News Update
January 12, 2012
Cross Named Department Head for Texas A&M Animal Science
H. Russell Cross has been named department head of animal science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. The announcement was made by Mark A. Hussey, vice chancellor and dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Cross currently is a professor and the interim department head.
“Dr. Cross is an accomplished and respected leader,” Hussey said. “His industry expertise and leadership experience will be a strong and steady influence guiding the department as we strive to provide the very best opportunities for our students, faculty and staff.”
Cross brings an extensive portfolio of management experience in government, academia and the private sector to the position.
“Serving as interim head for animal science has been a rewarding experience,” Cross said. “There’s a remarkable history and tradition, and I look forward to working with our stakeholders, faculty, staff and students in helping it to continue to excel as the premier animal science department both nationally and internationally.”
In previous roles in academia, Cross served as executive vice president for operations and chief of staff to former Texas A&M President Elsa Murano. Prior to that appointment, he was deputy vice chancellor and associate dean for agriculture and life sciences. He also served as head of the department of animal science and the meat and muscle biology section, the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in Meat Science, and was the founding director of the Texas A&M Institute of Food Science and Engineering.
His service in government included the role of administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. At the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb., the largest animal research center in world, Cross served as USDA’s research leader within the meat research group. He also pioneered the International Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Alliance, serving as its founder and executive director. The alliance represents 24 food associations, 40 universities and the governments of 13 countries.
Within the private sector, Cross was the CEO and chairman of Future Beef Operations LLC and has served as director of food safety for IDEXX Laboratories. Within National Beef Packing Co., Cross was executive vice president of food safety/government and industry affairs. He also was vice president of DuPont Food Industry Solutions.
USDA: Beef Production and Trade Forecasts Steady
The 2012 forecast of total red meat and poultry production is raised from last month, largely reflecting increased pork production. Beef production is little changed from last month, although adjustments are made to the quarters. USDA will release its Cattle report Jan. 27, providing an indication of producer intentions for heifer retention in 2012 and feeder calf availability.
USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report estimated that the second-half 2011 pig crop was just over 2% higher than 2010 and indicated that producers plan a slight decline in sows farrowing in the first half of 2012. However, with continued gains in pigs per litter, more hogs are expected to be available for slaughter and the 2012 pork production forecast is raised from last month.
Poultry production forecasts are unchanged. Egg production is lowered slightly for 2012. For 2011, small changes are made, with beef and pork production estimates raised, but broiler and turkey estimates lowered. The egg production estimate is unchanged.
Trade forecasts for beef, pork, broilers and turkeys are unchanged for 2012. Beef, pork and turkey estimates for 2011 are unchanged but broiler exports are raised due to stronger-than-expected shipments in October.
Cattle prices for 2012 are unchanged from last month. The annual average hog price is lowered reflecting a lower first-quarter price forecast. The first-quarter broiler price is raised but the annual price range is unchanged. Turkey and egg prices are raised from last month. Prices for 2011 are adjusted to reflect December estimates.
NCBA Condemns Extremist Attacks on
Family-Owned Cattle Operation
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald said the alleged animal rights extremist attacks on Harris Ranch, located in Coalinga, Calif., is an example of extremists showing a disregard for property and lives. While law enforcement has not confirmed who was responsible for the attacks, the North American Animal Liberation Press Office, publicly released information Jan. 9 that included correspondence from the group reportedly claiming responsibility.
“This is not only an attack on a family-owned and operated business, this is a domestic terrorist attack on our nation’s providers of food and fiber,” said Donald. “This extremist behavior goes above mere activism and the freedom of speech. These criminals are threatening lives and causing substantial economic harm.”
The attack took place before dawn on Sunday, Jan 9. Fourteen tractor-trailers were engulfed in flames and several other pieces of farm equipment were also damaged. No people or animals were reported hurt during the attack. Donald said those responsible for this attack are not at all concerned about the safety of livestock.
