Tuesday May 9 Ag News

New Device Aims to Improve Beef Safety
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) in Clay Center have recently developed a new continuous sampling device for beef trim pathogen testing that could soon be implemented in beef packing facilities. The beef checkoff funded research addresses foodborne illnesses caused by microorganisms that are a food safety concern among consumers and regulatory agencies.

Foodborne pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 can contaminate carcasses during beef processing steps, especially hide removal. Beef processors have implemented sophisticated food safety systems to minimize the risk of contaminated product entering commerce. One of the final steps in this system, called test-and-hold, samples beef trimmings and tests for E. coli O157:H7. The product is not released for sale until the tests come back negative.

Currently, the gold standard sampling methods are N60 Excision and N60 Plus. These methods are used to sample beef trimmings commonly held in 2000lb combo bins. The N60 Excision method requires a worker to manually cut 60 pieces of the trim for testing while the N60 Plus method uses a drill to core down through the trim in the combo bin to shave off samples. Both methods target pieces from the carcass surface that are more likely to be contaminated. The current methods of sampling are effective, but MARC food technologist Tommy Wheeler and microbiologist Terry Arthur believe there is room for improvement.

A criticism of the N60 Excision method is that the 60 sample pieces all come from the trim on the top of the combo which may not represent the entire bin. N60 Plus samples are gathered by drilling down through the combo, but still only sample a small percentage of the trim pieces. 

“Our new continuous sampling device provides a much more representative sample of all the beef trim in a combo bin,” said Wheeler. 

The new method uses continuous sampling of the trim as the combo bin is filled. A stainless-steel bracket attached at the end of the trim conveyor holds a sampling cloth that the trim pieces rub against as the trim falls into the bin. The cloth is changed for each combo and is processed for pathogen analysis.

“We have conducted a series of experiments with our industry partners comparing the new method to the approved and commonly used N60 methods,” said Wheeler. “We have data from over 900 samples collected on numerous days across multiple companies, processing plants, and lean types.”

The researcher hope that sampling beef trim using the new device will provide an alternative sampling method with the same or better organism recovery and some implementation advantages in labor, cost, safety, and ease of use when compared to current methods, ultimately resulting in improved beef safety. 

“Several companies and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) are very interested in the new sampling method,” said Wheeler. “We are expecting FSIS approval of the new method soon and some initial commercial implementation shortly thereafter.”



You're Invited to the Agricultural Economic & Technology Summit June 13-14 in Kearney

Nebraska Farm Bureau is partnering with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics, UNL Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska, and KRVN Rural Radio Network on the Agricultural Economic & Technology Summit, June 13-14 in Kearney.

The Summit is new this year and provides the opportunity for all persons interested in Nebraska agriculture to gather mid-year to discuss the state’s largest industry—agriculture.  Featured speakers on the global and domestic agricultural economy, the use of technology in agriculture, the beef industry in 50 years, and much more promise an interesting and informative conference.

For more information on the Summit and to register, click Here... https://www.nefb.org/agecontech. 

The Agricultural Economic & Technology Summit is co-sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Agri-Business Association and Nebraska Cooperative Council.



IOWA, NEBRASKA TEAM UP AGAIN FOR ANIMAL HEALTH IN THE HEARTLAND: ENSURING A SAFE FOOD SUPPLY SYMPOSIUM

Bio Nebraska Executive Director Phil Kozera and Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio) Executive Director Joe Hrdlicka announced today the two organizations are collaborating on an animal health symposium scheduled for Tuesday, July 18th and Wednesday, July 19th in Ames that will focus on the biotech industry’s role in mitigating animal health emergencies.

Kozera and Hrdlicka said they are again pleased to have commitments from some of the nation’s foremost research and regulatory experts to lead the discussion on preventing past and future emergency outbreaks. The event kicks off with a 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. facility tour and a 5 to 7 p.m. networking reception on Tuesday, July 18th. The main symposium is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19th.

Tuesday’s facility tour will be located at the USDA National Centers for Animal Health in Ames with the networking reception following at Olde Main Brewing Co. Wednesday’s events will feature presentations and panel discussions at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus.

Dr. John Schleifer, DVM, MS, DACPV, Staff Veterinarian with Rembrandt Inc. will lead off the discussion on Wednesday followed by a list of leading animal health experts addressing critical topics to livestock producers and animal health professionals in government, academia and industry (See full agenda at website listed below). Those interested in attending this event may register by clicking this link:  www.iowabio.org/animalhealth.

Recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AIV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) have had serious consequences in the Heartland region, impacting animal health, human health, animal producers, the encompassing agriculture industry, and the overall economy both domestic and abroad, Kozera and Hrdlicka said. They indicated the impact of these recent outbreaks inspired the symposium.

“These were not the first diseases emerging in the region, and will certainly not be the last, Hrdlicka said. “In our discussion with industry and regulatory experts, we believe it’s critical to open the dialogue to minimize impact from future events.”

Kozera said our regions’ leadership in animal production dictates a need for an ongoing conversation on practices designed to quickly respond to outbreaks. “We have seen first-hand the significant dangers these diseases pose for the economies of Midwest states like Nebraska and Iowa,” he said. “It is critical that animal health professionals, producers, academia and government leaders collaborate in an effort to minimize future threats.”

Dr. Marcus Kehrli (director of the National Animal Disease Center with the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service) assisted the organizations coordinating the event. “I’m pleased to work again with these organizations on this event,” he said. “The discussion and collaboration is needed to prepare for these emergencies and raise the level of awareness surrounding the significant impact of these events.”



Newly Revised BRaNDS Software Available from Iowa Beef Center

Beef producers who are interested in software that assists with balancing rations may check out the Iowa Beef Center’s ration balancing software. Associate scientist Garland Dahlke recently completed the update to the Beef Ration and Nutrition Decision Software, and said the new version is easier to use and has the most current information.

"This new version reflects the updated guidelines in the recently released Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle so people will have the best information," he said. "There’s just a small update fee for those who already have either the professional or standard edition."

Owners of the previous professional edition will pay $50 to update, and standard edition owners will pay $10 per module update. To learn more about the software, see all the available modules and view a sample report output, check out the BRaNDS page on the Iowa Beef Center website, http://www.iowabeefcenter.org/brands.html.

"The cost of the new professional edition is $525 for new users,” he said. “The complete standard edition will be sold to new customers for $260.”

Dahlke said users should note that the professional version now requires Microsoft Excel 2007 or later installed on a Windows-based computer to operate. The Standard Edition will operate on both Windows and Mac systems running Excel.

To help users better understand the programs and their capabilities, training sessions are being planned with the first scheduled for Aug. 1 at the Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center in Ames. He said BRaNDS users should watch for more details on this session and future sessions from IBC.

"Whether you are a new user or are upgrading your old version, remember that program support is just a phone call or email message away," Dahlke said. "You can call the Iowa Beef Center at 515-294-2333 or email us at beefcenter@iastate.edu."

To order, pay for and download the desired version, go to the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach online store.

Customers who are updating from a previous version should be sure to indicate that in the customer request space on the order shipping page to receive the much lower update price. This will be validated with the customer's name and email. Those who prefer to order a software CD rather than electronically download the program should call the Extension Store at 515-294-5247.



Cattle Producers Invited to give Input on Industry Issues at 2nd Annual BeefMeets

Iowa cattle producers have an opportunity to weigh in on beef industry topics of concern at this year’s regional BeefMeets in June. In addition to several educational sessions, a full tradeshow and opportunities for networking, cattlemen will get a chance to share policy and industry issue concerns with ICA leaders. BeefMeets will be held June 13 in Dubuque, June 15 in Ottumwa, June 20 in Creston and June 22 in Le Mars.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association is a grassroots membership organization, with a dedication to “grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” The organization, which includes nearly 10,000 members, uses feedback from cattle producers and those involved in the industry to protect and enhance Iowa’s beef business.

Time has been set aside at each BeefMeet for ICA districts to gather and provide input on cattle industry issues. “Our district breakouts will allow cattle producers to weigh in on topics that matter to their operations,” says ICA’s President Mike Cline. “As a grassroots organization, our policy is developed by members for members, and provides guidance for staff and leaders as we work on behalf of the industry.” All cattle industry stakeholders are invited to attend BeefMeets and learn more, but only current ICA members are allowed to participate in the policy development.

Policy discussions at this year’s BeefMeets are expected to affect every sector of the industry, from cow/calf producers to feedlot operators. Discussions will likely revolve around policies related to national animal identification and traceability, foreign trade, and regulation of transportation of cattle.

To register for BeefMeets, visit www.iacattlemen.org.



Senate Panel OKs Branstad

(AP) -- A Senate panel on Tuesday easily approved Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad's nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to China, a move that all but assures full Senate confirmation of President Donald Trump's pick for the key diplomatic post.

