Thursday May 3 Ag News

New recycling baler adds to CVA’s sustainability initiative

Central Valley Ag (CVA) cooperative added a specialized recycling baler at its Duncan Feed Mill, expanding its ability to reduce and recycle.

“We really wanted to look into improving our sustainability efforts, which ultimately brings new value to our customers,” said Dean Nygren, CVA Feed Mill Supervisor in Duncan.  “With this specialized baler, we are now able to bale our own byproduct waste and ensure that we’re impacting the environment as little as possible.”

The inspiration behind implementing a specialized baler came about when members of the CVA team with Integrated Recycling LLC started researching ways to recycle byproduct waste from the feed milling process, and cardboard and paper bag waste from the ingredients used to manufacture livestock feed for customers.

“The baler will cut the disposal costs and resources in half. More importantly, it no longer takes up space in the local landfill, which is a service to the community,” said Derek Broekemeier, CVA Feed Operations Lead.

To assist in cost of the baler, CVA applied for and was awarded a Recycling Equipment Grant from the Nebraska Recycling Council in December 2017. The grant is one of 85 grant projects in 2017 receiving $16.6 million in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, which is funded by proceeds from the Nebraska Lottery.

The new baler was delivered and installed in March. The CVA team has been using the baler to consolidate cardboard and empty paper ingredient bags, which once baled into blocks, are picked up by Integrated Recycling LLC for recycling.

“It saves trips to the landfill, and decreases our environmental impact,” said Nygren. “We continue to explore how we can recycle more and work towards more sustainability.”



Nebraska Farm Bureau PAC Names John Murante “Friend of Agriculture”

John Murante of Gretna has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NEFB-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Murante is seeking election to serve as Nebraska’s State Treasurer.

“During his tenure in the Legislature John demonstrated a commitment to Nebraskans by prioritizing tax relief and government reform. He is a proven leader and brought those skills to the table in Chairing the Legislature’s Government Committee. We are proud to offer our support for John as he seeks the office of State Treasurer,” said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NEFB-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

According to McHargue, Murante played an important role in helping shepherd a Nebraska Farm Bureau backed bill through the Legislature to close a loophole to help limit the growth of property taxes.

“John was extremely helpful in securing the passage of LB 1000, a bill that helps ensure Nebraska taxpayers have a say in tax increases by requiring a public vote to approve or deny bond measures under the Nebraska Public Facilities Construction and Finance Act. John is committed to supporting Nebraska taxpayers and proven it time and again, including successful efforts in the Legislature to reduce unnecessary boards and commissions,” said McHargue.

Nebraska Farm Bureau’s “Friend of Agriculture” designation is given to selected candidates for public office based on their commitment to and positions on agricultural issues, qualifications, previous experience, communication abilities, and their ability to represent their district. 



Attorney General Doug Peterson Named “Friend of Agriculture”

Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson has been designated a “Friend of Agriculture” by NEFB-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau’s political action committee. Peterson is seeking re-election as Nebraska’s Attorney General. 

“Nebraskans are best served when we have an Attorney General who understands the role of agriculture in our state’s economy. Throughout his service, Doug Peterson has demonstrated a firm grasp of the issues that can have tremendous impacts on the well-being of Nebraska farm and ranch families. Because of that we are pleased to support him in his bid for re-election as Nebraska Attorney General,” said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NEFB-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

According to McHargue, Peterson’s more than 30 years of legal experience have proven invaluable to the office of Attorney General, having worked both in private practice and in public service as an Assistant Attorney General and Deputy County Attorney in North Platte.

“Whether it’s representing Nebraska’s interests in challenges to the use of our state’s water resources or defending our state’s rights from federal agency overreach, such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. Rule, Doug has been a staunch supporter of Nebraska’s interests,” said McHargue. “We look forward to continuing to work with him as Attorney General on behalf of Nebraska farm and ranch families,” McHargue said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau’s “Friend of Agriculture” designation is given to selected candidates for public office based on their commitment to and positions on agricultural issues, qualifications, previous experience, communication abilities, and their ability to represent their district. 



TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO COMPLETE THE 2017 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding Nebraska farmers and ranchers that the window is closing on the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. To date, NASS has received more than 1.5 million completed questionnaires, but both the national and Nebraska return rates are currently lower than at this point in the 2012 Census process. NASS is encouraging Nebraska producers who have not returned their completed Census questionnaires to do so as soon as possible to avoid phone and in-person follow-up.