“Anyone concerned about the welfare of animals would not orchestrate attacks on individuals who are experts at caring for these creatures,” said Donald. “Ranchers are undoubtedly the very best caretakers of livestock. Cattlemen and women implement the highest animal handling and food safety standards designed by veterinarians, animal behavioral experts and researchers.”
Reports indicate that law enforcement will likely hold a press conference next week. Donald said he in encouraged by the swift action of California and federal investigators and looks forward to seeing those guilty of this crime prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Agronomy School to Cover the
Nuts and Bolts of Corn and Beans
Farmers and certified crop advisers (CCAs) have the opportunity to learn about the most comprehensive, up-to-date crop production and agricultural technology information available today at the 2012 Central Ohio Agronomy School.
The school, organized by Ohio State University Extension, will meet Jan. 16, 23 and 30, and Feb. 6, 13 and 20, 6:30-9 p.m. at the Knox County Agricultural Center, 1025 Harcourt Rd., Mount Vernon.
Cost for the six-week program is $50. Fifteen CCA continuing education credits are available for an extra $50. Also available are Pesticide Recertification Credits (five private, 2.5 commercial) for an additional $25.
To register, fill out the form available at http://go.osu.edu/HEg and mail, along with a check payable to OSU Extension-Knox County, to OSU Extension-Knox County, 1025 Harcourt Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
“This school is designed with everyone in mind: part-time or full-time producer, beginner or CCA agronomist,” said OSU Extension educator John Barker. “Within each subject area we will teach the basic concepts and progress to the most advanced agronomic principles.”
Topics include cover crops, weed control, precision agriculture, soil fertility, marketing and outlook, and field drainage. Program details are available at http://go.osu.edu/HEg. For more information, contact Barker at 740-397-0401 or barker.41@cfaes.osu.edu.
Wildfire Preparedness Seminar set for Jan. 30 in Kerrville
A Wildfire Preparedness Seminar will be convened from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Upper Guadalupe River Authority Lecture Hall, 125 Lehmann Drive in Kerrville.
The seminar, which is free and open to the public, is presented by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in conjunction with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority and Kerr County Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District.
Registration is from 5-5:30 p.m., followed by a short welcome and introduction by Ray Buck, general manager for the river authority, and Roy Walston, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, Kerr County. Seminar presentations begin at 5:40 p.m.
“Presentations will be made by various state and local experts and will cover not only wildfire preparedness, but also many issues directly or indirectly associated with wildfire and wildfire preparation,” Walston said.
Seminar topics include an overview of the current drought situation and future predictions, discussion of current groundwater and surface-water levels, a legislative forecast, a weather forecast, wildfire prevention and preparedness, and burning regulations. A wrap-up and panel question-and-answer session will be held at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the Upper Guadalupe River Authority at 830-896-5445.
NCBA: Pre-Convention Tour to Highlight
Nashville History, Unique Culture
2012 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show participants can count themselves in for a jam-packed week. In addition to participating in policy committee meetings, educational events and networking with thousands of cattlemen and women, convention participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the local culture and history during a pre-convention ag tour Tues., Jan. 31, 2012.
NCBA President Bill Donald said the tour will give convention goers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get a firsthand glimpse of Nashville.
“Besides having the opportunity to experience some of Nashville’s best entertainment, convention participants will also have the opportunity to explore the unique history of the city and its surroundings,” Donald said. “We want to be able to provide cattlemen and women with the educational tools they need to be successful at their operations as well as give them an opportunity to learn about a new part of the country.”
The tour, sponsored by SFP and hosted by Tennessee Beef Council, Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, includes stops at the Tennessee Farmer’s Cooperative; the Stones River Battlefield National Park; the Dye & Ray cattle operation; as well as a guided tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery. In addition to touring all these sites, those who register for the tour will also have the opportunity to be a part of a live taping of RFD-TV Monday Night Live. The live taping Mon., Jan. 30, will include a catered dinner and give participants time to explore the RFD-TV studio.
In order to take part in this opportunity, participants must preregister. Spots will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. For more information on how to preregister and for a schedule of the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit www.beefusa.org.
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