Friday October 12 Ag News

AG AT THE CROSSROADS 2012

The Nebraska Ag Relations Council 2012 Ag at the Crossroads Conference will focus on the Nebraska Ag Economy, Land Values and Use, New Crop Frontiers, Crop Markets and Uses, and how farms and Ag businesses respond to the opportunities and uncertainties of “The New Normal”.  Presenters are regionally and nationally recognized financial managers, land managers, crop breeders, and marketing experts.  The Ag at the Crossroads Conference will be held at the Lancaster Events Center in Lincoln, Nebraska on Thursday, November 1 2012 with registration at 8:30 am and program from 9:00 am till 3:45 pm.  The LEAD 31 group will be on hand and the new University of Nebraska Extension Dean Dr Charles Hibbert will share his focus for the future of Extension in Nebraska.

Other topics and presenters include:
-  Ag Economy and Lending - FCS America
-  Land Values, Rental Rates, and Land Use - Lee Vermeer, Farmers National Co.
-  Impact of Future Crop Innovations - Dr. Tom Hoegemeyer, UNL Dept of Agronomy and Hoegemeyer Hybrids
-  NE Farm Incomes, Past and Future - Tina Barrett, NE Farm Business Assoc.
-  US Economic Policy, DDGS Exports, and Corn Prices - Dennis Conley, UNL Ag Econ.
-  Farm and Business Perspective - Michael Goossen of Prairieland Dairy in Firth and Mark Eisler of Gooch ADM Mills in Lincoln

The registration fee is $50 and can be mailed in or called in at 402-472-1742 or 800-535-3456 by October 29th.  The fee covers the meeting expense, noon meal and materials.  For more information e-mail Paul C Hay at phay1@unl.edu, call 402-223-1384, or visit the Gage County Nebraska Extension Website: http://www.gage.unl.edu.  



August Beef, Pork Exports Lower than a Year Ago

Despite a continued slump in U.S. red meat export volume and a further dip in August sales, the value of beef and pork exports for the first eight months of the year remained slightly ahead of 2011’s record-setting pace, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

U.S. beef exports in August were the second-largest of the year at 100,468 metric tons, but this was still 14 percent below the August 2011 volume. In value, August exports totaled $486.2 million. While 5 percent lower than a year ago, it was also the second-highest monthly total of 2012.

For January through August, beef exports were 11 percent lower than a year ago in volume (759,901 metric tons) but still 2 percent above last year’s record value pace at $3.66 billion.

U.S. pork exports in August were down 6 percent in volume (175,310 metric tons) and 7 percent in value ($495.5 million) compared to a year ago, but these totals were up 10 percent and 6 percent, respectively, from the previous month’s performance. Through the first eight months of the year, 2012 pork exports were up 2 percent in volume (1.474 million metric tons) and 8 percent in value ($4.13 billion) from last year’s record levels.

“We face a challenging business climate in several key markets, with rising production costs and slowing economic growth creating some anxiety among buyers,” said USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng. “We’re also seeing a surge in domestic meat supplies in some areas, particularly in South Korea. But the commitment to enhancing global demand for U.S. beef and pork remains very strong, as evidenced by the terrific support of our producer organizations. These are the circumstances in which effective global marketing takes on an even greater level of importance, as producers need to maximize the value of every cut and every carcass.”

January-August beef exports accounted for 9.8 percent of muscle cut production and 12.7 percent when including variety meat – down from last year’s ratios of 11 percent and 14.2 percent. Export value per head of fed slaughter, however, was up about 6 percent from last year to $212.05.

On the pork side, exports through August accounted for 23.7 percent of muscle cut production and 27 percent when including variety meats, compared to 22.8 percent and 27.3 percent in 2011. Export value averaged $56.51 per head slaughtered, up from last year’s $53.54 during the first eight months of the year.

