News Update
Jan. 7, 2011

NCBA Reacts to Administration’s Proposal to Resolve U.S.-Mexico Trucking Dispute

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding the Jan. 6, 2011, release of a proposal to resolve the U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking dispute:

“The Obama administration’s announcement is a step in the right direction and comes not a moment too soon. It is critical for all farmers and ranchers and for the entire U.S. economy that this long-running U.S.-Mexico trucking dispute comes to an immediate resolve. The retaliatory tariffs Mexico has placed on U.S. agricultural exports as a result of this dispute is costing the United States an enormous amount of money and jobs for U.S. workers. This is a good first step but it is of little value if our countries do not move forward to end the dispute as expeditiously as possible.

“President Obama has expressed an ambitious and admirable goal to double exports in the next five years. We believe that is possible if we work on market access and defense. We cannot expect to double exports if we allow disputes like this one to linger rather than seek immediate resolve. Mexico has been, and continues to be, an outstanding trading partner for U.S. cattlemen and women. Jeopardizing this trade relationship would be detrimental to the U.S. beef industry.

“We urge the administration to work with the Mexican government to reach a commonsense solution that is in the best interest of job creation and sustainability. We encourage members of Congress to proactively support this effort to end the dispute.”

— Release by NCBA.

FSIS Implements New Notice on Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Cattle

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has begun implementing Notice 74-10 regarding disposition of non-ambulatory cattle. The notice was announced Dec. 21.

According to the notice, any cattle that are non-ambulatory when presented by the plant to the USDA veterinarian for ante-mortem inspection must be condemned and euthanized. If cattle temporarily lie down at the plant, but rise for ante-mortem inspection, they may be passed if the veterinarian finds them fit for consumption.

The only exception is for veal calves that are non-ambulatory because they are cold or tired. Cold or tired calves may be set apart for treatment and if subsequently deemed fit for consumption, they may be passed. 

The notice does not apply to calves that are less than 400 pounds.

To view the notice, click here: www.fsis.usda.gov/oppde/rdad/FSISNotices/74-10.pdf.

— Release by American Meat Institute.

Employee Management Workshops Offered for Agriculture Operation Owners

A successful agricultural operation needs more than a good owner/manager, quality animals and appropriate facilities. Knowing the “how, when and why” of employee management also is a vital component that not everyone can claim. The Iowa Beef Center (IBC) and Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) are coordinating and hosting employee management workshop series this winter designed to provide this information.

Russ Euken, ISU Extension program specialist, said attendees will learn about the employer’s role and responsibilities; communication, performance and legal issues; and compensation topics.

“This is a three-session workshop to be held in four locations with specific topics addressed in each session,” Euken said. “ISU Extension field staff will lead the first session, Erin Herbold with the ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation will be at the second session, and Bob Milligan of Dairy Strategies is the featured speaker at the third session.”

Participants will learn about useful tools for employee management and have time during the sessions to formulate plans to implement the tools. Presenters also will provide management resources and opportunities for discussion among those at the sessions.

People should preregister at least two days prior to the first workshop they want to attend by contacting the person listed for that location. All sessions are scheduled from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop fee is for meals during the workshops and can be paid at the door.

Here is the list of workshop locations, dates, preregistration contact information and fees:

• Amana, Clarion Inn — Feb. 1, 8, 15. Contact Terry Steinhart, Keokuk County Extension, 800-515-2680 or tsteinha@iastate.edu. $50 fee.
• Calmar, NCC Room 115 — Feb. 2, 9, 16. Contact Jennifer Bentley, Winneshiek County Extension, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu. $30 fee.
• Iowa Falls, Hardin County Extension office — Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14. Contact Russ Euken, Hancock County Extension, 641-923-2856 or reuken@iastate.edu. $30 fee.
• Sheldon, NWICC, Bldg c, Room 349 — Feb. 15, 22, March 1. Contact Kris Yeske, Sioux County Extension, 712-737-4230 or kyeske@iastate.edu. $30 fee.

A brochure with all workshop information is available on both the IBC website and the IPIC website.

A grant from USDA Risk Management Education Agency helps support the cost of these series which are offered in cooperation with the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Land O’ Lakes Purina and Iowa Poultry Association.

— Release by ISU Extension.

New Beef Position to Focus on Animal Care, Food Safety and Profitability

A newly created position in Ohio State University (OSU) Extension will address animal welfare, beef management and production, and preharvest food safety for Ohioans.

“Animal care and food safety are key issues for Ohio farmers and consumers alike. This position will help promote practices recommended by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board,” said Keith Smith, associate vice president for agricultural administration and director of OSU Extension.

The OSU Extension Beef Coordinator position will be based out of Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon, Ohio, and will be funded in partnership with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and the Ohio Beef Council (OBC).

“This position is about sharing information across all industry sectors to add economic value to Ohio’s beef production,” said Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of OCA and OBC. 

“We are grateful to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and the Ohio Beef Council for partnering with us to create this new position,” Smith said. “The economic realities of the day require creativity so we can continue to address the needs of Ohioans.”

The position helps Extension fulfill its mission, Smith said. “Part of Ohio State University Extension’s mission is to help Ohio businesses grow and be more profitable,” Smith said. “This new effort strengthens our ability to provide Ohio’s $1.3 billion beef industry with the information its producers need to succeed.”

John Grimes of Hillsboro will be filling the role of OSU Extension Beef Coordinator starting this month. “John Grimes’ experience with livestock and passion for education has prepared him to take on this important effort,” Smith said.

Grimes has been employed by OSU Extension for nearly 25 years as an Extension educator in Brown, Adams and most recently Highland County. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s  degrees from Ohio State University, where he majored in animal science.

Grimes plans to focus programming on increasing consumer confidence and awareness regarding Ohio’s beef industry. He will also emphasize adding economic value to Ohio’s beef production, adoption of on-farm management practices and marketing techniques that will add value to the state’s feeder calf production, niche markets as a viable marketing option, and efficient forage production and utilization systems. Grimes can be reached at 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, OH 45661; by office phone at 740-289-2071, ext. 242; cell phone at 937-763-6000, or e-mail at: grimes.1@osu.edu.

— Release by OSU Extension.

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