http://www.unitedegg.com/rss/rss.xml Indusrty Related News http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Food-safety-bill-defeated-in-apf-2449149654.html?x=0&.v=2 WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House defeated a far-reaching food safety bill Wednesday after farm-state lawmakers complained it would be too invasive and others said it was pushed to the floor too quickly. The legislation, which would require more government inspections and oversight of food manufacturers in the wake of a massive salmonella outbreak in peanuts, was considered under a suspension of House rules and needed a two-thirds vote for passage. The 280-150 vote was just a few shy of that threshold. Politics (AP) 7/29/09 http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090729/hl_nm/us_flu_vaccine_usa_3 ATLANTA (Reuters) – The U.S. government has taken delivery of 20 million doses of a vaccine against the new pandemic H1N1 swine flu, and should be ready to start an immunization campaign in October, officials said on Wednesday. Health Reuters 7/29/09 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8174482.stm Organic food is no healthier than ordinary food, a large independent review has concluded. There is little difference in nutritional value and no evidence of any extra health benefits from eating organic produce, UK researchers found..... Health BBC News 7/29/09 http://www.meatami.com/ht/display/ArticleDetails/i/52107 Tuesday, July 28, 2009 (American Meat Institute) The American Meat Institute (AMI) today urged Congress to pass legislation that would enhance and mandate E-Verify, an electronic employment verification tool voluntarily used by some employers to determine the work eligibility of new hires. “An employment verification program is like an immunization initiative: it only works effectively if implemented across the board. When applied in patchwork fashion as it has been, the system is vulnerable,” said AMI President J. Patrick Boyle in a letter to Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Ranking Member John Cornyn (R-TX). “We believe it is in the national interest – and in the interest of all employers – that this program become routine, not just a program used by a fraction of businesses.” .... Politics American Meat Institute 7/28/09 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124881855633988043.html WASHINGTON -- The House is expected to vote Wednesday on legislation that would significantly increase the Food and Drug Administration's funding and authority to police food safety. Democratic leaders will bring up the legislation under a procedure that allows limited debate and no amendments and requires a two-thirds supermajority vote to pass. The bill unanimously passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee in June. The vote was scheduled after negotiations averted a prolonged turf battle between two powerful Democrats: House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota and Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, the Commerce Committee's chairman emeritus. The committees were still working on the final language Tuesday afternoon. Politics The Wall Street Journal 7/28/09 http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/07/0338.xml WASHINGTON, July 24, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today named seven additional people to hold staff positions in various agencies within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "I'm delighted to have staff with.... Politics USDA AMS 7/24/09 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722110903.htm ScienceDaily (July 23, 2009) — Scientists in Nevada are reporting development of a new and environmentally friendly process for producing biodiesel fuel from "chicken feather meal," made from the 11 billion pounds of poultry industry waste that accumulate annually in the United States alone. In the study Mano Misra, Susanta Mohapatra, Narasimharao Kondamudi, and Jason Strull note that chicken feather meal consists of processed chicken feathers, blood, and innards that have been processed at high temperatures with steam. Currently feather meal is used as animal feed and fertilizer because of its high protein and nitrogen content. With as much as 12 percent fat content, feather meal has potential as an alternative, nonfood feedstock for the production of biofuel, the report says...... Science ScienceDaily 7/23/09 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_on_go_co/us_congress_food_safety WASHINGTON – The House has passed a far-reaching food safety bill requiring more government inspections and imposing new penalties on those who violate the law, reacting strongly to an outbreak of salmonella in peanuts that killed at least nine people. Politics Associated Press 7/31/09 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=3DDCB5FA223E4D849D05ED2F5D9A17BB A recent review of research from the last 50 years by scientists in the U.K. has determined that conventionally and organically produced foods, including meat and poultry, are no different in terms of nutritional quality or other health benefits. Health Feedstuffs 8/3/09 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=5D5CD5D6263C4092B6F7D3D648C1CFC0 American consumers do have a choice at the grocery store, but those choices have a price tag, according to a survey by IBISWorld, which provides databases for industries around the world. Economy Feedstuffs 8/3/09 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=F424ED91087C4CAFBA35A69522020EEA The organics industry is hitting back and rejecting claims made in a report by Britain’s Food Standard Agency (FSA) that found organic produce has no health or nutritional benefit over conventionally produced food. The groups are labeling the report's results incomplete. With regard to the findings of the FSA report, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) said the study totally avoided the issue of pesticides and took a very narrow view of 'health'. Health Feedstuffs 8/3/09 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=A2CBCDC808B14E52A52513A1418EBC33 The House Agriculture Committee in Michigan last week passed H.B. 5127 and H.B. 5128, bringing comprehensive standards for farm animal care one step closer to law in the state. The controversial bills, which closely mirror the proposed November ballot question in Ohio, have animal rights activists and agriculture in the state at odds. The bills are supported by Michigan Farm Bureau and 13 other ag groups. Opposition is coming from the Humane Society of the United States among others. Politics Feedstuffs 8/2/09 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=0F096CF334FB4C39AD748169BD022FFB (7/29/2009) Rod Smith The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and RTI announced this week that, based on a joint study, the cost of obesity in the U.S. totals as much as $147 billion per year. Annual medical costs related to obesity increased from 6.5% of all medical spending in 1998 to 9.1% in 2006, and spending for health and medical care for obese people was $1,429, or 42%, more in 2006 than for normal-weight people, CDC and RTI said. The study, "Annual Medical Spending Attributable to Obesity," is available at www.healthaffairs.org. Health Feedstuffs 7/29/09 http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090803/LIFE05/908030311/1079/LIFE When one of the chefs at Wild Eggs incurs the displeasure of executive chef J.J. Kingery, he can expect to be put on egg-breaking detail for a while. That doesn't sound that bad, until you realize that with two restaurants in Louisville, the Wild Eggs kitchens go through between 15,000 and 18,000 eggs a week. In anyone's book, that's a lot of shell cracking. Health LSJ 8/3/09 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/business/04chickens.html?em As Americans struggle through a dismal recession, many are trying to safeguard themselves from what they fear will be even worse times ahead. They eat out less often. They take vacations closer to home. They put off buying new cars. Living NY Times 8/3/09 http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1188936&srvc=rss