Japan tops beef export market highlights
Beef exports to Japan continued to shine in August, up 20 percent in volume (17,588 metric tons) from a year ago and increasing 48 percent in value to $119.3 million. Through August, 2012 exports to Japan were steady with last year in volume at 108,720 metric tons, but 23 percent higher in value at $719.5 million – ranking a close second behind Canada for the leading beef value market.

“While the timeline is uncertain, we remain hopeful that a broader supply of U.S. beef will soon be eligible for Japan,” Seng said. “This is more critical than ever as demand for U.S. beef is extremely strong. In addition to the traditional forequarter cuts and short plates, and other items such as beef tongue, our key buyers in Japan have a growing interest in middle meats and very high-end cuts. Demand for Prime and higher-level Choice cuts is very promising”

Though exports to Canada were down 15 percent in volume through August (111,372 metric tons), export value remained 4 percent above last year’s record pace at $736.5 million. Exports to the Middle East followed a similar pattern, slipping 9 percent in volume (103,231 metric tons) but increasing 4 percent in value to $229 million. Beef muscle cut exports to the Middle East (-18 percent in volume to 28,397 metric tons and steady in value at $127.5 million) continue to be hindered by lack of access to Saudi Arabia, which closed to U.S. beef due to the April 24 BSE case.

Led by a strong performance in Vietnam, exports to the ASEAN region were up 11 percent in value ($181.9 million) through August despite a 6 percent decline in volume (44,548 metric tons). Beef markets achieving increases in both volume and value included:
-    Russia, +8 percent to 52,907 metric tons and +31 percent to $214 million
-    Hong Kong, +9 percent to 36,907 metric tons and +28 percent to $194.1 million
-    Central and South America, +37 percent to 23,766 metric tons and +77 percent to $87.9 million

Mexico remains the largest volume market for U.S. beef at 140,228 metric tons (-17 percent) but has slipped to third in value ($590 million, -9 percent). While still a critical market for underutilized muscle cuts and variety meat, Mexico’s weak peso and sluggish economy have contributed to a difficult business climate in this price-sensitive market.

Exports to South Korea (84,406 metric tons, -23 percent, valued at $388.8 million, -20 percent) faced similar circumstances, but were also curbed by a surge in domestic meat supplies. With Korea’s livestock inventory recently reaching its highest level ever, its imports from all major beef suppliers have trended lower this year.

U.S. pork strong in mainstay markets Mexico, Japan
While beef exports to Mexico struggle, pork exports continue to perform well – with January-August volume (391,932 metric tons) increasing 14 percent and value ($727.2 million) up 11 percent from a year ago. August exports were up 16 percent in volume to 51,841 metric tons and 9 percent in value to $101.4 million.

“Mexico’s meat processing sector is an outstanding customer for U.S. pork, but USMEF has also made considerable strides in building retail demand,” Seng said. “This has made Mexico an attractive destination for a wider variety of pork cuts, which has really enhanced our export value.”

Pork exports to Japan had slowed during the early summer, but rebounded in August to post the highest volume since February at 39,689 metric tons (valued at $169.9 million). Through August, exports to Japan were down 6 percent in volume (307,442 metric tons) but were 6 percent above last year’s record value pace at $1.34 billion.

While pork exports to the China/Hong Kong region were higher through August (+11 percent to 282,637 metric tons and +35 percent to $569.4 million), they are not likely to match last year’s pace in coming months. This is not due to poor market performance, but simply reflects the surge in export activity in late 2011 when China’s domestic pork supplies were slumping and pork prices reached record levels. For August only, exports to China/Hong Kong were down 31 percent in volume to 30,450 metric tons and 34 percent in value to $60.5 million.