“NASS is grateful for the response from producers to date, but it is important that the others who received a Census questionnaire join their neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family in being part of the Census count,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer.

“We sent the questionnaire to many potential farmers and ranchers who may not be familiar with it. The follow-up will give them and other producers the opportunity to ask questions,” said Hamer. “Some farmers and ranchers were waiting until they gathered their tax documents before completing the Census; having that information handy will certainly make filling out the questionnaire faster and easier.”

The Census differs from other NASS surveys. It provides important demographic information and data on certain commodities, such as horses, bison, and Christmas trees; that would not otherwise be available.

Changes to the questionnaire in 2017 include new questions about military veteran status, decision-making on the farm, and food marketing practices.

“Nebraska producers need to complete and return their Census of Agriculture so policymakers will have accurate data to enact legislation when appropriating government dollars to agriculture” said Dean Groskurth, Director of the Northern Plains Regional Field Office. “Many counties and towns use results from the Census of Agriculture when making decisions about local programs and infrastructure. Completing the Ag Census may be your only way of being heard.”

NASS will release Census results in February 2019. For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture or for assistance with the questionnaire, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call toll-free (888) 424-7828.



Webinar Covers Incorporating Cover Crops into Farm Leases

Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar about how to incorporate cover crops into a farm lease arrangement on Wednesday, May 16, at 12 p.m.

Cover crops are an important tool to help reduce soil erosion and nutrient losses while also improving soil health. On rented land, adding a conservation practice like cover crops involves the cooperation of both the landowner and tenant. Common questions arise in this situation, including who pays for the practice, how the agreement should be documented and long-term benefits to consider.

Charles Brown, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will discuss best practices for adding cover crops to a farm lease arrangement. Brown owns and operates a small farm in Wapello County and works with farmers in a 13 county area on many issues related to farm management, including farm leases and cover crops.

“Water quality and nutrient reduction is important to everyone,” said Brown. “Cover crops are one piece of the puzzle to improve it.” Brown is in his fifth year of using cover crops on his own farm and will discuss his experience with cover crops in addition to farm lease considerations.

The Iowa Learning Farms webinar series takes place on the third Wednesday of the month. To watch, go to https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ shortly before 12 p.m. on May 16 and log in through the guest option. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the ILF website for watching at any time at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.



U.S. Beef Industry Leaders Release First-Ever National Framework for Beef Sustainability

The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) today opened a 60-day public comment period on the group’s Sustainability Framework.

The USRSB Sustainability Framework is a set of resources developed to assist ranchers, cattle auction markets, feedyards, packers, processors, and retail and food service organizations in their efforts to continuously improve the sustainability of U.S. beef.

“The Framework was developed from the collective efforts of more than 200 individuals who make up the USRSB and represent all segments of the beef value chain from producers to retailers, including non-governmental organizations and academic institutions,” said Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, JBS USA Sustainability Director and 2018 – 2019 USRSB Chair. “The USRSB membership has invested more than three years in developing these resources, which we believe will serve as an invaluable tool in enhancing U.S. beef sustainability and increasing economic opportunities in rural landscapes across America.”

The USRSB Framework highlights key areas important to the sustainability of beef and examines unique opportunities for each segment of the beef value-chain to identify opportunities to improve and reflect on their individual progress. Most importantly, the Framework is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is designed to address the needs of the diverse beef communities who produce, buy and sell beef.

“From the rancher to the consumer purchasing beef for their family meal, everyone plays a unique and important role in beef sustainability. The USRSB Framework was intentionally designed to apply to all sizes and types of operations and companies, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey,” Stackhouse-Lawson said. “This approach celebrates the diversity of the U.S. beef community, while providing enough flexibility to address the unique sustainability challenges across our national production system.”

The key areas identified by the USRSB as being important to the sustainability of beef are referred to as High-Priority Indicators. These include: animal health and well-being, efficiency and yield, employee safety and well-being, land resources, water resources, and air and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainability Metrics and Sustainability Assessment Guides serve as the segment-specific elements of the Framework tailored to address the unique challenges in the cow-calf, cattle auction market, feedyard, packer and processor, and retail and foodservice sectors.