A national animal rights group is lobbying Dunkin’ Donuts to stop using eggs and dairy in its doughnuts and offer vegan menu items. The nonprofit Compassion Over Killing has launched a campaign and Web site to convince the Canton-based chain to offer vegan doughnuts and soy milk as options in all of its locations. Politics Boston Herald 8/4/09 http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/08/farmers_animalrights_groups_ha.html A pair of bills being considered in the state House regarding animal welfare are creating contention between animal-rights groups and farmers. The bills would set industry-recommended care standards, require farms to be audited by a third party hired by the state and establish a 10-member animal-care advisory council that would review standards set by the legislation at least every five years. Animal Welfare Mlive.com 8/2/09 http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/514794.html Ohio farmers aren't too keen on a plan by the Humane Society of the United States to force "factory farms" in the state to provide more room for certain confined calves, chickens and pigs. Marietta Times 8/6/09 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=AA01E1C62E954234AA0052ECD5818EF4&tier=4&id=67A7E4904E504A6AB894F5D565B0099D THE Association of California Egg Farmers (ACEF) last week asked the California legislature to set what would be clear hen housing standards in light of the vagueness of Proposition 2, the animal housing mandate California voters passed last year. The proposition, a ballot initiative, contains language so vague that California egg producers don't know what kind of housing would be in compliance with the law, especially as it pertains to space per hen, ACEF said. Politics Feedstuffs 7/15/09 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4A490F89845425D8362C0250A1FE984&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=2A01159CFD9943E09A9746173644359A COUNTERINTUITIVE as it may seem, the phytoestrogen nutrients that consumers usually associate with fruits and vegetables also exist in foods of animal origin. According to a study published in the Nov. 26 Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, phytoestrogens have garnered increasing attention for their potential role in preventing certain diseases such as osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes and certain cancers. Health Feedstuffs 1/9/2009 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4A490F89845425D8362C0250A1FE984&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=D3A77DB33EA6459EBCA860F8BB545E0D THERE is a growing need to produce food on less land. Scientists now estimate that world food production will need to double by 2050. Over the last decade, the world's population has grown 13% and diets have become richer, while farmers have met increased needs with only 6% more land. Meanwhile, global incomes have risen 35%. Growth in world meat consumption increased 25%, growth in corn consumption increased 32% and growth in soybean consumption grew 59%. Science Feedstuffs 11/17/08 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4A490F89845425D8362C0250A1FE984&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=67D2C315F265452A9685C3954F87E10C With consumers increasingly considering "social responsibility" issues when making food purchasing decisions, egg producers are following scientific guidelines to house their hens in a humane and responsible environment. (9/4/2006) Science Feedstuffs 9/4/2006 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4A490F89845425D8362C0250A1FE984&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=5579E163CAE245D39F85CAA7AE82FB5B UEP’s collaborative welfare process relies on science rather than emotion and is working for birds and producers alike. (10/9/2006) Rod Smith Here's the Point U.S. commercial egg producers are "letting science speak" as to the care and welfare of birds in numerous production systems, which is the right way to achieve what's best for hens and producers, according to animal behavior and other scientists who sit on the animal welfare scientific advisory committee for the United Egg Producers (UEP). Science Feedstuff 10/09/2006 http://www.unitedegg.com/pdf/articles/CAaggie.pdf The debate surrounding Proposition 2 prompted a group of UC Davis experts to release a study that delves into the economic implications of the ballot measure. The initiative would require housing for egg-laying chickens to allow them to lie down, stand up and turn around freely. Economics POOJA KUMAR 10/29/2008 http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ballot_california_eggs/2008/10/28/145003.html?utm_medium=RSS A California ballot measure designed to expand animal rights would all but kill egg production and raise the price of eggs in the Golden State, opponents say. The measure, Proposition 2 on the ballot, prohibits the practice of caging animals such as chickens, sows, and veal cattle. “This is a well-intended initiative for animals with some very negative unintended consequences for people,” Julie Buckner, a spokeswoman for Californians for Safe Food, the leading anti-Proposition 2 group, told The Associated Press. “It’s going to wipe out the California egg farmers, and it’s going to raise the food costs for consumers. And this is at a time when our economy is hurting.” Politics Newsmax.com 10/28/2008 http://www.modbee.com/opinion/letters/v-print/story/471233.html I am opposed to Proposition 2 because common sense and experience strongly suggest caging egg-laying hens is reasonable. Egg production is a competitive business and growers already consider their flocks' well-being. Not caring for the hens is not good business. It has been established that small caging practices enable them to rear and maintain healthier hens and produce more eggs at a lower cost. If growers found that hens kept in "bigger," more "humane" cages yielded healthier, more productive hens, they'd happily provide them, provided that costs per egg were reduced. Politics Modesto Bee 10/22/2008 http://wjz.com/sports/michael.phelps.diet.2.794659.html Now, not only is Michael Phelps getting attention for his medal count, but also for his calorie count. Phelps is known as the human dolphin, and is the most successful Olympian in any sport with 11 gold medals. Health wjz.com 8/13/2008 http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/athens/swimming/2004-07-06-whitney-phelps_x.htm Phelps' sister knew eggs-actly how to spice up his life Whitney Phelps' little brother is about to step on a big stage. Five years younger, Michael Phelps, 19, begins a quest that could have him aiming for seven gold medals in Athens. Health USA Today 7/7/2004 http://www.nationalchickencouncil.com/pressroom/pr_detail.cfm?id=83 In contrast to the assertions of some environmentalists, British scientists have proven that intensive, indoor poultry production has a much smaller impact on global warming than organic or free-range production. Additionally, poultry production proves to be more environmentally efficient than any other source of meat production. See the article from "World Poultry" magazine. Environment National Chicken Council 3/18/2008 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4A490F89845425D8362C0250A1FE984&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=841985698C0841D8BE15D28CCC6EE27C We write to share important information regarding the mutually responsible roles of government, academic research and the animal agriculture industry in providing a secure food system that ensures the welfare of animals through application of science-based guidelines. It is our hope that the research-based findings of independent committees of scientists will guide the establishment of animal welfare guidelines across the nation. Animal Welfare Feedstuffs 8/10/2008 http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080310/NEWS17/999817435 The Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank is expected to take shipment Wednesday of 65,000 eggs, a donation from Hertzfeld Poultry Farms of Wood County’s Grand Rapids Township. News tolodoblade.com 