News Update
April 10, 2013
CAB’s Erickson ‘Woman of Influence’ in Food Industry
Since its inception in 1978, the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand has become perhaps the most recognizable worldwide. And for the past 21 years, Tracey Erickson has had a major hand in that unprecedented rise in the food world.
She guided CAB’s entry into male-dominated foreign markets in the early 1990s as international director, and, since then, as vice president of marketing, Erickson has led the initiatives that resulted in today’s global presence.
Those are some of the reasons Erickson was recently announced as one of this year’s “Women of Influence in the Food Industry” by Griffin Publishing (www.griffinpublishing.net/index.php) with support across the U.S. food industry. “I’m deeply honored to be selected to this list, and that my peers saw it fitting to nominate me,” Erickson said. “The beef business has provided wonderful opportunities to meet and work with an amazing network of ranchers, distributors, retailers and restaurateurs — each influencers in their fields — who have taught me so much. I’m proud to have had a part in their success with the Certified Angus Beef brand.”
Erickson joined CAB in 1992 after completing graduate studies at Colorado State University, stepping into the new role as director of international, the only employee in the division. The Farmingdale, N.Y., native worked to grow brand partnerships in the North American and Asian markets.
Today, Erickson oversees the brand’s marketing initiatives — which can be experienced in 46 countries. She has been a driver in the CAB effort to tell the stories of its vast network of farmers and ranchers, and more than 14,000 restaurant and retail partners worldwide.
Animal Drug User Fee Act Reauthorization Comes
Before House Energy and Commerce Committee
The House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hosted a hearing on the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA). The reauthorization of ADUFA is one of the top priorities for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) as set by its members. ADUFA legislation authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect fees for certain animal drug applications. This allows pharmaceutical companies to pay a user fee to FDA, which is used to hire additional technical staff. By hiring additional technical staff, FDA is able to approve future animal health products without adding to the burden on taxpayers.
At the hearing, the committee heard testimony from Mike Apley, a veterinarian with a doctorate in pharmacology. Apley currently teaches at Kansas State University (K-State) in Manhattan, Kan., and testified to the importance of animal health technologies that in turn allow veterinarians and producers to prevent, control and treat diseases to maintain animal health.
“The overarching goal of veterinarians and producers is to replace the need for prevention or control uses of antibiotics through good management practices,” said Apley. “ADUFA allows veterinarians and producers a greater array of current products to use in these practices. Uses of antibiotics in food animals are highly regulated, starting with specific indications on the label as approved by the FDA. Any other use of these products must meet strict requirements, including strict oversight requirements for veterinary involvement.”
The most important relationship in the judicious use of antibiotics is that between the veterinarian and the producers. The 2011 National Beef Quality Audit (BQA) found that nearly 90% of respondents have a working relationship with a veterinarian when it comes to the use of animal health products. The BQA also found that 99% of cattlemen followed BQA best management practices, which stress the judicious use of antimicrobial drugs for cattle through a set of guidelines first established in 1987 and reviewed regularly for scientific relevance.
AFBF Lays Out Tax Reform Wish List
Individual tax code reform is essential for farmers and ranchers, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) said today, April 10, in a statement submitted to the House Small Business Committee. According to AFBF, tax reform must be simple, transparent, revenue-neutral and fair to farmers and ranchers.
“Any tax reform proposal considered by Congress must be comprehensive and include individual tax reform,” AFBF stated. “More than 96% of farms and 75% of farm sales are taxed under IRS provisions for individual taxpayers.”
Although broadening the tax base and lowering the rate are important parts of tax reform, lawmakers should note that lowering rates will impact farms and ranches differently than other businesses because farmers’ and ranchers’ incomes can swing wildly as a result of unpredictable weather and uncontrollable markets, cautioned AFBF. Farm and ranch income varies greatly from year to year with loss years often outnumbering those that are profitable.
Farm Bureau also supports the continuation of unrestricted cash accounting for farmers and ranchers who pay taxes as individuals and cautioned against reducing the number of farms classified as corporate that are eligible to use cash accounting.
“Capital gains taxes continue to be a problem for farmers and ranchers,” continued the statement. “In addition to capital gains taxes imposed when land and buildings are sold, proceeds from the sale of cattle used for breeding, dairy, draft and some other livestock are treated as capital gains income.”
Like capital gains taxes, estate taxes continue to be one of the most worrisome tax issues facing farmers and ranchers, said AFBF. About 85% of farm and ranch assets are tied up in land, buildings or breeding animals, leaving farmers with few options for generating cash to pay the estate tax.
For more information and the full release, click here.
The Important Role Agriculture Plays
in Feeding a Growing Population
Novus International Inc. is sponsoring Marty Matlock, professor of ecological engineering, University of Arkansas (UA) and executive director, UA Office for Sustainability, at the 4th Global Feed & Food Congress (GFFC), which begins today, April 10, at the Sun City Resort in Sun City, South Africa. At 2 p.m. local time in Royal Ballroom South, Matlock will be giving a keynote address on the topic, “The role of animal agriculture in feeding 10 billion people sustainably.” Matlock’s informative presentation is included as part of a three-part session which focuses on meeting sustainability challenges.
“The challenges, opportunities and potential risks related to sustainable agricultural production are a direct result of competing land uses,” Matlock notes. “Agricultural production, including crops, pasture and grazing, currently utilize more than 40% of the Earth’s surface. In order for global agricultural producers to meet the increasing demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel, while at the same time reducing inputs and impacts, we must use every tool currently available in our collective tool box and continue to develop innovative tools that address emerging problems in an efficient, earth-friendly manner. Our future success is dependent on what we do today.”
For more information and the full release, click here.
MaternalPlus® Informational Meeting in Kansas April 16
Where does one begin to get started with the American Angus Association’s MaternalPlus inventory-based reporting system? Kansas Angus Association (KAA) District 3 Director Matt Perrier will host a meeting and program for KAA members, guests and others interested in learning about MaternalPlus April 16, 2013, in Chanute, Kan. The Dutch treat meal will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Ambassador Steakhouse located in the historic Tioga Hotel, 12 E. Main St. Dinner will be followed by a program at 6:30 p.m. Bring your notebook computer, tablet or just pen and paper to participate in this workshop about the new AAA reporting program.
Tonya Amen, genetic service director for the American Angus Association, will lead this informative, hands-on session. The meal cost of $20 per person will include meal, tax, tip and beverage.
Canola Educational Opportunities Planned
in Kansas during April, May
K-State Research and Extension is planning several opportunities this spring for producers to learn more about winter canola production practices and risk management, including tours at producers’ and experiment fields across the state.
“We are committed to helping Kansas farmers know the ins and outs of canola production to help them be successful with the crop,” said K-State Research and Extension canola breeder, Mike Stamm. “Risk management is critical when growing a new crop. Tremendous progress has been made during the past several years and we are excited to share this information with interested growers.”
Attendees will learn about the current growth stage, yield potential, and late-season insect and disease pressures. Harvest management options and marketing of grain will also be discussed.
The field tours are part of a cooperative agreement between K-State and the USDA Risk Management Agency to promote canola production and educate producers on good farming practices and risk-management strategies. The U.S. Canola Association’s Promote Canola Acres Program, which is administered by the Great Plains Canola Association in Kansas and Oklahoma, will serve as co-sponsor.
For more information and the full release, click here.
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