News Update
May 6, 2009

More from BIF …

The following are just some of the articles recently added to www.bifconference.com:

• Beef Production in the New Era of Higher Prices and Higher Costs: Do the Old Rules Apply?, by John Lawrence, Extension agricultural economist and director, Iowa Beef Center, Iowa State University
  
  
• Fitting Cows to Your Operation, by Harvey Freetly, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Neb.
  
  
• Is There a Biological Basis for Genetic Variation in Feed Efficiency?, by Gordon Carstens, Texas A&M University
  
  
• Feedlot Perspective on Efficiency, by Mike Smith, Harris
  
  
• Ranch System Perspective on Efficiency, by Chip Ramsey, Rex Ranch
  

Secretary Vilsack and Minister Ritz re-affirm Support for Pork Industry

Canada’s Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Tuesday re-affirmed that all appropriate steps are being taken to protect public health and strengthen the pork industry in both countries.

Additional analysis conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) of the H1N1 Influenza A has re-affirmed that the virus found in swine at a farm in Alberta, Canada, is the human strain. The CFIA has fully isolated and contained the situation on the Alberta farm.

“We are confident that Canadian authorities are taking all necessary steps to protect the public and the pork industry,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The international scientific community agrees that pork is safe. We are urging all countries to remove any restrictions on the movement of pork that are not based on sound science. A strong and respectful relationship is vital for pork industry in both Canada and the United States.”

Both Canada and the U.S. recognize the scientific consensus of international scientific organizations, such as the World Health Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and  the World Health Organization (WHO), that clearly state that this is not a food safety issue. Both countries continue to re-affirm the fact that pork is safe.

“Canada is committed to close scientific cooperation with our American counterparts," said Minister Ritz. “This is a great example of both countries rejecting protectionism and respecting international agreements to keep safe trade moving."

Canada and the U.S. are collaborating closely to share diagnostic and research information with full transparency to protect human and animal health.

— Release provided by USDA.

Secretary Vilsack Announces National Animal ID System Listening Session Locations

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will hold a series of listening sessions on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). The meetings will take place next month in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington state.

The public meetings will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time, with registration one hour prior to each meeting. The meetings will be in the following locations:

Thursday, May 14: Harrisburg, Pa.
Monday, May 18: Pasco, Wash.
Wednesday, May 20: Austin, Texas
Thursday, May 21: Birmingham, Ala.
Friday, May 22: Louisville, Ky.
Wednesday, May 27: Storrs, Conn.
Monday, June 1: Greeley, Colo.
Additional information on the meetings can be found at: www.usda.gov/nais/feedback.

In 2004, APHIS began implementing NAIS, an animal traceability system that would enable producers and animal health officials to respond quickly and effectively to animal disease events in the United States.

Notice of this action is scheduled for publication in the May 1 Federal Register.

— Release provided by USDA.

President Obama, Vilsack Announce Intent to Nominate Homer Lee Wilkes as USDA Undersecretary

President Barack Obama Tuesday announced his intent to nominate Homer Lee Wilkes as Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment at USDA. Reed will serve with Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“For nearly 30 years, Homer has worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service where he has been dedicated to conserving and improving the environment in multiple states,” said Vilsack. “It would be a privilege to have a public servant like Homer join the USDA leadership team to help carry out President Obama's vision of protecting our natural assets.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the primary federal agency that works with private landowners to help them conserve, maintain and improve their natural resources. The Agency emphasizes voluntary science-based conservation, technical assistance, partnerships, incentive-based programs, and cooperative problem solving at the community level.

Wilkes is a 28 year veteran of the NRCS, currently serving as State Conservationist in Mississippi where he administers the natural resources conservation program for the state. He has also served as a Budget Officer for NRCS in Amherst, Massachusetts, the Assistant Financial Manager and Fiscal Specialist for NRCS in Washington, and served as the Chief of Administrative Staff for the South Technical Center for NRCS in Fort Worth, Texas.

— Release provided by USDA.

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