4/10/2008 http://www.bransondailynews.com/story_print.php?storyID=6714 Missouri’s Moark Midwest Division, along with other American egg farmers, is donating more than 12 million eggs during the month of March to help feed the nation’s hungry. According to officials, in coordination with America’s Second Harvest - The Nation’s Food Bank Network, egg farmers from across the country will be delivering truck loads of fresh eggs to help local food banks meet the increasing demand for high-quality protein food. News bransondailynews.com 5/15/2009 http://www.wvgazette.com/News/GeorgeHohmann/200801260375 High gasoline prices routinely make headlines - and draw consumers' ire. Although the price of eggs also has been rising, it hasn't received much attention. Maybe that's because egg prices aren't posted on giant billboards. The fact is, the price of eggs went up 28 percent last year, according to a preliminary report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service. Economics Charleston Gazette 01/7/2009 http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/editorials/stories/2009/08/06/black.ART_ART_08-06-09_A13_UVEMI3C.html?sid=101 It's conventional wisdom that livestock agriculture is among the worst offenders for generating greenhouse gases. The thinking goes that because they produce manure -- which generates methane, a greenhouse gas -- livestock producers must be contributing mightily to global climate change. And, therefore, heavy regulation is warranted. Environment The Columbus Dispatch 8/10/2009 http://www.katc.com/global/story.asp?s=10890346 JACKSON, Miss. -- New federal legislation designed to reduce the risk of salmonella in eggs will cost the industry $81 million, the United Egg producers trade group estimates. Several salmonella scares in recent years linked to other foods, such as peppers, tomatoes, cookie dough and peanut products have caused increased government scrutiny. The new guidelines require egg producers to regularly test eggs for salmonella and buy egg-producing chicks from sellers who also test for salmonella and other diseases. Health KACT.com 8/12/09 http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/20090811/FOOD/708119986/1024/rss1024 TACOMA — When you get right down to it, Jim Wilcox says, he doesn’t really know whether the 600,000 chickens his family keeps in cages are any less happy than the 100,000 that get to go outside every day and stretch their wings in open courtyards. "If I were a chicken, I know where I’d want to be," he said, "but who’s to say, really? Chickens are not the most intelligent animals on Earth." What Wilcox does know is that more and more U.S. shoppers believe eggs from free-range, organic birds are healthier. And he knows that when they see the words "free-range" and "organic" on a carton of eggs, they will pay a dollar or two more per dozen. Environment The News Tribune 8/11/2009 http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/06/117041/organic-feed-costs-prompt-homegrown-alternatives.html Like many other organic farmers, the Bennett family is trying to optimise the use of home-grown feeds on their Powys farm. When they started organic conversion at Upper Hall, Meifod, in the late 1990s the relationship between the cost of organic feed and milk price was favourable. Health Farmers Weekly Interactive 6/08/2009 http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/116138/new-test-tells-difference-between-cage-and-free-range-eggs.html A New Zealand researcher has developed a test that can tell the difference between eggs from caged hens and those from free-range and organic birds. Science Farmers Weekly Interactive 8/12/2009 http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2009/04/07/115053/cage-ban-will-directly-affect-the-egg-market-in-california.html United Eggs Producer (UEP) members produce eggs in conventional cages enabling retailers and consumers to purchases eggs from cage-free systems at the lowest available cost. Economy Farmers Weekly Interactive 4/7/2009 http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2008/03/25/109718/does-the-layer-future-lie-in-enriched-cages.html It could be assumed that a recent EU Commission report, which confirmed that conventional cage systems for layers will be banned in 2012, would allow producers the chance to focus on meeting the new regulations. Animal Welfare Farmers Weekly Interactive 3/25/2009 http://www.wattpoultry.com/TopEgg.aspx This year, Egg Industry expanded the range of questions and solicited responses only from producers (see chart). We thank the more that 50% of those who responded. Questionnaires were processed by a disinterested aide, who entered values into a database with no identification as to origin. The database was processed by a consulting statistician who developed summary tables and confirmed the validity of the responses. Analysis did not show any bias attributable to self-selection, non-response and withholding of information. Economics Watt Publishing 8/17/2009 http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Himfrcom-Analyzes-Chinas-prnews-2085865554.html?x=0&.v=1 BEIJING, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Himfr.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms with more than 30 B2B industry websites to its name, analyzes the July livestock market in China. In July, pork prices continued to rebound while prices for other livestock adjusted downward along with egg prices. Finance Yahoo Finance 8/17/2009 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=2B43691D591B40E099C0BF2627411311 Breast cancer is the 7th leading cause of mortality in the United States and results in approximately 41,000 deaths each year. Although genetic factors are important, there is considerable evidence that breast cancer risk is related to modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, body weight, alcohol intake, and dietary choices. The September 2009 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports the results of three human studies designed to better delineate the relation between animal foods and breast cancer risk. Science Feedstuffsfoodlink 8/18/2009 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=998C22E7954D448289E9EAC9B26FF55B Technology can help producers better meet the food needs of a growing world. (8/14/2009) Sarah Muirhead U.S. agriculture has before it the task of feeding a growing population during a time when its technologies and production tools are being increasingly challenged by activist groups that claim to know more about food production than those directly involved in the business as well as what it is that consumers "want and need" in regards to their food choices. Science Feedstuffs 8/18/2009 http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_12979334?source=rss SANTA CRUZ -- The night before masked demonstrators rattled the door of a UC Santa Cruz biomedical researcher's home in February 2008, famed animal rights advocate Peter Young gave a speech at the Louden Nelson Community Center. The 32-year-old Los Gatos native, who served two years in prison after being convicted in 2005 of setting minks free from farms in the Midwest, had returned to Santa Cruz just four months earlier. News Santa Cruz Sentinel 8/2/2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090817/ap_on_bi_bo_of_tr/board_of_trade_1 Mon Aug 17, 11:50 am ET CHICAGO – Agriculture futures were sharply lower in early trading Monday on the Chicago Board of Trade. Wheat for December delivery tumbled 12.25 cents to $4.9725 a bushel, while December corn lost 12.5 cents to $3.1525 a bushel. November soybeans sank 30.5 cents to $9.51 a bushel, and oats for December delivery slid 5.5 cents to $2.095 a bushel. Meanwhile, beef and pork futures were mostly down on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. October live cattle slipped 0.55 cent to 88 cents a pound; October feeder cattle edged down 0.10 cent to $1.0017 a pound; October lean hogs fell 0.60 cent to 44.05 cents a pound; and August pork bellies were unchanged at 40 cents a pound. Economics Associated Press 8/18/2009 http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/aug/18/yehey/prov/20090818pro1.html