News Update
October 10, 2011
USDA Extends Deadline for Public Comments on
New Animal ID Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday that it was extending the deadline for public comments on its proposed rule for mandatory animal traceability, following a request by 49 organizations for a deadline extension. The organizations had sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack requesting an extension to allow sufficient time for the people who will be affected to analyze the rule and submit comments.
“We have significant concerns about the substance of the rule, and we appreciate the USDA providing more time for public comment,” stated Judith McGeary, executive director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance and vice-chair of the USDA Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health. “Our farmers are already struggling with the poor economy and terrible weather conditions in many parts of the country, and they needed additional time to provide comment to the agency about the impact this proposed rule will have.”
While the USDA already has traceability requirements as part of existing animal disease control programs, the proposed rule goes much further to require animal tracking even absent clear and documented disease threats. The proposed rule has raised significant concerns among family farm and ranch advocates, who accuse the agency of pushing a program to benefit corporate agribusiness interests rather than animal health.
While expressing appreciation for the extension to the comment period, the groups continue to argue that the agency needs to reconsider the substance of the rule, as well.
Fall 2011 Issue of The Scoop Now Online
From event coverage of the 2011 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) to stories about issues influencing the beef and agricultural industries, an array of information is included in the online-only issue of The Scoop, a publication developed by members of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). This year, 14 juniors served on the staff.
Samantha Yantis, 19, from Bunkie, La., served as the editor-in-chief for the latest issue. She says having the publication strictly online this year will set it apart from past issues.
“This year, we’ve really stepped it up,” Yantis says. “We’ve upgraded The Scoop to make it an online publication that is very fun and interactive.”
In addition to Yantis, other staff members include Michaela Clowser, Milford, Neb.; Jacob Coon, Bethel, Mo.; Aliesha Dethlefs, North Platte, Neb.; Katie Friederichs, Walcott, Iowa; Gabrielle Glenister, Pulaski, N.Y.; Andrea Hosto, Alhambra, Ill.; Catie Hope, Berryville, Va.; Destiny Jones, Ruston, La.; Destiny McCauley, Bowling Green, Fla.; Caroline Miller, Lindsey, Ohio; Courtney Pooton, Sperryville, Va.; Katelyn Tunstill, Fayetteville, Ark.; and Hannah Uden, Franklin, Neb.
The Scoop is produced courtesy of the NJAA and the Angus Foundation. To view the latest issue, log on to www.njaa.info.
Saddle & Sirloin Inducts Pat Goggins
Lifelong livestock marketer and Angus breeder Patrick “Pat” Goggins is the recipient of the 2011 Saddle and Sirloin Portrait Award.
“During the last 50 years, Goggins built his livestock auction business into one of the largest and most successful in the country,” says Terry Cotton, general manager of Angus Productions Inc. (API) and chairman of the nominating committee.
Goggins, who resides in Billings, Mont., has played a critical role in the industry as an innovative rancher, with the industry’s first-ever video sales in the marketing and promotion of seedstock. He also created a voice for rural America with his publication, Western Ag Reporter.
For more, view the full American Angus Association news release at http://bit.ly/p6l8PB.
Save Farms and Ranches: Dine at Local Restaurants For Farms™ Week Oct. 16-22
Diners can show their support for America’s farms and ranches by patronizing local restaurants that are participating in American Farmland Trust’s second annual Dine Out for Farms™ week Oct. 16-22.
Dine Out for Farms is a nationwide celebration of delicious food and the farmers and land needed to grow it. The weeklong event raises money to save farms and farmland. This year, restaurants in 22 states and the District of Columbia are participating by contributing a percentage of sales during the Dine Out for Farms week or by making a straight donation to help save farms.
“Dine Out for Farms encourages diners to think about where their food comes from,” said American Farmland Trust President Jon Scholl. “The United States has been losing nearly one million acres of farmland each year, and the most threatened land is near cities where the majority of our dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables are grown. To reverse the trend, we need restaurants, diners and everyone who enjoys eating locally grown food to get involved.”
To view a list of restaurants participating in Dine Out for Farms week, visit www.farmland.org/dineout-locate.
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