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March 2012
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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
Kimmon Williams; Ext. 7234
Membership
Jen Dansereau; Ext. 7229
Clara Sackey; Ext. 7221
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President's Message
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Greetings!
Of all the gratifying aspects of a successful annual convention, none surpasses the sense of purpose that comes from a meeting where engaged members outline a proactive course of action for their trade association.
Such was the case with the recently completed NTF Annual Convention in Tampa. As you will see from the articles in this newsletter (and hopefully from clicking through to the "Members' Only" section of EatTurkey.com), turkey industry leaders gave the federation an ambitious agenda for 2012. From food safety to renewable fuels to a redesigned marketing plan and an enhanced member recruitment program, NTF members expressed their satisfaction with the association's accomplishments while asking for even more in the year ahead.
A key, of course, is to keep that momentum and commitment alive throughout the year. This week, NTF's officers and staff will meet to draw up a specific program to implement the Mission Statement and Goals approved by the Board of Directors in Tampa. We also will be surveying the membership for their input on NTF's programs and activities.
And, most importantly, we will be conducting the five-year Strategic Planning Meeting, April 18-20, in Chicago. The NTF Executive Committee and several guests will meet for two days to outline a strategic vision for the federation's activities across the next five years. We encourage all of you to be in touch with NTF staff and those you know on the Executive Committee to share your thoughts about NTF's plans for the next five years.
NTF has a great sense of purpose and direction coming out of Tampa, and we have the capacity to keep it going not just through 2012 but throughout the remainder of the decade.
Sincerely,
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Economic Update written by Tom Elam, FarmEcon, LLC
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Turkey Stocks, Feed Costs and Summer Weather: USDA's Feb. 22 Cold Storage Report may have thrown some cold water on what was a promising start to 2012. The numbers showed an abnormally large increase in stocks during January. As of Jan. 31, whole turkeys were up 30 percent from the same date in 2011 and parts were up 11 percent. Among the parts, breast meat showed the largest increase, 37 percent more than last year.
USDA's weekly data through the week ending on Feb. 11 showed turkey production down about 3.5 percent from 2011. So, it is not excessive production that is the issue. Unless exports were down in January, domestic consumption may have been weaker than last year. While this may be a one-time aberration, it may also show weakening demand and softening prices ahead.
Click here to read the full article.
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Legislative
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Fiscal Year 2013 Budgets Released: The Fiscal Year 2013 (FY2013) proposed budget for USDA, EPA and FDA revealed key indicators of the administration's thinking on food safety, trade, environmental and other initiatives.
USDA's proposed budget authority will total $154.7 billion in FY2013, discretionary funding is $23 billion, a decrease of nearly $700 million below the 2012 enacted level. The USDA budget funds food safety and inspection, marketing and regulatory, research and exports.
With respect to FSIS, the budget proposes $995.5 million in funding for food safety inspection activities, a decrease of $8.9 million from the FY2012 enacted level. The administration believes the reduction can be achieved without sacrificing any essential food safety functions.
The FY2013 also proposes two new user fees: a performance-based fee that will be charged for sample failures or additional re-inspection due to regulatory non-compliance, and a basic inspection fee to recover part of the cost of providing basic inspections. These fees are estimated to bring in $13 million per year in revenue. NTF opposes these and other industry user fees and will work to ensure Congress funds food safety and inspection programs through the traditional appropriations process.
The proposed budget for EPA in FY2013 is $8.344 billion, which is a $105 million reduction from the enacted FY2012 budget. Within the budget, resources for the Chesapeake Bay Program increased by $15 million to support states on the bay's watershed.
The FY2013 budget for FDA has increased by $654 million compared to FY2012, totaling more than $4.486 billion. The FDA budget includes new user fees to implement the enacted FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which President Obama signed into law in January 2011. The proposed fees would allow FDA to leverage the work of FDA's state and local food safety partners, and strengthen FDA's ability to identify and assess food safety risks in domestic and imported food.
As the budget process moves forward, NTF will continue to be engaged and work with the administration to ensure that priorities for the turkey industry are addressed and implemented. A detailed summary of the FY2013 budget can be found here.
Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Farm Bill Hearing on Energy Programs: In preparation for the 2012 Farm Bill, the Senate Agriculture Committee conducted a hearing to examine the importance of the Farm Bill's energy programs. The hearing, building on 12 public hearings in 2011, focused on rural development, bio-based manufacturing and energy initiatives. On hand to testify was Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and bioenergy stakeholders. The Farm Bill is the legislation that authorizes many food, conservation, energy, trade, marketing, food assistance and rural development programs over several years, and currently expires in September 2012. In the 2008 Farm Bill, about $2 billion in funding went to support energy programs, which includes the Rural Energy for America Program, the Biomass Crop Assistance Program and the Biorefinery Assistance Program. While the budget will be a significant force shaping the 2012 Farm Bill, these hearings mark the continued debate on what changes will be sought in a wide array of agricultural policies. NTF will work with committee members to lay the groundwork for responsible farm policy.
