John Maday
Challenges and opportunities in specialized beef
A variety of beef-production systems in the United States provides consumers with options to suit their preferences while also offering opportunities for beef producers to address specific demand niches. A new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service titled “Alternative Beef Production Systems: Issues and Implications” outlines these systems and the opportunities and challenges associated with each.
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H7N9 avian influenza raises concern
Health officials are expressing concern over the H7N9 strain of avian influenza, which recently has infected a small number of people in China.
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Trust in food
Consumers are confused about food and food production, and many do not know whom to trust for food information. But the good news is, many trust farmers and ranchers more than other information sources, and first-hand exposure to production agriculture tends to improve consumers’ perceptions of food production.
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FDA, APHIS plan public meetings on antimicrobial resistance
The FDA will host a series of meetings during April, May and June to allow public input on the issue of antimicrobial use in animal agriculture. The agency is moving forward to implement its strategy to promote judicious use of drugs important in human medicine, and phasing in veterinary oversight of the therapeutic use of certain antimicrobials.
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Japan easing BSE testing for domestic cattle
Japan’s Food Safety Commission has raised the age requirement for testing slaughter cattle for BSE from 21 months to 30, according to an article from the Japan Times. The commission now is considering raising the testing age to 48 months.
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Feeder cattle set to rebound?
The feeder-cattle market has struggled through the early part of this spring, but several market factors suggest prices should strengthen in coming weeks. Speaking on the K-State Radio Network’s weekly livestock market outlook program this week, Oklahoma State University livestock economist Darrell Peel outlined some of the forces at work.
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NIAA conference features FMD symposium
The upcoming annual conference of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) in Louisville, Kentucky will feature presentations and discussions of animal-health topics, followed by a symposium focused on foot and mouth disease (FMD).
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Adapting to climate change
Changing climate patterns already affect agriculture in the United States, and the effects will become more pronounced over the next 20 years. To sustain the ability to provide affordable food, feed, fiber and fuel in the future, U.S. agriculture and forestry will need to take a broad, collaborative approach in planning for and adapting to change, according to a new report from the 25x”25 Alliance.
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OIG: Fill gaps in E. coli inspections
USDA samples a lot of beef to test for E-coli O157:H7, but a report from the agency’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) suggests more testing could be needed.
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Learning from retained ownership
At the Leachman Cattle of Colorado bull sale, Wyoming rancher Mike Healy discusses the traits he looks for in bulls, combining reproductive performance on the ranch and feedyard profits.
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Selection indexes work
Selection indexes can remove some of the complexity out of using expected progeny differences (EPDs) for bull selection by boiling an animal’s genetic potential down to a single number, typically related to economics. And beyond their convenience, use of indexes can facilitate significant genetic progress on several traits at the same time within a herd or a breed, says University of Guelph animal scientist Steve Miller, PhD.
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- Commentary: New rules un-COOL
- Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
- TSCRA works with sale barns to catch Houston cattle thief
- More beef cows in worst drought regions than a year ago
- NASA backs 3D food printer to feed growing population
- Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