“The USRSB Public Comment Period is an opportunity for us to listen. As we open this conversation to the public, we will build upon the USRSB’s foundational work with the important input from interested stakeholders,” said Stackhouse-Lawson. “Our journey is not complete after the comment period. The USRSB’s mission is to continuously improve, meaning we will always need to evaluate, assess, and adapt to ensure the U.S. beef value chain remains the trusted global leader in sustainable beef production.” 

The USRSB Public Comment Period will end July 1. To learn more about the USRSB Sustainability Framework or to participate in the 60-day public comment period, visit www.USRSBFramework.org.



New Study Finds Pureed Pork Supports Infant Growth

Meat, such as pork, can be an important source of much-needed protein in an infant’s diet during the transition to solid foods, according to new research from the University of Colorado published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.1 The first six to 12 months of life is a period of rapid growth when nutrition plays a pivotal role and, for many moms, meat may not be the first choice for an infant’s complementary feeding. Yet this new research suggests meat-fed infants (complementary to formula or breastfeeding) could have an advantage when it comes to early length growth.

“Meat, such as pork, provides important micronutrients, is an excellent source of protein and can be an important complementary food for infants who are ready for solid foods,” said lead study author Minghua Tang, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado. “Our research suggests introducing higher amounts of protein and introducing meat, such as pork, into the diet at five months could be potentially beneficial for linear growth (length gain).”

In the study, 64 healthy, formula-fed infants ate meat-based complementary foods, such as pureed ham and beef, or dairy-based complementary foods from ages five to 12 months old, increasing their protein intake from two grams of protein per kilogram each day before the study up to three grams per kilogram each day during the study period. While the protein increased, both calories and fat intakes stayed the same between the meat and dairy groups, regardless of protein source. Researchers found the pureed meats promoted a greater rate of growth – with length of nearly one inch greater compared to the dairy-fed group at 12 months of age, with no increase in risk of being overweight at the completion of the seven-month study. These findings build upon previous research demonstrating meat-based complementary foods promoted increases in length without excessive weight gain among breastfeed infants, too.2

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods at four to six months of age and advises exposing babies to a wide variety of healthy foods, including a variety of different textures. For babies who are mostly breastfeeding, meat may also have the added benefit of more easily absorbed iron and zinc, as breastfed infants are at a higher risk of becoming iron deficient than formula-fed infants. The World Health Organization also recognizes the need for protein early, recommending infants eat meat, poultry, fish or eggs daily, if possible. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are also planning to expand the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines to include guidance on infant nutrition – given the pivotal role nutrition plays during infant growth.

While more research is needed to understand the potential long-term impacts of including meat, such as pork, in infant diets for growth, the benefits of pork in the diet overall are extensive. In addition to providing high-quality protein to promote growth and development, pork also provides iron and zinc – two key nutrients for which this age group may be deficient during periods of rapid growth.

“This research is particularly exciting because it shows nutrient-rich pork can play an important role in the whole family’s diet,” said Adria Huseth, registered dietitian and manager of nutrition communications and research at National Pork Board. “It’s nutrient-rich, as well as a versatile, affordable and accessible protein.”



US Trade Deficit Drops in March

(AP) -- Record exports trimmed the U.S. trade deficit in March, the first drop in seven months in a massive gap that President Donald Trump is determined to shrink with an aggressive America first policy.

The Commerce Department says the trade deficit — the difference between what America sells and what it buys in foreign markets — slid to $49 billion, down from $57.7 billion in February and lowest since September.

Trump has vowed to bring down America's massive deficits, which he blames on bad trade agreements and abusive practices by U.S. trading partners.

Exports rose in March to a record $208.5 billion, led by shipments of civilian aircraft and soybeans. Imports slipped 1.8% to $257.5 billion.

The United States ran a $20.5 billion surplus in the trade of services such as education and banking. But that was offset by a $69.5 billion deficit in the trade of goods.

Top administration officials are visiting Beijing this week for talks aimed at reducing America's huge trade deficit in goods with China, which fell 11.6% in March to $25.9 billion. Trump is threatening to slap tariffs on up to $150 billion in Chinese products, and the Chinese have targeted $50 billion in U.S. products, including soybeans and small aircraft.

The administration is also seeking to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada, and has slapped tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

Despite the reduction in March, the trade gap is up 18.5% to $163.4 billion so far this year.