House Science Committee Passes Anti-Ethanol Legislation; EPA Moves Forward on E15 Registration: The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology approved legislation that would require EPA and the National Academy of Sciences to conduct necessary scientific and technical analyses, along with the economic impact studies, on the implications of introducing mid-level ethanol blends (E15) into the marketplace before EPA moves forward with registering such fuels. Offered by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wisc., H.R. 3199 passed by a vote of 19 to 7. Days after the committee passed the legislation, EPA finalized E15 registration. In response to a request by the ethanol industry, EPA granted two partial waivers that, taken together, allow the introduction of gasoline that contains more than 10 volume percent ethanol and up to 15 volume percent for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles. The action taken by EPA is the last major impediment that the ethanol industry needed to remove before starting to sell higher blended ethanol. There is political maneuvering still left to be done on this issue and NTF will continue to be active in its efforts to rollback new federal support of ethanol.
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Scientific and Regulatory
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Technical and Regulatory
Poultry Slaughter Rule Published: Comments are due by April 26 for the proposed "Modernization of Poultry Slaughter Inspection" rule. The proposal would lead to a revamped inspection system that allows federal inspectors in young chicken and turkey processing plants to shift to prevention-oriented inspection systems and allows FSIS to redeploy its resources in a manner that better protects the public from foodborne diseases. Please contact Lisa Picard if you would like to be part of the subcommittee involved in drafting these comments.
Pre-Harvest Information Sought by FSIS: NTF continues to carefully track FSIS' efforts to collect grower and other pre-harvest information. Most recently, NTF asked FSIS to clarify inspector claims that processors needed to provide grower identification during Salmonella sampling. NTF explained the logistical and regulatory issues with this effort to FSIS leadership. FSIS then issued instructions to inspectors not to collect data at this time. NTF will continue to work with FSIS on this issue.
Live Production and Environment
Dioxin Report Released: An EPA dioxin report touted the reductions in dioxin exposure, which was welcomed news as NTF was the key player in a coalition that worked hard for EPA to revise the report. After decades of consideration, EPA released a final assessment on the health impact of dioxins, for the first time setting a toxicological threshold for non-cancer risks posed by exposure to the chemicals. The food industry had been concerned that EPA would set exposure recommendations below what some Americans are exposed to in their diets, causing some people to radically change their eating habits.
NTF Meets with USDA on Environmental Regulatory Certainty: NTF met with the USDA Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to discuss the regulatory assurance or certainty initiative USDA has been working on in partnership with EPA and several states. Through the partnership, producers would receive immunity, also known as regulatory assurance or certainty, from regulation under a state's water quality standards in exchange for the implementation of certain conservation activities. USDA admitted it should deliver a clearer message of what certainty means, and a better description of what USDA and EPA's roles might be in such an agreement. These meetings were spurred by the regulatory certainty memorandum of understanding signed between USDA, EPA and Minnesota. Additional meetings with government officials are scheduled this month.
Worker Safety and Health/Human Resources
NTF Comments on Affirmative Action Requirements for Federal Contractors: NTF submitted comments as part of the Joint Poultry Industry Human Resources Council regarding the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program's (OFCCP) proposed rule, "Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination Obligations of Contractors and Subcontractors Regarding Individuals With Disabilities." The Joint Council updated and reiterated its position opposing this proposal as outlined in comments from September 2010, and strongly endorsed the comments from the HR Policy Association. The comments note that the poultry industry is committed to providing equal opportunity in the workplace for all and appreciated the opportunity to comment on OFCCP's efforts to strengthen affirmative action requirements to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
DOL Reconsiders Child Farm Labor Rule: The Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it would be re-proposing a portion of its proposed rule on child labor in agriculture interpreting the "parental exemption." The re-interpreted exemption will allow children who are employed by their parent, or a person standing in the place of a parent, to perform any job on a farm owned or operated by their parent. Expected by early summer, the re-proposal process will seek comments on how DOL can comply with statutory requirements while respecting rural traditions. In December, NTF submitted joint comments with the National Pork Producers Council and National Sheep Industry Association regarding the proposed rule. Additional information on this DOL rulemaking is available here.
