beef

HayTalk on Getting Through The Winter

Truffle Media Networks — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:54:08 +0000

Hay: Getting Through The Winter This recent HayTalk offers some discussion on planning to have enough hay/forage thru the winter.

What Is The 5 Step Animal Welfare Rating Program?

Truffle Media Networks — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:07:16 +0000

via chicagotribune.com

Whole Foods highlights through a 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating system how animals are raised before being purchased by consumers. Global Animal Partnership (GAP), developers of Whole Foods' rating system, seeks to achieve higher welfare for farm animals by building partnerships, working in collaboration with farmers, ranchers, food retail, and animal science experts.

Whole Foods Market harbors the same hopes for its chickens that many parents do for their kids: That they'll get plenty of fresh air, live at home until they reach maturity and avoid gaining weight so fast that they can't walk.

While Whole Foods Market was the driving force behind developing the standards, GAP Executive Director Miyun Park believes they will move well beyond the chain, spurring "massive improvements in the way animals are raised in this country."

The 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating is available for beef cattle, pigs, and broiler chickens.

Complexity In Beef Markets Make For Hard Decisions

Truffle Media Networks — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 04:02:46 +0000

via mlive.com

Rising corn feed costs are forcing hard decisions for Michigan beef producers.

Scott Oswalt, one of two brothers who run the [family's livestock business] outfit with their parents, said the current market makes it difficult to form long-range plans, such as building a barn or purchasing property to raise more cattle. "We'll survive through it," Scott Oswalt said. "I wouldn't call it a disaster by any means, but it's a little bit of the unknown."
Oswalt said rising corn prices play the biggest role in the farm’s finances. Since it costs more for feed lots to bulk up cattle, producers don’t fetch as high an amount.

Additional complexity to beef prices are the low number of meatpackers within the US. Few meatpackers means less competition and price fluidity.

Complaints have drawn the interest of federal regulators, who are investigating possible antitrust violations in the meatpacking industry. [Kathleen Hawkins, executive vice president of the roughly 500-member Michigan Cattlemen's Association] said she's seen no evidence of any collusion or impropriety occurring locally.

What the Beef Industry is up to Down Under

Truffle Media Networks — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:34:18 +0000

Beef Industry Down Under Audio: Kevin Dhuyvetter, Kansas State University Agriculture Economist, highlights his recent trip to Australia. He comments on cattle marketing and animal identification approaches in Australia that could have appeal to the U.S. beef sector.

Heat Stress on Cattle

Truffle Media Networks — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:40:00 +0000

Heat Stress on Cows Dr. Larry Hollis, cattle veterinarian at Kansas State University, provides guidance on detecting and treatment of heat stress in cattle. Audio: Detection and Treatment.

Agchat on Meat Processor Issues

John Blue — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:54:27 +0000

Meat Processor Issues @iTweetMeat lead discussion on meat processor issues on #AgChat

SwineCast Update for April 15, 2010, What Is The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act?

John Blue — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:04:39 +0000

SwineCast has recently increased its industry stake with sponsorships of significant meetings through our parent, Truffle Media Networks. The event sponsorships resulted in exclusive SwineCast coverage of the recent National Institute for Animal Agriculture Annual Meeting: “One Health: Implications For Animal Agriculture.”

Also, we are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the upcoming Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Conference in Alexandria, Virginia; “Truth, Lies and Videotape: Is Activism Jeopardizing Our Food Security?” You can still register for this important program April 28 and 29 at http://www.animalagalliance.org/register/.

SwineCast and Truffle Media Networks are working to keep our industry up to date and informed on critical issues in Washington while providing valuable information on industry issues, such as this recent conversation with AgriPulse editor Sara Wyant on the current Washington political climate impact on agriculture.

Your input helps us stay on top of the concerns of highest importance. Again, thank you for your time and participation! If you have any additional thoughts you would like to share, please feel free to contact us.

SwineCast^® Conversations

Tracking The Canadian Herd Buyout

Jurgen Preugschas, president of the Canadian Pork Council, provides perspective on the outcomes of recent programs the Canadian government has extended to the industry.

Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act

Dr. Jen Greiner, the National Pork Producers Council, shares thoughts on The Union of Concerned Scientists and their PAMTA support in Washington, DC.

Price Reporting Analysis

Ted Schroeder, discusses a recent research release of the nation's wholesale voluntary pork price reporting system and whether improvements could be made.

Agriculture Telling its Story

Animal Agriculture Alliance's 9th Annual Stakeholder Summit is April 28-29, 2010 at the Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The main topic is "Truth, Lies and Videotape: Is Activism Jeopardizing Our Food Security?" This event will feature a keynote by Dr. Elizabeth Parker, Chairman, Animal Agriculture Alliance and Chief Veterinarian, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Topics being covered include: an animal agriculture legislative update, terrorism against the food industry, and proactive animal well-being initiatives. See program for details.

Careers in Agriculture What is the future of the job market for those in agriculture? What should those in agriculture do to advance their career? Learn more from this AgChat discussion, it contains resource links, news, and videos on ag careers.

NPPC Hires New Top Lobbyist Chris Wall starts as the assistant vice president for government relations. “Chris has great leadership skills and an extensive background in agriculture,” said Audrey Adamson, vice president of domestic policy issues. “He will be a valuable asset to pork producers in fighting for reasonable legislation and regulations.”

SwineCast^® Conference Connection

Fresh presentations from the 2010 NIAA One Health: Implications for Animal Agriculture

Video: The Future of Traceability in USDA's Animal Health Programs Edward M. Avalos, Under Secretary, USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Veterinary Services and Dr. John Clifford, Chief Veterinarian, USDA.

Video: Welfare: The Husbandry-Health Link: The swine perspective Dr. James McKean, Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostics and Production Animal Management, from NIAA's One Health: Implications for Animal Agriculture, March 15 - 17, 2010, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Additional presentations available for the Opening Session, Animal Care, Animal Identification, Emerging Diseases, and International Trade.

What are the front-burner issues you want to know more about? Tell us at feedback@swinecast.com.

Don't forget to add SwineCast^® to your playlist!

Thanks, again, for listening!

Ned Arthur
Your SwineCast Host

1.877.SwineCast (1.877.794.6322)
Feedback@SwineCast.com

More Brazilian Beef Bound for the US?

Truffle Media Networks — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:35:27 +0000

More Brazilian Beef Bound for the US? (audio) Glynn Tonsor, new livestock economist at Kansas State, share his thoughts on the current cattle market trends as well as some global impacts on our marketplace. Via BeefCast.com.

Dr. John Clifford - Past, Present and Future Veterinary Services' Roles in One Health

Truffle Media Networks — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:41:05 +0000

Past, Present and Future Veterinary Services' Roles in One Health - Dr. John Clifford, Chief Veterinarian, USDA, from NIAA's One Health: Implications for Animal Agriculture, March 15 - 17, 2010, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Audio only Click Play button below to listen to audio on line.

Direct link to MP3 audio file, right click and download file
Dr. John Clifford - Past, Present and Future Veterinary Services' Roles in One Health.

Edward M. Avalos - The Future of Traceability in USDA's Animal Health Programs

Truffle Media Networks — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:20:35 +0000

The Future of Traceability in USDA's Animal Health Programs - Edward M. Avalos, Under Secretary, USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Veterinary Services and Dr. John Clifford, Chief Veterinarian, USDA, from NIAA's One Health: Implications for Animal Agriculture, March 15 - 17, 2010, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Audio only Click Play button below to listen to audio on line.

Direct link to MP3 audio file, right click and download file
Edward M. Avalos - The Future of Traceability in USDA's Animal Health Programs.