The president views trade deficits as a sign of economic weakness that can be brought down by more aggressive trade policies. Most economists say they are caused by bigger economic forces, mainly the fact that the United States consistently spends more than it produces.

The trade gap has continued to rise since Trump entered the White House partly because the U.S. economy is strong and American consumers have an appetite for imported products and the confidence and financial wherewithal to buy them.



Soy Growers Request Meeting with DLA Regarding Soy Ingredients

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is requesting a meeting with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in response to their request for information about soy ingredients they intend to prohibit.

Why?
In August, food companies received a surprise notice from DLA that a number of ingredients must be removed from military dining, including Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Isolated Soybean Protein (ISP), Soy Protein Concentrate (SPC), and Vegetable Protein Product (VPP) when used as meat protein extenders. ASA and several other groups initially submitted comments regarding soy health facts since the announcement.

However, ASA joins the Coalition for Uniformity in Food Ingredient Standards in disappointment upon learning that, despite efforts to share information, the Army Buyer’s Guide Version 11 continues to exclude soy protein extenders.

What does ASA say?
“Soy is an important component of the American diet, providing high-quality protein that lowers blood cholesterol. Food service providers have, for many years, been utilizing soy ingredients to lower saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. The implication that soy is used as a filler for meat protein is simply incorrect.”

What else is ASA doing?
In addition to comments and the meeting request, ASA and other stakeholder groups have met with top U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition officials, as well as many Members of Congress to explain that this proposal would have negative consequences for nutrition and functionality of food served to service members.



USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today invited public comment on the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016. The standard will provide a uniform way to offer meaningful disclosure for consumers who want more information about their food and avoid a patchwork system of state or private labels that could be confusing for consumers and would likely drive up food costs.

“This rulemaking presents several possible ways to determine what foods will be covered by the final rule and what the disclosure will include and look like,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We are looking for public input on a number of these key decisions before a final rule is issued later this year.”

The proposed rule is open for comment for 60 days. Due to the Congressionally mandated timeline for this rulemaking, the comment period will not be extended, so it is important that anyone interested file comments in a timely manner.

Comments may be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be filed with the Docket Clerk, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4543-South, Washington, DC 20250; Fax: (202) 690-0338.

The deadline for comments is July 3, 2018.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Law was enacted by Congress on July 29, 2016. The proposed rule previewed in the May 3, Federal Register.



USDA Biotechnology Food Labeling Proposal Reflects NMPF Input on Need for Accurate Consumer Information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed regulatory standard for the labeling of bioengineered food, released today, reflects much of the input provided by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) to ensure that consumers receive accurate information about the sources of their food.

The USDA Agriculture Marketing Service’s (AMS) proposed rule outlines mandatory uniform standards for how food marketing companies must provide consumers information about the use of biotechnology in the food supply. The proposed regulation follows the strict, science-based approach that was backed by NMPF to determine how foods made using bioengineering should be regulated. Although the rule leaves several key issues unresolved, the agency is initiating a new public comment period on today’s proposal.

In comments that NMPF filed with USDA last year, NMPF said the new standard should focus on providing consumers with accurate information while discouraging misleading marketing tactics or meaningless absence claims. NMPF has been an active participant in the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food, which supported the bioengineered food disclosure legislation passed by Congress in 2016.

“USDA’s proposal strives to stay true to the goal of the law adopted by Congress, which is that shoppers should have meaningful and truthful information about how their food is produced, without requiring labeling disclosures that could be misleading or inappropriate,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “However, the draft regulation hasn’t fully settled the question of what food ingredients need to be labeled, and we will weigh in again with USDA to seek final clarification.”

Mulhern noted that USDA’s proposed rule adheres to Congress’ statutory determination that meat and milk derived from livestock consuming bioengineered feedstuffs are not subject to labeling because there is no difference in those products compared to those from animals that consumed non-biotech feed.

“There is no reason to label a food that has not been modified, and that is the case for all milk and meat,” said Mulhern. “Of the more than 60 other nations around the world with biotech disclosure requirements, none have labeling requirements on milk or meats from animals that may have consumed bioengineered grains. It is important from both a science and consistent marketing standpoint that the United States follows this international precedent.”

