News Update

News Update
Jan. 25, 2008

Legislation Aims at Increasing Number of Large-Animal Veterinarians

A growing shortage of veterinarians threatens U.S. food safety and public health, Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), told a House subcommittee on health earlier this week.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Baldwin introduced the Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act last year, with a goal of increasing veterinary school resources and enabling more students to enroll.

The bill, which has 90 co-sponsors, is expected to move through the committee to a vote on the House floor, according to the article.

“There is a projected shortage of 15,000 veterinarians over the next 20 years, particularly those working in food supply and public health,” the Journal Sentinel stated.

Details Emerge for Economic Stimulus Package

President Bush and House leaders announced yesterday details of a $150 million economic stimulus package.

Built entirely on tax breaks, the plan would benefit poor and middle-class workers, The Washington Post reported. The package, which now undergoes Senate scrutiny, would give “nearly everyone who earned a paycheck in 2007” at least $300. Most people would receive rebates of $600 each, or $1,200 per couple. Families with children would receive an additional payment of $300 per child.

The deal would also expand the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA’s) ability to insure high-priced mortgages and to help homeowners threatened by foreclosure, the article noted. There are also provisions allowing faster tax write-offs for corporate investment and immediate tax deductions for small-business investment in plants and equipment.

According to The Washington Post, the money would be borrowed, increasing the national deficit.

Indonesia, Barbados Allow Full Market Access

Indonesia and Barbados officials have announced the countries will allow complete market access for U.S. beef and beef products of all ages, Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced Jan. 23.

“I applaud the Indonesian and Barbados ministries of agriculture for making a decision that is based on science and in line with international guidelines,” Conner said.

Conner said Indonesia is setting a standard for other Asian nations. “Much like our recent agreement with the Philippines in November, this agreement with Indonesia emphasizes that we will continue to press for full market access for U.S. beef and beef products of all ages throughout the Pacific Rim.

“With this agreement, Barbados and Indonesia signal their determination to be guided by the same international standards that help to deliver top quality cuts of U.S. beef and beef products to consumers and retailers around the world,” he continued.

More than 100 countries now allow the entry of at least some U.S. beef and beef products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Exports of these products to Indonesia reached a high of $17 million in 2005 with partial market access. Under this new agreement, USDA estimates that U.S. beef exports to Indonesia could potentially double in 2008 and 2009. Exports of U.S. beef and beef products to Barbados were roughly $2.7 million in 2007 (January-November) with partial market access.

Sydney Royal Easter Show Scheduled

The Sydney Royal Easter Show, scheduled for March 26-April 7, is Australia’s largest annual beef cattle event. This year, Angus will be the featured breed, with more than 300 registered Angus cattle to be assessed by international judges. Seminars, meetings, dinners and other events are planned for the event, which plays host to hundreds of Australians and international Angus enthusiasts. A 13-day Angus tour package is also being planned in conjunction with the show.

All reservations should be made by Monday, Feb. 4. Visit www.eastershow.com.au or www.angusaustralia.com.au for more information.

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