DOL Notice on Electronic On-Board Recorders: The Department of Labor's (DOL) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a Federal Register notice stating its intent to move forward with a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBR) Requirements Rule. In the supplemental notice, FMCSA commits to holding listening sessions on the issue of driver harassment, developing technical specifications for EOBRs, and conducting additional research related to potential driver harassment. These additional measures come in response to comments submitted to FMCSA by the Joint Poultry Safety and Health Council.
Changes to 2011 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has made several changes to the 2011 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses form. For selected North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) categories, including codes beginning with 311 (which includes poultry processing, feed manufacturing and rendering), additional information regarding cases with days of job transfer or restrictions will now be collected. The completion of the 2011 survey will be more in-depth for those facilities in the selected NAICS categories. The BLS uses the annual survey to provide an estimate of the total number of work related injuries and illnesses and the rate at which they occur. The survey was recently distributed to approximately 200,000 facilities across the country.
Joint Poultry Human Resources Council to Meet During HR Seminar: The Joint Poultry Industry Human Resource (HR) Council will meet on April 16 in Destin, Fla. The meeting is in conjunction with U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's Human Resources Seminar.
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Marketing Communications
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Marketing
Annual T.O.M. Awards Announced: Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® received NTF's 10th Annual "Turkey on the Menu" (T.O.M.) Award in the "fast food" category for the chain's new line of charbroiled turkey burgers.
John Koncki, director of research and development for CKE Restaurants, Inc. the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, received a standing ovation from the more than 540 turkey industry executives that attended the NTF Annual Convention during the awards presentation. Dick Elmore, vice president of strategic accounts for AdvancePierre Foods, presented the T.O.M. Award to Koncki.
CKE Restaurants, Inc. has 3,219 franchised, licensed or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and in 23 countries, including 1,292 Carl's Jr. restaurants and 1,917 Hardee's restaurants. AdvancedPierre Foods, creator and supplier of the turkey patty, nominated the burger chains for NTF's prestigious award.
T.O.M. Award winners in other categories include:
- Mid-Scale/Casual Dining - Ram's Horn Restaurants, nominated by Sara Lee Food and Beverage
- Quick Casual - Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, nominated by Butterball LLC
NTF received 11 entries from five member companies. Applications for the 11th Annual T.O.M. Awards will be sent early this summer.
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John Koncki (right), director of research and development for CKE Restaurants, Inc., accepts the T.O.M. Award from Dick Elmore, vice president of strategic accounts for AdvancePierre Foods.
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2012 Marketing Plan Focuses On Ground Turkey: This year, NTF will promote turkey's attributes with a strong emphasis on its nutrient-rich profile while educating consumers about good food safety practices in the home. Campaign components include:
- Communicating turkey's nutrient-rich profile through a USDA MyPlate Strategic Partnership, engaging in the USDA AMS Feeding Program and participating in the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior meeting.
- Working to promote foodservice menu application and food photography to foodservice trade publications with an emphasis on QSR magazine and ground turkey on the menu.
- Enhancing EatTurkey.com's landing pages and recipe database to be more user-friendly.
- Updating the Marketplace Survey to provide information on the types of products being produced and which channel they are distributed.
Future Marketing Idea Includes Quick Service Restaurants: During NTF's Marketing Communications Committee meeting on Feb. 16, the committee discussed the future direction of NTF's marketing program. As a result, the committee asked NTF staff to explore the potential opportunities of creating an awareness campaign for quick service and fast casual restaurants. NTF's first task is to compile all current research and determine what type of further research might be needed. Participants agreed that an awareness campaign should be created that dispel the barriers and promote the opportunities of including turkey products on quick serve or fast casual restaurant menus. The research should help NTF staff and the committee to determine the appropriate chains to target. The results from the Marketing Communications Committee meeting will be further explored during NTF's Strategic Planning Session in April.
2012 Annual Convention Photos
Visit NTF's Facebook page to see photos from the 2012 Annual Convention. Not on Facebook? View the photos on NTF's "Members' Only" website here.
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Issues
NTF Responds to CME Report: NTF, working with other animal agriculture groups, completed a response to a Chicago Mercantile Report (CME) report that indicated meat consumption will decline in 2012. Ron Plain, an economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, authored the response, which illustrates the real facts about U.S. meat and poultry consumption and demand. Plain's response is published on his website and will be used, as appropriate, to respond to media and other inquiries.
Career Opportunities in the Turkey Industry Brochure: During the Issues Management Committee meeting on Feb. 17, NTF unveiled its new brochure that promotes career opportunities in the turkey industry. The brochure is a human resources tool for NTF member companies. For ideas on how your company can use the brochure, click here. Please contact NTF for a copy of the brochure as the document can be tailored to include your organization's information.
