Friday September 16 Ag News

DNA Technology in Beef Cattle Conference

DNA Technology: Where We Have Been, Where We Are, and Where We Are Headed
October 17th - U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Neb

Presentations and speakers include: 
   - Utilizing Genetic Tools to Meet Your Breeding Objectives, Dr. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky
   - Current Status of Genomic Selection in the U.S. Beef Industry, Dr. Matt Spangler, UNL
   - Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle, Dr. Bob Weaber, Kansas State University
   - Turning Loss Into Gain: Managing Genetic Risk to Improve Fertility, Dr. Megan Rolf, Kansas State
   - AND SO MUCH MORE

Registration fee is $15, which includes lunch and all handout materials.  For more information, contact Matt Spangler at 402-472-6489 or mspangler2@unl.edu.  Please RSVP by Oct. 1 by contacting Sherri Pitchie at 402-472-2907 or sherri.pitchie@unl.edu.



NEW ZEALAND AG MINISTER TO JOIN AG SECRETARIES FROM U.S. AND ARGENTINA FOR INTERNATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS LUNCHEON IN OMAHA

United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, New Zealand Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, and Argentina Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Ricardo Negri will gather in Omaha Friday, Sept. 23 to discuss the importance of agriculture to global trade at the Global Leaders Forum on Agriculture and Trade. Greg Ibach, President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, will facilitate a discussion on agriculture and global trade.

The forum, co-hosted by the AKSARBEN Foundation and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), will take place at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha during the 2016 AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo and coincide with the 2016 NASDA Annual Meeting. Celebrating 100 years of advancing agriculture, international trade is a top priority for NASDA in 2016. Expected attendees include members of the Omaha and Nebraska Agribusiness Clubs, Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis, commodity group members, and other local and regional business leaders. The deadline to RSVP for this international event is Friday, September 16.

“America’s farmers and ranchers depend on the global marketplace,” Ibach said. “In order for countries like Argentina, New Zealand, and the U.S. to meet demand for food, bi-lateral and multi-lateral trade agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, are critical to open markets and eliminate trade barriers.”

Established in 1895, AKSARBEN Foundation is one of Nebraska’s premier non-profit organizations, leveraging business leadership to build a more prosperous Heartland. The AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo is the annual highlight of the Foundation’s long standing commitment to agriculture and community leadership. The weekend of ag youth competition and rodeo entertainment draws 100,000 visitors to Omaha, raises funds for ag scholarships and creates an economic impact of $21.3 million to the region.

Kevin Kock, Executive Director of Agricultural Initiatives for AKSARBEN Foundation, said the International Agribusiness Luncheon will bring even greater significance to this year’s AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo, Sept. 22 through Sept. 25.

“We’ll host some of the top leaders of agriculture in the world,” Kock said. “Agricultural exports and free trade are critical to our economy, particularly here in Nebraska. We’re proud to join NASDA in sponsoring such an important international event.”



Nebraska Cattlemen Applauds Senator Fischer for Addressing Misguided SPCC Rule

This week, Senator Deb Fischer successfully brokered an amendment to the 2016 Water Resources and Development Act to address longstanding concerns with EPA's Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) program. Nebraska Cattlemen applauds Senator Fischer for helping alleviate Nebraskans from costly EPA regulations that are best suited for major oil refineries, not farms and ranches.

Under the proposed rule, producers with a minimum total above ground storage capacity of 2,500 gallons would be required to hire a professional engineer to design and certify a plan to deal with the unlikely event of an oil spill on a farm or ranch. This threshold was significantly lower than the prior exemption of 6,000 gallons, and would force Nebraska's agricultural producers to deal with high costs, mountains of paperwork, and steep EPA penalties for noncompliance. The agency based its recommendations on a 2015 study that lacked scientific evidence and made several erroneous assumptions, including an example of spilled jet fuel.

"I would guess from my own production agriculture experience it would be hard to find many farms with storage tanks filled with jet fuel," said Senator Fischer.

The amendment, which was also supported by Senator Ben Sasse, exempts up to 2,000 gallons of storage capacity on remote parcels. As a result, producers may keep 2,500 gallons stored at a facility's main base, and an unlimited number of 1,000 gallon tanks at other locations, so long as no more than two tanks are on the same parcel. Animal feed product containers are completely exempted from SPCC requirements.

