FDA sets out new direction on antibiotics use in livestock

Sally Schuff
Feedstuffs
June 28, 2010

The Food & Drug Administration released a draft guidance document this [Monday] morning laying out new policy goals for the use of antimicrobials in livestock production.

FDA deputy commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein told reporters that the documents lay out three key principles FDA will use in developing future strategies to prevent antimicrobial resistance. He said the principles could include potential regulations as well as voluntary actions by the industry.

USDA Announces Proposed Rule to Increase Fairness in the Marketing of Livestock and Poultry

Release No. 0326.10
Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2010—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that on June 22, 2010 USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) will publish a proposed rule, as required by the 2008 farm bill and through existing authority under the Packers and Stockyards Act, that would provide significant new protections for producers against unfair, fraudulent or retaliatory practices.

“Concerns about a lack of fairness and commonsense treatment for livestock and poultry producers have gone unaddressed far too long,” said Vilsack. “This proposed rule will help ensure a level playing field for producers by providing additional protections against unfair practices and addressing new market conditions not covered by existing rules.”

Why Does the U.S. Both Import and Export Beef?

COW/CALF CORNER
The Newsletter
From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
June 4, 2010

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

The job of markets is to seek out the highest value for products produced and encourage the most efficient use of resources to facilitate that production. Keeping this in mind helps explain current production and trade relationships in the U.S. beef industry. The U.S. is the largest producer, the largest consumer, the third largest exporter and the largest importer of beef in the world. I get many questions about U.S. beef trade and particularly why we need to import beef.

Backpack and Spot Treatment Calibration Guidelines

TechNotes
Welcome to TechNotes!

As part of your TechLine subscription you may receive periodic, helpful and timely tips for invasive plant management. This issue provides a simple, six-step method for calibrating your single-nozzle backpack or other spot-treatment spray equipment.

Thanks for reading! Be sure to share this important information with a friend or colleague.
Sincerely,
Celestine Duncan and Melissa Brown, TechLine Co-editors
**************************************************

Backpack and Spot Treatment Calibration Guidelines

How do I make the most of my herbicide spot treatments?

Accurate timing, careful measurements of herbicide and uniform spray motions are essential to proper, economical application. Consistent spray motions can help obtain good coverage of troublesome weeds. Soaking scattered weeds rather than using regular spray motions may result in excessive rates that could injure desirable species.

How much herbicide do I put in my tank?

The mix amount is dependent on your spray volume and your application rate. Therefore, this question cannot be answered until we know the volume that is being applied with your particular spraying style in gallons per acre (GPA). The following step-by-step procedure will allow you to calibrate your spray volume (see answer at end).

Pasture Available in Lakeview

I have Organic pasture available in Lakeview, OR. It can be for yearlings or cow/calf pairs. Depending on the time frame it will handle 180 yearlings or 100 to 125 cows depending on weights.

Thanks,

Pete Talbott

541-219-1404

Why Does the U.S. Both Import and Export Beef?

COW/CALF CORNER
The Newsletter
From the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
June 4, 2010

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

The job of markets is to seek out the highest value for products produced and encourage the most efficient use of resources to facilitate that production. Keeping this in mind helps explain current production and trade relationships in the U.S. beef industry. The U.S. is the largest producer, the largest consumer, the third largest exporter and the largest importer of beef in the world. I get many questions about U.S. beef trade and particularly why we need to import beef.

Backyard Poultry A Growing Trend Throughout US - USDA Offers Pointers on Keeping them Safe

June 2, 2010

Raising chickens in the backyard is growing more popular as Americans seek a direct connection to their food. But as the number of backyard chickens increases, so does the need to educate owners about keeping their flocks healthy. That's why the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (USDA/APHIS) Biosecurity for Birds campaign is renewing its efforts to provide concise and helpful tips to prevent the spread of infectious bird diseases such as avian influenza (AI).

Hawaii Issues Alert Over Serious Animal Disease

For those of you who have ever watched one of the episodes of "All Creatures Great and Small", you may remember the devastation and despair created by foot  and mouth disease in the UK by this disease.  This disease is easily transmitted on footwear and clothing, and it has been diagnosed in Japan....one of the
US 's significant trading and tourism partners.......

Foot And Mouth Disease Outbreak In Japan
KITV.com
May 28, 2010

HONOLULU -- State veterinarian James Foppoli says an outbreak of the highly contagious Foot and Mouth disease in Japan is something travelers need to be aware of.

The disease affects animals like cattle, swine and, sheep, not humans. The virus however, can be easily transmitted through clothing and shoes. Unsuspecting travelers can transport the disease quickly.