News Update
Jan. 22, 2010

NCBA, PLC Support Murkowski, Lincoln Efforts to Reverse EPA Finding

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) are strongly supporting a joint resolution by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and others, to reverse the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent finding that greenhouse gases (GHG) are an “endangerment to public health and welfare.” NCBA filed an appeal in the DC Circuit Court last month challenging EPA’s finding, due to a lack of science showing that greenhouse gases are the result of manmade activities, rather than a naturally occurring phenomenon.

“We’re pleased that a strong bipartisan group of Senators [is] taking a stand against EPA’s over-reaching efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions,” said NCBA President Gary Voogt. “The Administration’s decision to trump Congress and unilaterally regulate greenhouse gas emissions will stifle U.S. economic growth and development.”

EPA’s “endangerment” finding provides the foundation for the agency to regulate GHGs from small and large sources throughout the economy — including farms, hospitals, office buildings and schools — under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The CAA is ill-equipped to address climate change, and it was never the intent of Congress that it be used for this purpose.

“EPA’s finding lacks scientific justification,” Voogt continued. “Before jeopardizing the ability of the U.S. to remain competitive in the global marketplace, we’re asking the courts to re-examine the science behind EPA’s claims.”

For more information on NCBA’s petition for appeal, visit: http://www.beefusa.org/NEWSNCBAFilesAppealofEPAsEndangermentFindingRule39995.aspx.

— Release by NCBA.

USDA Research: Pork from Pigs Exposed to H1N1 Safe to Eat

Pork from pigs exposed to the H1N1 virus is safe to eat, according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS).

Researchers noted that sick hogs are not allowed entry into the U.S. food supply as per USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) criteria, but stated that their findings support the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that pork harvested from H1N1-infected hogs is safe to eat.

In this study, non-respiratory tract tissues were analyzed for the virus following infection of the young pigs with the pandemic H1N12009 virus. Researchers found that while the H1N1 virus can induce respiratory disease in hogs there was no evidence for systemic infection that would contaminate meat with the infectious virus, which is consistent with other swine influenza illnesses.

To view this study, click here: http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/56657. 

— Release by the American Meat Institute.

AgriLife Extension Silage Production Seminar Set Feb. 3 in Comanche

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Comanche County will host the “Central Texas Silage Production Seminar” Feb. 3 at the Comanche Community Center, Comanche.

The educational event will address the production of corn and forage sorghums for silage production, said Whit Weems, AgriLife Extension agent for Comanche County.

Registration is free, includes lunch, and participants will receive two continuing education units toward renewal of their Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license, one in the general category and one in integrated pest management, he said.

“Additionally, participants will receive one hour of DOPA (Dairy Outreach Program Area) credit,” Weems said.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the meeting should conclude by 3 p.m., Weems said.

Speakers will include Brent Bean, AgriLife Extension agronomist, Amarillo; Paul Baumann, AgriLife Extension weed specialist, College Station; and Chris Sansone, AgriLife Extension entomologist, San Angelo.

“Dr. Bean will address silage production and focus on varieties, seedbed preparation, seeding rates, water requirements and other management practices,” Weems said.

Baumann’s talk will be on weed management in corn and forage sorghum production. Sansone will provide information on integrated pest management for silage crops.

The Comanche Community Center is located at 100 Indian Creek Drive. Heading west on U.S. Hwy. 377/67, go to the west side of Comanche. Indian Creek Drive is on the left after crossing the overpass. The Comanche Community Center will be the first building on the left.

For more information, contact Weems at 325-356-2539 or w-weems@tamu.edu.

— Release by Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

“I Heart Beef” Campaign Set To Kick Off In February

During a time when sales of middle meats are traditionally slower, the checkoff’s food and nutrition communications team, using conclusions drawn from checkoff-funded market research, is gearing up to capitalize on a month that boasts many familiar holidays and special occasions. Thus, the beef checkoff is initiating an “I Heart Beef” campaign.

The program was specifically designed to help strengthen interest in beef middle meats, cuts that have a proven return on investment for beef producers, by reminding consumers of their passion for great steaks like the T-bone and tenderloin. Not only that, but February is Heart Health Month.

“A growing body of evidence shows that lean beef, trimmed of visible fat, can be a part of a low saturated fat diet that does not increase heart disease risk factors,” says Dave Fugate, cow-calf producer from Greenback, Tenn., and chair of the Joint Public Relations Subcommittee. “The checkoff’s I Heart Beef campaign is strategically positioned during a time when consumers tend to focus on dieting, and we’re trying to make them aware of the heart health benefits of lean beef; meanwhile, aiming to increase sales of middle meats which aids the ultimate goal of the checkoff — increase beef demand.”

The checkoff-funded consumer survey used as a foundation for the campaign found:

• In this month of romance, beef is the preferred choice of Americans (62%) because nothing says love like a great steak dinner for Valentine’s Day.
  
• Americans associate steak as a “best match” for love (44%), romance (42%) and passion (41%)—more so than other high-end proteins.
  
• When it’s time to share that Valentine’s Day meal, beef wins. A ribeye (32%) or T-bone steak (32%) are chosen as the best meal to share with a significant other.
  
• Americans most often associate beef with celebrations (50%), compared to chicken (18%), pork (17%) or fish (15%).
  
• Sixty-two percent of Americans say they choose to prepare beef if they are looking for gratitude or appreciation from their dinner partner.
  
• Fifty-three percent of Americans identify filet mignon as the food most associated with candlelight romance and 50% of Americans think filet mignon is the best way to say “I love you.”

The campaign includes numerous media outreach components, online and electronic communications, and communications and a recipe contest geared toward registered dietitians, encouraging them to share their love for lean beef. As an off-shoot of the national efforts, the campaign can then be tailored by state beef councils.

“This campaign will kick off in February but the benefit to beef producers is that its usefulness can be extended to other holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day when consumers are celebrating the holiday with corned beef and cabbage,” says Fugate. “And there’s something out there for everyone — if you’d like to participate as a producer, this program offers ways to be involved and help share the beef story so hopefully more people remember to ‘heart’ beef during February. Watch your e-mail or contact your state beef council for more details.”

For more information about checkoff-funded initiatives, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.

— Release by the Beef Checkoff.

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