cropvillage industry

Antibiotics used while raising beef, poultry, and swine, has some scientists concerned. What should consumers know? Consumers are making their voice heard through new methods (ex, Chicago Public Schools buying antibiotic free chicken). Scientist continue to raise the alarm about the over use of antibiotics (ex, Union of Concerned Scientists petitions to FDA). And farmers and ranchers question the validity of stopping the prophylactic uses of antibiotics in food animals (ex, studies comparing US farm operations with antibiotic use with EU operations with no antibiotic use see no changes in antibiotic resistance).

The USDA's 2012 budget summary offers some insight into a complex organization.

USDA’s total outlays for 2012 are estimated at $145 billion. Roughly 81 percent of outlays, about $117 billion in 2012, are associated with mandatory programs that provide services as required by law. These include the majority of the nutrition assistance programs, farm commodity programs, crop insurance, export promotion programs and a number of conservation programs. The decrease in mandatory outlays in 2012 is primarily due to crop insurance

The Center for Food Integrity published its 2011 Consumer Trust Research (PDF link). The top three priority goals driving consumer food choices include: Safe food, affordable food for me and my family, and nutritious food. It was noted that consumers distinguish between family farmers versus commercial farmers.

There is an inverse relationship between the perception of shared values and priorities for commercial farms. Consumers fear that commercial farms will put profit ahead of principle and therefore cut corners when it comes to other priority issues. As farms continue to change in size and scale we have to overcome that bias by more effectively demonstrating our commitment to the values and priorities of consumers.

Charlie Arnot offers an introduction (audio link) to the research and its approach to organizing the data.

Just after the 2011 Antibiotic Use In Food Animals conference held in Chicago, IL, the Chicago Public Schools began serving local chicken raised without antibiotics to students in 473 schools.

"As the third largest school district in the nation, Chicago has a big voice," said Laura Stanley, Learning Lab manager for School Food FOCUS. "It's in a position to catalyze change in the school food market nationwide."

The poultry will be raised by Miller Amish Country Poultry of Orland, Indiana, and delivery is being supported by Whole Foods Market.

The use of antibiotics in animal agriculture fuels discussion based on few facts and much misinformation. Dispel many of those myths as you review these presentations from the National Institute for Animal Agriculture's 2011 Antibiotic Use In Food Animals, held October 26-27, 2011, Chicago, IL, USA.

Madison FFA chapter members setup an impromptu performance. Mayson Briggs, Jackson Adams, Sam Adams, Jr., Sam Adams, Sr., and Matthew Ray, from the Madison FFA chapter, Madison County North Carolina - Westin Hotel lobby, National FFA Convention, Oct 20, 2011, Indianapolis, IN, USA

For full screen, click on player below. Click to share video with others.

Dr. Bob Morrison connects on recent conference presentations from 6th International Symposium on Emerging and Re-emerging Pig Diseases. On the panel: Carl Grontvedt, DVM, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science; Amy Vincent, Veterinary Medical Officer, USDA-ARS, Ames, IA; Marie Gramer, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota; and
Montse Torremorell, Allen D. Leman Chair, University of Minnesota.

Dr. Brian Briggeman, Kansas State University, shares his view of the swine industry and its relationship with the global economy. From the 2011 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, September 17-20, 2011, St Paul, MN USA.

The 2011 National eXtension Virtual Conference brings together an outstanding lineup of speakers for More Mind Reach, October 17, 18, & 19, 2011: Robin Good “How Social Media, Curation and Infotention Will Transform Your Future”; Howard Rheingold “Using Social Media in Learning and Co-learning”; Paulette Robinson "Federal Consortium for Virtual Worlds"; and Clay Shirky author of Cognitive Surplus: Creativity and Generosity in a Connected Age.

Each NeVC2011 keynote presenter will speak for 45-minutes. After a short break, you, as an attendee, may join an interactive conversation via telephone, Connect chat or Twitter to gain more insight into each of these topics with the presenter, facilitators, and reactors.

Dr. Billy Flowers, NCSU, talks about managing gene X environment interactions on reproductive performance of replacement gilts and boars through pre-weaning management at multiplication level. He looks into if this is a reality and what are its implications. From the 2011 The Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, September 17-20, 2011, St Paul, MN, USA.