ATOTAL of P5-billion rural infrastructure projects funded with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that aims to combat poverty in 779 of the country’s poorest municipalities are currently being implemented by the Department of Agriculture, an official said Monday. News Manila Times 8/18/2009 http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Start-the-School-Year-Off-prnews-514130073.html?x=0&.v=1 PARK RIDGE, Ill., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- As kids start heading back to school, make sure they're getting the nutritious breakfast they need for the intense days ahead. Something as simple as feeding your kids an affordable, high-quality protein breakfast like eggs can help them stay more focused in class. In fact, according to a recent survey by the American Egg Board, 52 percent of moms serve hard-cooked eggs for breakfast because of their ease and ability to provide the mind and body energy kids need to tackle the toughest days. However, the same survey quizzed moms and also found more than seven out of 10 don't know how to properly prepare hard-cooked eggs (1). News American Egg Board 8/11/2009 http://www.farmworldonline.com/News/NewsArticle.asp?newsid=8096 SEYMOUR, Ind. — During a time when the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) boasts a $121 million budget to put an end to animal agriculture, poultry producer Anthony Rust, of Rose Acre Farms is doing everything in his power to debunk myths about the industry and the animals he loves. And the No. 1 concern Rust recently addressed in a Farm World interview was the idea that hens are healthier and happier in a cage-free environment versus cages. Animal Welfare Farm World 8/18/2009 http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/08/0391.xml DES MOINES, Iowa, August 19, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today visited the Iowa State Fair and held a 'Rural Tour' community forum to discuss efforts by the Obama Administration to rebuild and revitalize rural America, listen to local residents talk about how the federal government can assist them, and discuss solutions to challenges facing their communities. This event follows the launch of the Obama Administration's 'Rural Tour' in June. Agriculture USDA 8/20/2009 http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Vilsack-calls-for-increased-apf-58579707.html?x=0&.v=1 During Iowa stop, Vilsack calls for increased commodity purchases to help struggling economy Agriculture AP 8/21/2009 http://www.kcci.com/politics/20462631/detail.html DES MOINES, Iowa -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Wednesday that the government has sharply increased its purchase of surplus agricultural commodities and will expand the effort further if Congress finds the money. Politics KCCI Des Moines 8/19/2009 http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/08/0391.xml Agriculture Secretary Discusses Revitalizing and Rebuilding Rural America at Iowa State Fair DES MOINES, Iowa, August 19, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today visited the Iowa State Fair and held a 'Rural Tour' community forum to discuss efforts by the Obama Administration to rebuild and revitalize rural America, listen to local residents talk about how the federal government can assist them, and discuss solutions to challenges facing their communities. This event follows the launch of the Obama Administration's 'Rural Tour' in June. Politics USDA 8/21/2009 http://www.pontevedrarecorder.com/content/1248_1.php An egg head is a very specific person — the typical use of the term is to poke fun at intellectuals who seem to be out of touch with reality and too caught up with their intellectual pursuits. Jacques Klempf is no egg head. He does, however, deal almost exculsively with eggs. Klempf is the head of Dixie Egg Company, a family business based in Jacksonville. In addition, he is the Chairman of the American Egg Board and a resident of Ponte Vedra. News Ponte Vedra Recorder 8/21/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=AA01E1C62E954234AA0052ECD5818EF4&tier=4&id=9DADD531369A4C12ABD563973BD040F6 IN a major response to the findings and recommendations of the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production, U.S. veterinarians last week said the commission was biased and short on facts and science. Health Feedstuffs 8/24/2009 http://www.sonomanews.com/articles/2009/08/25/news/doc4a9342a221506876740690.txt Almost a year after Proposition 2, the Farm Animal Cruelty Act, was passed in California banning so-called "battery pages" for housing chickens, the battle continues over how to implement the somewhat vague legislation. Politics Sonoma Index-Tribune 8/26/2009 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09239/993358-34.stm?cmpid=fooddining.xml Group is 1,000 females strong The subject of women in agriculture is a dear one to Linda Stewart Moist. She is senior extension associate for the Pennsylvania Women's Agriculture Network and her job is to support women in agriculture. Operated through the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, PA-WAgN is 1,000 females strong, most in Pennsylvania. Agriculture post-gazette.com 8/27/2009 http://theparisnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a9d68ab53bf2ded2 BOGATA —A major industry is looking to establish itself in Red River County, and Tuesday officials of Rose Acre Farms outlined their plans for a 25 million-chicken egg laying operation. W. N. “Chips” Everhart, director of environmental affairs for Rose Acre Farms, told a public gathering in Bogata the planned farm will be 300 to 400 acres and take three to six months to get through the design and application process. Agriculture Paris News 8/27/2009 http://www.startribune.com/nation/55146457.html COALINGA, Calif. - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and California's senior senator, Dianne Feinstein, promised farmers Wednesday they would press for solutions to the water crisis hitting the state's San Joaquin Valley, one of the most prolific farm regions in the world. Vilsack stopped at a packing house in Fresno County to hear concerns on issues ranging from trade tariffs to the threat the Asian citrus psyllid poses to the state's citrus industry. Agriculture Star Tribune 8/27/2009 http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aILl4YnFAR1U Aug. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Profits for U.S. farmers will plunge more than expected this year, dropping 38 percent from 2008 as the recession erodes demand for crops, livestock and dairy products, the government said. Net farm income will sink to a seven-year low of $54 billion, down from a February forecast of $71.2 billion and last year’s estimated $87.2 billion, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said today in a report. Farm-product sales are dropping faster than costs for energy and feed, the USDA said. Economics bloomberg 8/28/2009 http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/08/agribusiness_animalrights_grou.html LANSING -- Michigan agribusiness leaders are discussing compromises to pending state legislation dealing with standards for farm animals in an effort to avoid a ballot initiative from animal-rights advocates. Michigan swine and poultry industry leaders met with the Humane Society of the United States Thursday to discuss changes to Michigan House bills 5127 and 5128, which were introduced to the house last month. Politics Kalamazoo News 8/28/2009 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=8F4D9A56657D48978C33CE5655389027 In response to egg producers wanting their story told, the American Egg Board plans an integrated project that will include efforts to fight hunger. A GOOD egg will be introduced in October to educate people about how eggs are produced and to encourage people to join egg producers in community efforts against hunger, according to an announcement by the American Egg Board (AEB). News Feedstuffs 8/31/2009 http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090812/BIZ/908120334/1005/rss03 Federal legislation recently enacted