2011 Annual Report
Last year, NTF was successful in protecting and promoting the turkey industry's efforts on Capitol Hill, in the regulatory agencies and with the media. Read more about those successes in NTF's 2011 Annual Report.
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Member Services
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2012 Annual Convention a Success: With more than 540 in attendance, the 2012 Annual Convention in Tampa was a success. NTF members participated in four days of committee meetings, networking opportunities and exceptional speakers, including Jeff Simmons, Elanco Animal Health's president, and Paul Steinhauser CNN's political editor.
Thank you to all 2012 Annual Convention Sponsors. An attendee list and PowerPoint presentations are available here.
New NTF Chairman Tells Industry to Turn Challenges into Opportunity: NTF's Board of Directors on Feb. 18 elected Steve Willardsen to serve as the federation's 2012 chairman. Willardsen is president of Cargill Value Added Meats Retail in Wichita, Kan. During his acceptance speech, he mentioned issues such as food safety, renewable fuels, the environment and animal care practices as areas NTF and its members will address in the year ahead. Willardsen noted that a key in managing challenges is NTF's ability to maintain a progressive, innovative outlook when problems arise.
The Board of Directors also elected John Burkel, director, Northern Pride, Inc., as vice chairman; and Gary Cooper, vice president and chief operating officer, Cooper Farms, as secretary-treasurer. Richard Huisinga, executive vice president of Willmar Poultry Company, assumes the position of immediate past chairman.
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(Left to right) NTF's Board of Directors elected Steve Willardsen, Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, as NTF's 2012 chairman, John Burkel, Northern Pride, Inc. as vice chairman, and Gary Cooper, Cooper Farms, secretary-treasurer.
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Pete Hermanson (left), West Liberty Foods, honors Vance Larson, S & K Turkeys, with NTF's Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime commitment to the turkey industry.
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2012 Membership Survey: In the next few days you will receive an E-mail with a link to NTF's 2012 Membership Survey. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Every five years NTF embarks upon a strategic planning process. To help inform this process, we'd like your input on the value and benefits of NTF membership and on potential new programs and services NTF might provide in the future.
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Giblets
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NTF's Leslee Oden has been promoted to legislative affairs manager. Oden has been with NTF for three years and is an alumnus of Texas A&M University.
NTF is pleased to announce the following new committee chairmen:
- Membership Services Committee: Jihad Douglas, Aviagen Turkeys
- Technical and Regulatory Committee: Dr. Michael Rybolt, Perdue Farms (co-chair)
- Joint Poultry Worker Safety and Health Council: Mike Klun, Cargill, Inc.
Walter Benedetti, patriarch of the Willie Bird turkey ranching family, passed away at the age of 93 on Feb. 17 at his home in Petaluma, Calif.
Cooper Farms Cooked Meats installed two 1.5-megawatt wind turbines in Van Wert, Ohio, which will produced more than 50 percent of the facility's power.
West Liberty Foods' Tremonton, Utah, facility achieved "landfill-free" status, which was independently verified, making West Liberty Foods among the first companies in the United States to have its "landfill-free" claim verified by a third party organization. The Tremonton facility diverted nearly 3.5 million pounds of annual waste from the local landfill.
 | | Receiving the "landfill-free" status are (left to right) Ed Garrett, West Liberty Foods president & CEO, Kirk Hansen, NSF International business development, Michele Boney, West Liberty Foods environmental compliance officer, and Gerald Lessard, West Liberty Foods vice president and COO. |
Valley of the Moon Commercial Poults acquired Talley Farms in Anson County, N.C., and also signed a long-term contract with High Ridge Farms to produce eggs.
Butterball, LLC's Ozark facility received the "Large Business of the Year" award for its community involvement during the 65th Annual Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Jimmy Dean introduced a turkey sausage breakfast quesadilla, which includes egg whites and reduced fat cheese in a flour tortilla.
Subway is promoting their turkey BLT and turkey melt in an effort to showcase a livable way of eating healthy.
Dunkin' Donuts is adding four new permanent bakery sandwiches to their menu. The turkey option will be available on a French roll, bagel or croissant and includes white cheddar cheese, bacon and Ancho Chipotle sauce.
Boar's Head launched a new No Salt Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, which is the brand's lowest sodium turkey item with 55 mg of sodium per 2-oz. serving.
According to the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association's What's in Store 2012 report, deli turkey wings with signature sauces are becoming popular options for consumers in search of newer, trendier items.
Turkey wings, onion rings and jalapeno poppers are some of the snacks U.S. troops in Afghanistan enjoyed while watching the New England Patriots and New York Giants go head-to-head in the Super Bowl.
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