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October 2011
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Click this seal to go to the top of the newsletter
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NTF Staff
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President
Joel Brandenberger; Ext. 7226
Legislative
Damon Wells; Ext. 7232
Leslee Oden; Ext. 7228
Scientific & Regulatory
Lisa Picard; Ext. 7233
Andrew Bailey; Ext. 7224
Communications
Sherrie Rosenblatt; Ext. 7227
Adrienne Richards; Ext. 7223
Kelley Hower; Ext. 7234
Membership
Jen Zukowski; Ext. 7229
Clara Sackey; Ext. 7221
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President's Message
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Greetings!
The measure of any organization or industry is best taken during a crisis. Such is the case with the turkey industry in the wake of the recent recalls.
In the Technical and Regulatory Section of this newsletter, you will find a report on the Turkey and Salmonella Summit conducted in early September in Washington. The details in that report are important, and I would encourage everyone to contact NTF if you have more questions.
But, the broader point is that the turkey industry was faced with a situation where its products were in the regulatory spotlight at FSIS. Perceived public scrutiny was leading the agency to conclude it needed to conduct specific regulatory actions, and all turkey companies were going to be affected. There would have been an understandable tendency to develop a "bunker mentality" in response to any increased government scrutiny. Instead, more than 50 food safety experts from throughout the turkey industry gathered to share information about how to further enhance food safety and how to put NTF members ahead of the government in responding to the situation. The result, as noted in the article, is an aggressive action plan that should allow turkey companies to stay well in front of the regulatory curve. Even as NTF and its members are implementing the turkey-specific aspects of the plan, they also will be joining with other meat and poultry associations early this month to explore ways to address some broader regulatory questions about Salmonella that are common to all species groups. Everyone in the industry should be pleased with how companies have come together, put aside competitive issues, and worked to ensure that strong food safety programs remain a hallmark of the turkey industry. Sincerely, 
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Legislative
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Critical Ethanol Mandate Adjustment Legislation Introduced: On Oct. 5, Reps. Robert Goodlatte, R-Va., and James Costa, D-Calif., plan to introduce the RFS Flexibility Act of 2011, which would grant a partial waiver to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Under the legislation, a partial waiver is triggered when corn stocks fall below certain critical thresholds. The Goodlatte-Costa RFS Flexibility Act of 2011 legislation is the result of strong collaboration among the entire meat and poultry coalition. It is endorsed by NTF, along with National Cattlemen Beef Association, National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers, American Meat Institute and National Meat Association. In addition to the livestock and poultry groups supporting this effort, several international hunger groups have also supported this legislation.
As you are well aware, high corn prices are having severe economic impacts on meat and poultry companies and this legislation, if enacted, would go a long way toward correcting a federal policy that clearly picks winners and losers when it comes to corn usage. Along with Reps. Goodlatte and Costa, the following representatives sponsored the legislation: Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif.; Steve Womack, R-Ark.; Andy Harris, R-Md.; Rick Crawford, R-Ark.; Henry Cuellar, D-Texas; Renee Ellmers, R-N.C.; Mike McIntyre, D-N.C.; James Moran, D-Va.; Rob Wittman, R-Va.; and Robert Hurt, R-Va. Please call and thank your congressional members if they have co-sponsored this legislation. If your congressman has not signed onto the legislation, please call and ask for their support. NTF is prepared to assist you with this effort.
NTF President Joel Brandenberger made the following statement about the legislation: "While no one item is a silver bullet to fixing the low corn stock problem, the National Turkey Federation applauds Reps. Robert Goodlatte, R-Va., and James Costa, D-Calif., for introducing legislation that will help alleviate the tight corn stocks and protect livestock and poultry producers from excessively high prices caused by the government mandates that divert nearly half the nation's corn into the fuel supply. For many years, the turkey industry has been looking to reform the existing ethanol policy and commends this forward thinking legislative proposal. The proposal would put a safety net in place that ensures the availability of corn and reduces price volatility in the future. The Renewable Fuels Standard should be reevaluated by creating a policy that provides practical, automatic and meaningful protection against a poor corn harvest. We look forward to working with Congressman Goodlatte and Costa and appreciate their leadership."
Past NTF Chairman Testifies Before House Agriculture Subcommittee: NTF Past Chairman Ted Seger, president of Farbest Foods, told a House Agriculture Subcommittee on Sept. 14 that "the federally mandated use of ethanol has created an immediate and legitimate concern about the availability and cost of feed ingredients for poultry and livestock." During his testimony, Seger told committee members that it has become clear, "from the minute the government chose to subsidize corn as an energy source, that livestock and poultry interests took a back seat to the ethanol industry." NTF sent a press release on Seger's testimony, which was picked up by 17 publications, including USA Today.
Senate Passes Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension, Paving Way for Trade Deals: The Senate paved the way for congressional consideration of the pending Free Trade Agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama by passing a bill that extends trade adjustment assistance for workers and farmers hurt by international trade. By a vote of 70 to 27, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., that extends the Generalized System of Preferences, which lowers costs for U.S. manufacturers and retailers, and includes Trade Adjustment Assistance to provide funding support for workers displaced because of trade.
