NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 2%
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.26 million cattle on feed on July 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 2% from last year. Placements during June totaled 420,000 head, up 1% from 2019. Fed cattle marketings for the month of June totaled 555,000 head, up 7% from last year. Other disappearance during June totaled 15,000 head, down 10,000 head from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED REPORT
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 630,000 head on July 1, 2020, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 2% from June and down 3% from July 1, 2019. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 525,000 head on feed, down 9% from last month and down 7% from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,155,000 head, down 5% from both last month and last year.
Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during June totaled 58,000 head, down 23% from May and down 11% from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 50,000 head, up 19% from May but down 23% from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 108,000 head, down 8% from May and down 17% from last year.
Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during June totaled 66,000 head, up 27% from May but down 8% from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 97,000 head, up 102% from May and up 8% from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 163,000 head, up 63% from May and up 1% from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 5,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Down Slightly
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.4 million head on July 1, 2020. The inventory was slightly below July 1, 2019. This is the second highest July 1 inventory since the series began in 1996. The inventory included 7.03 million steers and steer calves, up slightly from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.41 million head, down 1 percent from 2019.
Cattle on Feed - By State
(1,000 hd - % of June 1 '19)
Colorado ....: 1,020 99
Iowa ...........: 630 97
Kansas ........: 2,390 101
Nebraska ....: 2,260 98
Texas ..........: 2,920 103
Placements in feedlots during June totaled 1.80 million head, 2 percent above 2019. Net placements were 1.74 million head. During June, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 430,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 310,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 360,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 413,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 200,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 85,000 head.
Placements by State
(1,000 hd - % of June '19)
Colorado ....: 175 130
Iowa ...........: 58 89
Kansas ........: 425 99
Nebraska ....: 420 101
Texas ..........: 440 110
Marketings of fed cattle during June totaled 1.97 million head, 1 percent above 2019. Other disappearance totaled 62,000 head during June, 6 percent below 2019.
Marketings by State
(1,000 hd - % of June '19)
Colorado ....: 160 100
Iowa ...........: 66 92
Kansas ........: 455 103
Nebraska ....: 555 107
Texas ..........: 440 105
United States All Cattle on Feed Unchanged
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.6 million head on July 1, 2020. The inventory was unchanged from the July 1, 2019 total of 13.6 million head. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 84 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2020, down slightly from the previous year.
July 1 Cattle Inventory Up Slightly
All cattle and calves in the United States on July 1, 2020 totaled 103 million head, slightly above the 103 million head on July 1, 2019.
All cows and heifers that have calved totaled 41.4 million head, slightly below the 41.6 million head on July 1, 2019. Beef cows, at 32.1 million head, down 1 percent from a year ago. Milk cows, at 9.35 million head, up 1 percent from previous year.
All heifers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2020 totaled 16.5 million head, 1 percent above the 16.4 million head on July 1, 2019. Beef replacement heifers, at 4.40 million head, unchanged from a year ago. Milk replacement heifers, at 4.10 million head, unchanged from previous year. Other heifers, at 8.00 million head, 1 percent above a year earlier.
Steers 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2020 totaled 15.0 million head, up 2 percent from July 1, 2019.
Bulls 500 pounds and over on July 1, 2020 totaled 2.10 million head, unchanged from previous year.
Calves under 500 pounds on July 1, 2020 totaled 28.0 million head, down slightly from a year earlier.
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for all feedlots totaled 13.6 million head on July 1, 2020, unchanged from previous year. Cattle on feed in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head accounted for 84.1 percent of the total cattle on feed on July 1, 2020, down slightly from previous year. The total of calves under 500 pounds and other heifers and steers over 500 pounds (outside of feedlots), at 37.4 million head, up 1 percent from the 37.1 million head on July 1, 2019.
Calf Crop Down 1 Percent
The 2020 calf crop in the United States is expected to be 35.8 million head, down 1 percent from last year. Calves born during the first half of 2020 are estimated at 26.1 million head, down 1 percent from the first half of 2019. An additional 9.70 million calves are expected to be born during the second half of 2020.
LENRD board continues partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
At their July meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to approve an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) for the operation and maintenance of the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA), southwest of Pierce. The amendment will provide for an annual payment of $10,000 to the NGPC to fund employees of the Commission to complete tasks previously performed by employees of the district.
