AHPharma, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) have teamed up for the release of the new AviLighting Egg Candler, a high-intensity, cost-effective egg candler that has been specifically-designed to meet USDA regulations. The candler provides an effective, eco-friendly tool for identifying cracks, abnormal sacks and blood yolk spots, allowing producers numerous benefits, such as its ease of use and … Read More
#WDE15 Focused on Global Dairy Policy
Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis for the University of Wisconsin College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was one of many exceptional dairy professionals who spoke in front of international audiences during the 2015 World Dairy Expo. “Policy has been pretty important for us in the last couple of years as we had a Farm Bill approaching,” he said … Read More
Ag Industy Comments on TPP Negotiations
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations have successfully concluded in Atlanta and many believe it will benefit all sectors of the U.S. economy by boosting U.S. exports and eliminating trade barriers. “While the full details of the partnership will not be released until the President presents it to Congress, cattle producers are assured this is a true 21st century agreement,” said … Read More
NASDA's Mission to Grow & Enhance Agriculture
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) represents the 50 state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture. Dr. Barb Glen, CEO of NASDA, took in this year’s World Dairy Expo and said don’t forget that there is one near you and you should get to know them. “We represent agriculture. Our mission is to grow and enhance agriculture … Read More
NFU DC Fly-In Focus on COOL
Members of the National Farmers Union (NFU) met with administration officials and Congressional representatives in Washington DC last week for the organization’s 2015 Fall Legislative Fly-In. “This fall has proven to be a very important time for several Farmers Union issues, including the path forward for voluntary Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), the full implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as … Read More
Animal Ag Groups Urge Quick Passage Of TPA
A diverse group of agriculture and food organizations sent a letter to Congress this week urging swift passage of legislation renewing Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The 70 groups, including poultry and livestock organizations, say TPA is necessary so that major trade deals can be finalized and implemented to help the U.S. economy. “Their ability to compete in global markets is … Read More
NCBA & PLC Accepting Summer Internship Applications
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council’s (PLC) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for the summer 2015 public policy internship. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 9, 2015. “NCBA and PLC provide opportunities that very few other internships can offer,” said John Weber, South Dakota State University animal science senior … Read More
45 Cattlemens’ Associations Tell USDA: Don’t Hijack Checkoff
Fourt-five state cattlemens’ associations representing more than 170,000 cattle breeders, producers and feeders sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, urging him not to issue an Order for a supplemental beef checkoff under the 1996 General Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act. Bob McCan, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president and Victoria, Texas, cattleman says the strong turnout of signatories to … Read More
Policy Talks Underway at Cattle Industry Summer Conference
The 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference is well underway here in Denver, CO. Cattlemen and women have gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting producers nationwide. I sat down with Philip Ellis, 2014 NCBA President Elect and he shed some light into what the cattlemen’s organization is doing to advocate and educate. “We always have many issues at our summer conference. … Read More
House Members Urge Removal of EU Trade Barriers
A bipartisan group of 177 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urged the Obama administration to use the transatlantic trade talks with the European Union (EU) to address a variety of export barriers hampering the U.S. dairy industry. Among the barriers are the EU’s recent efforts to prevent U.S. companies from using common food names like parmesan and feta … Read More