Impact of regulations highlighted by livestock industry

Several main messages were expressed by livestock industry group representatives who testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday. Among those was the need for Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), encourage the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do a better economic analysis of its organic animal welfare standards rule and prevent USDA from moving forward on its Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposal.

The Senate hearing follows on the heels of a House hearing earlier this week that focused on many of the same issues. However, the issue of the organic animal welfare standards was more thoroughly discussed as Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Pat Roberts (R., Kan.) has been outspoken about his concerns regarding the outside space requirements proposed in USDA's rule.
House members say biotech revisions could bring uncertainty 

Reps. Dan Newhouse (R., Wash.) and Kurt Schrader (D., Ore.) led a letter signed by 65 members of the House of Representatives to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack warning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take all factors - including potential market and regulatory uncertainty and trade disruptions - into account when considering a proposed pre-market biotechnology regulatory framework called "Part 340." They wrote to USDA regarding the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS) notice of intent (NOI) to revise pre-market biotech regulations, which was published in the Federal Register on Feb. 5, 2016.

"As proponents of agricultural innovation, we feel strongly that government policies and regulations should consistently promote scientific advancement in food and agricultural production," the House members wrote. "Science is helping - and will continue to help - farmers and other food producers feed a rapidly growing global population in the face of increasing weather, pest, disease and environmental challenges.

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Ag lawmakers call for organic livestock rule comment extension

Senate and House agriculture committee leadership called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to grant a 90-day extension of the public comment period for the agency's proposed rule regarding revised organic livestock and poultry production standards.

Senate Agriculture Committee chair Pat Roberts (R., Kan.) and ranking member Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.), along with House Agriculture Committee chair Michael Conaway (R., Texas) and ranking member Rep. Collin Peterson (D., Minn.), expressed multiple concerns with the proposed rule, urging USDA to address those concerns prior to publishing a final or interim final rule.

"Additional time is necessary for stakeholders to evaluate the changes made in the proposed rule and provide comprehensive feedback on the potential impacts if the rule is implemented," the letter said, asking for an extension from 60 days to 150 days.

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Focus on return, not feed ingredient cost

When milk prices drop, it's natural for dairy farmers to want to reduce expenses. The focus is often placed on input costs, like an ingredient in the ration. However, looking at the cost alone could be detrimental to a dairy herd, especially during tough economic times.

A better strategy is to formulate a ration with ingredients designed to maximize milk production while improving health, allowing an operation to capitalize the return on investment (ROI) for the ration year-round, according to Purina Animal Nutrition.

"Cutting blindly to save pennies up front can cost dollars in the long run," said Dr. Stu Rymph, a dairy nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition. "Instead, it's important for you and your nutritionist to work together to identify your herd's goals and priorities, evaluate the ration and be practical with the budget."

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Idaho ordered to pay $250,000 after losing ag-gag case

District court Judge B. Lynn Winmill has granted a motion filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and a coalition of national nonprofits that awards the groups $249,875.08 in attorneys' fees from the state of Idaho. The order comes just months after the groups won  a lawsuit over Idaho's "ag-gag" law, which the court agreed violated the First and 14th amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

Idaho's law, which was passed in 2014, represented one of the most tightly written packages aimed at protecting animal facilities. Specifically, it prohibited anyone not employed by an agricultural production facility to enter or obtain records on the facility by "force, threat, misrepresentation or trespass." It prohibited making video or audio recordings of conduct at the facility.

The bill also limited anyone from obtaining employment at a facility with the intent to "cause economic or other injury to the facility's operations, livestock, crops, owners, personnel, equipment, buildings, premises, business interests or customers."

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ADSA News and Happenings
NAS Publishes Report on Genetically Engineered Crops
On May 17th, the National Academies of Science published a study entitled Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects.  The study looked at available data to examine the effects that genetically engineered crops have on human health and the environment.  The study committee found no substantiated evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops and conventionally bred crops.  The committee also did not find any conclusive cause-and-effect evidence of environmental problems from GE crops.  However, the report does flag evolved resistance to current GE characteristics in crops as a significant issue.  The committee recommends that it is the end product of genetic engineering that should be the subject of potential regulation, and not the technology applied.
In addition to looking at safety issues, the study finds that the distinction between conventional breeding and genetic engineering is becoming less obvious.  New technologies in gene editing are blurring the lines between conventional breeding techniques and genetic engineering.
The National Academy of Sciences has developed a website with additional information about the report that can be found by clicking here.  The study was sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the New Venture Fund, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with additional support from the National Academy of Sciences. 
 