"The amendment will provide much needed flexibility and regulatory relief for Nebraska's agricultural producers. Nebraska Cattlemen greatly appreciates the hard work of Senators Fischer and Sasse for helping get the amendment in the final Senate version of WRDA." said NC President Barb Cooksley.

The U.S. House of Representatives must still pass its version of WRDA, and the two chambers will need to conference the final bill before the end of 2016.



FALL PREPARATION TO SODSEED PASTURES AND HAY MEADOWS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Pastures and hay meadows provide higher quality feed, are more productive, and cheaper to grow if they have good forage legumes growing in them.

               Yes – nitrogen fertilizer prices have come down.  But they still are so high it’s going to be difficult to justify fertilizing pastures next spring.  So instead, let’s grow our own N using legumes.

               Do you have a pasture or hay meadow that is relatively free of weeds and makes up no more than about 15 percent of your total pasture acres?  If so, here is what I want you to do.  From now until that grass will grow no more this year, I want you to graze the living daylights out of that grass.  Grub it down, then graze it some more.

               Now why would I want you to do that?  Surely it will hurt the grass.  Well surprise, that's exactly what I want.  Because next spring, you will interseed legumes like red clover, white clover, and alfalfa into that grass to make it more nutritious.

               The biggest challenge to establishing these legumes into grass sod is competition by the existing grass on new, slow growing legume seedlings.  Anything you do to reduce competition and slow down grass growth will help.  Overgrazing this fall prior to next spring’s sodseeding will weaken the grass and slow its spring growth, thus giving new legume seedlings a better chance to get started.

               And while you’re at it, also collect some soil samples.  Then analyze them and apply any needed fertilizer.  Legumes especially need good phosphorus and soil pH.

               So, plan to add some legumes to your pasture next spring.  Graze your grass this fall until virtually nothing is left.  Then, keep grazing a couple weeks more just to make sure.

               Legumes you add next spring will establish better because of it.



Supporters Shine at HHD/NE FFA Foundation Auction
Stacey Agnew, Executive Director, NE FFA Foundation

As one of the busiest months for us at the Nebraska FFA Foundation, I want to express my gratitude for your support of FFA members through this Foundation.

Your support at the Nebraska FFA Foundation Auction at Husker Harvest Days was outstanding. Over $54,000 was raised for Nebraska FFA yesterday and we are so grateful for the support of everyone who purchased Titan and Goodyear tires, the John Deere Gator and the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. We also had great support from Titan Tire, Graham Tire and BigIron Auctions to put the event together and are very grateful for the support of several John Deere dealers across the state and for the Case Family Foundation for the donation of the motorcycle. Without each of them, we would not have had such a great event.

With your support, we will give 265 FFA members new FFA jackets as part of the Blue Jackets. Bright Futures. program. At the end of the month, the selection committee will review the student applications to pick out the 265 deserving students that will receive crisp, new FFA jackets and have the opportunity to grow their confidence and grow to become young leaders in the agriculture industry.

Don't forget that the Nebraska FFA Foundation also has two wine tasting events coming up. I hope to see many of you this Sunday or next Sunday at Vintage True Blue. See below for the locations, time and ticket information.

I know that while it's busy here, I understand we're not the only ones. It's also busy in your life. I am very grateful for all you are choosing to be engaged with Nebraska FFA Foundation.



GROW event by FarmHer to be Nov 9th in Lincoln

The first ever GROW by FarmHer event took place on November 13th, 2015 in Ankeny, Iowa. That day, over 250 women in agriculture joined together for a day filled with inspiring speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and endless networking opportunities.  This year GROW is expanding to more states, including Nebraska!

Event Details
Who: 180 young women, ages 15-23
When: Wednesday, November 9th, 2016 | 7:30-4:00 pm
Where: University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Event Fee: Tickets complimentary of Frontier Coop

Detailed Agenda
Please note this agenda is tentative and that timing is subject to change and additional speakers are still being added.

