There are reports out this week that Pope Francis will be opening up the papal farm at Castel Gandolfo to the public for tours next year, although there is no official word from the Vatican on its website or on the Catholic News Service. The original story came from the Associated Press. It is true that the pope does have … Read More
NFU Supports Beef Checkoff Modernization
News that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has dropped plans to pursue a second beef checkoff was disappointing to the National Farmers Union, which still would like to see changes in the current program. “NFU is very appreciative and supportive of the Secretary’s efforts to modernize the current beef checkoff program,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “The current system is badly … Read More
USDA Appoints Meat and Poultry Inspection Members
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed members to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) for the 2014-2016 term. Established in 1971, the 17-member committee advises the Secretary on matters affecting federal and state inspection program activities and contributes to USDA’s regulatory policy development. The new NACMPI members are: Dr. Michael Crupain, Consumer Product Safety and Sustainability; … Read More
Alliance Names New Communications Director
Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith announced the appointment of Hannah Thompson as the Alliance’s new Director of Communications. Prior to joining the Alliance, Thompson held a position in marketing with Farm Credit Mid-America in Louisville, Kentucky. Previously, she worked as a Staff Writer and Production Assistant for Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net. “Hannah brings … Read More
DuPont Pioneer Sells Alfalfa Research & Production Assets
DuPont Pioneer and S&W Seed Company announced an agreement for S&W Seed Company to acquire DuPont Pioneer alfalfa germplasm, as well as alfalfa production and research facility assets for a purchase price of up to $49 million over a period of several years. The first portion of the sale is expected to be completed on Dec. 31, 2014, pending conditions … Read More
A Million lbs of Cheese Exported by CWT
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 7 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and Tillamook County Creamery Association to sell 1.056 million pounds (479 metric tons) of Cheddar, Colby-Jack and Gouda cheese to customers in Asia and the South Pacific. The product will be delivered December 2014 through June 2015. Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives … Read More
December Dairy Market Report
The December issue of the NMPF-DMI Dairy Market Report is out. It advises that domestic commercial use of milk is keeping pace with milk production, but that eroding export volumes are causing total consumption to lag behind production growth. That’s keeping downward pressure on milk prices. The dairy futures outlook for the all-milk price for the first half of 2015 … Read More
USDA Drops Plans for Second Beef Checkoff
According to reports out today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has abandoned his plans to pursue a second beef checkoff. Just over a month ago, USDA announced it would be seeking input on the development of a new industry-funded promotion, research and information order for beef and beef products. The decision to drop the idea apparently was made as the result … Read More
Pork Board's Strategic Plan – People, Pigs & Planet
During the 2014 National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk intern, Taylor Truckey, sat down with fellow Michiganite, Dale Norton. Dale is President of the National Pork Board and after they found out they are from neighboring hometowns, they chatted about their new initiative, People, Pigs & Planet that they are using to bridge the gap between producer and consumer. … Read More
Advanced Animal Diagnostics Expands Team
Advanced Animal Diagnostics (AAD) adds Rick Rectenwald to its team as manufacturing operations/customer service manager and Darlene Duarte as sales representative for California and Arizona. Rectenwald will help AAD maintain the highest level of quality and customer satisfaction as the company delivers diagnostic solutions to livestock producers across North America. Drawing on deep operations experience, he will administer systems to … Read More