Among the main issues still under consideration in USDA’s final stages of regulatory review are:
-    Will the use of highly refined sugars and oils, with detectable genetic material in them, require a label? In its comments last year, NMPF said that ingredients without measurable genetic modifications should not require a label. The USDA proposal offers two approaches to resolving the question.
-    Is there a minimum level of bioengineered content, below which a disclosure is not required?  NMPF suggested that USDA use the same 5-percent threshold employed by the National Organic Program (NOP). USDA is inviting comments on three approaches for setting that threshold, with a preference for the 5-percent level proposed by NMPF.
-    What type of label disclosure is required for bioengineered ingredients? NMPF said a food defined as bioengineered should be labeled with “contains” or “may contain” bioengineered ingredients. The USDA proposal calls for the use of both of those terms, depending on the type of bioengineered ingredient. USDA will also allow several options for the label disclosure showing consumers information about the use of bioengineered ingredients, a concept that NMPF endorsed.

Although the USDA regulation does not address whether or how food companies can use absence claims – which tout information about what supposedly is not in a product – NMPF said that the fact-based standard advanced by USDA should help reduce the confusing labeling claims too often seen in the marketplace. NMPF previously told USDA that too many food companies utilize “fear-mongering” to vilify food biotechnology, as they seek to profit from the consumer confusion surrounding its use.

“A food label should not be designed to scare consumers into purchasing certain products, especially when such labels suggest a distinction when there is no real difference,” said Mulhern. “It’s simply wrong to manipulate consumers through unfounded fears, and it is not fair to the other food companies that don’t engage in such dishonest marketing. We support honest labeling practices in the marketplace, and hope USDA’s final regulation, when it takes effect later this year, will accomplish this goal.”



NGFA Statement on Issuance of USDA Bioengineered Food Disclosure Proposed Rule

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today noted the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) issuance of a proposed rule designed to implement the national bioengineered food disclosure labeling law (P.L. 114-216) enacted by Congress in 2016.

As a member of the Steering Committee of the Safe Affordable Food Coalition, the NGFA said the proposed rule represents a significant step toward establishing a final standard that is designed to give consumers access to more information about the bioengineered content of the food they purchase, while providing for national uniformity in bioengineered food labeling that is essential to providing consumers with continued access to a safe, abundant and affordable food supply.

The NGFA noted that the safe use of crop biotechnology in food long has been verified by numerous governmental, international and domestic scientific and regulatory bodies, including the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization. "Thus, the bioengineered food labeling standard is about providing more access to information to consumers; it most emphatically is not a food safety standard," the NGFA said. The NGFA noted USDA's affirmation that the regulatory oversight provided by federal agencies ensures that foods produced using bioengineering methods meet all relevant federal health, safety and environmental standards.

The NGFA specifically noted its support for USDA proposing to grant a tolerance before labeling is required for inadvertent or technically unavoidable bioengineered ingredients contained in food and beverage products. The NGFA noted that a 5 percent tolerance for biotech presence exists within USDA's National Organic Standard, and with many other countries, including Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. Lack of a realistic threshold for disclosure would substantially increase compliance costs, disrupt supply chains and raise food costs, the NGFA said.

The NGFA also commended USDA for proposing to rely upon customary and reasonable business records that traditionally are maintained as being sufficient for documenting compliance with the rule. NGFA noted that this presumably would include contracts, purchase specifications and confirmations. Doing otherwise would create "complex, cumbersome and extremely costly" recordkeeping requirements within the supply chain that could cause companies to shun the handling or use of safe, wholesome and nutritious bioengineered ingredients in their products, the NGFA said.

The NGFA said it recognizes that some consumers may want to know additional information about crops used to produce food, and noted that USDA's proposal allows for additional voluntary labeling statements using the same parameters proposed for bioengineered products for which labeling would be required. Labeling is required by the Food and Drug Administration to be truthful and not misleading under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

The NGFA said it would join other stakeholders in thoroughly analyzing and commenting on the proposed rule within the 60-day comment period.



Statement by the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food on the Publication of USDA's Proposed Rule for the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

"The proposed rule published today by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is a critical step towards establishing a National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard by the July 29, 2018 deadline. We want to sincerely thank Secretary Perdue, Under Secretary Ibach, and the Agriculture Marketing Service team for their diligence to get this critically important proposed rule published. The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food remains committed to a standard that gives consumers access to information about the food they purchase; ensures that farmers continue to have the tools they need to feed a growing world population; and provides certainty to food manufacturers, retailers and others in the supply chain.