The House plans to take up the trade adjustment bill in the coming weeks now that the president has formally sent the agreements to Congress for consideration. NTF and its partners have been encouraging Congress to act swiftly and pass each of the pending agreements. The Korea and Panama agreements will open markets for export sales of turkey meat.
House Judiciary Committee Passes E-Verify Bill: The House Judiciary Committee approved the Legal Workforce Act, H.R. 2885, on Sept. 21, requiring all U.S. employers to use the government's E-Verify system to check worker eligibility electronically during the hiring process. The bill, sponsored by Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and passed by a 22-13 vote, awaits House floor consideration. It is not expected to receive a Senate vote this year.
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Scientific and Regulatory
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Technical and Regulatory
Turkey and Salmonella Summit Outcomes: NTF convened a summit on Sept. 8-9 in Washington to develop an aggressive, comprehensive response to reduce the incidence of Salmonella in turkey products. The summit brought together more than 50 technical and regulatory and live production personnel to coordinate and collaborate on a range of strategies. This organized approach left the industry prepared for any new government initiatives that might be implemented in the wake of the recall and gave NTF members the opportunity to take the lead in developing and implementing programs that further enhance Salmonella control in turkey plants.
After a day and half of excellent dialogue, the summit participants developed an aggressive, proactive set of short-term, mid-term and long-term goals that will guide the industry. Turkey companies already have started reassessing HACCP plans, and specific actions may result from that exercise. Several NTF committees will begin examining other aspects of production and processing, establishing the best ways to collect useful microbiological data, reviewing good manufacturing practices and looking at pre-harvest issues.
FSIS National Advisory Committees: NTF last month attended the National Advisory Committee for Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) and the National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria in Foods (NACMCF) meetings. The NACMPI meeting included an update on such pathogens as Salmonella and E. Coli, along with antimicrobial resistance. The committee then broke out into a Pre-Harvest Salmonella Subcommittee and a HACCP Systems Validation Subcommittee. The NACMCF meeting's discussions focused on a Subcommittee on Study of Microbiological Criteria as Indicators of Process Control or Insanitary Conditions and a Subcommittee on Control Strategies for Reducing Foodborne Norovirus Infections. Reports from both advisory committees are expected within the next few weeks
Live Production and Environment
NTF Attends Stakeholder Meeting on Maryland's Eastern Shore: NTF and several other agricultural stakeholders conducted a field visit on Sept. 28 with Natural Resources Conservation Service officials to discuss conservation issues surrounding the Chesapeake Bay. The meeting, which took place on Maryland's Eastern Shore, included visits to several farms to observe on-farm conservation practices. The agenda for the meeting and site visits are available here.
Turkey Health and Welfare
CVM and ARS Release 2009 Animal Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Report: In early September, CVM and ARS published the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)-Enteric Bacteria 2009 Executive Report. The report summarizes NARMS data on Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates recovered in 2009 from food animals at federally inspected establishments, retail meats and humans. The report also includes susceptibility data on E. coli isolates recovered from retail. As a supplement to the report, CVM also provided two interactive graphs to visualize trends in antimicrobial resistance among NARMS Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates. Click here for the full NARMS 2009 Annual Report.
Worker Safety and Health/Human Resources
Poultry Industry Comments on OSHA Injury Reporting Proposed Rule: The Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council on Sept. 20 submitted comments opposing an OSHA proposed rule on injury and illness recording and reporting requirements. In the comments, the council questioned the need to expand the reporting requirement for hospitalizations. The comments noted that it is not unusual for an employee to be admitted for observation and be released the next day without treatment, perhaps due to a minor injury that is not indicative of a significant workplace hazard or failure within a safety and health program. The proposed rule may result in unnecessary reporting that will place another burden on the employer while doing little, if anything, to improve workplace safety. The council also questioned why OSHA needed additional reporting information to target the dangerous workplaces when OSHA's Days Away, Restrictions and Transfer rates are calculated from existing injury and illness data and already sufficiently identify those workplaces with frequent, severe injuries.
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Marketing Communications
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Marketing Future Marketing Communications Strategic Planning Session: NTF's Future Marketing Communications Strategic Planning Session, Oct. 11-12, in Chicago will bring together industry marketing leaders to develop a new strategy for building the turkey category by helping consumers see the benefits of including a variety of turkey products in their meal rotation. Turkey processor marketing executives are encouraged to attend. An agenda for the meeting is available here. Please contact Sherrie Rosenblatt if you have any questions. NTF Partnership Airs on "Rachael Ray Show:" Turkey was featured when former President Bill Clinton appeared on the "Rachael Ray Show" on Sept. 20 to talk about the new collaboration between the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and Rachael Ray's Yum-o! organization that will provide recipes appropriate for school settings that are nutritious and delicious. Turkey recipes include BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes with Pickled Jalapeno Relish and Pineapple Cole Slaw, Southwest Turkey Cobb Salad and Turkey Tacos (Note: You must sign-up for the Healthy Schools Program to view the recipes). Through its partnership with the Alliance, NTF is working to provide healthier meal options to students around the country. Clinton's appearance on the show was one of the activities kicking off the initiative. Facts and Stats Section Updated on EatTurkey.com: The "Turkey Facts" section on NTF's website has been updated with the most recent statistics to assist consumers, media and other publics in answering turkey-related questions. As the holiday season approaches, visitors to EatTurkey.com will find their questions are easily answered in the following sections: 10th Annual T.O.M. Awards: NTF is now accepting nominations for the 10th annual Turkey on the Menu (T.O.M.) Awards. Entries will be judged in eight categories with one winner chosen to accept the award at NTF's Annual Convention in Tampa, Feb. 15-18, 2012. Nominations for the 2012 T.O.M. Awards are due by Friday, Nov. 18. An application form is available here. Upgrade It! Media Update: NTF's Upgrade It! with turkey message continues to reap increased media traction. The camera-ready newspaper article has generated more than 456 placements in 26 different states, reaching more than 18.2 million readers. The 30-second television spot has been broadcast 142 times in 27 states, reaching more than 22.2 million viewers. Finally, the 30-second radio spot has been broadcast 684 times in 36 states, reaching more than 29 million listeners. |
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Congratulations!
