News Update

News Update
May 8, 2008

Farm Bill extended once again

The Farm Bill continues to drag on, as both the House and Senate have voted to extend current Farm Bill legislation until May 16. The agriculture committee conferees will continue to try to agree on new legislation that must pass Bush Administration objections to become law.

Last week, Farm Bill negotiators reported they reached agreement on certain issues. Among them, conferees dropped the Senate provision to limit packers’ livestock ownership to 14 days before harvest; and they acted on crop-subsidy rules, land-stewardship programs, language to prevent abuse of price supports, and whether fruit and vegetables will continue to be barred on land eligible for crop subsidies.

President Bush still seems likely to veto the Farm Bill as it has ballooned to a $300 billion package, the costliest in history. The 2002 version of the bill was less than $200 billion. Politically, increasing farm programs by 50% is unpopular at a time when the farm economy “has never been stronger,” as described by a report from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Sen. Saxby Chambliss, D-Ga., told reporters he would work to override the veto if Bush vetoes it. Other Senators claim overriding a veto would be difficult. Much of the media’s focus on the Farm Bill centers on subsidies paid to “wealthy” farmers. But two-thirds of the bill would pay for food stamps. The bill would also boost conservation programs that are designed to protect the land and environment.

— Release provided by Drovers

Russia allows for importation of U.S. livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that the United States will begin exporting breeding cattle; bovine embryos; breeding, fattening and slaughter swine; and breeding and sport horses to Russia. Russia will accept cattle born on or after implementation of the United States’ 1997 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban.

“Russia’s decision demonstrates our trading partners’ confidence in our ability to effectively protect animal health and food safety,” Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said. “This decision opens up a new market for U.S. livestock producers, and we are pleased that such an important trading partner is looking to the United States to help establish a significant livestock market.”

Russia is turning to the world market to import livestock and genetics to restore its livestock herd, which has been declining during the last 15 years. The value of these new markets for U.S. exporters is substantial. The new live-animal protocols will allow U.S. exporters to participate in Russia’s $300 million market for live-animal imports.

USDA has worked closely with Russia and other trading partners to establish full market access for U.S. livestock. USDA will continue to encourage other countries to take steps to align their requirements with international standards.

— Release provided by USDA

Humane Society releases more videos

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) released another undercover video this week, with footage of several neglected “downer” cows at livestock auctions in four states. According to HSUS, the videos were taken during April and May at auctions in Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas.

“This has to stop immediately,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the HSUS. “Our earlier investigation into the callous and abusive treatment of live animals at a slaughter plant in California appalled the nation and led to the largest meat recall in U.S. history. These new video images show that the rot in the factory farming system of raising animals goes much deeper. The problems are systemic, the laws and regulations are inadequate, and the industry’s resolve insufficient.”

USDA Secretary Ed Schafer commented on the videos.

“Late last week, the Humane Society of the United States notified me that they were in the early stages of an investigation into the mistreatment of farm animals transported to livestock auctions and stockyards. The dairy cattle shown in the video were non-ambulatory and were abandoned in parking lots of these auctions and yards. These animals were not in slaughter facilities. However, even though this is not a food safety issue, these actions of animal cruelty are not acceptable.

“USDA’s authority to regulate the treatment of animals includes the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and the Animal Welfare Act. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act protects animals when they are presented for slaughter at federally inspected establishments. The Animal Welfare Act allows us to ensure the proper care of live animals when used in biomedical research, testing and exhibition. When animals fall within our authorities, USDA has acted to prevent animal cruelty such as this.

“Policies for humane handling of animals, however, consist of a combined effort of federal, state and local authorities, as well as private industry. Since learning about this investigation, we are reaching out to states and industry groups to address this issue.

“In my conversation with the Humane Society last week, I expressed my sincere desire to work with them to resolve these atrocities, and I trust USDA was given all the information HSUS has on this issue so we can thoroughly address it. It is essential that we work together in good faith to address these issues, and ensure that animals are treated with care and dignity.”

— Release provided by USDA.

Hearing today

Earlier today, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights held a hearing titled “Concentration in Agriculture and an Examination of the JBS/Swift Acquisitions.” Two panels took place that included people from the Department of Justice, universities and the industry.

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.