News Update
July 19, 2012
Missouri Cattlemen's Names New Executive
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) has named Mike Deering as its new executive vice president. He will assume the position Sept. 23. Deering currently serves as head of communications for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) policy division in Washington, D.C. MCA President and cattleman Lonnie Duckworth from Butler, Mo., said Deering's vast experience with agricultural associations accompanied by his unwavering passion for Missouri's farm and ranch community make him uniquely qualified to move MCA forward.
"He has proven himself as a transformational leader at NCBA, and we are thrilled to have that kind of leadership for our state," said Duckworth. "Mike is a fighter for the American farmer and rancher and truly believes agriculture is the single most important industry to sustaining life on this planet. We need that kind of passion, loyalty and determination."
Originally from Savannah, Mo., Deering grew up on a diversified family farming operation with cattle, row crops and hay. Deering graduated with an associate's degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Junior College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri and a master's from Oklahoma State University. He previously served as the director of special programs and promotions for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation; editor of the Western Livestock Journal; director of news services for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF); and head of communications for the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).
Deering says he is ready for the next challenge.
"There is tremendous opportunity for MCA to reintroduce itself as the definitive voice and trusted leader for Missouri cattlemen and women," said Deering. "From burdensome and unneeded regulations coming from partisan bureaucrats to an onslaught of extremist groups trying to end production agriculture, the challenges are many, but with a vibrant state association, we will secure the future of the Missouri cattle industry."
USDA Seeks Drought Assistance from Congress
The Obama administration called on Congress Wednesday, July 18, to assist farmers suffering from the worst drought in 25 years. According to the Associated Press (AP), Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said three-fifths of the U.S. land mass and much of the country's corn and soybean crops have been affected by the lack of rain.
Vilsack met with President Barack Obama Wednesday to discuss a response to the disaster. Vilsack said farmers need Congress to pass the five-year $500 billion farm and nutrition bill that is awaiting action in the House of Representatives, or at least approve additional disaster programs or provide more flexibility in the availability of credit.
The administration has declared drought disasters in one-third of the counties in the country, making them eligible for assistance such as low-interest loans.
Vilsack cautioned consumers about potential price gouging in the short-term, saying any increase in retail costs would likely come late this year and next year. In fact, he said, the price of beef, chicken and poultry could well go down in the short term as producers reduce their stocks in the face of higher feed costs, reports the AP. Vilsack also said that despite the drought, corn farmers are on track to having the third best corn crop in U.S. history.
For more information and the full release, click here.
U.S. Meat Groups Hope UN Decision Will Facilitate Trade
U.S. meat groups are welcoming the United Nations (UN) adoption of standards for maximum residue levels of the veterinary drug ractopamine in beef and pork.
The feed ingredient promotes leanness and efficient lean gain in beef and pork and has been approved by the FDA for 12 years. It is also approved by regulatory authorities in 25 other countries.
But while food-safety standards for the drug have been established for some time, final adoption of standards by the UN's Codex Alimentarious Commission, which sets international standards for food safety, has been long in coming.
In its fifth attempt, the commission adopted the maximum residue standards on July 5 on a 69-67 vote.
Although 26 countries have approved the use of ractopamine, the European Union and some other countries have been using it to treat U.S. beef like a political football for several years, said Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen's Beef Association associate director of legislative affairs.
"Some countries choose not to base their safety standards on internationally recognized science and instead base their safety standards on what will appease political interest," he said.
For more information and the full story, click here.
White House Champions of Change — Future Leaders: 4-H and Future Farmers of America
The White House Champions of Change program highlights the stories and examples of citizens across the country who are "Winning the Future" with projects and initiatives that move their communities forward. Each week, the Office of Public Engagement (OPE) hosts an event to honor those who are working to empower and inspire other members of their communities. Agency representatives and White House Policy Offices participate in the events and host discussions on amplifying best practices learned in each area.
This September, the USDA and the OPE will welcome 4-H and FFA members and their mentors to the White House to recognize the exceptional ways they are impacting their communities.