Other pork market highlights for January through August include:
-    Exports to Canada were up 15 percent in volume (150,583 metric tons) and 18 percent higher in value ($549 million).
-    Led by an exceptional performance in Colombia, exports to Central and South America were 18 percent higher in volume (53,206 metric tons) and up 19 percent in value ($134.1 million).
-    Exports to Russia were 30 percent higher in volume (63,699 metric tons) and 22 percent higher in value ($182.9 million). Since Russia’s WTO accession was completed in August, in-quota exports now enter at zero duty, rather than the previous 15 percent.
-    While exports to the Oceania region were roughly steady with last year, exports to New Zealand were up one-third in volume (5,853 metric tons) and 30 percent in value ($17.7 million).

August lamb exports best of 2012
U.S. lamb exports have battled a tough economic environment in 2012 but fared better in August, totaling 1,415 metric tons valued at $2.65 million. This was slightly below last year’s level, but marked the best performance of 2012. For January through August, exports were down 32 percent in volume (8,714 metric tons) and 18 percent in value ($17.3 million).



Court Allows AFBF to Join Farmer Lawsuit Against EPA

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia has ruled that the American Farm Bureau Federation has a right to join in a lawsuit over the scope of the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate poultry and livestock farms under the Clean Water Act. In July, AFBF asked for permission to join on the side of West Virginia poultry grower Lois Alt, who brought suit to challenge an EPA order demanding that she obtain a CWA discharge permit for stormwater runoff from her farmyard. The West Virginia Farm Bureau has also joined the lawsuit. EPA aggressively opposed the Farm Bureaus’ participation.

“The court clearly recognizes the importance of this case for thousands of other livestock and poultry farmers threatened by EPA’s unlawful restriction of the agricultural stormwater exemption,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The court flatly rejected EPA’s argument that other farmers facing similar EPA demands should be forced to file their own lawsuits. We are pleased that Farm Bureau will be allowed to challenge EPA’s actions on behalf of all our farmer and rancher members,” he added.

Alt sued EPA in June after the agency ordered her to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System discharge permit. EPA’s order threatens Alt with $37,500 in fines for each time stormwater comes into contact with dust, feathers or dander on the ground outside of her poultry houses, or small amounts of manure that may be present in the farmyard as a result of normal poultry farming operations. EPA also seeks separate fines if Alt fails to apply for an NPDES permit.

According to AFBF’s intervention papers, EPA’s order to Alt represents the latest EPA attempt to regulate non-discharging farmers – this time by unlawfully narrowing the statutory exemption for “agricultural stormwater discharges.” EPA has claimed here that the agricultural stormwater exemption does not apply to larger farms that qualify as concentrated animal feeding operations, except for certain “land application areas” where crops are grown.

According to Judge John Preston Bailey, AFBF and WVFB demonstrated that a ruling upholding EPA’s order would harm numerous other farmers and ranchers. Under EPA’s reasoning, Bailey stated, “virtually every large [CAFO] would likely have an obligation to obtain a federally mandated permit if it rains enough in their area to wash manure and dust particles off their land and eventually into a jurisdictional water.”

In allowing AFBF’s participation, Judge Bailey noted that AFBF is a “veteran advocate in the courts on issues related to CWA permit requirements for CAFOs.” Stallman agreed and noted, “We are proud of our past efforts on behalf farmers and ranchers, and we are honored that the court recognizes that we bring something useful to the table.”



Youth Summit on Dust Bowl Explores Environmental Issues

The Smithsonian and the National Endowment for the Humanities examine the legacy of the Dust Bowl era through current issues of drought, agricultural sustainability and global food security during a live, interactive discussion with experts. The program will be webcast from the museum to Youth Town Halls at locations across the nation Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. EDT.

In the 1930s, severe drought and extensive farming caused widespread agricultural damage, crop failure and human misery across the Great Plains. Called the "Dust Bowl" because of the immense dust storms created as the dry soil blew away in large, dark clouds, it is considered one of the worst ecological disasters in American history. Millions of acres of farmland were damaged and hundreds of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. Many migrated to California and other western states where the economic conditions during the Great Depression were often no better than those they had left.

