News Update

News Update
March 26, 2007

Legislation Aims to Protect Against Animal Rights Extremists

Recent passage of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act will more easily allow government officials to prosecute activists who intimidate or harass agricultural institutions, Meatingplace.com reports.

According to the article, federal prosecutor Richard Solano said, “First Amendment rights end when people cross the line from protest to threatening and intimidating others in hopes of getting them to stop their business or quit their jobs.”

Livestock Outlook Released

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Economic Research Service (ERS) has released livestock, dairy and poultry information, focusing on current and forecast production, price and trade statistics for each of the sectors.

To view or subscribe to the free electronic newsletter, visit www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/LDP. Printed copies can be purchased from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling 1-800-999-6779 (specify SUB-LDPM-4042).

Japanese Official Demands Stricter U.S. Inspections

Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Toshikatsu Matsuoka said he wants tougher inspections on U.S. processors. The comments came after Japan requested that Tyson Foods Inc.’s Lexington, Neb., plant be taken off USDA’s list of eligible exporters.

According to the Kyodo News Service, Matsuoka said the U.S. has indicated a willingness to cooperate with his demand for more stringent inspections. However, Meatingplace.com reports there has been no response to the request to remove the Tyson plant from the list.

U.S. Cattle on Feed Down 4%

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports cattle and calves on feed for harvest in the U.S. — for feedlots with capacities of 1,000 head or more — totaled 11.6 million head March 1. The inventory was 4% below March 1, 2006, but 4% above March 1, 2005.

Placements in feedlots during February totaled 1.66 million, 4% above 2006 and 9% above 2005. Net placements were 1.58 million. Marketings of fed cattle during February totaled 1.71 million, 7% above 2006 and 5% above 2005. Other disappearance totaled 75,000 during February, 3% above 2006 but 3% below 2005.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.