Members of the Foreign Relations Committee approved Branstad by voice vote. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the committee's top Democrat, described Branstad as "fully qualified" for the job at a time when the Trump administration is pushing the Chinese to act more aggressively to defuse North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

During his confirmation hearing last week, Branstad pledged to confront Beijing on a range of thorny subjects, including human rights and trade. Branstad told senators he plans to leverage his decades-long relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping to advance U.S. and international interests. The two met in 1985 when Xi, at the time a provincial official, led an agricultural trade delegation to Iowa.

Branstad said North Korea's push for a weapon of mass destruction is a "threat to all of humankind." He said recent events, which include missile tests by Pyongyang, should prompt China to take the threat more seriously. He also said he expects China to become more engaged because of concerns that North Korean refugees may flood China if the crisis on the Korean Peninsula escalates further.

Branstad, 70, is in his sixth nonconsecutive term as governor. He served from 1983 to 1999 before entering the private sector. He was re-elected in 2010. With more than 22 years heading Iowa government, Branstad is the country's longest serving governor.



ACE applauds Branstad’s confirmation as US Ambassador to China

Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee voice vote today confirming Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as the U.S. Ambassador to China:

“We’re grateful for the speedy confirmation of Terry Branstad by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We believe as the new U.S. Ambassador to China, Branstad will capitalize on his longstanding relationship with the President of China to continue to drive global demand for ethanol and coproducts, as well as advise the Trump administration on trade policy reform for the U.S. ethanol industry. When it comes to export efforts, this industry is facing both global tailwinds and headwinds. We’re hopeful Branstad will help battle the headwind protectionist trade barriers being erected.”



NMPF Statement on Confirmation of Scott Gottlieb as FDA Commissioner
Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, NMPF

“We congratulate Dr. Gottlieb on his confirmation by the Senate today. NMPF will engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s new leadership on ways to strengthen the safety of the food supply, promote the judicious use of antimicrobials in livestock, and ensure the clear, consistent labeling of foods regulated by FDA.

“We share Commissioner Gottlieb’s goal of remedying the bureaucratic inertia that has hindered FDA’s work on several issues. This should include the proper labeling of foods that are disregarding FDA standards of identity. For too long, FDA has not responded to dairy imitators’ obvious violation of FDA’s clear definition that milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt must be made from real dairy sources.

“We welcome a more proactive, responsive FDA on the food standards issue to reduce the confusing terminology proliferating in grocery stores and retail food markets. This will greatly enhance the credibility of the agency as the federal authority on food labeling, composition and safety.”



New Tools Available to Answer Consumer Questions about Beef Production

Ever wonder what the difference is between grass-fed and organic beef? Confused by terms like "antibiotic-free" and "raised without antibiotics"? New tools are now available to help consumers answer these and many other questions about today's beef production.

"Today's consumer demands transparency and more information about how their food, including beef, is raised and grown," Mandy Carr, Ph.D., senior executive director of Science & Product Solutions for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. "Cattle farmers and ranchers are committed to providing answers to their questions."

Consumer research conducted by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and funded by the Beef Checkoff indicates that consumers are confused about terms commonly found on labels such as "grass-fed" and "organic." Additionally, some consumers have questions about the use of antibiotics in cattle production. Two new factsheets walk consumers through how cattle farmers and ranchers use antibiotics in accordance with Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the choices consumers have when buying beef in their local supermarket.

Decoding the Label: Know Your Beef Choices
Beef labels can be helpful, but they can also cause confusion in the meat case. Terms like grain-finished, grass-finished, certified organic and naturally raised may be confusing to some; this fact sheet breaks down the four common labels and what they actually mean, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture definitions.

Antibiotics Use in Cattle
Antibiotic use in livestock is a hot topic with consumers. It is also top of mind for the beef producers who want consumers to know that we care about the issue and what we are doing to address it. The Antibiotic Use in Cattle fact sheet addresses consumer questions about how and why antibiotics are used and what the Beef Quality Assurance program is doing to educate producers about best practices. This tool helps consumers feel confident knowing that antibiotics are only given to cattle to treat, control or prevent disease.

Research shows that 88 percent of the millennial parents polled approved of the new Antibiotics Use in Cattle fact sheet saying that it was meaningful and it made them feel better about how beef is raised.

"This feedback affirms these tools will be helpful as a resource for both our partners and consumers," said Carr.