2016 Food Animal Production Stakeholder Input Requested
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food Animal Production National Program 101 and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) are  interested in obtaining stakeholder input towards establishing research, education and extension priorities to be addressed in their respective programs over the next five years.  Webinars were held on May 23 and 25 to solicit input on the nine topic areas that are part of the program. If you were not able to participate in the webinars you still have an opportunity to provide your input. USDA shares the following on how to join the process:
Treat yourself to a fun and interactive way to provide your insight to the animal production programs of the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) using a new online "ideas engine."
We need expert input from you-our stakeholders, customers and partners-on how Federal investments can best address current needs and challenges facing animal production.  The ideas you provide will help form the framework for developing the next ARS National Program Action Plan and defining priorities for NIFA's animal production research, education and extension.  Information on these programs can be found at these links for ARS and NIFA
If you are interested in providing your insight by suggesting, refining, and prioritizing ideas around any of the topics listed below, simply send an email with your name, affiliation, email address, and topic of interest (in the format provided below) to [email protected] by June 6th. You will receive instructions on how to join.  You can participate as much as you like, when you like, while the system is open during the month of June 2016.
Topic 1:  Animal Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics
Topic 2:  Applications of Biotechnology to Animal Production
Topic 3.  Animal Well-Being, Stress and Production
Topic 4:  Animal Reproductive Biology
Topic 5:  Quality, Nutritional Value and Healthfulness of Animal Products
Topic 6: Lactation Biology and Nutritional Efficiency of Animals
Topic 7: Animal Growth Biology and Alternatives to Antimicrobials for Growth Promotion
Topic 8: Forages and Forage Utilization for Animal Production
Topic 9: Reducing Environmental Impacts of Animal Production
Topic 10: General Priorities for Animal Production
 
First Name
Last Name
Affiliation
Email Address
Topic of Interest
(Please list the topics by your preference: Example Topic 6, Topic 4, and Topic 9)  
 
Thank you and we look forward to your participation.
Sincerely,
Caird Rexroad, ARS ([email protected])
Adele Turzillo, NIFA ([email protected])
Charlotte Baer, NIFA ([email protected])
Lakshmi Kumar Matukumalli, NIFA ([email protected])
Mark Mirando, NIFA ([email protected])
Steve Smith, NIFA ([email protected])
 
Would you like to help the animal and dairy science community and attend the 2017 ADSA Annual Meeting for free?
Referrals are the most tried-and-true way businesses grow, and the same is true for FASS. Do you know a colleague working with an animal science group that is in need of high-quality, cost-effective support services? Help them out by referring them to Jamie Ritter, FASS Executive Director at [email protected] .
Help them benefit from the shared resource concept and the 264 years of collective experience the FASS staff have in working with non-profit animal science organizations. If your referral becomes a FASS customer prior to June 1, 2017, ADSA will comp your registration to the 2017 ADSA Annual Meeting that will be held June 25 to 28, 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA.  It's win-win-win. For more information about services offered by FASS, click here.
Are You Part of ADSA� on Linked In
Our ADSA Linked In group continues to grow. We now include 1,539 members from around the world, are you one of them? It's a great place to get information and network with other dairy professionals from around the world.  Check it out here.
 

Reminder- Early registration ends Friday, June 3 at 11:59 pm CDT.  Register today to take advantage of the registration savings.
The 2016 ADSA-ASAS-CSAS JAM is fast approaching.  We are busily finalizing meeting details to ensure this year's meeting is great.  Please join us July 19-23 in Salt Lake City, Utah for the 2016 JAM. 
New to JAM 2016:
  • AnimalX - TED-style talks
  • ePosterboards for all Poster Sessions
Returning to JAM 2016:
  • Opening BBQ to include the Big Scoop ice cream competition and the Battle of the Brats contest
  • Topic lunches
  • Increased scientific poster hours
  • Enhanced family activities
Visit the JAM website for more information on:
We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City!