The Oct. 17 discussion in Washington, D.C., taking place in the Warner Bros. Theater at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, will be joined by audiences at nine Smithsonian Affiliate museums and the National Steinbeck Center, which will also host regional Youth Town Halls. Participants at the regional Town Hall sites will prerecord questions on video to be played during the live National Youth Summit webcast. The Youth Town Halls will take place at:
- Durham Museum, Omaha, Neb.
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh
- History Colorado, Denver
- Miami Science Museum, Miami
- The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa
- Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City
- Sonoma County Museum, Santa Rosa, Calif.
- South Dakota State Historical Society, Pierre, S.D.
- National Steinbeck Center, Salinas, Calif.

The live webcast is available to educators and students through free registration at americanhistory.si.edu/nys.

The National Youth Summit brings middle and high school students together with scholars, teachers, policy experts, witnesses to history and activists in a national conversation about important events in America's past that have relevance to the nation's present and future. The program is an ongoing collaboration between the National Museum of American History, the National Endowment for the Humanities, PBS and museums across the United States in the Smithsonian Affiliations network.

The summit will include segments from award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns' forthcoming film The Dust Bowl and a panel discussion, moderated by Huffington Post science editor Cara Santa Maria, and featuring: Ken Burns, Dust Bowl survivor Cal Crabill, U.S. Department of Agriculture ecologist Debra Peters, fifth-generation farmer Roy Bardole from Rippey, Iowa, and farmer and founder of Anson Mills, Glenn Roberts. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will welcome the audience through a video statement. Panelists will take questions from students participating in the summit, and offer their own perspectives on what history can teach people about their relationship with the environment.

Programming for the National Youth Summit on the Dust Bowl is produced by the National Museum of American History and the National Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with Smithsonian Affiliations and PBS/WETA. Smithsonian Affiliations collaborates with museums and educational organizations to share the Smithsonian with people in their own communities and create lasting experiences that broaden perspectives on science, history, world cultures and the arts.



Building Partnerships in Turkey: Council Participates in Confidence Building Trade Workshop

Re-opening Turkey as an export market for U.S. corn and co-products is an important goal for both the U.S. Grains Council and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Historically a strong U.S. market, Turkey in 2009 enacted a draconian biosafety law that has effectively slammed the door on U.S. exports of corn and corn co-products. Building sentiment in Turkey for reconsidering this measure is an ongoing project, and increasing Turkish understanding of and confidence in the WTO, the international trading system, and the international food safety regime is a key strategy.

"We have allies in Turkey in several industry sectors," noted Floyd Gaibler, the Council's Director of Trade Policy. "Restrictions on trade drive up costs for Turkey's livestock, poultry, and dairy producers, and ultimately for consumers. It's our job to better inform producers, government officials, and opinion leaders in Turkey about the safety of scientifically enhanced crops and the benefits of trade."

In September, FAS sponsored a high level workshop in Ankara on "Agricultural Policy and the World Trade Organization." Attendees from Turkish government ministries, academia, and the private sector heard presentations from both U.S. and Turkish experts on key trade issues including the importance of science based trade regulations, the benefits of open trade, and the role of the WTO. The Council's representative, Floyd Gaibler, discussed the key role of U.S. industry in helping to set constructive trade and agricultural policy.

"There was a receptive audience and lively questioning," said Gaibler. "It is our hope that this effort will result in more stakeholder participation in the development of agricultural and trade policy issues in Turkey. This would provide more transparency and equitable benefits for all interested parties. That will be great news for U.S. producers, Turkish feed manufacturers, the livestock and poultry industries – and ultimately for Turkish consumers."




USGC, USMEF Partner for First-Ever US-China Hog Summit

The U.S. Grains Council marks its origin with the "hog lift," an initiative to help rebuild the Japanese swine industry after a devastating typhoon that struck Yamanashi Prefecture in 1959. Since that time, boosting our international partners' livestock industries has been a core strategy for developing markets for U.S. feed grains. That strategy remains vital today.