The district’s partnership with the NGPC has been ongoing since the SRA opened to the public in 1984. The LENRD owns the property and is in a lease agreement with the NGPC for the management of the area. The flood control structure protects the City of Pierce and downstream landowners to just north of Norfolk. The SRA covers 1,633 acres, including a 700-acre reservoir, offering camping, fishing, boating, and more.
The LENRD board is also gathering more information and potential ways to reduce the toxic algae and improve water quality in the lake at the SRA. In May, the board signed a contract with FYRA Engineering to study the internal phosphorus loading within the Willow Creek reservoir. LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This is an introduction to a project that can help us to further understand the complexity of this issue and assist us in developing a plan to protect the water quality in the lake and the surrounding area.” The first step in the process involves the collection and analysis of core soil samples.
In other action, the board voted to help with the expenses of the 2020 Scrap Tire Collection at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Scribner. The funds will be used for any expenses that are not covered by the Waste Reduction & Recycling Incentive Grant. The amount will be split 50-50 with the Papio-Missouri River NRD, not to exceed $10,000 of LENRD funds. The collection will be held in late August.
The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future. The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, August 27th at 7:30 p.m. Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.
WEBINAR TO COVER 2020 NEBRASKA FARM CUSTOM RATES
A Nebraska Extension webinar scheduled for Thursday at noon will provide a summary and analysis of the newly published 2020 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates Report.
The report, issued every two years, reflects the current average rates charged by agricultural custom operators in Nebraska for machine hire services and other work they provide. It is compiled from a survey of over 200 individuals across the state who are identified by Nebraska Extension personnel or self-identify as custom operators.
The webinar will cover what is included in the report, how it is compiled and offer suggestions on how to use it as a guide when determining what to charge or pay for custom operations. It will be led by Glennis McClure, an extension educator and farm and ranch management analyst, who is the lead author of the report.
This is part of an ongoing weekly series of webinars produced by the extension Farm and Ranch Management Team in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics. It will be held live on Zoom for approximately one hour, including time for questions from participants.
The 2020 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates Report and webinar registration can be found at farm.unl.edu/customrates.
Drought Meetings to Be Offered in Central and West-Central Iowa
Much of western Iowa is currently under a moderate to severe drought. The drought conditions are causing major concerns for both crop and livestock producers. To help address those concerns, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be hosting 10 free drought meetings at the following locations.
Aug. 3, 9:30 a.m. Adair County Fairgrounds (900 NE Elm St., Greenfield). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Adair County office to pre-register at 641-743-8412.
Aug. 3, 5:30 p.m. Cass County Fairgrounds (1000 Fair Ave., Atlantic). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Cass County office to pre-register at 712-243-1132.
Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m. Audubon County Fairgrounds (400 N. Division St. W., Audubon). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Audubon County office to pre-register at 712-563-4239.
Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m. Swan Lake State Park (22676 Swan Lake Trail, Carroll). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Carroll County office to pre-register at 712-792-2364.
Aug. 5, 9:30 a.m. Dallas County Fairgrounds (28057 Fairground Rd., Adel). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dallas County office to pre-register at 515-993-4281.
Aug. 5, 5:30 p.m. Boone County Fairgrounds (1601 Industrial Park Rd, Boone). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Boone County office to pre-register at 515-432-3882.
Aug. 6, 10 a.m. Sac County Fairgrounds 4-H Building (416 Park Ave., Sac City). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Sac County office to pre-register at 712-662-7131.
Aug. 6, 1 p.m. Pocahontas Expo Center (139-155 4th Ave. NE, Pocahontas). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Pocahontas County office to pre-register at 712-335-3103.
Aug. 7, 9:30 a.m. Greene County Fairgrounds (601 E. Lincoln Way, Jefferson). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County office to pre-register at 515-386-2138.
Aug. 7, 5:30 p.m. Guthrie County Fairgrounds (408 W. State St., Guthrie Center). Contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Guthrie County office to pre-register at 641-747-2276.
Meeting topics include crop growth and development under drought conditions, presented by Mike Witt, Paul Kassel or Aaron Saeugling, field agronomists with ISU Extension and Outreach; feeding drought damaged crops, including issues with drought silage, and other cattle management considerations by Erika Lundy, Beth Doran or Chris Clark, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialists; and crop insurance considerations covered by Steve Johnson, Gary Wright, Patrick Hatting or Tim Christensen, farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, or local Farm Service Agency office staff.
Meetings will last approximately 90 minutes. Starting approximately 45 minutes before each meeting, producers will have the opportunity to bring five corn stalk samples for a quick nitrate assessment conducted on site either prior to the start of the meeting or after the meeting. Producers are encouraged to sample corn stalks from multiple, representative areas of the field to accurately estimate conditions.