"Over 1,100 national, state, and local organizations representing the food and agriculture value chain supported enactment of the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Act, because it prevented a state-by-state patchwork of labeling laws, that would have cost U.S. consumers, farmers and manufacturers billions of dollars.

"Given the importance of ensuring the final rule is in place by the statutory deadline, the Coalition will be analyzing the proposed rule and developing coordinated food and agricultural industry comments over the next 60 days. The Coalition looks forward to providing the Department with input that reflects the needs of consumers, farmers and the rest of the food value chain."



Farm Bureau Hails Publishing of Food Disclosure Standard
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“The proposed National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, published today by the Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service, will give consumers a valuable resource for making informed decisions about food. Just as important, USDA is doing this the right way, providing consumers access to information about their food purchases while also allowing farmers and ranchers to embrace the sustainable tools of modern agriculture.

“The proposed rule is based on sharing factual information, rather than emotional scare tactics. Science proves that GMOs are safe, and this national proposal strikes a much-needed balance compared to the chaos that would come from a patchwork of state-level labeling initiatives.

“America’s farmers and ranchers respect the need for consumer choice and we take immense pride in producing safe, healthful food. From both standpoints, this proposal is fair and ensures that food facts win the day over food hype. Bold leadership from Agriculture Secretary Perdue on this vital matter has helped ensure transparency and choice built on the clear foundation of sound science. We will further analyze the proposal and comment on areas that need improvement, but this proposal is a positive first step in a process that is important to farmers and consumers alike.”



Statement of Animal Agriculture Industry on Recent Verdict Against N.C. Hog Farm
American Farm Bureau Federation
National Pork Producers Council
National Turkey Federation
The North American Meat Institute

The recent jury verdict against a North Carolina hog farm is a blatant assault on animal agriculture and on rural America. If replicated, it will raise the price of food for consumers. It also will adversely affect farmers at a time when they are adopting innovation and technology to increase sustainability. It also set a dangerous precedent that already is being used in other cases.

The U.S. animal agriculture industry agrees with Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s characterization of the verdict as ‘despicable’ and with his opinion that it should be overturned. This miscarriage of justice must be rectified to ensure that the anti-agriculture advocates can’t continue to attack America’s farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers are among the best stewards of the environment and strive to be good neighbors. They shouldn’t be hauled into court for trying to do the right thing on their farms every day.



USDA Dairy Products March 2018 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.10 billion pounds, 2.7 percent above March 2017 and 11.6 percent above February 2018.  Italian type cheese production totaled 482 million pounds, 2.5 percent above March 2017 and 12.9 percent above February 2018.  American type cheese production totaled 437 million pounds, 1.7 percent above March 2017 and 10.0 percent above February 2018.  Butter production was 186 million pounds, 4.8 percent above March 2017 and 9.1 percent above February 2018.

Dry milk products (comparisons in percentage with March 2017)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 180 million pounds, up 12.0 percent.
Skim milk powder - 41.0 million pounds, down 22.2 percent.

Whey products (comparisons in percentage with March 2017)
Dry whey, total - 88.0 million pounds, up 1.5 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 98.9 million pounds, up 3.7 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 43.6 million pounds, up 2.9 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons in percentage with March 2017)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 65.4 million gallons, down 11.8 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 40.6 million gallons, down 8.0 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.42 million gallons, down 9.2 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 6.70 million gallons, down 3.1 percent.



Animal Agriculture Alliance Summit attendees exploring how to protect their roots

The future of food, consumer choice, sustainability and the connection farmers and ranchers have with consumers were all topics of discussion on the first day of the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2018 Stakeholders Summit, themed “Protect Your Roots,” at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Va.

“The conversations are changing about food to include agriculture and the message of farmers,” said Tyne Morgan, host of U.S. Farm Report and Summit moderator. “There are a lot of companies taking notice of the positive side of agriculture and they are starting to tell that story too.”

Mark Gale, president and partner with Charleston|Orwig kicked off the event with new research about food labels saying, “the changing relationship with food is having an impact on the type of information consumers want and are interested in.” The study involved two surveys with 500 respondents from across the United States and found that nutrition is critical in food label information - but raised the question, “what does nutrition mean to the modern consumer?”