China is among the many countries in which this strategy has been adopted. Most recently, in an ongoing effort to facilitate the increasing modernization of China's hog industry, the U.S. Grains Council partnered with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the U.S. Embassy in China, China Animal Agriculture Association and Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy, Chinese Academy of Sciences to host the first ever U.S.-China Hog Summit.

While the Council has been active in China for over 30 years, this year's Summit was a direct follow up to the U.S.-China Agricultural Summit held in Iowa in February 2012. China's hog industry is experiencing rapid centralization and industrialization. The Summit provided a unique opportunity for continued discussion of key issues including waste and disease management as well as health and food safety.

The growth and development of China's hog industry is among the major forces affecting not only world commodity markets, but also China's ability to remain self-sufficient in food and feed grains, environmental sustainability, and food safety issues in China. These three topics were the key focuses of the Summit, and are among the pillars of the U.S.-China agricultural relationship.

Many people in China view food self-sufficiency as equivalent to food security. However, the Council believes that trade can help provide more food security by ensuring adequate supplies of low cost food to the low-income consumers in China.

"The definition of food security is changing. In the past the emphasis has been on providing sufficient food for adequate intake of calories to maintain effective energy levels. But increasingly the emphasis is on adequate intake of micronutrients, in addition to calories, to maintain effective energy levels and overall mental and physical health," said Dr. Bryan Lohmar, USGC director in China, during the Summit.

"The Council is proud of the role it has played in the modernization of China's hog industry over the last 30 years," said Dr. Lohmar. "The Council established China's first feed mill producing modern pre-mixes in 1984 and ultimately donated that mill to the provincial Agriculture Bureau. The Council has sponsored hundreds of participants in technical and market study tours and seminars over the last three decades, and been a reliable partner providing information to help China's feed and livestock producers improve their operations, and trading and processing companies negotiate the market."



U.S. Tractor, Combine Sales Up in September

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report," the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for September 2012 were up 3% compared to the same month last year.  For the month, two-wheel-drive smaller tractor (under 40 HP) were up 1% from last year, and 40 & under 100 HP were up 0.6%. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 7% from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 5% for the month.  Combine sales were up 8% for the month.

For the year 2012, a total of 136,832 tractors were sold, which compares to 127,062 sold through September 2011.  For the first nine months, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 7% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 7%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are up 13%, while 4-Wheel Drive tractors are up 8% for the year.  Sales of combines for the first nine months totaled 6,615, a decrease of 8% over the same period in 2011.



Cargill reports first-quarter fiscal 2013 earnings

Cargill reported net earnings of $975 million in the fiscal 2013 first quarter ended Aug. 31, compared with $236 million in the same period a year ago. First-quarter revenues were $33.8 billion compared with $34.6 billion in the year-ago period.

“During the past two years, Cargill has invested $8.1 billion to better serve our customers all around the world,” said Greg Page, Cargill chairman and chief executive officer. “By investing steadily, we’ve been able to significantly boost the breadth and depth of the products and services we offer our customers. And that has strengthened the balance, diversification and resilience we strive for in our business.”

Three additional factors contributed to Cargill’s performance. Results were balanced, with improved earnings across all five business segments. There were no significant losses in any one  business unit, the latter a factor that affected the year-ago period. The company benefited from the considerable time and energy invested during the past 12 months to lower costs, simplify and streamline processes, and ensure capital expenditures were being directed to where they mattered most to customers.

The impact of the U.S. drought and weather events in other crop-growing areas such as the Black Sea region is still unfolding. A key variable is how food and feed demand worldwide will adjust in the coming months if prices remain high. “Now more than ever Cargill is using our knowledge and market insight to help customers manage in this time of tighter supplies, higher prices and more volatile markets,” said Page. “We are reaching out to customers and tapping the full resources of Cargill to create solutions that address their needs.”