to help avoid salmonella in eggs will cost the industry $81 million, a trade group estimates. The egg safety action plan is designed to reduce the risk of salmonella in shell eggs and has the support of United Egg Producers. Health www.clarionledger.com 8/31/2009 http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/commodities/article.jsp?content=20090914_10004_10004&utm_source=business&utm_medium=rss A bumper crop of corn set to come in at harvest in the U.S. this year. A global recession hogging all the attention. That’s all it took, and all of a sudden the Global Food Crisis, such a topic of conversation last year, is nowhere to be seen. Agriculture Canadian Business magazine 8/31/2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090901/ap_on_re_us/us_farm_scene_climate_farmers_3 OMAHA, Neb. – Legislation to confront climate change could be an economic godsend to farmers and ranchers. Or it could be an enormous financial burden. It depends on whom you ask, and not even farmers and ranchers agree on the matter. Politics AP 9/01/2009 http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090908/OPINIONS02/909080322/-1/rss Many animal rights and welfare organizations pose serious threats to all animal agriculture, the livestock sector and production agriculture in general. Altogether, they have combined annual budgets of $300 million. The ones that pose the greatest threat are the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Sierra Club, Citizens for Decent Agriculture, the Dust Police and the Animal Liberation Front. This group actually supports elimination of all animal agriculture, turn all domestic animals loose to roam and even goes as far as to advocate assignation of people to free all farm animals. Agriculture News-Leader 9/8/2009 http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14349499&fsrc=rss Qatar claims to have a new approach in its quest for food security The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has launched a venture aiming to invest in food production worldwide. The Qatari initiative claims to be distinct from similar moves by other Gulf Arab states in that it is focused on the acquisition and development of existing agribusiness companies rather than involving the lease of large tracts of farmland. These large-scale land-lease deals have attracted criticism on the grounds that they could impair the rights of existing smallholders and damage the host country's own food security. Agriculture Economist 9/9/2009 http://www.industrialinfo.com/showAbstract.jsp?newsitemID=149612 SUGAR LAND--August 27, 2009--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Family-owned Kreher's Sunrise Farm LLC (Clarence, New York) is building on the momentum of a growing trend toward cage-free and organic eggs with the construction of an organic egg farm in Alabama, New York. The company has started construction on a state-of-the-art complex that will consist of four 35,000-square-foot barns; an egg-packing building; a manure-composting building; and a mill and storage bins to produce organic feed for the hens. One barn is equipped to raise 34,000 day-old baby chicks to 17 weeks of age, and three new laying hen barns will hold 34,000 hens each. Agriculture Industrial Info 9/11/2009 http://www.stamfordplus.com/stm/information/nws1/publish/News_1/Lieutenant-Governor-Michael-Fedele-meets-with-members-of-Connecticut-s-agricultural-industry5987.shtml On Thursday, Lt. Governor Michael Fedele met with representatives of the agricultural industry to discuss their importance to our state’s economy. Last year alone, agriculture in Connecticut contributed over $2 billion to the state’s economy and employed over 4,200 of our state’s residents. Agriculture stamfordplus 9/14/2009 http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/14661 Meat production has always been somewhat awkward, both for the farmer and the consumer as it always involves the death of the meat animals. Milk and eggs have meant “protective custody” for the dairy cows and laying hens. Politics CFP 9/14/2009 http://www.lancasterfarming.com/node/2233 HERSHEY, Pa. — The take-home message from last week’s Animal Welfare Forum was simple. Chad Gregory of the United Egg Producers and Paul Shapiro of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) agreed to disagree. Agriculture Lancaster Farming 9/14/2009 http://www.examiner.com/x-22228-Knoxville-Conservative-Examiner~y2009m9d14-Animal-rights-loony-tunes-conspire-to-drive-up-meat-prices If you are like most of America, you have noticed that the amount of money in your pocket has dwindled or stayed the same. Rising food prices in a country that is one of the greatest food producers in the world is a shock to many Americans that are struggling to get by. Agriculture examiner 9/15/2009 http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS115632+14-Sep-2009+PRN20090914 PARK RIDGE, Ill., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- To address people's growing interest in where their food comes from, America's egg farmers are proud to announce the Good Egg Project, an initiative that aims to educate Americans on modern egg farming, introduce them to the farmers that care for the eggs and encourage people to eat well and do good everyday. For generations, America's egg farmers have been committed to delivering high-quality eggs, as well as caring for their animals and the land they farm. News Reuters 9/15/2009 http://www.sacbee.com/business/story/2185734.html Escalating the state's henhouse wars, Modesto-based egg producer J.S. West & Co. announced Tuesday that it plans to build a 150,000-chicken barn outfitted with controversial "enriched colony" cages. Politics Sacramento Bee 9/16/2009 http://www.modbee.com/business/story/855346.html J.S. West and Cos., an egg producer based in Modesto, announced today that it will build a henhouse aimed at complying with Proposition 2. This will be the first commercial project that meets the standards for hen enclosures approved by state voters last year, company president Eric Benson said. The Humane Society of the United States, a leading backer of the proposition, disagreed. It said the new housing, increasing the floor space per hen to 116 square inches, would leave the birds too cramped. Politics Modesto Bee 9/16/2009 http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS204474+15-Sep-2009+PRN20090915 J. S. West & Companies Announces New Proposition 2 Compliant Housing for California Hens MODESTO, Calif., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- J.S. West & Company today announced that they will build the first commercial egg production facility after Californians voted to pass Proposition 2. The announcement coincides with J.S. West's 100th year anniversary in business. Politics Reuters 9/16/2009 http://www.modbee.com/local/story/856151.html J.S. West and Cos., an egg producer based in Modesto, announced Tuesday that it will build a henhouse aimed at complying with Proposition 2. This will be the first commercial project that meets the standards for hen enclosures approved by state voters last year, company President Eric Benson said. The Humane Society of the United States, a leading backer of the proposition, disagreed. It said the new housing, increasing the floor space per hen to 116 square inches, Agriculture Modesto Bee 9/16/2009 http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2009/09/0440.xml WASHINGTON, September 15, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced a new initiative - 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' - to begin a national conversation to help develop local and regional food systems and spur economic opportunity. To launch the initiative, Secretary Vilsack recorded a video to invite Americans to join the discussion and share their ideas for ways to support local agriculture. The video, one of many means by which USDA will engage in this conversation, can be viewed at USDA's YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/usda . Producers and consumers can comment on the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' YouTube playlist, as well as submit videos or provide comments on this initiative by e-mailing KnowYourFarmer@usda.gov..... Politics USDA 9/16/2009 http://timesbulletin.