Some indicate they look for weight-management information like calorie and carbohydrate amounts, some are interested in “feel-good” information like local and natural claims while others are interested in “functional” information such as protein and antioxidants. The research also found that despite increasing holistic, emotional drivers, science remains impactful though confusing. “We need to care more about the consumer less about NGOs, government agencies and activist groups,” said Gale. “We need to focus on consumers and give them information that is useful to them.”

Next, speakers from Food Tank, North American Meat Institute and National Pork Producers Council talked about trends in the food industry and what they predict the future of animal agriculture will look like on a panel moderated by Chuck Jolley with Jolley & Associates.

Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank, said the growth of industrial animal agriculture and the average age of today’s farmers are two trends she sees impacting the future. “It’s a time for current farmers and agriculturalists to mentor the next generation of farmers and make sure they have the business skills to thrive so the future of the industry can grow,” said Nierenberg.

Nierenberg also shared that there is an “interesting demand for transparency in the food system and the story behind their food.” She added, “millennials may not be cooking as much as their predecessors but they want to know about their food more than ever before.”

Janet Riley, senior vice president of public affairs at North American Meat Institute, reiterated the point that “we need to be communicating the facts and connecting with people in real and meaningful ways.” While she sees the demand for meat never fading, there is a need for better communication and engagement with consumers about the growing desire for choices to ensure the consumer is in charge.

Dallas Hockman, vice president of industry affairs at National Pork Producers Council, said “we’ve done a great job of raising our products, but not our voice” and “it’s not a simple solution.”  Animal welfare, sustainability, supply chain management and brand reputation are all key issues food industry stakeholders are talking about every day. Hockman recommended Summit attendees humanize the faces of farming and ranching, focus on innovation and emphasize moves toward sustainably to have a successful future for animal agriculture.

In the next session, Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD, of University of California, Davis, shared how the dairy, beef, pork and chicken industries have decreased their environmental impact over the years. Van Eenennaam shared concerns of companies having “cognitive dissonance” and making policies to mitigate environmental impact in their supply chain, but yet also making commitments that have the potential to harm environmental sustainability, such as “slow-growing” broilers. “I am very passionate about science and am very concerned around the abandonment of science in the general populous,” she said. “Dealing with things from a genetics standpoint is the biggest thing you can do from a sustainability perspective.”

To continue the conversation on poultry, Jayson Lusk, PhD, of Purdue University presented recent research findings about consumer beliefs, knowledge and willingness-to-pay for specific attributes, such as cage-free eggs and “slow-growth” broilers. The research found the price is a significant driver for most consumers and there is room for cage-free market to grow, but it may never be a majority of market share. As far as broilers, “people have disadvantageous beliefs about slow-growth chicken for animal welfare, taste and other attributes,” said Lusk.

Lastly, Ted McKinney, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA, took the stage to talk about agriculture’s roots in Washington. At a time when agriculture is facing so much pressure, we need to “talk to people about what really is the truth about agriculture,” said McKinney. To ensure agriculture grows into the future, he said, “we too have to change” and “I am betting on agriculture…I’m all in for you all.”

Be sure to check the Summit website for the most up-to-date Summit information. You can also follow the hashtags #AAA18 and #ProtectYourRoots for periodic updates about the event. For general questions about the Summit please contact summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160.

Thank you to our 2018 Summit sponsors: Watt Global Media, Farm Journal Media, Meatingplace, National Pork Producers Council, American Feed Industry Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Board, United Soybean Board, Elanco, Council for Biotechnology Information, DairyMAX/Western Dairy Association, Farm Credit Council, National Turkey Federation, Summit Livestock Facilities, United Egg Producers, Cobb-Vantress Inc., National Biodiesel Board, Protect the Harvest, The Mosaic Company, Agri Beef, American Veal Association, BPI Technology, Inc., Food Industry Environmental Network, Fur Commission USA, Kemin, National Chicken Council, Vivayic, American Farm Bureau Federation, Kglobal, North Carolina Farm Bureau, Eggland’s Best and Brakke Consulting, Inc.

The Alliance also thanks the following members for their continued support of Summit and other Alliance programs: U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Merck Animal Health, Charleston|Orwig, Diamond V, Zoetis, Alltech, Inc., Aviagen Group, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health, Cargill, Cattle Empire, LLC, Genus PLC - PIC/ABS, Hendrix Genetics, Hy-Line North America LLC, Nutrien, Provimi North America, Inc., Seaboard Foods LLC, Smithfield Hog Production and Iowa Soybean Board.