A study assessing the impact of traceability and animal identification programs on the international market for red meat points out that the United States and India are the only two major beef exporters that do not already have mandatory traceability systems. According to the report, released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Uruguay all have animal identification/traceability programs in place.

The study – “Economic Assessment of Evolving Red Meat Export Market Access Requirements for Traceability of Livestock and Meat” – notes that competing beef exporting nations are using their industries’ mandatory traceability systems as marketing tools to enhance their sales and as a point of differentiation with the U.S. industry.

While market access and producer profitability have been important factors in exporting countries’ decisions to establish traceability systems, the report concludes that animal health management and food safety are the primary drivers behind most countries’ decisions to build animal ID and traceability into the regulatory frameworks for their livestock industries. Improved supply chain coordination and enhanced producer management opportunities are secondary motivators.

UCLA scientists have found an exact strain of human flu virus in up to 89 percent of the pigs they tested in some African villages, making that continent – ground zero for a new pandemic. The danger is the virus could again mutate within swine, infect other pigs and then jump to humans, causing widespread death for people with limited resistance to the new strain of sickness. 

The scientists say the H1N1 virus found in Cameroon is virtually identical to a virus found in people in San Diego just a year earlier, providing an astonishing example of how quickly the flu can spread all over the globe.  Thomas Smith, director of the UCLA Center for Tropical Research, says – the fact pigs in Africa are infected with the H1N1 flu virus illustrates the remarkable interconnectedness of the modern world with respect to diseases.

Researchers say the danger to industrialized countries from contagion caused by wild pigs in places like Africa is just as strong as it is to the impoverished villages where people must live amidst their foraging livestock.

The U.S. biodiesel tax incentive is working as intended to create jobs across the country and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. That was the message in testimony submitted by the National Biodiesel Board Thursday to the House Ways and Means Committee. NBB vice president of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel says – while we understand the pressures facing Congress, this is the wrong time to pull support from a growing American industry that is a rare bright spot in this economy. The biodiesel industry is having a record year and stripping the incentive away this year would put thousands of jobs in jeopardy.

Steckel’s written testimony noted that without the incentive, production dropped dramatically last year as dozens of plants shuttered and thousands of people lost jobs. Since its reinstatement this year, biodiesel production is thriving, with plants ramping up production again and hiring new employees.

A recent economic study conducted by Cardno-Entrix states that – this year’s increased production of at least 800 million gallons will support more than 31-thousand jobs while generating at least 3-billion dollars in GDP and 628-million in federal, state and local tax revenues. Steckel says – we believe the U.S. biodiesel industry offers a clear and compelling case that strong domestic energy policy can boost this economy.

The New York Post reports that Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson nearly quit a few days ago after her rules for strict new air-pollution regulations were rejected by President Obama. Administration sources told the Post – in the face of a weak economy, bad poll numbers and bleak employment figures, Obama made it clear that we just don’t need this fight right now.

EPA expects to miss a September 30^th deadline to issue new regulations for greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA explains on its website that it is a regulatory agency because Congress authorizes it to – write regulations that explain the technical, operational, and legal details necessary to implement laws. Regulations are mandatory requirements that can apply to individuals, businesses, state or local governments, non-profit institutions, or others.

Thursday morning, Jackson testified on Capitol Hill about regulations her agency is considering, has put in place, or enforced over the last few years. It’s the latest in a series of hearings the House Energy and Commerce Committee held on what the committee’s Republican majority call “harmful and onerous” government rules.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the Senate’s vote to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed with the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences legislation takes us one step closer to finalizing Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. NCBA’s Manager of Legislative Affairs, Kent Bacus, says – this legislation is one of the many requirements President Obama has demanded before he will send the agreements to Congress.

Bacus said the Senate is likely to consider many amendments to the legislation but he expects the legislation to eventually pass and then go before the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote. As far as predicting a timeline for the FTAs, Bacus said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – holds the cards – regarding how much time will be spent on the GSP bill.

Bacus adds, the Senate still has to approve the continuing resolution before it expires on September 30, in order to avoid a government shutdown. If the Senate doesn’t finish work on GSP this week, the likely timeline to consider the FTAs gets pushed to October when the Senate returns from recess. October 13^th could be a target date. That’s when South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is scheduled to visit the White House for an official state visit.

The latest weekly crop report for Missouri shows the corn harvested at 34 percent, one day ahead of last year’s harvest.

According to the USDA, 86 percent of the corn crop has matured, that’s near two weeks ahead of normal, according to the five year average. The statewide average for moisture was 18.3 percent and 20.8 percent in Northwest Missouri.

Soybeans are turning color with four percent of the crop matured.

Find the report here.

President Barack Obama has proclaimed the week of September 18 through September 24 as National Farm Safety and Health Week. In doing so, the President challenged the agencies, organizations, businesses, and extension services that serve America’s agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to promoting farm safety and health programs. Mr. Obama also urged Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and farm-workers for their remarkable contributions to our Nation.

The President also encouraged farm and ranch families to embrace safe farming practices and to participate in farm safety and health programs. According to Mr. Obama, communities and neighbors can support local farmers by understanding the risks involved with farm work and the role everyone can play in preventing and responding to accidents.

In his proclamation, the President noted, farmers represent the best of the American dream — passing on proud traditions of hard work and commitment to their children. This week, we celebrate farmers’ contributions to the fabric of our Nation as they cultivate the products that sustain us, serve as stewards of our environment, and stand as the backbone of communities across our country.