Thanks to our Corporate Sustaining Members
                                 We appreciate your ongoing support of ADSA and the Journal of Dairy Science�.

Ag Processing Inc.
Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition
Dairy Nutrition Plus
Darling International Research
Diamond V
DuPont Pioneer
Global Agri-Trade Corporation
Grande Cheese Company
Kent Nutrition Group
Kraft Heinz Foods
Lallemand Animal Nutrition
Masters Choice
Nutriad, Inc.
Papillon Agricultural Company
Quali Tech, Inc.
Renaissance Nutrition Inc.
Western Pacific Oils LLC
Zoetis
Zook Nutrition & Management Inc.
Calendar of Events
June 7-8, 2016     Science of Yogurt & Fermented Dairy Products Workshop (Basic), On-line and Cornell University, For more information contact Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098
 
June 7-9, 2016   Cheese Grading Short Course, Babcock Hall, 2605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI. For more information, click here.

June 15-16, 2016     4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Grand River Center, Dubuque, IA, contact
Jim Salfer, U of MN, [email protected]
 
June 20-24, 2016 13th International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis*, Nantes, France, For more information click here
 
June 21-23, 2016  Precision Dairy Farming 2016, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. For more information, click here.

June 22-24, 2016  Preventive Controls for Human Food - Individual training, Cornell Dairy Foods Extension, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, NY. For more information, click here

July 2-9, 2016  American Dairy Goat Association National Show, Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, Harrisburg, PA. For more information contact ADGA, PO Box 865, Spindale, NC 28160, 828-286-3801 
www.ADGA.org.
 
July 3-8, 2016     World Buiatrics Congress 2016, Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland, For more information click here.
 
July 12-14, 2016     High Temperature Short Time (HTST) Pasteurizer Workshop in association with NYS Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University, For more information contact Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098
 
July 18-21, 2016     Certified Milk Inspector's School in Association with NY State Agriculture & Markets, Cornell University, For more information contact Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098, Course Syllabus  , Required Course of NYS-CMIs
 
July 19-23, 2016  ADSA- ASAS Joint Annual Meeting (JAM)*, Salt Lake City, UT, for more information click here
 
July 24-28, 2016     2016 National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AM/PIC) Little Rock, AR, For more information click here
 
Aug 2-3, 2016  Milk Pasteurization, Babcock Hall, 1605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI. For more information, click here.

Aug 2-4, 2016  Preventive Controls for Human Food - Individual Training, Cornell Dairy Foods Extension, FDA Regional Field Office, Jamaica, NY. For more information, click here.

Aug 15-18, 2016     Food Safety Systems (HACCP) and Implementing SQF, Cornell University, For more information contact
Kimberly Bukowski Ph: 607-243-3313 or  Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098
 
Aug 17-18, 2016  2016 Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference*, Embassy Suites, Grapevine, TX. For registration and more information, click here.

Sept 11-13, 2016    
NYS Cheese Manufacturers' Assoc. Annual Fall Meeting, Harbor Hotel, Watkins Glen NY, For more information contact Janene Lucia, Ph: 607-227-5833
 
Sept 13-14, 2016   Master Artisan Short Course Series, Babcock Hall, 1605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI. For more information, click here.

Sept 14-15, 2016     Advanced Fluid Milk Cornell University, For more information contact
Kimberly Bukowski Ph: 607-243-3313 or  Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098
 
Sept 20-22, 2016      NYS Association for Food Protection Annual Conference/FDA NE Regional Update, Doubletree Hotel Syracuse, NY For more information contact Janene Lucia, Ph: 607-227-5833

Sept 21-22, 2016  77th Minnesota Nutrition Conference*, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake, MN. For more information and registration, click here.

Oct 3-7, 2016   Cheese Tech Short Course, Babcock Hall Room 205, 1605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI. For more information, click here.
 
Oct 4-6, 2016  Preventive Controls for Human Food - Individual Training, Cornell Dairy Foods Extension, NYS Dept of Ag & Markets Office, Albany NY. For more information, click here.