7:30 - Registration & Connection Point Networking
8:00 - Breakfast and opening comments from FarmHer
8:40 - 8:45 - Welcome from state leader
8:45 - 9:45 - Inspirational Keynote by Amberley Snyder
9:45 - 10:00 - Break and Connection Point
10:10 - 11:00 - Breakout Session #1
        The Power of STEM
        Promote Your Passion
        Do What You Love- FarmHer Panel
        Build Your Brand
        Leaving a Legacy
11:00 - 11:50 - Women Leading the Way Luncheon
11:50 - 12:00 - Awards ceremony and scholarship presentation
12:00 - 12:20 - Comments from successful woman in agriculture
12:30 - 1:20 - Breakout Session #2
1:30 - 2:20 - Breakout Session #3
2:20 - 3:00 - Comments from FarmHer founder- Marji Guyler-Alaniz
3:10 - 3:30 - Closing remarks and departure

Click here for more information.... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nebraska-grow-by-farmher-tickets-27267673345?ref=ebtn. 



NE Corn/Soy Mentor Tour Concluded

During the course of this year, 10 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, as part of the Corn and Soy Collegiate Mentoring Program in 2016, are getting the chance to learn more about the agriculture industry.

Throughout educating the students about state and federal policy issues affecting agriculture as well as agricultural opportunities, one experience the program highlights is the corn and soy mentor tour. This opportunity gives students a chance to increase advocacy of the industry, gain knowledge and ask questions to people with hands on experience, and explore career fields in ag manufacturing, production and processing industries.

All 10 members of the corn and soy mentoring program were able to attend. Mentors include:
    Caylee Lorenz of Gretna, daughter of Tim and Cathy Lorenz
    Jaythan Scheideler of Scotia, son of Ron and Cilinda Scheideler
    Paige Wacker of Wayne, daughter of Mark Wacker and Nancy Breitkreutz
    Katie Harrell of Wahoo, daughter of Michael Harrell and Melissa Harrell
    Megan Hamling of Garland, daughter of Lyle and Lori Hamling
    Zachary Gray of Holdrege, son of Brian and Shelley Gray
    Alexander DeWald of Lincoln, son of Michael and Teresa DeWald
    Mary Bohaty of Seward, daughter of Jeffrey and Janet Bohaty
    Wyatt Williamson of Newark, IL, son of Patricia Williamson
    Kyle McGinnis of Omaha, son of Mike and Audrey McGinnis

The first stop made on August 18th was at Lincoln’s HyVee where students had a chance to visit with an in-store dietitian. Here, the group was able to learn about consumer trends in food choices, frequently asked questions about foods containing GMOs and other “hot topic” questions, as well as gained knowledge in how important it is to advocate food safety.

Prairieland Dairy was the next stop of the tour as the mentors were able to experience a dairy operation in full swing. At this point, education and visual learning took place through seeing all of the employees work hard to get the job done as well as listening and asking questions to the manager.

After the stop at HyVee and a break for lunch, students were able to tour the Dekalb Monsanto Plant near Waco. Learning about seed corn production (and other products) gave students an opportunity to create career interest as well as understand how the seed process works.

On the 19th, the tour booted up again by beginning the day at the Union Pacific Dispatching Center. At this location, the group was given a “behind the scenes” experience of the Union Pacific Railroad with another Nebraska ag youth mentoring program as well as see how important rail was to the agricultural industry.

Finally, the tour concluded at Werner Trucking in Omaha. This stop gave students an opportunity to learn more about the trucking industry and how it relates to agriculture as well as speak with the Director of Government Relations about the current issues the truck industry may be facing affecting agriculture.

The 2016 Mentor Tour gave students and opportunity to learn more about the agricultural industry in directly and indirectly related industries. Wyatt Williamson, a member of the program, states that “The bus tour was a great way to see the agricultural industry from top to bottom.”



Iowa Corn Launches “E-15: Super Duper Unleaded” Awareness Campaign

Iowa Corn launched a new communications campaign this week to educate consumers about E-15, a higher-octane fuel made from 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. The name “Super Duper Unleaded” refers to the fact E-15 contains five percent more ethanol than E-10, also known as Super Unleaded, which according to the Renewable Fuels Association is the most commonly used fuel in the United States.

“Many consumers get to the pump and automatically reach for Super Unleaded because it’s the cheapest fuel, without any knowledge that it contains ethanol. Although E-15 is even cheaper yet, many believe you must own a flex-fuel vehicle to use it, which isn’t the case,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Larry Klever, a farmer from Audubon. “The ‘Super Duper Unleaded’ campaign is a fun and lighthearted way to let people know E-15 is very similar to Super Unleaded — but even better. It’s ‘Super Duper.’”