For example, a Champion's work may entail:
- Pursuing innovative projects in agriculture, science, healthy living, community service
- Empowering communities to involve youth as partners in decision-making and governance
- Improving the quality of afterschool programs
- Developing and implementing physical health, nutrition, and other hands-on, interactive programs
- Researching innovative solutions to environmental or hunger issues
- Working in partnership with adults to improve the lives of members in their communities
- Starting a small business
Please submit nominations by midnight Friday, Aug. 3, by utilizing this form.
For the electronic application form, click here.
Senate Finance Committee Unanimously
Passes Russian Trade Bill
The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates the Senate Finance Committee on its unanimous passage of a draft bill that would establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia, the world's sixth largest economy. ASA now encourages the Senate to take up the bill as quickly as possible, and calls on the House to move forward with a companion bill in order for the U.S. to capitalize on Russia's accession package to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Importing more than $770 million in meat, poultry, egg and dairy products in 2011, Russia is an important market for the U.S. soy industry.
"Today's unanimous passage of the draft bill establishing PNTR with Russia is a very encouraging move by the Senate Finance Committee, and we congratulate Committee Chairman Baucus and Ranking Member Hatch on their work to solidify U.S. business opportunities abroad," said ASA President Steve Wellman, a soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb. "The demand in Russia for poultry, pork, eggs, dairy products and other items that use soy inputs is already significant and continues to grow as the Russian economy grows. With today's vote, the U.S. soy industry is one step closer to expanding an already beneficial and positive relationship with a valuable partner."
Retail Prices for Meats, Dairy and Eggs Decline Slightly
Retail food prices at the supermarket declined slightly during the second quarter of 2012 with protein staples — meats, cheese, milk and eggs — showing the greatest drops in price, according to the latest AFBF Marketbasket Survey.
The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $50.91, down $1.56 or about 3% compared to the first quarter of 2012. Of the 16 items surveyed, 12 decreased and four increased in average price compared to the prior quarter. The cost for the overall basket of foods fell about one-half of 1% compared to one year ago.
Most of the quarter-to-quarter decrease in the marketbasket of foods was due to lower retail prices for sliced meats and dairy products.
"The decline in retail meat prices for the second quarter is not unexpected," said John Anderson, an AFBF senior economist. "Wholesale meat prices trended lower at the end of the first quarter of the year and consumers are benefiting from that as retail prices have followed suit."
For more information and the full release, click here.
Farmers Reminded of NDA Hay and Forage Hotline
Farmers with hay or other forage for sale or those in need of forage resources are encouraged to access a free Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) database that works to connect buyers and sellers.
Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said the NDA Hay and Forage Hotline is available for sellers to call and list available hay, pasture or other forages. Those wishing to sell can call 1-800-422-6692 to request their information be added to the listing. Those wishing to purchase hay or other forage can access the list online at www.agr.ne.gov or may request a copy by calling NDA. The list is free and is updated regularly.
"As the drought continues, forage resources are increasingly in need across Nebraska," Ibach said. "I encourage anyone with hay for sale or pasture for lease to call our hotline and become a part of the free listing. You do not need to be from Nebraska to list available forage resources with NDA."
Ibach said all types of forage can be listed on the site, including the availability of cornstalks for grazing.
For more information and the full release, click here.
Mosquitoes and Birds Test Positive for West Nile in Nebraska
Mosquitoes in Adams and Sheridan counties tested positive for West Nile Virus and so have birds in Madison and Phelps counties, according to the Nebraska Health and Human Services (DHHS).
"The virus will show up in more parts of the state as summer progresses so it's important for people to avoid mosquito bites," said Joann Schaefer, the state's chief medical officer and director of public health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, or IR3535. Dress in long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when you're outside. Dusk and dawn are times when mosquitoes are most active. Limit outdoor activities. Drain standing water around your home. Standing water and warmth breeds mosquitoes.
West Nile is transmitted to people through the bite of a mosquito that picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. So far this year, there are no human cases of West Nile Virus.
Most people who are infected by a mosquito have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. About one out of 150 people infected with West Nile Virus become severely ill. However, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.
West Nile fever includes flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle weakness. Symptoms of the more serious West Nile encephalitis include inflammation of the brain, disorientation, convulsions and paralysis.
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