Due to COVID-19 and ISU Extension and Outreach’s commitment to doing our best to keep the community safe, certain restrictions and requests will be required to attend the meetings. Do not attend if you are sick or have been exposed to anyone in the past 14 days who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Most meetings will be held at outdoor venues and social distancing requirements will apply. Attendees should bring their own chairs, as seating may be limited and to help with maintaining social distance. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when in the presence of others and unable to maintain a six-foot physical distance.
Pre-registration is requested at least two days prior to each meeting by contacting the county extension office hosting the meeting to allow staff to prepare the venue. If pre-registration is not completed, walk-in attendees will be required to provide contact tracing information at the meeting or will be unable to attend.
Those not comfortable with attending the in-person meetings are welcome to join the statewide webinar series: http://www.aep.iastate.edu/drought. Additional drought resources can be found at www.extension.iastate.edu/topic/recovering-disasters.
Naig, Godfrey: Transparency, Fairness Key to Success of the Cattle Market
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Dick Godfrey issued the following statement on the Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“The USDA report highlights the need for increased price discovery and transparency in the cattle marketplace,” said Secretary Naig. “Transparency and fairness are essential to a healthy and competitive market. I will continue to work with Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and our congressional delegation to ensure that these recommendations are given fair consideration during the reauthorization of the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting act.”
“The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association remains steadfast in our decision to request a legislative or regulatory fix to address how cattle are purchased regionally and at the plant level. Meatpacking entities must participate in the negotiated cash market to provide robust price discovery and competition for the beef cattle industry,” said Godfrey. “Furthermore, the information provided in USDA’s report affirms our request for a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing in advance of Livestock Mandatory Reporting reauthorization in September 2020.”
The Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, prepared by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service in coordination with USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, summarizes market conditions, fed cattle prices, boxed beef values, and the spread before and after the fire and plant closure at the Tyson Holcomb plant. The report also summarizes market conditions, fed cattle prices, boxed beef values, and the spread before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report did not examine potential violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act.
IFBF on USDA boxed beef and fed cattle price spread investigative report
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Craig Hill
“As Iowa farmers suffer through a prolonged downturned ag economy and severe economic hardship resulting in concerns about livestock markets, the recent USDA Boxed Beef and Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report calling for more transparency, particularly in pricing, is a welcomed first step to address industry-wide concerns.
Supply chain issues brought on by COVID-19 put many cattle farmers at a significant financial disadvantage which requires immediate attention. While this report and analysis is just a start to address concerns about fairness in pricing across the cattle industry, recognizing that transparency is essential for a fair and competitive marketplace is a good initial step. There is still a need to delve deeper into some of the solutions discussed by the cattle industry in the aftermath of this unprecedented pandemic.”
Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest
Like many Iowans, the postponing of the 2020 Iowa State Fair left our taste buds yearning for a bite of our favorite fair foods, and at the top of that list is the Hot Beef Sundae. Iowa’s beef producers couldn’t go an entire year without celebrating this delicious bowl of down-home traditional comfort food. So, we are bringing it to your family’s kitchen and spicing things up with a side of competition.
This summer the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters and Iowa Beef Industry Council are teaming up to host a Hot Beef Sundae Virtual Cooking Contest for all ages. For your recipe to be considered, it must be prepared using 100% real beef. Any cut of beef or combination of ingredients may be included. When submitting your entry, you must include a list of recipe ingredients, directions and a high-resolution photo of your dish.
Entries will be accepted online between July 21, 2020, and August 4, 2020. The submission form will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Selection of first, second and third place winners in the youth and adult age categories, along with the winner of the most creative Hot Beef Sundae, will be conducted by an anonymous judging panel.
Judging will be based on appearance (color, eye appeal, the appealing appearance of beef, attractive garnish and final plated presentation) and creativity (originality, innovation and uniqueness). The announcement of award winners will take place during the week of August 17, 2020.
Awards Include:
First place in each age category will receive a $100 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair.
Second place in each age category will receive a $75.00 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair.
Third place in each age category will receive a $50.00 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair.
The winner of the most creative category will receive a $100 beef certificate and a free Hot Beef Sundae coupon from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for the 2021 Iowa State Fair.
For more information contact IBIC’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Kylie Peterson at kylie@iabeef.org.