To download the new tools or to find answers to other beef related questions, visit www.FactsAboutBeef.com.



Farmers, Ranchers Call for Senate Action on Regulatory Reform

A Farm Bureau-backed bill that would make much-need changes to the federal rulemaking process could be considered by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the next few weeks.

The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 (S. 951) would make fundamental reforms to the Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, the measure would require a cost-benefit analysis of proposed regulations, invite early public participation on major rules and require federal agencies to disclose the information they rely upon.

In addition, the bill, sponsored by Sens. Robert Portman (R-Ohio) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), would codify key bipartisan regulatory executive orders; require federal agencies to build in an automatic review for the most significant rules at least once every 10 years; and require federal agencies to follow a more evidence-based approach in crafting rules that will cost more than $1 billion annually.

The House earlier this year passed its own regulatory reform bill. With the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee poised to mark up the Regulatory Accountability Act, Farm Bureau is urging farmers and ranchers to contact their senators and ask them to act now on regulatory reform.



USDA Delays Organic Meat, Eggs Rule

(AP) -- The Trump administration is delaying for six months a rule that would require organic meat and egg producers to abide by stricter animal welfare standards.

Former President Barack Obama's Agriculture Department announced the rule two days before he left office in January. The regulations are designed to ensure that organically grown livestock have enough space to lie down, turn around, stand up and fully stretch their limbs. Poultry would have enough room to move freely and spread their wings. Beaks couldn't be removed and cattle tails couldn't be cut. Living conditions would have to include fresh air, proper ventilation and direct sunlight.

The rule was originally scheduled to go into effect in March. President Donald Trump's USDA has delayed that to May and will now delay it another six months until Nov. 14, saying in an online notice that "there are significant policy and legal issues addressed within the final rule that warrant further review by USDA."

In the meantime, USDA will solicit comments on the rule and whether the department should put it into place or withdraw it.

Some farm-state lawmakers and farm groups are opposed to the rules, which they say could raise food prices and force some farmers out of business.

Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., chairman of the Agriculture Committee, praised the delay.

If the new rule goes forward, Roberts said, "organic consumers will see increased prices at the grocery store, family farmers will be put out of business and animal health will be put at risk, which will decrease food safety."

Animal welfare groups said the rules would lead to more consistency in the market. The retail market for organic food products is valued at almost $40 billion in the United States, and USDA said last year that the number of certified organic operations in the United States increased by almost 12 percent between 2014 and 2015 -- an increase of nearly 300 percent since the department began counting operations in 2002.



Valent and ASA Offer a New Opportunity for Young People Interested in Ag Policy
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Valent USA are pleased to announce the Soy Leaders of the Future program, a new opportunity for young people interested in improving their understanding of major policy issues that impact soybean farmers, the importance of advocacy, and careers that can impact agricultural policy. The first class will take place this summer and will be held in conjunction with the ASA Board Meeting and Soy Issues Briefing, July 10-13, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. agriculture industry needs more leaders in Washington, D.C. who understand the needs of farmers and the agriculture industry, especially as it relates to the development of policies and regulations that impact farm productivity. The proportion of rural congressional districts is at its lowest point in history. An analysis of the most recent U.S. Census data, correlated with the 2012 Census of Agriculture, shows that only one of 435 districts in the U.S. House of Representatives is comprised of a rural population greater than 75 percent.* In fact, more than half of the U.S. population currently resides in 39 of the nation’s largest cities. As a result, positions on Congressional staffs, regulatory agencies and services groups within the Federal government are often filled with individuals who have a very limited understanding of farming and the needs of the agriculture industry.

The new Soy Leaders of the Future program, sponsored by Valent and ASA, is designed to expose young people with a connection to the farm to an education on major policy issues and advocacy. The program will also encourage these future young leaders to consider careers within agriculture associations and industry, as well as government regulatory and legislative positions.

Application Information
To apply for the Soy Leaders of the Future program, students must be at least 18 years old and have an interest in learning more about advocacy and policy issues that impact U.S. soybean farmers and career opportunities in Washington, D.C. and the agriculture industry. This program may be especially appealing to students majoring in a various areas of agriculture, political science, communications and business. Program sponsors will cover all travel, lodging and meal expenses for the students who are selected for this program.

Class size is limited.  All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 9. For more information, click here.... https://soygrowers.com/learn/soy-leaders-future/.  