Merry Graham is the grand prize winner of NTF's
"Upgrade It!" with Turkey Blogger Contest.
Graham's Broccoli Turkey Potato Casserole recipe
received more than 230 votes. She will be heading to Portland, Ore., to meet, cook and dine with Chef Lisa Schroeder of Mother's Bistro and Bar.
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Issues
John Burkel Talks Ethanol on Fox News: NTF Secretary-Treasurer John Burkel from Badger, Minn., appeared on Fox News' "Neil Cavuto's Show" on Sept. 19 to discuss ethanol subsidies. Fox News contacted NTF after Ted Seger, Farbest Foods, Inc., testified before a House Agriculture subcommittee on concerns about the cost of feed ingredients. Burkel told Cavuto via phone that there needs to be a safety net that ensures the availability of corn and reduces price volatility in the future.
NTF Participates in Food Day Coalition: NTF, along with allied trade associations, are working on a harmonized approach to Food Day, an Oct. 24 initiative sponsored by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and co-chaired by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., which is being promoted as a way to bring together Americans to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way. CSPI is seeking to organize thousands of events around the country in schools, churches, homes and government centers to promote the organization's agenda. In response to CSPI's initiative, the coalition is working on an approach that will positively communicate around an established theme. By communicating consistent information, the coalition can balance the misinformation coming from those who would be unfairly critical of modern food production and technology. Along with traditional media outreach, the coalition is also organizing a strong social media push. Consumers Respond to CornforFoodnotFuel.com: More than 1,800 consumers have signed the petition on the website CornforFoodnotFuel to take action against rising food prices and federal support for corn-based ethanol. Because of the increased response since the mid-July launch, the website will soon include a "Take Action" grassroots section where people can write directly to their lawmakers. NTF Attends the Food Dialogues: NTF participated in the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance Food Dialogues on Sept. 22, which launched a new effort to bring together different viewpoints on farming and ranching and the future of food. This Town Hall-style discussion took place in Washington, California, New York, and Indiana, and was broadcast live to connect consumers interested in a dialogue about their food. Consumer and industry research results guided the dialogue. The research found that consumers think about food production constantly, especially when they are shopping, but know very little about how their food is grown. The industry research also found that farmers share the same values as consumers on environmental stewardship and animal care. For more information, visit www.fooddialogues.com and http://apps.facebook.com/fooddialogues. |
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Member Services
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2012 Annual Convention: The NTF 2012 Annual Convention brochure will be in your mailbox at the end of the month. For the latest information, visit the "Members' Only" website.
Did You Know? Sponsoring NTF's Annual Convention is a great way for your company to be recognized by top industry executives and to show your support for NTF. It is now easier than ever to process your sponsorship payment using NTF's "Members' Only" website!
1. Log into the "Members' Only" website using your username and password (see President's Message).
2. Place your cursor over "Member Services" on the left side of the homepage.
3. Click on "2012 Annual Convention."
4. Here you will find the link to the sponsorship payment option page.
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Giblets
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Hormel Foods Corp. announced the retirement of Robert A. Tegt, group vice president at Hormel Foods and president of Jennie-O Turkey Store Inc., effective Dec. 31. Glenn R. Leitch will replace him. 
Butterball, LLC purchased Powell Feed & Milling Co. in Green Forest, Ark., a facility that includes two feed mills, contract farmers and 80 associates.
Hendrix Genetics and the Grelier Groupe completed their agreement to join forces in poultry breeding and distribution.
Sara Lee is producing new types of herbed and seasoned deli meats, including rosemary and sage turkey breast.
Butterball added fully cooked turkey bacon to its breakfast product line.
Aviagen launched its latest publication, "How to Monitor Setter Temperature Variation," which serves as a reference and guide for hatchery managers and supervisors.
Subway, the first NTF Turkey On The Menu Award winner, is the most loved chain among people who use social media, with 83 percent of users expressing positive opinions, according to a report from social media analysis firm Amplicate.
Total pounds of turkey in cold storage are up 4 percent from last year, according to USDA.
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