In addition to providing hedging solutions to agricultural producers, feed and food makers and energy users, Cargill works with customers in a variety of ways. The company finds alternative sources of supply and provides supply assurance. It helps customers reduce or stabilize their input costs and make them more predictable. Using its logistics expertise, Cargill assists customers to obtain better freight rates, routing or timing, or avoid costly delays. It offers storage solutions that help customers preserve product quality, minimize shrinkage or reduce working capital. The company also serves customers’ informational needs, whether through advisory agreements or more informally through crop tours, seminars and site visits.

The impact of the drought on Cargill’s business has been mixed and will continue to be so in the months ahead. The weather has altered the normal distribution of raw materials around the world, and that is pushing more international buyers to non-U.S. origins. As a result, Cargill expects more atypical trade flows – a condition that calls upon its capabilities in market analytics, risk management and logistics. Cargill’s North American grain handling volumes for exports are anticipated to be lower than pre-drought expectations, and it may be a challenging year for the company’s animal protein businesses globally.

Cargill continues to invest in assets that support customers. During the first quarter, Cargill acquired the Envirotemp™ FR3™ dielectric fluid business and brand from Cooper Power Systems. Dielectric fluids are used to cool transformers and other electrical equipment. This vegetable oil-based product is an alternative to petroleum-based fluids. Cargill intends to grow the business with utility and industrial customers that are migrating to high performance, bio-based solutions.

The company purchased a ground beef processing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, that was formerly owned by AFA Foods. The plant is well situated, both to receive raw materials from Cargill’s beef production plants in Friona and Plainview, Texas, and to serve existing and prospective customers.

Cargill is constructing an animal nutrition facility in South Korea’s port of Dangjin. It also announced plans to build a specialty feed facility in Bovina, Texas.



Tyson Foods Announces New Audit Program to Help Ensure Responsible On-Farm Treatment of Animals

Tyson Foods, Inc., the nation’s leading producer of meat and poultry, today announced it is launching a program to personally audit the treatment of animals at the livestock and poultry farms that supply the company. The effort is in line with the company’s core value to serve as a steward of the animals entrusted to it.

“Our company is made up of ethical, responsible and compassionate people, and we believe the family farmers who supply us share our values,” said Donnie Smith, president and CEO of Tyson Foods.  “We know more consumers want assurance their food is being produced responsibly, and we think two important ways to do that are by conducting on-farm audits while also continuing to research ways to improve how farm animals are raised.”

“Here’s what I want people to know: at Tyson, we care enough to check on the farm; and we’re determined to help find better ways to care for and raise healthy animals,” said Smith.

Tyson currently works with more than 12,000 independent livestock and poultry farmers.  This includes 5,000 family poultry farmers, 3,000 family hog farmers and 4,000 family cattle farmers. The company has long been an industry leader in animal welfare, employing more than a dozen veterinarians and maintaining an Office of Animal Well-being since 2000.

“We believe the farmers who supply us are the best in the world, and I think the audits will verify this,” Smith said.  “But, if we find problems, we want them fixed right away.  To our knowledge, no other major U.S. meat or poultry company offers this kind of service to its farmers, customers and consumers.”

FarmCheck™ Audit Program
The audits – called the Tyson FarmCheck™ Program – have already begun on a trial basis on some of the 3,000 independent hog farms that supply the company.  Auditors are visiting the farms to check on such things as animal access to food and water, as well as proper human-animal interaction and worker training.

The FarmCheck™ program has been under development since early spring 2012.  Although Tyson personnel have been conducting the audits so far, the company plans to ultimately involve independent, third party auditors.  It also intends to expand the program to include chicken and cattle farms by January 2014.  The audits are being developed by experienced veterinarians and animal welfare experts and are expected to include measures that build upon current voluntary farm industry programs.

