regulation

How Will Farms Be Impacted By US EPA Rule?

Truffle Media Networks — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:14:28 +0000

The US EPA Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure rule was developed because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. This new ruling applies facilities that have a total capacity to contain over 1320 gallons of oil, including gasoline, crop oil, vegetable oil, or animal fat. Fat can be an element for many feed mills, even fat in 55 gallon drums, and many farm operations can have gasoline or diesel fuel in sufficient quantity to apply. Facilities must have a plan in place to prevent the spill entering waterways. The plan does not have to be submitted to the EPA, but must be in place upon inspection.

WTO, "Not" on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)

Truffle Media Networks — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:57:40 +0000

via Bloomberg Businessweek

The World Trade Organization has ruled that the USA Country of origin labeling (aka COOL, USDA info) is violating global trade rules and may impact global agricultural commerce.

“We remain committed to providing consumers with accurate and relevant information with respect to the origin of meat products that they buy at the retail level,” [Andrea Mead, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative] said in a statement. “In that regard we are considering all options, including appealing the panel’s decision.”

COOL is considered by the US Swine industry to be a burden because the costs to implement and use out weight the benefits. For beef, many countries avoid exporting the the USA, also because of the USA COOL regulations.

What Are the Real Animal Agriculture Impacts to the Environment?

Truffle Media Networks — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:12:45 +0000

via TruffleMedia.com

Did the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations apply balanced comparisons between livestock and transportation, with respect to environmental impact? According to Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Agricultural Air Quality Center Director, University of California, Davis, the FAO's published report "Livestock's Long Shadow" misses the mark by comparing apples to oranges.

A true lifecycle assessment must be done on any system being compared.

You need to perform a complete life cycle assessment of both systems before any statements about livestock and transportation can be made and compared.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner - The Truth About Sustainability - Debunking "Livestock's Long Shadow"

Truffle Media Networks — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:32:03 +0000

The Truth About Sustainability - Debunking "Livestock's Long Shadow" - Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Agricultural Air Quality Center Director, University of California, Davis , from the 2011 Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit, May 5-6, Arlington, VA, USA.

For full screen, click on player below. Click to share video with others.

AgChat discussion on Agriculture, Farming, and Ranching

Truffle Media Networks — Wed, 25 May 2011 03:47:58 +0000

Open Ag Questions This AgChat convo covered questions about weather, air quality, and how health care is handled by those in ag. What's the one executable idea you'll be working on?

Animal Agriculture Alliance Kicks Off Summit

Truffle Media Networks — Thu, 05 May 2011 14:23:32 +0000

via animalagalliance.org

The Animal Agriculture Alliance started their Stakeholders Summit today (May 5). Some quotes from the event (via Twitter)

The Honorable Pat Roberts, Kansas, Ranking Member, Senate Agriculture Committee, "says at #AAA11 farmers and ranchers ' have to tell our story' or others will tell it for us" via @BeltwayBeef

Jason Shoultz, Summit Moderator, Producer/Reporter, America’s Heartland, "When I look at farmers across the country, I see the passion they have for what they do. That passion is what we need." via @animalag

Poultry's Approach To Industry Issues

Truffle Media Networks — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:13:06 +0000

via PoultryCast.com

Clint Hickman, VP of Sales & Marketing, Hickman's Family Farms, provides a poultry producer perspective on the issues in the industry and how to tackle them head on, not by running and hiding but by being open, proactive, and engaging. From the 2011 Annual Conference of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, April 11 - 14, San Antonio, TX USA.

World Water Day from AgChat and BioChat

Truffle Media Networks — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 05:11:43 +0000

World Water Day AgChat and BioChat combined on the topic of water. Life cannot survive without water. The issues of access to clean, safe, affordable water will continue to be a leading topic for a long time. Learn more about the issues and possible approaches to solutions from these two World Water Day conversations: AgChat and BioChat.

Who Will Be At The Animal Ag Stakeholders Summit?

Truffle Media Networks — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:46:43 +0000

via eventfarm.com

The Animal Agriculture Alliance will host its tenth annual Stakeholders Summit May 5-6, 2011 in Arlington, Virginia. The Summit will bring together food and farm industry leaders to reflect on the challenges of the past decade and new opportunities to strengthen agriculture advocacy efforts in the future. Jason Shoultz, Senator Tom Carlson, Frank Luntz, Andy Dietrick, Debbie Lyons-Blythe, and Teresa Platt are some of the key speakers at the Summit.

Chris Wall - Washington Domestic Public Policy Update | SwineCast

Truffle Media Networks — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:11:51 +0000

via SwineCast.com

Chris Wall, National Pork Producers Council, provides a Washington domestic public policy update, from the Swine Forecast 2011 webinar, December 1, 2010.

Pork Industry Policy Issues: Various Oversight Hearings: EPA; USDA; FDA; etc.; Renewable Fuels Policy; Food Safety Reform; Farm Bill Field Hearings; Budget Reconciliation; FY 2012 Appropriations