Oct 4-6, 2016  Introduction to Dairy Processing and Management. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. For more information and registration, click here

Oct 4-8, 2016     50th World Dairy Expo, Madison, WI. For more information
click here
 
Oct 11-12, 2016  Dairy Ingredient Manufacturing, Babcock Hall, Room 2015, 1605 Linden Dr., Madison, WI. For more information, click here

Oct 11-13, 2016     High Temperature Short Time (HTST) Pasteurizer Workshop, Cornell University, For more information contact
Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098
 
Oct 13-19, 2016  120th IUSAHA- AAVLD Annual Meeting , Greensboro Sheraton Hotel. Greensboro, NC, For more information click here (Note - date correction)

Oct 19-20, 2016     Advanced Cheese Making, Cornell University, For more information contact
Rob Ralyea Ph: 607-255-7643 or Louise Felker Ph:  607-255-7098

Oct 19-20, 2016  HTST Maintenance Workshop. The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH. For more information and registration, click here.  
 
Oct 25-26, 2016   Advance Clean In Place (CIP), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. For more information and registration, click here.

Oct 25-26, 2016     Vat Pasteurization/Basic Cheese Making Workshop, On-line and Cornell University, For more information contact
Rob Ralyea Ph: 607-255-7643 or Louise Felker Ph:  607-255-7098
 
Oct 25-27, 2016  Pasteurizer Operators Workshop, Penn State University, Food Science Building, Curtain and Bigler Roads, University Park, PA 16802. For details on the workshop and registration information, click here.

Oct 25-30, 2016  American Dairy Goat Assn Convention, Hilton Austin Airport Hotel, Austin, Texas. For more information contact ADGA, P.O. Box 865, Spindale, NC 28160, 828-286-3801. www.ADGA.org

Nov 1-4, 2016    31st ADSA Discover Conference: Big Data Dairy Management,  Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center, Oak Brook, IL, For more information 
click here

Nov 2-4, 2016   Cheese Grading Short Course, Babcock Hall, Room 205, 1605 Linden Dr., Madison WI, For more information
click here

Nov 7-10, 2016  The Science and Art of Cheese Making Short Course, Rodney A.Erickson Food Science Building, Penn State University, University Park, PA. For more information and registration, click here.

Nov 10-11, 2016    
2016 DCRC Annual Meeting, Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel, Columbus, Ohio, For registration and more information click here

Nov 14-16, 2016  Symposium on Gut Health in Production of Food Animals*, St. Louis, MO. For more information and registration click here.

Nov 30-Dec 2, 2016   Ice Cream Makers Short Course, Babcock Hall, Room 205, 1605 Linden Dr., Madison WI, For more information
click here

Dec 6-7, 2016    
Food Safety Plans for Artisan and Farmstead Processors, Online & Hands-On Location TBD, For more information contact Kimberly Bukowski Ph: 607-243-3313 or  Louise Felker Ph: 607-255-7098
 
June 25-28, 2017 2017 ADSA Annual Conference and Tradeshow, Pittsburgh, PA.  For more information click here
 
*An S-PAC Partner Conference
 
If your organization's conference isn't among the ever growing list that contribute proceedings and presentations to S-PAC�, ask your conference organizer to contact Ken Olson for more information about the benefits of participation.
 
If you would like to have an event included in the "Dates to Note," please contact Ken Olson.
 
 

ADSA Membership Benefits                                 
                                           
Did you know that your ADSA Professional Membership provides you with:

*        Electronic access to the Journal of Dairy Science�

*        Joint Annual Meeting at member rates

*        Discover Conferences at member rates

*        S-PAC: Free access to JAM and ADSA divisional abstracts

*        S-PAC subscription at member rates

*        Access to recorded symposia library                                                                       

*        ADSA News (association newsletter)

*        ADSA Dair e-news (ADSA industry newsletter)

*        Access to member directory

*        Peer recognition through ADSA and Foundation Award Program

*        Discounted page charges in Journal of Dairy Science�

*        A strong voice of advocacy for the animal sciences, animal agriculture and agriculture research

*        Broad author recognition through ADSA/Elsevier press release program

*        Linked In and You Tube sites for ADSA

*        Quality networking with academic and industry professionals

*        Travel awards for all graduate students attending Discover Conferences

*        Opportunity to serve peers via committee and officer positions

 
For more information on your benefits please visit: http://www.adsa.org/join.asp
To join now and gain these member benefits, visit: http://www.adsa.org/join.asp

American Dairy Science Association
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