PoultryCast

• In the case of consumer concerns and food safety issues, "We can't wait a day or two.  We've got to respond in minutes!"  National Grocers Association VP of Public Affairs offers this insight in today's social media world as he shares with the recent Stakeholders Summit of the Animal Agriculture Alliance meeting in Alexandria, VA. 

• This breakdown of the current status of livestock provisions in the Farm Bill discussion is specially pertinent. Anne Hazlett, chief counsel to the Senate Ag Committee, and Pete Thomson, senior professional staffer with the House Ag Committee, provide the highlights.  The Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholder Summit in Arlington, VA marked the organization's 25th year of raising awareness of the value of animal agriculture to legislators and media.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association is working to limit losses in the antimicrobial area of the animal health toolbox, as Dr. Christine Hoang notes in the brief segment from the recent National Institute for Animal Agriculture Annual Meeting.
• Dr. Hoang's presentation before the NIAA Antibiotic Council
• AVMA audio clip on antibiotic regulation changes featuring Dr. Hoang

• Attorney and Illinois farmer Gary Baise once played a role in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.  He tells the annual meeting of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture that the agency is now establishing regulations that will end modern agriculture.

• House Ag Committee Chair Congressman Frank Lucas recently spent some time walking through the current climate in Washington, D.C. and gave his thoughts on the next Farm Bill, where it stands and what might happen.  Please pass this one to others in your organization. 

• The moment we've been waiting for may finally be approaching.  Less pressure from ethanol demand, Catch up inventories with trend-line yields.  Bottom line - prices moderating albeit at higher levels than we'd like.  Purdue's Dr. Chris Hurt shares what's happening and why we should see a bit less volatility in the days to come.

• Auburn University's Dr. Wallace Berry shared research at the International Poultry Scientific Forum which shows potential to control mites through feeding granulated sulfur.  However, in an even more promising outcome, the level of ammonia was also impacted.  

• If you're hoping for lower volatility soon, economist Dr. Steve Meyer says it won't be evident in 2012. Noting he could see corn prices at $4, and just as easily see it at $8, the tight supply concern will likely continue. The potential for drought in the midwest only heightens the risk of supply interruption as Dr. Meyer noted in this abbreviated presentation for producers.

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• Dr. Ken Macklin, Auburn University, provides an overview of his International Poultry Scientific Forum on the effect of DDGs on necrotic enteritis.  Dr. Macklin seems to believe there is a relationship between the two.

• From the International Poultry Scientific Forum in Atlanta, we talked with Dr. Malcomb Mitchell of the Scottish Ag College about transportation configurations which ensure animal comfort and harvest quality.  Tunnel ventilating your transport.

• Ian Davis, retired Senior Partner at McKinsey and Company, recently shared his top five leadership traits with Stanford's Graduate School of Business students.  Ian has consulted with major international management leaders, seeing very good... and some not very good management teams.  This half hour program is a great thought provoker for your management team and might be a good point of initiation for the 'up and comers' that are ready for advancement.  Best wishes in the New Year!
• Link to Ian Davis program oveview and bio
• Link to YouTube presentation

• Communicating with consumers is challenging on most topics.  Same with food safety according to Tony Flood of the International Food Information Council.  He says creativity is key.

• Smithfield Foods, as a major player in the protein production industry, sees better consumer connections and corporate citizenship as keys to profitability.

• The Climate Corporation provides insurance against weather.  Based on conditions in and around the growing season, this risk management tool provides coverage against the biggest unknown in our industry.

• A recent conversation with Terry Feldheim of the Farm Credit Service of America highlights the support underpinning land prices at these levels.

• Dr. Marty Strauss was a speaker and panelist at the recent Food Systems Summit where discussion focused on creatively communicating what today's agriculture provides; food safety, low cost, convenience, etc.  I asked Dr Strauss how to better bridge that gap when today's consumer doesn't really understand what they're getting and why. 

• Market Analyst Joe Kerns with the International Agribusiness Group had some soothing words for producers dealing with volatile feed costs.  He speaks with AgToday's Eric Atkinson. 

• Senior VP for communications at the Food Marketing Institute, Susan Bora discussed efforts underway at the Food Marketing Institute to better communications from retailer to consumers.  She shares her thoughts on transparency and foreknowledge of issues which might impact perception at the recent Food Systems Summit.

• At the recent Food Systems Summit, Charlie Arnot provided insight on the most recent consumer research series undertaken by CFI.  The Center for Food Integrity is a great source of information on consumer buying decisions and industry perceptions.

• Pfizer Animal Health purchased Synbiotics late last year as a key building block in the development of an in-house diagnostics program. Senior Scientist Liz Turpin logs in to discuss the potential of this new venue and benefits for the end user.