News Update
April 30, 2008

ERS Releases Trade Report

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) has released a report titled “U.S. Agricultural Trade Boosts Overall Economy.”

In it, ERS notes the value of U.S. agricultural trade to the overall U.S. and world economy. According to the abstract, “U.S. agricultural trade generates employment, income and purchasing power in both the farm and nonfarm sectors. Each farm export dollar earned stimulated another $1.65 in business activity in calendar year 2006.”

According to the report, the $71.0 billion of agricultural exports in 2006 produced an additional $117.2 billion in economic activity for a total economic output of $188.2 billion. “Agricultural exports also generated 841,000 full-time civilian jobs, which include 482,000 jobs in the nonfarm sector. Farmer’s purchases of fuel, fertilizer and other inputs to produce commodities for export spurred economic activity in the manufacturing, trade and transportation sectors.”

NIAA Annual Meeting Coverage Now Online

If you missed the annual conference of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) on April 1-3 in Indianapolis, Ind., you can still catch up on all the discussion through Truffle Media Networks podcasts. Audio proceedings of conference seminars and presentations are now available online through NIAA’s web site and Truffle Media Network’s four animal agriculture web sites: BeefCast,® DairyCast,® PoultryCast® and SwineCast.®

The podcasts provide audio access to NIAA’s four Opening General Sessions, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer’s address and Under Secretary Bruce Knight’s ID•INFO Workshop keynote presentation.

To access the podcasts, visit BeefCast.com, DairyCast.com, SwineCast.com or PoultryCast.com and click on the “Conference Connection” links or visit NIAA’s web site at www.animalagriculture.org. Video of the NIAA conference membership meeting and recognition banquet are also available, as well as photos from throughout the week. Each of the speaker’s presentations is available for download as well.

Truffle Media is pleased to have Elanco as a podcast sponsor.

For more information about the NIAA, visit www.animalagriculture.org or call NIAA at 270-782-9798.

— Release provided by NIAA.

USDA Finds Humane Violations at Two Processors

An audit conducted by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has resulted in a slap on the wrist for National Beef Packing Co., Dodge City, Kan., and Cargill Meat Solutions in Fresno, Calif., according to The Associated Press (AP). 

FSIS audits of 18 processing facilities found that some cattle were not being stunned properly, overcrowding conditions existed, and some cattle had to be electrically prodded. According to AP, the Cargill plant was issued a “noncompliance” record for violating regulations related to driving livestock from the holding pen to the stunning area, but was later issued a “letter of concern” following an appeal. National Beef was cited for overcrowded holding pens.

Colorado Beef Council Revs Up Marketing Efforts

The Colorado Beef Council has teamed with DRC Motorsports and 2007 ProTruck Rookie of the Year driver Dustin Courter to promote beef at the Colorado National Speedway (CNS) and other Front Range events. Courter is starting his second year in the NASCAR-sanctioned Whelen All-American ProTruck series, which races at the CNS track in Erie, Colo. He finished fourth in overall division points last year and is favored by many to win the ProTruck Division Championship in 2008.

According to the Colorado Beef Council, he’s a rising star in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The Erie track, for example, draws more than 250,000 spectators annually. Racing fans will be easily able to spot Courter’s black and yellow #20 truck, which now carries the familiar “Beef. It’s what’s for Dinner” logo on the truck bed cover. DRC Motorsports will also hand out beef recipes and educational materials at “off track” events along the Front Range, Kent Bamford, a Huxton, Colo., cattle feeder and board member for the Colorado Beef Council, said.

The Colorado Beef Council and logo will appear on Courter’s race trailer, on his web site and on his autograph cards. The beef council will also be recognized by the track announcer when Courter races. For more information contact the Colorado Beef Council or visit www.cobeef.com.

— Release provided by the Colorado Beef Council.

Animal Health Resource Available

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today posted a new issue of Healthy Animals at www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/ha/han33.htm.

This quarterly online newsletter compiles ARS news and expert resources on the health and well-being of agricultural livestock, poultry and fish. Each quarter, one article in Healthy Animals focuses on a particular element of ARS animal research. The current issue examines efforts to control the biting midges that spread bluetongue virus. Other research highlighted in this issue includes 1) nutritious, year-round forage for cattle; 2) heat stress model helps keep cows cool; and 3) improved peanuts for forage and hay.

Professionals interested in animal health issues may want to bookmark the site as a resource for locating animal health experts. An index lists ARS research locations covering approximately 70 animal health topics. These range from specific diseases, such as Lyme disease, to broad subjects like nutrition or parasites. The site also provides complete contact information for the more than 25 ARS research groups that conduct studies aimed at protecting and improving farm animal health. To receive an e-mail alert about each future issue’s posting online, contact Laura McGinnis, ARS information staff at 301-504-1654 or laura.mcginnis@ars.usda.gov; or sign up online at www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/ha/subscribe.htm.

Extension Agents to Host Women’s Wellness Programs

University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences Extension agents across the state will educate women on a variety of health topics and preventive measures through upcoming women’s wellness programs.

Programs vary to meet the specific needs of each county. Topics can range from skin care to cancer to cholesterol and are oftentimes presented by medical experts.

Many rural communities without a hospital may find it challenging to keep the community informed of health issues and the importance of having annual exams. Kay Kennedy, Washington County family and consumer sciences agent, said this is why Washington County organizations, including the Cooperative Extension Service, formed a Community Wellness Coalition.

This year, the coalition received a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky to host their first women’s wellness program May 31 at the River of Life Community Church, near Springfield. The event is free and open to all women in Washington County.

The all-day event will include breakout sessions in which women will learn about topics ranging from stress relief to gardening to self-defense. Women may take advantage of several health screenings including blood pressure, skin cancer, breast exams, body mass index, blood glucose and cholesterol. Also, local businesswomen will set up booths to display and sell their products. Baretta Casey, director of the UK College of Medicine Center for Rural Health in Hazard, is the guest speaker.

Dr. Karla Turley from the Trover Health System in Madisonville will present a preventive health talk fromnoon to 1 p.m. June 24 at the McLean County Senior Citizen’s Center.

For the last two years, Jackson County Cooperative Extension Service has sponsored a women’s health fair and luncheon at Camp Andrew Jackson in McKee. This program is held in conjunction with the Christian Appalachian Project’s retreat at the camp. Women participating in the retreat and from the general public are invited to attend. Michelle Smith, family and consumer sciences agent in Jackson County, said health care providers and vendors set up booths to share health information with participants. This year’s free program is from 10 a.m. to noon May 15.

Harrison County Cooperative Extension is no stranger to women’s wellness programs. For the past 13 years, Extension has been a member of a local women’s health coalition, which has hosted speakers discussing a variety of women’s health topics, during the county’s annual Women’s Health Issues Seminar. Each year, the event explores new topics. The seminar begins at 9 a.m., May 6, at the Cynthiana Christian Church. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Topics include medication management, kidney disease, sharing memories and skin changes. The dermatologist speaker will also conduct DermaScan and facial screenings. Cost to attend is $5 and includes lunch. For more information about area women’s wellness programs, contact a local UK Cooperative Extension Service office.

— Release provided by the University of Kentucky Extension.

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