OverTime with Mike Adams
AgriTalk's Mike Adams: Overtime - August 30, 2010
Aug. 29, 2010
Call me skeptical but I have a hard time believing Wayne Pacelle’s public show of support for the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Several animal references come to mind like “ a leopard not changing his spots” and beware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Last time I checked, HSUS had not changed its agenda which makes it hard to believe Mr. Pacelle’s sincerity for the success of the board. Two board members last week told me they were taking a wait and see attitude. I hope it works out but it’s an extremely difficult situation. If the board takes action that HSUS doesn’t agree with, the threat (backed up by petition signatures) of a ballot initiative remains. That seems to give Mr. Pacelle a position of strength to push his agenda. As I’ve said before, it is hard to compromise with someone wanting to put you out of business.Meanwhile in California, two years after the passage of Proposition 2, egg producers are still trying to figure out how to comply and if they can afford to do so. Adding to the confusion is one producer’s decision to go to the expense of installing bigger cages and then having HSUS still not approve. The President of California Egg Producers told me last week that very few producers have made any changes yet and some will go out of business. He also said consumers can expect to see higher egg prices as a result of Proposition 2.
Eggs have been in the news a lot lately and not in a good way. The egg recall, stemming from salmonella at two Iowa egg farms, has created consumer doubts and renewed calls for stronger food safety rules. Government officials are quick to point out that new rules that went into effect last month would perhaps have prevented this outbreak. That’s not much comfort to those sickened by tainted eggs. Industry officials emphasize that even with thousands of eggs being recalled it is a small percentage of the egg supply and proper cooking takes care of the problem. Still this and other recalls, call into question the current split food safety oversight authority between USDA and FDA. Rather than two departments pointing at each other saying it’s not our responsibility, perhaps it is time to create one agency with total jurisdiction over food safety. That being said, no system is perfect and as long as individuals take short cuts and break rules (intentionally or accidentally ), problems will occur. It reminds us that even the safest food supply in the world isn’t immune from problems.
A lot of criticism has been leveled at the livestock industry lately about use of drugs in animals. Ironically, this salmonella outbreak may have been prevented if the hens in question had been vaccinated as is done by many egg producers today.
It will be interesting to see what if anything comes from last week’s USDA/DOJ hearing in Ft. Collins, Colorado over proposed new rules for livestock marketing. This has become a very divisive issue in the agriculture community with some feeling the changes are long overdue and greatly needed while others claiming it will ruin valuable contract agreements and eventually lead to poorer quality meat for consumers. We may never know if this hearing will have any impact on USDA’s final decision or if their minds are already made up. There’s a lot to be said for letting people vent their feelings and participate in the process however after attending several of these types of events(on various issues) over the years, I’ve often questioned whether they really played a part in the final decision or not. I’m sure those participating in these hearings wonder too. I guess it depends on whether you agree with the final decision.
This week I’m off to Boone, Iowa for the Farm Progress Show. It doesn’t seem possible but this will be my 34th FPS! While a lot has changed over the years, the attraction of seeing the latest in agricultural products and technology hasn’t. Thousands will walk through exhibits and follow equipment in the field this week, some out of curiosity and some with the intent to purchase something for their operations. If you are coming to the show be sure to stop by and see us. We’ll be broadcasting Tuesday from the Case IH exhibit, Wednesday from Syngenta and Thursday from McCormick. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. Over the years at the FPS I’ve been cold, hot, muddy and dusty…sometimes all in the same day! If you can’t make it to Boone this week, be sure to join us on AgriTalk!
Those are my thoughts, what are yours? Email me at host@agritalk.com