In 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved E-15 for use in model year 2001 and newer vehicles, including cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles (SUVs), and all flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). This approved group of vehicles includes more than 80 percent of the cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today.

Currently, E-15 is available at more than 30 fuel stations throughout Iowa, with that number set to grow considerably this fall as over 100 new stations bring E-15 to the pump.

“This is a good thing for consumers, retailers, the environment and the state of Iowa,” Klever explained. “E-15 is a cleaner-burning, renewable fuel made from Iowa corn. It saves consumers money at the pump, supports Iowa jobs and economic development, and lessens America’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Floss.

The “Super Duper Unleaded” campaign will utilize a variety of tactics and channels — including animated videos, social media and broadcast advertising — to reach consumers across Iowa. Consumers are advised to consult their vehicle owner’s manual before selecting a fuel.

For more information about E-15 and the benefits of ethanol, including local retailers near you, visit www.iowacorn.org/ethanol.



Executive Vice President of DuPont to Present Leadership Lecture at Iowa State University Oct. 5

The Executive Vice President of DuPont, Jim Collins, will present the 2016 William K. Deal Endowed Leadership Lecture Oct. 5 at Iowa State University.

He will present, “Growth Comes When You Least Expect It” at 7 p.m. in the Richard and Joan Stark Lecture Hall room 1148 in the Gerdin Business Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Collins began working at DuPont Manufacturing in 1984 as an engineer and worked in a variety of roles until he became a sales representative and project manager in agriculture sales and marketing in 1993. He held global roles for the next several years advancing from vice president and general manager to president of DuPont Crop Protection. Most recently, he was named executive vice president for the DuPont agriculture segment: DuPont Pioneer and Crop Protection.

As a leader in the agriculture industry, Collins is active in professional and community organizations. He serves on the board of directors for CropLife International, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Christian Brothers University and the U.S. China Business Council.

He graduated from Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee, with a degree in chemical engineering and has an MBA from the University of Delaware. He serves on the advisory board for the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and the board of trustees for of the Hagley Museum and Library.

William K. Deal, an Iowa State alum with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, established the lecture series to help prepare future leaders and innovators in agriculture. The lecture is organized by the Department of Agricultural Education and Studies in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and co-sponsored by the Committee on Lectures funded by the Government of the Student Body.  



Growth Energy Celebrates E15 Day with U.S. Governors, Mayors

Growth Energy joined some of America’s top biofuel champions for a celebration marking the expansion of consumer access to E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton proclaimed September 16th to be Ethanol Day in his state, an announcement mirrored by Mayors of South St. Paul and Minneapolis. Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad declared E15 Day in Iowa and North Carolina Mayors Jennifer Roberts of Charlotte and Bill Bell of Durham also declared E15 Day in two of North Carolina’s largest cities.
 
“Across the country, policymakers and consumers are recognizing how renewable fuels grow the economy, protect our environment, and dramatically reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We’re grateful our champions in Iowa, Minnesota and North Carolina for helping us bring new options to consumers that will save them money at the pump. Higher ethanol blends like E15 support new jobs, and they keep our engines running strong without the toxic additives associated with fossil fuels.”

Most gasoline sold in the United States contains at least 10 percent ethanol. Fifteen percent blends were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2011 for all 21st century passenger vehicles, and are being offered at approximately 330 locations in 26 states. Due to summer fuel regulations from the EPA, many retailers are largely prohibited from selling E15 from June 1 through September 15. Growth Energy and other champions hope to change that, and a bipartisan coalition of governors recently joined their call with a letter urging EPA officials to lift outdated regulatory barriers on clean, affordable biofuel.

“E15 is critical to America’s energy future. Ethanol and other advanced biofuels help slash carbon emissions and keep U.S. dollars out of the hands of hostile nations,” Skor added.

Leading retailers offering E15 include: Sheetz, Thortons, Murphy USA, MAPCO, RaceTrac, Minnoco, Protec and Kum & Go.



Congressional Hearings Covering the Ag Economy

Next week, the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), will be holding a hearing on Tuesday to explore consolidation and competition in the seed and chemical industries. Witnesses will include senior leadership from DuPont, Dow AgroSciences, Syngenta, Bayer CropScience, and Monsanto as well as the American Antitrust Institute, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, and the National Farmers Union. This hearing follows several recent proposed mergers and acquisitions involving these major seed and chemical companies.