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=154475 Of the three issues on ballots across Ohio this November, one has motivated farmers and farm groups to action. Issue 2 is a proposed state constitutional amendment which would establish a state board to govern the care standards of livestock raised in the Buckeye State. Tuesday night at the annual meeting of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau, that issue was a major topic of discussion. Politics Times Bulletin 9/16/2009 http://www.capitalpress.com/california/cp-hen-house-91809 A Modesto egg producer plans to invest $3.2 million in a facility it says will meet the requirements of Proposition 2, but supporters of last fall's ballot initiative are crying foul. Prop. 2, passed last November, prohibits the "confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs." The measure requires hens be able to extend their wings without touching other hens. The measure would outlaw cages currently used by egg producers by 2015. J.S. West & Company announced Sept. 15 that it plans to start construction within two months on a "enriched colony system" for egg-laying hens. Eric Benson, president of J.S. West, said in a phone interview that the company believes the system, which gives each hen nearly 116 square inches of room plus other amenities, will satisfy Prop. 2 requirements. Agriculture Capital Press 9/17/2009 http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9b083c70-a3a4-11de-9fed-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1 Overseas agriculture investment by developing countries is “on the rise” due to food security concerns, the UN said on Thursday but it warned that similar moves to secure food in the past had been “mostly unsuccessful”. International FT.com 9/17/2009 http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/oct09/091001e.asp New federal regulations require most egg producers to take steps to prevent the spread of Salmonella enteritidis. The Food and Drug Administration rules affect the purchase of chicks and young hens, sanitation in production facilities, testing for the bacteria, and storage of eggs at farms with at least 3,000 laying hens. An FDA announcement states the rules are expected to reduce the number of S enteritidis infections by 60 percent, preventing about 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths annually. Food Safety avma 9/18/2009 http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/sep09/sep21/0915AgMagicShowjb.cfm There's no "abracadabra"--at this magic show, the magic words are, "Thank a Farmer." The Ag Magic Show, at the Iowa State Fair, was started by Rhonda Renee Ross, in hopes of educating and inspiring people to know how vital agriculture and farmers are to the world. She starts off her show by telling the kids the magic words are not "abracadabra," but instead, "Thank a farmer." "By getting the kids to say, 'Thank a Farmer!' out loud, they start to understand the importance of farmers in their everyday lives," she said. Agriculture High Plains Journal 9/18/2009 http://www.vetsweb.com/news/poultry-research-projects-receive-grants-466.html The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation will provide a US$339,560 to fund 7 new research projects in the areas of poultry disease and production. The association-approved grants and their recipients are: News vetsweb 9/22/2009 http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-22-2009/0005098107&EDATE= -- World Vision calls on U.S. Congress, G20 leaders to push forward commitments to end hunger -- Climate change also affecting food security; global leaders must provide adequate funding to help poor communities adapt PITTSBURGH, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As world leaders gather at the United Nations and G20 meetings this week, the future of the $20 billion food security initiative first proposed at July's G8 summit remains uncertain, say aid policy experts at Christian humanitarian agency World Vision. Food Security PR Newswire 9/22/09 http://www.rttnews.com/Content/AllEconomicNews.aspx?Node=B2&Id=1072703 A sustained growth in the agriculture sector is needed to guarantee global food security in the future, a Deutsche bank study has found. The increasing need for consumers to switch to a more balanced and healthy diet is also stressed by the German firm, observing that a more expansive diet has several adverse implications for both human and environmental health. Food Security rttnews 9/22/09 http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2009-09-21-farmers_N.htm?csp=34 Consumers are reaping some benefits as farmers take their biggest hit in 35 years: lower food prices at the supermarket. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts farm income of $49.1 billion in 2009 when adjusted for inflation. That would be a 39% drop from 2008, a record year when U.S. farmers earned $80.4 billion after expenses. It would also be the worst annual percentage drop since 1983. In dollars, it would be the worst since 1974, adjusted for inflation. Agriculture USA Today 9/23/2009 http://finance.yahoo.com/news/NPD-Reports-Lingering-bw-2297166759.html?x=0&.v=1 CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Current economic indicators point to recovery, but persistent high unemployment will continue to plague the restaurant industry several months after the recovery is underway, according to The NPD Group, a leading market research company. A recent NPD report provides insights and analysis on what the restaurant industry can expect once the recovery begins, including what enticements consumers say will get them to visit restaurants more often. News Yahoo Finance 9/23/2009 http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-tc-food-eggs-0918-0923sep23,0,2164953.story Few food purchases can scramble the brain like buying eggs these days. With choices that include organic, free range, Food Alliance certified, brown, white, natural, fertile, American Humane Certified, Animal Welfare Approved, vegetarian fed, omega-3, pasteurized and cage free, a consumer could be forgiven for cracking in confusion. These labels have implications for the way the hen was treated, fed, housed and even colored as well as how her eggs were processed after they popped out. But sometimes the labels don't mean much at all. News chicagotribune.com 9/23/2009 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html In response to the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764; Public Law 110–161), EPA has issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. The rule requires reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large sources and suppliers in the United States, and is intended to collect accurate and timely emissions data to inform future policy decisions. Under the rule, suppliers of fossil fuels or industrial greenhouse gases, manufacturers of vehicles and engines, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHG emissions are required to submit annual reports to EPA. The gases covered by the proposed rule are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and other fluorinated gases including nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE). Environment EPA 9/23/2009 http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-23-2009/0005099167&EDATE= Texas Tech University Becomes First to Serve Salmonella-Free, Cage-Free Eggs LANSING, Ill., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Further expanding the nation's options for safe foods, egg safety leader National Pasteurized Eggs (NPE) (www.safeeggs.com) today announced that it is now producing the industry's first cage-free pasteurized shell egg to serve the foodservice industry and consumers throughout the United States. Press Release PRNewswire 9/23/2009 http://www.fightbac.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=239&Itemid= Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. The swine flu virus is spread from humans to humans. Frequent proper hand washing is one important way to reduce the risk of illness and to avoid the spread of viruses from one person to another. Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds - about as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. It is always important to practice safe food handling at home as a way to reduce risk of illness. Explore fightbac.org for home food safety information. For more on swine flu see www.cdc.gov/swineflu Food Safety fightbac.org 9/24/2009 http://wallacesfarmer.com/story.aspx?s=31798&c=9 Data shows Iowa farmers survived 2008 flooding and achieved record crop and livestock production; but now face high expenses volatile markets in 2009. Agriculture Wallaces Farmer 9/24/2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090924/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_mississippi_river_funding_1 WASHINGTON – The troubled basin of the Mississippi River is set to receive a $320 million boost from the Agriculture Department. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was announcing Thursday that he is creating the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative, which will fund efforts in 12 states along the 2,350-mile long Mississippi River, Agriculture Department officials told The Associated Press. They would speak only on condition of anonymity ahead of Vilsack's announcement. Agriculture AP 9/24/2009 http://www.capitalpress.com/opinion/jb-henhouseedit092509 A Modesto-area egg producer is wading into the debate over the restrictions imposed by California's Proposition 2, and is wagering $3.2 million on the outcome. Prop. 2, passed by California voters last November, prohibits the confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. This amendment to existing animal welfare statutes targeted confinement systems commonly used by the commercial egg, veal and pork industries and provides criminal penalties for those found guilty of violations. Agriculture Capital Press 9/24/09 http://www.farminguk.com/news/Europe-facing-food-security-challenges_17088.html Eastern Region MEP Robert Study joined a panel of leading crop experts in Barcelona to discuss concerns about global food security and the vital role of pesticides. Mr Sturdy, who is a farmer and sits on the Agriculture and Environment Committees, joined scientific experts at the Agchem 2009 conference, including plant scientist Dr Ian Denholm, from Rothamsted Research, and Dominic Dyer, Chief Executive of the Crop Protection Association. Food Security UK Farming 9/25/2009 http://www.azcentral.com/community/peoria/articles/2009/09/25/20090925gl-hickman0926.html Arizona's largest commercial egg producer secured federal stimulus contracts this summer, temporarily jolting sales as orders from local restaurants slowed. Hickman's Family Farms in Arlington received roughly $170,000 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to supply eggs to food banks in the Southwestern states. News The Arizona Republic 9/28/2009 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/09/vaccine-for-salmonella-from-space-research/ A Salmonella vaccine should be in human trials by next year because of last month's successful mission by Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-128) to the International Space Station and innovative research by a Texas company. If successful, the vaccine could help the 1.4 million Americans who annually are infected by Salmonella avoid the illness, eliminating the need for 15,000 annual hospital stays, and saving 400 from death each year. Food Safety Food Safety News 9/30/2009 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/09/fda-to-hold-public-meeting-on-new-egg-rule/ The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a public meeting in Chicago this week to discuss the final egg rule that will require preventative measures to lessen Salmonella Enteritidis in shell eggs. The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30th, is the first of two that the agency has planned to discuss the final egg rule that it announced last July. Food Safety Food Safety News 9/30/2009 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/09/health-insurance-as-a-refrigerator/ To many people, "food safety" can sound...well, let's face it, kinda boring. "Who cares whether COOL (country-of-origin-labeling) passes Congress, let's get cheesesteaks for lunch!" Yet food safety is about more than where that cut of beef was born, grew up and slaughtered. Food safety has a symbiotic relationship with eating culture. After all, what we eat varies depending on what food is available, what risks are associated with that food and social norms. In the U.S., government food safety regulations have mitigated the occurrence, and thus the effects, of foodborne illness in society. Food Safety Food Safety News 9/30/2009 http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=9421 The white jumpsuit and plastic boots I'm wearing might imply that I'm heading into a Roswell, New Mexico, facility rather than a barn full of hens on an egg farm just north of Denver, Colorado. The protective covering I've donned before heading into the barn isn't for my sake, of course, it's for the protection of the birds. But Morning Fresh Farms in Platteville, Colorado, might have more to fear than just disease that can be carried in by humans. The farm now has the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to fear. News 10/5/2009 http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20091002/NEWS/910029987/1002/NONE&parentprofile=1001 PLATTEVILLE — A Weld County egg producer became the showcase for a national media tour Thursday when Morning Fresh Farms hosted the group put together by the United Egg Producers. About 50 media, food service and university officials spent three hours touring the plant east of here. Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers, said the tour was scheduled in response to animal activist groups that have painted a picture that is different from reality. News greeleytribune 10/5/2009 http://www.app.com/article/20091005/NEWS/910050341/1004/NEWS01/Howell+farm+brought+egg+production+into+modern+age HOWELL — The small red brick office at the Puglisi farm on Easy Street is little indication of the magnitude of eggs being produced at the 17-acre property. Agriculture app.com 10/6/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=F1D8FF8719E44A6D97B8DF1AF21574D8 If the U.S. commercial egg industry were to transition to entirely cage-free production, there would be potentially disastrous economic and environmental consequences, according to a new study that was released today. Such a transition would increase the cost of eggs for consumers 25% or more, would increase the cost of eggs for government nutrition programs $169 million per year and could increase egg imports from virtually zero now to 7 billion eggs per year, according to the study, commissioned by the United Egg Producers (UEP) and conducted by Promar International, an economic consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Economics feedstuff.com 10/6/2009 http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-consumer-egg-prices-could-rise-by-25-percent-if-animal-rights-activists-get-their-way-63590982.html Consumers would be forced to pay 25 percent more for eggs soon if animal rights activists succeed in getting only non-cage eggs sold in the U.S., according to a new study by a respected economic consulting group. That increase would cost consumers $2.6 billion more each year for eggs, a nutritional staple in the American diet. The higher costs would strain Americans' budgets during a difficult economic climate. Press Release PRNewsWire 10/6/2009 http://www.app.com/article/20091005/NEWS/91005134/1004/NEWS01 HOWELL — Way back when, at his very bottom, Emanuel Puglisi sold the last prized possession from his egg farm, a half-ton 1950s blue Chevy pickup truck. The hens had been sold already, so this was the next step toward abandoning his farm. The loss of the pickup is still etched in family lore. Agriculture app.com 10/6/2009 http://farmfutures.com/story.aspx?s=32102&c=17 "If we have to start importing eggs into this country we