News Update
January 26, 2012
AFBF Urges Congress to Reject Antibiotic Restrictions
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging congressional members to oppose legislation that would restrict the use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry. In letters to Senate and House members, AFBF said the legislation would handicap veterinarians and farmers in their efforts to maintain animal health and protect the nation’s food supply.
“Farm Bureau members use antibiotics carefully, judiciously and according to label instructions to treat, prevent and control disease in their flocks and herds,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “These products are critically important to the health and welfare of the animals and to the safety of the food produced from these animals.”
AFBF went further to say that antibiotic use in animals does not pose a serious public health threat.
“Proponents of the bill suggest that antibiotic use could constitute a public health threat through antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals being passed along, creating a similar resistance in humans,” said Stallman. “However, in more than 40 years of antibiotics being used to treat animals, such a public health threat has not arisen, and recent government data shows the potential that one might occur is declining.”
Increased use of improved food safety technologies during the past several years has contributed to decreased bacteria survival in food processing/handling and in foodborne illnesses.
“Further, data indicates development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals is stable, and foodborne bacteria resistance in humans is declining,” Stallman said. “In fact, recent research indicates using antibiotics to keep animals healthy reduces the incidence of foodborne pathogens in meat.”
Pending bills H.R. 965 (House) and S. 1211 (Senate) would remove specific antibiotics and classes of antibiotics that are important for use in animals from the market.
Governor, A.G. Submit Comments
Opposing EPA CAFO Reporting Rule
The governor and attorney general of Kansas have joined NCBA and KLA in opposing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed reporting rule for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Language in the proposed rule would require all CAFOs to report to EPA, regardless of operation size and permit status.
Kansas already maintains a comprehensive database and permitting process for the state’s animal feeding operations. Governor Sam Brownback and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, in a letter to EPA, suggested the proposed federal rule usurps the state’s authority to regulate CAFOs.
“Clearly, Kansas knows best how to balance the needs of our agricultural producers and preserve the environment,” said Schmidt. “Congress recognizes this in the plain language of the Clean Water Act, which gives states the duty to regulate agricultural runoff.”
Both Brownback and Schmidt agreed this is “just another Washington power grab” that does nothing more than add another layer of burdensome federal government paperwork. They strongly recommended EPA withdraw the proposed rule based on legal reasons. Their letter was submitted as part of the public comment period on the proposed regulation. NCBA and KLA provided comments opposing the rule, as well.
National FFA Organization Seeks Young Farmers
The National FFA Organization is now accepting applications for its 2012 New Century Farmer conference.
This exclusive, highly competitive conference is open to college of agriculture students who intend to pursue careers in production agriculture after college. Those selected to attend the conference will be among the first in the nation to learn about the latest technological developments in the agriculture industry, and they will receive business management advice from top industry leaders.
The program will also help students develop a nationwide network of industry professionals and colleagues.
The conference is free to those students who are selected and will take place July 8-14 in Johnstown, Iowa. The deadline for applications is March15 at 5 p.m. EST. Only the top applicants will be selected to participate. Potential participants can learn more about the program and download an application at www.ffa.org/collegiate. The conference is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business; Case IH; CSX Corporation; and Farm Credit as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Successful Farming is a media partner of the conference.
Conference Focuses on Getting More from Alfalfa
For Clayton Geralds, the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference positively affected his operation and future.
Geralds was a Hart County dairy farmer using alfalfa to feed his animals when he attended the 3rd annual Kentucky Alfalfa Conference in 1983. Within seven years, he sold his entire herd to grow alfalfa and other quality forages to sell to horse farmers. He now grows alfalfa and timothy hay on more than 600 acres and is considered by many as one of the best hay producers in the state.
On Feb. 23, Geralds will speak for a third time at the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference at the Cave City Convention Center about his operation, equipment, yields and the benefits of growing alfalfa.
“Alfalfa is a good alternative crop for smaller producers,” he said. “It allows producers, including myself, to make a living off smaller acreage.”
Garry Lacefield, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture extension forage specialist, started the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference 32 years ago to help producers learn more about the highly desirable forage.
Bill Payne, a replacement dairy heifer producer in Lincoln County, knows alfalfa has paid dividends for his operation.
“I like the quality of the forage that alfalfa provides,” he said. “It takes cattle through the winter without using protein supplements, and it allows them to continue to gain weight by grazing on pasture during the summer.”
Payne will join Geralds and Christian County alfalfa producer Charles Powell on a farmer panel, which is the conference’s featured event.
The conference also includes presentations on the following topics: Roundup Ready varieties’ performance, marketing, Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Hay Testing Program, alfalfa seed coating, National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance, the role of alfalfa in horse diets, and the role of the forage in beef diets. The conference begins at 8 a.m. CST and ends at 3 p.m.
The registration fee is $15 and $5 for students and is collected at the conference. More information is available on the UK Forage Extension website.
Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisors are available.
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