“These audits will give us a chance to correct any minor problems that are discovered and, if necessary, to stop doing business with any farms where animal treatment or conditions do not meet our standards,” Smith said.

Farm Animal Well-being Research Program
Tyson Foods also plans to develop a new Farm Animal Well-Being Research Program to review existing research as well as fund and promote additional research that the company believes will lead to continued improvements in animal raising methods.  

“We want to identify and study the critical points – from breeding to harvesting – where the quality of life for livestock and poultry can be improved, and use the results to make a difference,” Smith said.  “We know that content farm animals are healthier, and at Tyson Foods we want healthy animals.”

Farm Animal Well-being Advisory Committee
Both the FarmCheck™ program and the research programs will be overseen by a new, external, Animal Well-Being Advisory Committee that Tyson Foods is establishing.  Those selected to serve will include people with expertise in farm animal behavior, health, production and ethics.  The committee is expected to begin its work in March 2013 and will help Tyson Foods determine research priorities and ways to improve the FarmCheck™ Program.

Internal Management Structure
Tyson Foods is selecting a special team of senior leaders from key areas of the company to oversee the FarmCheckTM program, the research program and the company’s interaction with the external advisory committee.  Dr. Dean Danilson, who has been Vice President of Food Safety & Quality Control for Tyson Foods, is now Vice President of Animal Well-Being Programs.  He and his staff will manage the audits, research and external advisory committee activities for hogs, cattle and chickens.

Comments about the Tyson FarmCheck Program
Jack Sinclair, Executive Vice President of Food, Walmart U.S.:  “We applaud Tyson Foods for their strong commitment to improving the care for all animals in their supply chain. Tyson’s FarmCheck program is aligned with Walmart’s commitment to ethical sourcing, and shows leadership and dedication to addressing an issue all food suppliers and grocers face. We believe Tyson’s plan is a good model, and we strongly encourage suppliers without such programs to look for ways they can improve the way food is produced. To make a difference in the food supply chain, we must all work together. From the farm to the fork, we are committed to working with our suppliers, NGOs, government leaders and others to ensure the food supply system in place today is safe, sustainable and affordable.”

Mark O’Callaghan, Vice President of Foodbuy, the nation’s largest procurement organization supporting the foodservice industry in North America, made the following statement: “Foodbuy is fully committed to efforts to enhance animal welfare and we believe Tyson’s FarmCheck program and planned use of independent auditors will result in more transparency and accountability. It’s a leading edge, collaborative and progressive initiative; a genuine example that will elevate the art and science of animal husbandry and human interaction.”

“Tyson should be commended for taking the initiative to develop and implement an on-farm auditing program,” said Dr. Janeen Salak-Johnson, associate professor of Stress Physiology and Animal Well Being at University of Illinois. “It’s a step in the right direction and will help verify farmers are fulfilling their obligation to provide proper care for the animals they raise.”

“This program makes it very clear that mistreatment of farm animals will not be tolerated,” said Dr. Temple Grandin, professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. “It will be useful for training farm employees on proper animal handling.”  

“We’re working with these animals every day, so it’s to our benefit that we treat them properly and keep them as healthy as possible,” said Dennis Gratz, a hog farmer from Farmington, Iowa. “All of our employees have gone through animal handling training and we have posted instructions in our facilities reminding them of the proper way to treat hogs. Tyson’s auditing program is worthwhile because everything we can do to document our actions and show we’re providing excellent animal care – especially as customers get further removed from the farm – is a good thing.”

“We’re 100 percent committed to taking great care of our livestock and believe the better we take care of our pigs the better they’ll take care of us,” said Jim Pillen, of Pillen Family Farms of Columbus, Nebraska. “We try hard to make sure everyone on our team understands our commitment and we work to incorporate it into our culture. We totally support an audit process because we believe it’s a privilege to raise livestock and we need to be transparent about how we operate.”

This news release is not specifically intended as a response to any recent news releases by the HSUS or any other organization.