Farm Bureau Applauds EPA’s Water Rule Outreach

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today praised the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to collaborate closely with governors regarding revision of the Waters of the United States rule.

“EPA Administrator Pruitt’s decision to consult with the states before revising the Waters of the United States rule marks a sharp break with the recent past,” Duvall said. “His letter to the 50 state governors requesting their comments on what a new rule should do recognizes the checks and balances that were written into the Clean Water Act in the first place.

“This is an important, first step towards the restoration of law in environmental regulation. A distant and unaccountable Washington bureaucracy has too often punished farmers and ranchers for alleged infringements that have no basis in law. The EPA and Army Corps have ignored requirements that they consult state officials in their work. Administrator Pruitt calls this new relationship a partnership, rather than a fiat. We agree that this is the right way to proceed: Regulation must be done with an open door and open mind. We look forward to working with the states, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to set things right once more.”



CREAATE Act Would Bolster Investment in Ag Trade

The National Corn Growers Association, along with the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports and the Agribusiness Coalition for Foreign Market Development, welcomed the introduction late last week of a bill to gradually increase investment in the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs, ultimately improving the competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural community in the global economy.

H.R. 2321, the Cultivating Revitalization by Expanding American Agricultural Trade and Exports (CREAATE) Act, was introduced by Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and is co-sponsored by Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jimmy Panetta (D-California), and Thomas Rooney (R-Florida).

The MAP and FMD programs match dollars contributed by U.S. farmers and ranchers for programs that create, expand and maintain access to foreign markets. Independent evaluations have shown that MAP and FMD and the activities they help fund are consistently effective at increasing demand overseas and raising farm income at home. A 2016 study commissioned by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) found that from 1977 to 2014, MAP and FMD accounted for 15 percent of all U.S. ag export revenue.

"At a time when trade is top of mind to many U.S. farmers, the CREAATE Act shows that the U.S. is serious about promoting high-value corn and corn products around the world," said NCGA Director of Public Policy Lesly McNitt. "With an average return on investment of $28 for every dollar spent, MAP and FMD represent a public-private partnership that we can all be proud of."

Yet investment in these programs has failed to keep pace in an increasingly competitive global economy. Statutory funding of $200 million per year for MAP and $34.5 million per year for FMD has been static since 2006 and 2002, respectively. Over the past 15 years, these programs have lost more than 40 percent of their value due to inflation, sequestration, and administrative costs.

Meanwhile, America's competitors have ramped up their own export promotion. For example, the European Union spends more than $255 million per year just to promote wine exports, more than the U.S. spends for the promotion of all commodities through MAP and FMD.

"Programs like MAP and FMD help America's farmers and ranchers compete for the world's business, and ultimately improves their bottom lines. In a challenging farm economy, it's important to invest in these programs so that we can maintain the markets we have, and expand into new ones," said McNitt.

The CREAATE Act would gradually increase annual funding for these programs to $400 million for MAP and $69 million for FMD by FY2023. A separate econometric study by Informa Economics IEG found that this funding increase, combined with an increase in producer contributions, would increase average annual agricultural export value by between $3-4 billion and create nearly 85,000 new jobs.

Visit www.AgExportsCount.org to learn more about MAP and FMD and other topics related to agricultural trade.



A perception change needs to happen for animal agriculture

The overarching message on how the animal agriculture community can protect the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and industry professionals is to engage and change the perception of the industry, according to speakers at the 2017 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit. A record-setting 276 people attended the Summit, held in Kansas City May 3 and 4.

Two panels discussed how farm tours and engaging with consumers are key to growing confidence in agriculture. The first panel included Rex Martin, senior vice president, owner relations and Scott Wallin, director, consumer confidence, both with Dairy Management Inc.

Martin and Wallin shared how DMI is engaging with unexpected audiences about the dairy industry with their “Acres to Avenues” video initiative connecting farmers with consumers and having them switch roles for a day to learn what it takes to do each other’s job.

The second panel which focused on how farm tours can be an instrumental tool in engaging with influencers included Meagan Cramer, director of communications & marketing, Kansas Farm Bureau; Jancey Hall, program manager, Kansas Soybean; Stacey Forshee, Kansas grain and beef farmer; LaVell Winsor, Kansas grain farmer; and Abby Heidari, Registered Dietitian.

“Remember that your common knowledge is not the consumer’s common knowledge,” suggested Heidari.

Media also plays a role in shaping consumer perceptions and Luke Runyon with Harvest Public Media and Tyne Morgan with U.S. Farm Report explained how the tone of rural America changed in the media after the presidential election.