Dairy Experience Forum delivers consumer insights to help drive dairy demand
Midwest Dairy hosted the third annual Dairy Experience Forum on July 15, convening more than 400 members from the entire dairy supply chain to discuss trends, opportunities, innovation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme, “A Disruptive Forum on Today’s Consumer and Dairy’s Opportunity,” built upon the past two years of learning and closely examined how current events have created unique circumstances influencing consumer behavior in 2020 and beyond.
“Although the Dairy Experience Forum took a different form this year by going virtual, we’re thrilled to bring the dairy community together once again to facilitate important discussions and collaborate to strengthen our collective position,” said Molly Pelzer, CEO, Midwest Dairy. “This year’s challenges have also provided opportunities for dairy, and we’re fortunate this conference allows us to explore how we can maximize them together.”
The forum kicked-off with a live consumer focus group before moving into a line-up of industry speakers and panels and concluded with a keynote address from a motivational speaker.
The live consumer panel identified consumer perceptions surrounding health benefits, animal care and sustainability. While consumer panelists shared specific concerns, they also shared enthusiasm for dairy and habits which showcased opportunities for the dairy industry. Among these were increased yogurt consumption, exploring new cheeses and cooking with dairy foods like buttermilk and sour cream.
A common thread throughout each presentation was analyzing how COVID-19 has affected consumer shopping behaviors, especially as it relates to dairy:
· As of June 21, retail dairy sales in the U.S. are up 17% in 2020, outperforming other edible category increases during this time.
· During COVID-19 restrictions, those buying more dairy (+25%) were increasing their consumption the most at breakfast and snack times.
· Based on the results of a survey commissioned by Midwest Dairy, consumers indicated they plan to increase their yogurt usage in the post-pandemic world, more so than cheese, milk or butter.
· Online dairy shoppers are not motivated by the same elements as in-store dairy shoppers, and 70% of those who began purchasing dairy online during COVID-19 say they will continue.
· Dairy drivers are the same as before (taste, nutrition/health, comfort, familiarity) but have increased in importance in the eyes of consumers.
“Now, it will be up to the dairy community to tap into this expanded market share and retain consumers’ enthusiasm for the category,” said Allen Merrill, chairman, Midwest Dairy. “We can do this by focusing future innovation on products that meet consumers needs for taste, affordability, nutrition, convenience and accessibility.”
Attendees also heard from a panel consisting of a dairy farmer, a cooperative processor and a consumer branded product manufacturer about what they are doing to reach the industry’s 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals. Each of the panelists agreed that sustainability starts on-farm, while also nodding to the outstanding efforts and practices that farmers do each day to decrease their carbon footprint, improve water quality and reduce and optimize water usage. Discussion focused around how the entire dairy supply chain needs to remain committed to sharing dairy’s sustainability story to continue to build trust in dairy.
While there is still work to be done and challenges to overcome, the dairy industry is ready to address them. Motivational speaker, Harris III, left some impressionable words with the group: “Worry is a waste of imagination.” Taking the insights gained from the forum, members of the dairy supply chain can use their imaginations to move dairy forward, innovate, be creative and enter the post-COVID era stronger than ever before.
Growth Energy Champions Biofuels as Part of USDA’s Innovation Agenda
Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to a request for input on the agency’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA), a new initiative to promote conservation and boost productivity in American agriculture. In her comments, Skor applauded the agency’s focus on expanding the use of low-carbon ethanol and other biofuel blends to reduce carbon emissions and protect air quality.
“Incorporating biofuels into our nation’s fuel supply has been one of our most successful energy policies to date, benefitting both the environment and the consumer,” wrote Skor. “With many states and localities increasingly exploring public policy options to lower carbon emissions, biofuels have become an affordable and accessible solution for many.”
Skor also urged the agency to press ahead with policies to expand consumer choice at the pump.
“Programs such as the Renewable Fuel Standard, as well as the continued expansion of access to higher biofuel blends like E15, E30, and E85, can build on biofuels’ environmental progress and expand the market for American agriculture,” noted Skor. “USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) is a prime example how the agency can support the productivity of our farmers, while decreasing GHG emissions and encouraging the further adoption of sustainable farming practices across our agriculture sector.”
In addition, Skor elaborated on the role of agricultural innovation in achieving the nation’s sustainability and conservation goals.
“The environmental benefits of biofuels are intensified when coupled with innovations in precision agriculture,” added Skor. “America’s farmers are producing more food and energy than ever before and using less cropland to do it.”