Agricultural groups were also invited to testify to discuss their perspectives on what the farmer impact could be of such consolidation. Additionally, the Senate Agriculture Committee will be meeting on September 21 to hear from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the current state of the farm economy.



NCBA Takes Stand Against HSUS Attempt to Weaken Beef Checkoff
 
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was recently notified that Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) attorneys have filed a lawsuit against USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on behalf of the Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM). This lawsuit seeks to divide the beef industry against itself by opening old wounds and weakening the beef checkoff as HSUS drives toward its ultimate goal of ending animal agriculture.

The lawsuit, filed by HSUS lawyers, seeks the release of documents related to two OIG audits of the beef checkoff and its contractors, including NCBA. Both audits found that producer investments in the checkoff are protected by the firewall, which prevents beef checkoff dollars from being used for policy activities. Two OIG full audits and multiple random audits by USDA have found contractors, including NCBA, to be in full compliance with the laws which protect checkoff funds.

“Those findings haven’t satisfied the extremist animal rights activists at HSUS or its partners at OCM,” said NCBA CEO Kendal Frazier. “Instead of working to better our industry, these two organizations and a small handful of cattlemen have chosen a devil’s pact in an effort to weaken the checkoff, which will in turn, weaken beef demand and our entire industry.”

The lawsuit is another attempt by HSUS to drive a political agenda. It diverts attention from beef promotion activities and wastes precious resources at a time when cattle prices and the profitability of the beef industry are under tremendous pressure. As part of an effort to protect the beef industry and stop the frivolous and divisive work of HSUS, NCBA will seek intervenor status in the lawsuit against OIG. 

“There’s no doubt that HSUS stands against rural America. Their attacks on the beef and pork checkoff programs weaken promotion efforts. HSUS and its allies have clearly demonstrated they have no interest in the livestock business beyond ending it,” said Frazier. “They will attempt to make this about transparency and say they’re undertaking this effort on behalf of producers. But let’s be clear: HSUS intends to put every cattleman and woman in America out of business. By weakening checkoff programs and damaging producer-directed marketing and promotion efforts, they can cause economic harm to our industry and force us out of production agriculture.”

HSUS and OCM are working to rehash questions that were asked and answered long ago. Since then, multiple audits have demonstrated full and ongoing contractor compliance with regulations governing beef checkoff expenditures. Furthermore, NCBA has demonstrated that it remains committed to transparency and its role as a contractor to the beef checkoff.

“We have nothing to hide. We have, and will continue to fully cooperate with all reviews and audits of our contracting activities,” said Frazier. “However, we will not stand idly by and allow HSUS to kill the checkoff. This isn’t the first attempt to weaken our industry and it won’t be the last, but this is where we must draw a line in the sand and protect the interests of American cattlemen and women.”



FDA WANTS COMMENTS ON ESTABLISHING DURATIONS OF USE FOR SOME ANTIBIOTICS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week announced it is seeking public comments on setting use periods for medically important antimicrobials – those important for treating human diseases – used in livestock production. FDA’s Guidance for Industry 213 limits the use of such drugs to therapeutic purposes – prevention, treatment and control of diseases – under the oversight of a veterinarian. (Guidance 213, starting Jan. 1, 2017, also will eliminate the use in livestock of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion purposes.)

While the guidance outlines how medically important antimicrobial drugs administered to animals through feed and water will have a defined amount of time they can be used, it does not address some currently approved therapeutics that lack on their labels defined durations of use. FDA is requesting information on establishing appropriately targeted durations of use for products that don’t have them.

Specifically, FDA wants to obtain information on:
-    The underlying diseases requiring drugs for therapeutic purposes and periods when livestock or poultry are at risk for developing the diseases.
-    More targeted antimicrobial use regimens for the diseases and husbandry practices that may help avoid the need for medically important antimicrobials, or that may help make more targeted antimicrobial use regimens more effective.
-    Strategies for updating affected labeling of drug products that do not currently include a defined duration of use.



Beef Checkoff Battle Heats Up in Federal Court

A flurry of motions were filed recently in the lawsuit filed by R-CALF USA against the national beef checkoff program (Beef Checkoff). The group's lawsuit was filed May 2 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana.