“Rural America has this very loud voice out there and maybe they’re not the loudest, but they’re the silent majority often times,” Morgan said. After the election, “the media finally wanted to hear what rural America had to say.”

Morgan and Runyon shared how it is in agriculture’s best interest to cultivate a relationship with media proactively and when your company or organization isn’t currently in the news. Working with potentially biased media was highlighted in the next panel with Cindy Cunningham of National Pork Board, Jennifer Trey of Illinois Pork Producers and Phil Borgic of Borgic Farms. Be transparent, talk to reporters and use your tools to determine if a response will help or hurt the situation were three pieces of advice offered by the panelists to help set the record straight.

Key issues often covered in the media were discussed in the next session, including antibiotics, sustainability and animal agriculture’s role in public health. Panelists included: Leah Beyer, director, digital and social media communications, Elanco Animal Health; Dan Thomson, D.V.M., Ph.D., Jones Professor of Production Medicine and Epidemiology, Kansas State University; and Steve Solomon, M.D., principal, Global Public Health Consulting.

Beyer shared how consumers are not talking about antibiotic use in animal agriculture on social media, but some meat companies are dominating the conversation while Solomon shared how everyone “just wants to do a better job” in regards to how medicines are used both in animal agriculture and in human health.

“Activists today are masquerading as the consumers” working to increase the price of food, according to Thomson. “This is about sustainability of mankind and providing good for people in an affordable manner. Poverty in this country is determined by the price of food.”

Broiler chicken welfare took the stage to kick off the second day of Summit with a panel exposing how animal rights organizations are threatening not only the sustainability, but the welfare of broilers with the demand for “slower-growing” chickens.

Three broiler welfare experts included Kate Barger Weathers, D.V.M., director of world animal welfare, Cobb-Vantress, Inc.; Ken Opengart, D.V.M., Ph.D., D.A.C.V.P., head, global animal health & welfare and U.S. sustainability, Keystone Foods; Matt Salois, Ph.D., director of global scientific affairs & policy, Elanco Animal Health.

“Animal welfare is currently being defined by a very noisy group of people,” said Barger Weathers, alluding to the animal rights activist organizations. “We need to paint the positive picture of agriculture.”

Opengart and Salois talked about the broiler industry’s efforts towards continuous improvement and how “slower growing chickens will absolutely have a negative impact on sustainability.”

The conversation shifted to campus dining with Topanga McBride, agricultural communications and economics student and Melissa Schrader, assistant unit director at Kramer Dining Center, both from Kansas State University.

“It’s not only about feeding students to support their education, but also educating them about where their food comes from,” said Schrader. She shared how their campus dining program brings in farmers to join their chefs to help answer student questions.

“The conversations [about agriculture] have gotten better with more discussions,” said McBride. “Mostly it’s people just looking for answers and they haven’t found them yet.”

Another panel featured Domino’s Pizza with Tim McIntyre, executive vice president of communication, investor relations and legislative affairs sharing that the pizza company supports farmers and ranchers and will never cave to supply chain demands made by animal rights extremists.

Next, three more speakers took the stage to talk about how to defend against activist threats. The panelists included Greg Slipher, livestock specialist, Indiana Farm Bureau; Michelle C. Pardo, partner, Norton Rose Fulbright; and Mike Siemens, Ph.D., director of business development, agribusiness division, Arrowsight. Slipher emphasized how the industry needs to “own the message” and “be the source of the information” about animal agriculture to minimize challenges and activist threats. Pardo delved into the trend of consumer fraud action by animal rights groups attempting to paint a negative picture of animal agriculture by attacking package labels and offered compliance as one way of avoiding lawsuits by activists. Siemens shared how remote video auditing can be a tool for companies to use to help improve their operations by ensuring compliance and committing to continuous improvement.

To close the Summit, Diane Sullivan, affordable food and anti-poverty advocate who defended low-income consumers against the 2016 ballot initiative in Massachusetts addressing animal housing shared why taking action and protecting animal agriculture matters.

“I know that productive agriculture is among the very best friends that struggling people have,” said Sullivan. “We must have the voice of the victims join with those who produce” and “protect our dinner plates from the self-appointed food police.”

Videos from Summit sessions will be posted at http://agtoday.us/2017-aaa-summit as they become available.

The 2018 Summit will be held May 3-4 at the Renaissance Capitol View in Arlington, Va.