News Update
October 4, 2012
GMO Initiative Launched in Washington State
Another campaign against foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has materialized now that a Washington couple that consumes only an organic, vegan diet has filed an initiative that asks the state's legislature to require GMO labels on such foods.
The couple, Chris and Leah McManus in Tacoma, Wash., filed the initiative, I-522, after state lawmakers let GMO labeling legislation die earlier this year.
They need to collect about 250,000 signatures from Washington voters by mid-January to force the legislature to reconsider the matter, and should the legislature not enact some sort of GMO labeling law, the initiative then would go to voters in November next year.
Washington lawmakers seldom act on initiatives filed at the legislature, according to an article in The Seattle Times.
For more information and the full release, click here.
Potatoes are Potential Source of Cattle Feed
This year's drought conditions may result in potatoes becoming a source of feed for cattle.
Dry weather before and during the 2012 growing season led to poor forage yields and high hay and corn prices, so beef producers will be looking for other, lower-priced feed sources, says Carl Dahlen, North Dakota State University Extension Service beef cattle specialist. Byproduct feeds such as distillers' grain may be limited and higher-priced as well because many producers have secured contracts for byproducts, leaving processing plants with little surplus for other producers.
Also, a 5% increase in acres of potatoes planted in North Dakota and nationally has resulted in a larger supply of potatoes and a low market price, according to Andrew Robinson, an NDSU Extension agronomist specializing in potatoes.
The dry weather has led to an increase in disease and malformation in potatoes, which means the number of cull potatoes likely will be higher because the potatoes no longer are marketable to the fresh markets or for processing.
Potato warehouses often discard potatoes that can't be marketed, dumping them onto fields as a way to dispose of them. Cattle producers may find a low-cost feedstuff if they contact potato warehouses about purchasing the culled potatoes, Dahlen says. Potato processing plants also may be a good source of livestock feed.
Here are a few factors producers need to consider when deciding whether to feed their cattle potatoes:
- Potatoes' quality as feed is similar to barley on a dry-matter basis.
- Potatoes are 70%-80% water; therefore, the cost of transporting them on a dry-matter basis is high.
- Sprouted or sunburned potatoes can contain compounds (glycoalkaloids) that are poisonous to cattle. Sprouts, which are most likely a problem in the spring, should be removed.
- To ensile the potatoes successfully at a dry-matter content of about 60%-65%, producers will need to chop or slice the potatoes and add some type of dry feed (straw, hay, etc.).
- Potatoes can be freeze-dried by spreading them out in the winter and then fed the following spring/summer.
- Cattle may choke on potatoes, especially if they are frozen, so they should be chopped before they are fed to livestock.
- Cattle should be adapted to rations containing potatoes slowly to avoid digestive upsets.
When comparing different feed sources, a simple price per pound is not accurate, according to Ryan Larsen, an assistant professor in NDSU's Agribusiness and Applied Economics Department. Some simple math helps compare feed based on price per energy content.
Potato growers and cattlemen also must consider the cost of digging the potatoes, trucking, slicing/chopping and mixing with straw or hay when determining the final price for the potatoes, Larsen says.
For information on possible sources of potatoes, contact Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, at (218) 773-3633.
Collin County 4-H to Present Special Needs
Youth Livestock Show Oct. 20
Collin County 4-H is offering a unique opportunity for special needs youth ages 5 to 18 to participate in a livestock show specially designed for them, said Chris Schraeder, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county agent for 4-H and youth development.
"This is a community event designed to expose special needs children to livestock programs and youth-oriented clubs in Collin County," Schraeder said. "The theme is 'Celebrate the Possibilities' and that's what the event is intended to do — celebrate the possibilities available to special needs youth."
Schraeder said the special livestock show will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20 at Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney, immediately following the Collin County 4-H Livestock Show, which will have more than 400 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors, he said. From 25 to 30 special needs youth from Collin and surrounding counties are expected to participate in the Celebrate the Possibilities event.
Support for Modern Farming Technologies Can Be Improved
Consumer attitudes toward modern food production technologies can be significantly improved by providing information from credible sources that help consumers understand the broader social benefits of today's systems, according to new research from the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). A new approach tested in CFI's 2012 Consumer Trust in the Food System study resulted in significant increases in support for certain modern farming technologies.
An online survey of 2,001 people this summer measured attitudes toward five technologies commonly used in today's farming systems. Attitudes were then re-measured after the participants were provided messages that detailed the environmental, social or animal well-being benefits from credible sources.
The study showed double-digit increases in positive attitudes toward genetically modified crops, antibiotic use in meat animals and indoor food animal production.
"This data gives us a better understanding of the kinds of messaging we can use to move the needle in a positive direction," said Charlie Arnot, CEO at CFI. "This data shows us the things we can say to consumers that actually increase support for the kinds of production practices in place today on farms that allow us to produce more food using fewer resources. Our focus this year was finding compelling ways to convey that today's food system is better aligned with mainstream values than many realize."
For the full release, click here.
Kentucky Beef Conference Oct. 23 in Lexington
Kentucky beef producers interested in current market trends, management practices and ways to make calves more marketable may want to attend the Kentucky Beef Conference, Oct. 23. The one-day event at the Fayette County Cooperative Extension office aims to teach producers how to turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities.
The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture will host the conference, which will focus on existing marketing trends in the beef industry, managing higher feed costs and current market volatility.
Preregistration ($10) is encouraged. To preregister, interested people should contact their local agricultural and natural resources extension agent by Oct. 19.
For more details, see this meeting's listing in the API Virtual Library Calendar of Upcoming Events available online at http://www.api-virtuallibrary.com/
meetings_other_calendar.html.
Reduce Risk of Combine Fire
Farmers are reporting an increase in combine fires this harvesting season.
"No doubt, the extended dry weather has increased the fire danger on combines, but there are several other factors that can cause fires," says John Nowatzki, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural machine systems specialist. "Combine operators can reduce the risk by recognizing the problem areas and acting to reduce the potential for fires."
Crop residue buildup around combine engines and exhaust pipes are obvious places where fires can start. The surface temperature of exhaust pipes can be high enough to ignite straw and chaff. Operators should check these areas regularly throughout the day and remove any buildup of chaff, straw and dust. The shields and covers on older-model combines generally are less effective than the covers on newer machines at preventing residue buildup around engines.
"Loose belts and worn bearings can create enough heat to ignite crop residue," Nowatzki says. "Operators need to monitor these conditions regularly. Shut down the combine and stop the engine to check the belts and bearings for potential fire hazards. Remove any buildup of dust and crop residue in contact with shafts, pulleys and bearings. Newer combines may be equipped with sensors to alert operators to potential hot spots. Operators still need to find those locations and make sure the area is free of debris."
Exposed wires and worn insulation can cause electrical sparks that can lead to fires. If electrical fuses blow, operators should suspect the cause may be exposed wires. Inspect wiring harnesses to make sure there are no exposed wires.
Leaking hydraulic cylinders, hoses and fuel, and hydraulic tanks are obvious conditions that cause combine fires. Repair leaks immediately and wipe off any spilled oil and fuel. Be particularly careful while refueling. Turn off the engine and let it cool before refueling.
"Always have an approved, regularly maintained fire extinguisher in every combine, tractor, truck and pickup used in the harvesting operations," Nowatzki says. "Check the condition of each fire extinguisher daily. Finally, have the local fire department's telephone number recorded in the cab of all the machines and vehicles and listed in your cell phone."
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