HOUSE PASSES FY20201 AGRICULTURE SPENDING BILL
On Friday, the U.S. House passed a four-bill, $259.5 billion fiscal year 2021 spending package (H.R. 7608) that includes $24 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Among details, the agriculture bill includes: $1.07 billion—$27 million above the 2020 enacted level—for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and $3.3 billion—$92 million above the 2020 enacted level—for the Agriculture Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The House adopted a package of amendments on Thursday, including one that would prevent USDA from carrying out the Defense Production Act to keep meatpacking plants online during a pandemic. The overall spending bill also includes funding for Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA and State-Foreign Operations. It’s unclear when the Senate plans to address the spending measures.
House Ag Appropriations Features Gains for Dairy
The House of Representatives-approved appropriations bill funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration for the next fiscal year includes key advances for dairy which the National Milk Producers Federation applauds. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support today, includes provisions that were top priorities for NMPF as it works to assist dairy producers nationwide.
“Today’s House appropriations bill represents key gains for dairy and all of agriculture,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF, the largest organization of U.S. dairy farmers. “We especially thank the lawmakers who took extra steps to assist producers, and we look forward to working with senators as legislation advances through Congress.”
Among dairy’s gains, the bill:
· Urges FDA in multiple ways to enforce dairy product standards of identity. Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT), with bipartisan support from 18 of his colleagues, added an amendment on the House floor directing FDA to allocate $5 million to enforce federal rules that reserve dairy-product terms for real dairy products. The committee report also directs FDA to finally start enforcing dairy product standards of identity pursuant to a review process it began two years ago following pressure from NMPF and Congress.
· Allocates $10 million for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, a USDA program aimed at connecting those working in agriculture to stress assistance and support programs.
· Provides $990 million, a 78 percent boost from the current fiscal year, for ReConnect, the USDA Rural Development program working to provide broadband service to eligible rural areas.
· Sets aside $6 million for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program, which provides direct technical assistance and grants to dairy businesses to further the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. While the House Appropriations Committee initially provided $1 million for the program, Congressmen Peter Welch and Bryan Steil (R-WI) secured an additional $5 million with an amendment passed by the entire House of Representatives.
· Allocates $1 million to the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects, a program created in the 2018 Farm Bill to create pilot programs to boost milk consumption among SNAP households.
The Senate has yet to begin work on its own appropriations measures.
The House-approved appropriations bill funding USDA and FDA for the next fiscal year includes key advances for dairy.
U.S. TRADE TALKS WITH KENYA, UK DELAYED DUE TO COVID
While the U.S. continues to pursue trade agreements with Kenya and the UK, negotiations are being delayed due to the COVID worldwide pandemic. This week, the U.S. and Kenya temporarily paused trade talks due to concerns that Kenyan officials were possibly exposed to COVID. The two countries began trade talks earlier this week.
In late April, the National Pork Producers Council submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative on a trade deal between the two countries, noting that an agreement has the potential for a significant increase in the demand for U.S. pork products, but import duties and all non-tariff barriers on U.S. pork need to be fully eliminated.
Meantime, COVID is also being blamed for delaying trade talks between the U.S. and the UK. Trade negotiations formally began in May and both sides were hopeful for an agreement ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November. In October 2018, the Trump administration announced its intention to negotiate a trade agreement with the U.K. NPPC is supportive of negotiations, provided the agreement eliminates tariff and non-tariff trade barriers on pork.
Pork Checkoff Funds New ASF Research in Vietnam
The National Pork Board approved three projects on African swine fever for a total of $362,555. The research will take place in Vietnam, which continues to battle the virus in many locations.
The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has already been heavily involved in collaborating with the USDA on helping the Asian country try to solve its ASF issues while gleaning keen insights into how to improve U.S. preparedness. This move by the National Pork Board was taken after SHIC received numerous excellent responses to its request for research proposals that went beyond its funding capability.
"We are excited to be working with colleagues here and abroad to learn more about how to be better prepared to prevent and respond to ASF," said Dave Pyburn, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board. "This research opportunity creates somewhat of a field laboratory for us to learn as we assist the Vietnamese."
The three projects are:
- Evaluation of the performance of ELISA for ASF-antibodies detection and its potential use in the U.S. swine industry, University of Minnesota
- Investigating methods for decontamination of interior surfaces (cabs) of transportation vehicles, Kansas State University
- African swine fever virus inactivation in compost and persistence of ASF virus in swine slurry research in Vietnam, University of Maine
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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