The initial complaint alleges the government, represented by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is operating the Beef Checkoff in violation of the U.S. Constitution by compelling cattle producers to subsidize the private speech of private state beef councils, notably the Montana Beef Council. Members of R-CALF USA, the complaint alleges, object to the Montana Beef Council's speech because it advocates that all beef is the same regardless of where or how it was produced.

In July the government requested an extension of time for which to answer the complaint and R-CALF USA did not object. But, rather than provide a typical answer, the government filed a motion in early August to dismiss or stay the group's lawsuit. R-CALF USA fired back with its own cross-motion in late August asking the court to award summary judgement and immediately end the checkoff program's unconstitutional taxation of ranchers. The group claims it is entitled to summary judgement because the government, in its motion to dismiss or stay, essentially acknowledged that the Beef Checkoff is improperly authorizing federal taxes to be used to fund private speech.

The government's reply to R-CALF USA's opposition to the motion to dismiss or stay was due September 7 and its opposition to R-CALF USA's cross-motion for summary judgment would have been due September 14. But the government again requested a delay until nearly the end of September and the court granted its request.

On Sept. 12, the same day the court granted the deadline extension for the government, R-CALF USA filed a new motion , this one for a temporary restraining order (TRO), which is an emergency action to prevent the infliction of irreparable injury. In this case, the group seeks a TRO to stop the government from continuing to use tax monies paid by cattle producers to fund the private speech of the Montana Beef Council until the court can act on the group's cross-motion for summary judgment or a preliminary injunction. In its pleadings, R-CALF USA argued that precedent well establishes that a violation of the First Amendment is an irreparable injury and that the operation of the Beef Checkoff in Montana violates the First Amendment. Because the fall cattle run - the time of year when many Montana cattle are sent to market - is now beginning, the group argues the TRO is necessary to prevent compounding violations of cattle producers' constitutional freedoms while the government delays.

The government immediately cried foul and on the next day, September 13, called R-CALF USA's motion for a TRO an "extraordinary request" in its atypical motion seeking to delay resolution of the TRO. Before the ink could dry on the government's latest motion, R-CALF USA, yesterday, filed its response to the government's motion , accusing the government of repeatedly engaging in procedural tactics to avoid addressing the merits of the case. This, according to the motion, is inflicting additional First Amendment harms on cattle producers as is established "by black letter Supreme Court law."



A PROCLAMATION : NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK, 2016
BARACK OBAMA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

For generations, farmers and ranchers have formed the backbone of our economy and shaped the course of our Nation. They have served as critical stewards of our environment and natural resources. Toiling day in and day out in rural communities across our country, their dedication and dogged work ethic provide us with food, fuel, and other necessities, sustaining our people and our communities. Throughout National Farm Safety and Health Week, we honor their significant contributions by reaffirming our commitment to bolstering programs and practices that promote health and safety on America's farms.

Millions of farmers and their families face a variety of unsafe conditions when they wake up for work each morning. Extreme weather, and exposure to livestock or hazardous chemicals can pose threats to their safety. Much of their work takes place in dangerous environments and with potentially harmful equipment, such as wells, silos, and grain bins. And putting in long hours of physical labor can also cause illness or injury. Our farmers and ranchers are exposed to too many of these dangers, and we must ensure they are equipped with the tools, trainings, and resources they need to take proper precautions and safety measures in their workplaces.

To reduce work-related accidents and deaths among farming communities, my Administration has encouraged regular participation in health and safety programs. Increasing awareness of proper procedures is crucial, and farmers and farmworkers can improve their safety practices by correctly handling materials and inspecting machinery, paying careful attention to instructions and labels on products and equipment, and practicing and communicating plans for emergency response. Because many farms and ranches are family businesses, we have partnered with people across our country to help formalize youth farm safety education to improve farm safety for children.

The best farmers in the world have enriched our Nation and driven our agriculture sector forward; it is our shared duty to ensure their health and safety, because we all have a stake in the well-being of those who provide us with food and energy. By maintaining safe work environments and taking steps to practice caution on our farms, we can minimize risks and increase productivity in one of the greatest and most essential industries in America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 18 through September 24, 2016, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I call upon the agencies, organizations, businesses, and extension services that serve America's agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to promoting farm safety and health programs. I also urge Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.