Disease Control programs for dairy and beef cattle, according to Kansas State University (K-State) Research and Extension.

The programs, sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine and the Kansas Animal Health Department (KAHD), have been funded by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help dairy and beef producers test their herds. The programs also can help producers develop management plans to reduce and prevent the disease.

To take advantage of the new program, producers should contact KAHD in Topeka at (785) 296-2326. The KAHD can provide a list of Kansas Johne’s-certified veterinarians from which producers can choose a veterinarian to test their herd. The department will reimburse veterinarians a base fee for development of the herd risk assessment and herd management plans. Funds are also available to support diagnostic testing of a portion of the herd.

More information about the program is available by contacting any Kansas county or district K-State Research and Extension office.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.