Oklahoma Agricultural Groups Deliver Message to Lawmakers and Governor- Legalize Horse Slaughter in

It was a packed house for a combination news conference/Pep Rally for the so called Horse Slaughter legislation on Wednesday morning at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. A pair of farm leaders and several lawmakers spoke in favor of HB1999 and SB375- calling for their quick passage and for the Governor to sign one of the measures into law.

The Speaker of the Oklahoma House, TW Shannon, was the first of several lawmakers who professed support for the horse slaughter legislation to the cheering crowd of farmers, ranchers, horsemen and others who far outnumbered the members of the media that were present. (to hear the remarks made by Speaker Shannon- click here.)

OFB President Mike Spradling said it was time for Oklahomans to stand up for their rights.

"Oklahoma Farm Bureau is here because we feel it is an attack on our private property rights. We own these animals. They are in our possession for their care and well-being. That's our business. That's our job.

"Oklahoma livestock and wildlife producers respect and care for animals," he said. "This legislation provides a humane solution to the challenge of abandoned, abused and otherwise neglected horses."

Terry Detrick, president of American Farmers and Ranchers, said he was encouraged by the turnout at the capitol for the media conference. He said he believes a strong message was sent to animal activists who have gotten involved in the issue.

"I think it made a good statement to HSUS, 'By golly, you come to Oklahoma and start messing with us and we're a united front.'"

He said he believes the governor has heard the message that Oklahomans support allowing horse owners to care for their animals and having the option to dispose of them humanely. He said he believes Governor Fallin will ultimately sign the legislation when it makes it to her desk.

You can read more of this story and hear comments from Skye McNeil and Mike Spradling by clicking here. 

'Threatened' Listing Not Needed for Lesser Prairie-Chicken, AFBF Says

The Lesser Prairie-Chicken, a species of grouse found in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas should not be added to the "threatened" list under the Endangered Species Act, the American Farm Bureau Federation told the Fish and Wildlife Service. FWS can reasonably and responsibly withdraw its proposal to list the bird as threatened while continuing to meet its legal obligations to protect it under the ESA, according to AFBF.

A number of interested parties in both the public and private sector, including the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Working Group, farmers and ranchers, oil and gas companies, environmental organizations and conservation groups are working collaboratively to protect the species without having to resort to an ESA listing, AFBF noted in written comments submitted to FWS.

"We believe such an approach will be far more effective and meaningful than the regulatory measures proposed by FWS," AFBF stated. 

Click here for the rest of the story.

Why Millennials Matter: A Research Overview on What Makes Them Tick

Millennials: they're the consumers of the future, a generation of 80 million that, as it moves through society, is changing all the rules - perhaps especially the way products are marketed. Recent research helps the beef industry learn what makes them tick.

The Millennial generation (those born between 1980 and 2000) is a research priority for the beef industry. Millennials are the consumers of tomorrow. But they already account for about a fourth of the U.S. population and about a third of all adults so they represent a big chunk of the current consumer population.

The checkoff continues to engage in consumer research studies to identify trends affecting beef acceptance and preference and ultimately identify ways the checkoff can respond to help increase consumer interest in and purchases of beef.So why Millennials? A checkoff-funded study in late 2011 revealed that this generation really enjoys beef, but they also have some beef issues, many of which relate to consumer education. 

You can read more by clicking here.

 

Farmers Select Drought-Tolerant Corn to Reduce Yield Loss

With the effects of last season's drought still being felt in many states, farmers are looking for ways to help mitigate risk as they head into planting season. Farmers across the corn-growing area have selected DEKALB® drought-tolerant corn plants with deep, strong root structures to help withstand drought conditions and reduce yield loss.

A root comparison study was conducted at Monsanto's Gothenburg Water Utilization Learning Center in Gothenburg, Neb., that showed the benefits of deeper root systems. The study incorporated a root dig and revealed the featured DEKALB product to have a significantly deeper, more evenly spread root structure than competitive products. DEKALB brand's thick, deep root structure allows corn plants to reach crucial moisture locked within the subsoil, sucking up more water, nutrients and ultimately leading to healthier ears and outstanding yield potential.

"DEKALB brand has really been a leader in the development of what's going on below ground, so they can produce 700 to 800 kernels per ear," said Michael Petersen, lead agronomist with Orthman Manufacturing, a tillage and earth-moving company which participated in the root dig excavation.

Click here to read more.  

NCBA Concerned that Proposed Modification to COOL Law Will Increase Cost to Customers

Country of Origin labeling has been controversial ever since it was enacted as part of the 2008 farm bill. When USDA implemented COOL, groups like the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the National Pork Producers Council, the American Meat Institute, and others that said it was not a rule that would be helpful to anyone in the meat industry.

At the same time, the smaller, more populist groups like the National Farmers Union, RCALF-USA, and U.S. Cattlemen that praised and defended COOL when Canada and Mexico challenged it in the World Trade Organization court. These groups like what the USDA has come up with in its new rule or face retaliation by Mexico and Canada.

Bob McCan, a south Texas rancher and president-elect of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, spoke with me on the latest Beef Buzz and says the NCBA has always been of the opinion that COOL was a broken piece of rulemaking and the proposed fix is no better.

"There is no regulatory fix to bring this COOL law into compliance with the WTO ruling that would satisfy Canada and Mexico. Unfortunately, this additional labeling is, in disallowing the comingling of the muscle cuts, is only going to increase costs for meat processors and retailers in this country which, in turn, is going to increase the cost of beef to our consumers."

You can read more and listen to the latest Beef Buzz by clicking here.
 

FSIS Head Projects Meat Inspectors Face 11 Days of Furloughs for balance of 2013 Fiscal Year

Speaking to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture Wednesday - USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Elisabeth Hagen explained that furloughs would be unavoidable under the projected sequestration scenario. She emphasized that all FSIS employees will be affected - not just frontline inspectors. Hagen said restricting furloughs to non-frontline personnel wouldn't generate a large enough cut to meet the projected sequestration target of 52.8-million dollars. Therefore - she said the current plan is for all employees - including federal meat inspectors - to be furloughed for 11 days. According to Hagen - FSIS will furlough all employees at once for industry fairness.

 Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt of Alabama expressed hope that the challenges of sequestration could be met in a reasonable and responsible way - while minimizing the impact on frontline inspectors and industry. But Hagen said USDA lawyers have examined the meat inspection and sequester statutes and found no alternative to the furloughs planned. Reminded that FSIS has kept inspectors on the job during government shutdowns - Hagen said this situation is different. She said Congress doesn't plan to provide the agency the money that has been sequestered for this year - and is planning to maintain the cuts in future years.

 Hagen said the furloughs will result in an enormous economic disruption - but said food safety is not an issue since meat that hasn't been inspected can't be sold.
 
Click here for the complete testimony offered by Hagan to the Committee on Wednesday.

Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom Teacher Selected- Kimberly Pearson of Gore 

 
She will receive cash awards from Southwest Dairy Farmers and Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women to help her attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis later this year. She organizes Ag Days for the elementary students. Her family farms in the Gore area. Pearson has taught for 31 years.

Pearson will be honored at the Ag Day celebration at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City on April 4th.