The comment period on proposed changes to the beef checkoff has come to a close. According to The Hagstrom Report – there is not an established time line for moving forward with the rule. The first step is to review all of the comments that have been received. Currently the Beef Promotion Operating Committee must enter into contracts with established national non-profit industry-governed organizations that were active before 1986. The date requirement would be eliminated by the proposed rule – allowing organizations that have been representing the cattle industry for at least two years to contract for the implementation of checkoff programs.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association previously stated that it supports an open and transparent checkoff program that is producer driven and this proposed rule would enhance that quest. The proposed change is also supported by National Farmers Union and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

Even as USDA was working to provide additional details on the latest U.S. BSE case – a consumer group was telling the department and the Food and Drug Administration that this latest case is a warning flag. The group also called for a thorough investigation of the case – including the testing of all of the infected cow’s offspring and any cows – including current herd mates – that may have ever consumed the same feed. The epidemiological investigation was already continuing – and late Wednesday – USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released additional information. The investigation has identified that one progeny born to the positive cow in the last two years was stillborn. Another – located on a site outside of California – has been appraised, humanely euthanized and sampled for BSE. Test results for that animal are negative for the disease. APHIS says no birth cohort cattle have been located.

APHIS is also reporting that a hold order has been placed on all cattle at another dairy associated with the California dairy of the BSE-positive animal. Both dairies are under quarantine. In addition – a calf ranch where the positive cow was raised 10 years ago is being investigated. Through an investigation of feed records – 10 feed firms have been identified as suppliers to the initial dairy during the time period of interest. Feed investigators have confirmed that domestic distribution of meat and bone meal at the rendering facility meets federal labeling requirements.

The Environmental Protection Agency has opened a second comment period on the proposed order to revoke residue tolerances for sulfuryl fluoride on food and cancel associated uses. The North American Millers’ Association supports the decision to delay action. According to NAMA Vice President Jim Bair – the proposed action would strain already precious food safety resources with negligible benefits to public health. The proposal came in January of last year as a result of concerns about over exposure to fluoride in some sub-populations – but Bair says EPA has acknowledged that the use of sulfuryl fluoride results in a tiny contribution to fluoride exposure.

NAMA notes sulfuryl fluoride has been the only practical effective alternative to methyl bromide – which has been nearly phased out due to environmental concerns.

Courtesy: NAFB News

The main byproduct of biodiesel production might prove an economical ingredient in livestock feed. Glycerol is separated from oil through a chemical reaction during biodiesel production. The oils without the glycerol become the biodiesel. The glycerol removed could be used as an ingredient in cattle feed. The High Plains Journal has reported that studies by Texas AgriLife Research and West Texas A&M University personnel have evaluated the energy value of the glycerin in replacing corn or hay in cattle diets. AgriLife Research Beef Cattle Nutritionist Dr. Jim MacDonald is comfortable with using crude glycerin up to 7.5-percent of a diet. He adds that no negative impacts were observed on animal health up to 10-percent inclusion in diets of newly received calves. The National Biodiesel Board notes capturing the value of byproducts is becoming increasingly important as production volumes rise.

Courtesy: NAFB News

New proposed guidelines for the USDA BioPreferred program have been published in the Federal Register. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says these guidelines could expand the ability of USDA to designate biobased products for federal purchase. USDA is proposing to allow for the designation of intermediate ingredients including fibers and chemicals so the products made from them can more easily be designated for preferred procurement. Vilsack says the proposed guidelines are an example of the way the BioPreferred program is being tailored to supplement production of products from new farm-based sources, supporting economic expansion and creating jobs from the farm to the finished product.

USDA says the new regulation also allows for the designation of complex assemblies that contain one or more components made from biobased ingredients. In addition – USDA is proposing to revise some definitions and terminology used in existing guidelines in an effort to clarify operating procedures. According to Vilsack – these actions will incorporate statutory changes to the 2008 Farm Bill and will make improvements to the existing guidelines based on 10 years of operating experience.

USDA just celebrated the anniversary of one year of voluntary USDA biobased product certification and labeling. More than 670 biobased products from more than 200 companies have been certified as of last month. Vilsack says the USDA Certified Biobased Products are available to consumers and are now appearing on the shelves of supermarkets and other businesses across the country

Courtesy: NAFB News