News Update

News Update
March 27, 2007

Report Says FDA Used Flawed Analysis to Approve Cloned Food

The Center for Food Safety released a report last week claiming the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used a flawed analysis when it gave initial approval December 2006 for food from cloned animals.

According to The Associated Press, the consumer group claims the FDA based approval on “scant data from few peer-reviewed studies” and failed to consider possible side effects of cloning.

The FDA gave preliminary approval late last year to meat and milk products from cloned animals and their offspring, citing virtually no difference between such products from clones and those from other animals. However, the center said FDA relied on studies on cloned animals and whether they appeared healthy rather than relying on studies on the milk or meat from clones and that from conventional livestock, AP reported.

Kentucky Angus Association Plans Field Day, Tour

The Kentucky Angus Association has set its annual field day for May 19. The Central Kentucky Angus Association (CKAA) is hosting the event that includes a tour this year.

The day begins with tour buses leaving the CKAA Pavilion in Danville at 9:30 a.m. Tour stops include a joint stop at Cliffside Farms and C & H Cattle Co., both at Lancaster; lunch stop at Akers Farm, Lancaster; Branch View Angus, Hustonville; and Tarter Gate, Dunnville.

Once the tour returns to CKAA, John Crouch, American Angus Association executive vice president, will provide information about the Association and its programs. The day will conclude with a steak dinner.

There is no cost to attend the field day and tour, but individuals interested in attending should preregister by contacting Anne Clark at 606-247-2433 by May 1 to ensure bus and meal availability. The Kentucky Angus Association appreciates its premium sponsors of the event, Tarter Gate, Homeland Equipment and Ag Credit, for helping offset the cost of this event. For more information about the Kentucky Angus Association, visit www.kentuckyangus.org.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association

Scurry County To Host Ag Conference April 11

Texas Cooperative Extension in Mitchell, Nolan and Scurry counties will sponsor the “Lower Rolling Plains Agricultural Conference” from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 11 at Western Texas College in Snyder.

The conference will be in Science Building #4 at 6202 College Ave. Sessions will cover topics on everything from cottonweed control to feral hog management. Morning topics will include a farm bill update, the impact of biofuels on grain production and feed prices, and laws and regulations.

Following a catered lunch, the program will split into two concurrent sessions. Session A presentations will include cottonweed management, minimum tillage, fleahopper control, fertilizer management, and grain sorghum production and weed control.

Session B presentations will include herd vaccination and external pest management, range herbicide update, annual forage sorghum management and weed control, and feral hog management and control.

The Texas Department of Agriculture will offer 4.5 continuing education units — 2.5 in general units, one unit in laws and regulations, and one unit in integrated pest management. Individual registration is $10 by April 10 and $15 thereafter.

For more information or to register, call Ed Bynum at 325-236-9011 or Zachary Wilcox at 325-236-6912.

— Release provided by Texas Cooperative Extension

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