News Update

October 13, 2016

American Angus Auxiliary
Invites You to Indy

For 65 years, the American Angus Auxiliary has promoted the Angus breed and supported future leaders within its ranks. The volunteer organization is made up of Angus women from all over the country, and each year, the group comes together for events held in conjunction with the Angus Convention.

“The American Angus Auxiliary is passionate about promoting the Angus breed and providing education and opportunities to the entire Angus community,” says Auxiliary President Shally Rogen, Brandon, S.D.

The 2016 Angus Convention takes place Nov. 5-7 in Indianapolis, Ind. During the three-day event, the Auxiliary will host several activities to connect with new and old members alike.

American Angus Auxiliary members and anyone interested in learning more about the organization are encouraged to attend the Auxiliary’s Annual Meeting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Indiana Convention Center (ICC), Wabash 2 & 3. Agenda items include electing new officers and announcing their new team of regional directors.

In addition, the Auxiliary’s Angus Gift Barn — featuring brand-new items for debut during the convention — will be on display throughout the week in the ICC. Stop by to browse the latest Angus-inspired clothing, jewelry, kitchen items and much more.

For more information, view the Angus news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Jena McRell, Angus Media.

OSHA Urges Grain-handling Industry to be Vigilant

Five seconds is all it takes for flowing grain to engulf and trap a worker. In 60 seconds, the worker is submerged and is in serious danger of death by suffocation. More than half of all workers engulfed in grain die this way. Many others suffer permanent disability.

An “engulfment” often happens when “bridged” grain and vertical piles of stored grain collapse unexpectedly. Engulfments may occur when employees work on or near the pile or when bin augers whirl causing the grain to buckle and fall onto the worker. The density, weight and unpredictable behavior of flowing grains make it nearly impossible for workers to rescue themselves without help.

Since January 2016, Nebraska and Kansas’ grain-handling industry has had two fatalities and four preventable work-related incidents.

As Midwestern farmers reap this year’s harvest, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urges industry employers and workers to fully implement safety and health programs including procedures for controlling hazardous energy, safe bin entry and housekeeping to avoid additional tragedies.

For more information, view the OSHA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by U.S. Department of Labor.

U.S. Turns Canadian Pigs Away Due to Viral Symptoms

U.S. authorities have turned away at least eight truck loads of pigs that apparently showed signs of Senecavirus A (formerly called Seneca Valley Virus or SVV), the Manitoba Pork Council reported this week. Senecavirus A has been confirmed in Ont., Canada. Clinical signs of this disease closely resemble foot-and mouth disease (FMD).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is testing all swine at federal processing plants that are symptomatic. Processing plants can be shut down up to 72 hours while testing is being conducted, which immediately stops the flow of hogs and shipping of pork products from that facility. If a plant is shut down, its customers and suppliers will be notified of pending production and product delays/cancellations.

For more information, view the full article on www.MeatingPlace.com.

— Adapted from a release by Rita Jane Gabbett, MeatingPlace.

NIFA Invests $1.4 million in Health & Safety Education

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced $1.4 million in grants to enhance the quality of life for citizens in rural areas through the Rural Health and Safety Education (RHSE) competitive grants program.

Through these awards, the program is supporting two projects to address the critical challenges of substance misuse in rural communities. Secretary Vilsack announced the eligibility of such projects for the grants in March in Atlanta at a national drug misuse summit.

In January, President Obama tapped Vilsack to lead an interagency effort focused on the rural opioid epidemic. The RHSE grants are only one way USDA is using its resources to address the crisis. On Aug. 31, Vilsack announced an initiative to provide transitional housing for rural Americans in recovery from substance use disorders, and USDA has also awarded Distance Learning and Telehealth Medicine grants to health facilities to help treat individuals in rural areas.

For more information, view the NIFA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the USDA.

New Inhumane Handling of Livestock in Rule

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is announcing its intent to hold livestock owners, transporters, haulers and other persons not employed by an official establishment responsible if they commit acts involving inhumane handling of livestock in connection with slaughter when on the premises of an official establishment. The Agency intends to initiate civil or criminal action, in appropriate circumstances, against individuals not employed by an official establishment, if these individuals handle livestock inhumanely in connection with slaughter when on the official premises.

FSIS believes these actions will further improve the welfare of livestock handled in connection with slaughter by ensuring that all persons that inhumanely handle livestock in connection with slaughter are held accountable.

— Adapted from a release by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Media.