will increase our food safety risks," said Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers. "I don't think American consumers really want to play Russian Roulette with every carton of eggs they buy, which is essentially what would happen if we allow special interest groups to force a ban on the most modern, sanitary egg housing systems in the world. Those systems are used to produce 95% of the eggs that American consumers buy every day." News Farm Futures 10/7/2009 http://www.mercurynews.com/a-la-carte/ci_13498503?nclick_check=1# Few food purchases can scramble the brain like buying eggs these days. With choices that include organic, free range, Food Alliance certified, brown, white, natural, fertile, American Humane Certified, Animal Welfare Approved, vegetarian fed, omega-3, pasteurized and cage free, a consumer could be forgiven for cracking in confusion. These labels have implications for the way the hen was treated, fed, housed and even colored as well as how her eggs were processed after they popped out. But sometimes the labels don't mean much at all. To help hunt down the best eggs, we've compiled a guide to the wild world of egg labels. News Chicago Tribune 10/7/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=5899A55CCCE84C55AEC964FB0EF20764 Ambassador Kenneth Quinn talks about this year's program - Feedstuffs video clip One of America’s foremost conferences on international agriculture and food policy, the World Food Prize’s Borlaug Dialogue, will be held in Des Moines on October 14-16, and will focus on “Food, Agriculture, and National Security in a Globalized World.” The conference, coming just a month after the passing of the symposium’s namesake and inspiration, Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, is expected to draw several hundred policymakers, industry and NGO officials, and agriculture and science experts from around the world. News Feedstuff 10/7/2009 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703298004574455911537211256.html?mod=googlenews_wsj Over the next few decades, food security will become an increasingly urgent problem. At the same time, people will demand action on climate change. But how can we feed humanity while still responding to the imperatives of climate change? Each year, agriculture contributes about 14% of all human-induced greenhouse gases—about as much as running every car, boat and plane on the planet. Yet agriculture's role in mitigating climate change has received little attention and very little research funding, especially when compared to the huge sums spent on areas like electric cars, renewable energy or carbon capture and storage. Food Security WSJ 10/7/2009 http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/get-out-the-punching-gloves-the-fight-is-just-beginning-for-egg-producers/13263.html DENVER — The United Egg Producers are not giving up without a fight. They say they may have limited funding compared to the Humane Society of the United States, but that doesn’t mean they can’t win. The UEP held a media tour Oct. 1 to show off what is happening at egg farms across America. Agriculture Farm & Dairy 10/8/2009 http://www.lloyds.com/News_Centre/Features_from_Lloyds/News_and_features_2009/360/Global_food_security_time_for_action.htm A world summit on food security has been called by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Against a backdrop of famine in the horn of Africa and the spectre of a return to high food prices, the FAO wants governments from around the world to meet in Rome in November this year and cooperate on eradicating hunger by the year 2025. Lloyd’s highlighted the growing threat to the security of the global food supply in its recent 360 report “Climate Change & Security: Risks and Opportunities For Business”. Food Security lloyds 10/8/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=AEF7446B8FC0429294496B59486575AE Consumers do want to know more about how and where their food is produced, according to Jim Chakeres, executive director of the Ohio Poultry Assn. Consumers want to know if their food is high in quality, safe and locally produced -- "local meaning produced in Ohio or the U.S." -- and if producers are responsible, he reported in remarks to the conference Oct. 16. Consumers also want "strict guidelines" for animal care, he said. Animal Welfare Feedstuffs 10/22/2009 http://www.farminguk.com/news/EU-should-prepare-for-flood-of-sub-standard-eggs-expert-warns_17228.html Sub-standard eggs will flood into the EU as a result of the European Union’s ban on conventional cages. That is one of the conclusions of a new study on the impact of the cage ban. The report was presented to representatives of the egg industry at the International Egg Commission conference in Vancouver in September. Agribusiness farminguk.com 10/22/2009 http://www.clucknation.com/index.php/2009/10/opinion-masquerades-as-news-at-time-wtc/ If you read the TIME cover story from August, there’s a good chance you’re asking where’s the beef? Welcome to the meatless edition. Chew on this: if you thought TIME, that so-called bastion of journalism, might be a forum for enlightenment…think again. News Cluck Nation 10/28/2009 http://www.clucknation.com/index.php/2009/10/the-omnivores-delusion/ Blake Hurst, a Missouri farmer, got it right in his post on the Journal of the American Enterprise Institute: “I’m so tired of people who wouldn’t visit a doctor who used a stethoscope instead of an MRI demanding that farmers like me use 1930s technology to raise food. Farming has always been messy and painful, and bloody and dirty. It still is.” Agriculture Cluck Nation 10/28/2009 http://www.modbee.com/local/story/905562.html A man who claims to be the world's fastest omelet maker will show his stuff at the 47th annual Good Egg Breakfast in Modesto. The Oct. 29 event, as usual, will include presentation of the Good Egg Award to a leader or supporter of the California egg industry. This year brings a couple of twists: The guest speaker will be Howard Helmer of New York City, who has been known to whip up 427 omelets in half an hour. He will demonstrate his technique for making a single omelet in about 40 seconds, then attendees will line up to make their own for breakfast. news modesto bee 10/28/2009 http://www.smallholder.co.uk/news/4689967.Germany_feels_impact_of_cage_ban_ahead_of_EU_wide_ban_in_2012/ British egg producers should take extra care to prepare themselves for the new legislation governing the use of cages in advance of an EU-wide ban in 2012. The German industry delayed converting its systems and became badly caught out. As a result, many producers have been forced out of production, Mr Klaus Torborg of Lohmann Animal Health told a meeting of leading UK egg producers in Shropshire. agriculture smallholder.com 10/28/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=38513C1009D0427B82D265044AE7848D It's time to "reinvent the protein story," especially as it applies to "underappreciated" proteins such as eggs, Dr. Don Layman, director for nutrition research at the Egg Nutrition Conference, told UEP's board of directors Thursday. Layman said the U.S. needs a dietary strategy to deal with adult-age diseases such as diabetics, heart disease, osteoporosis and obesity, and it should focus on consuming the correct amount of protein from the correct sources for optimal health. Health Feedsstuff 10/28/2009 http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/letters-to-the-editor/sen-wilson-issue-2-makes-sense-vote-yes/13280.html As someone who grew up down the road from a dairy farm in Belmont County, I have great respect for Ohio’s farmers. If you ever need a straight forward answer to a question, just ask a farmer. You can count on folks who work hard and play by the rules to have a lot of good old-fashioned common sense. The same kind of common sense went into drafting State Issue 2, which I am proud to have jointly sponsored in the Ohio Senate with my colleague Sen. Bob Gibbs. Politics Farm & Dairy 10/29/2009 http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/291009/canada___egg_producers_meet.aspx Egg industry leaders from around the world met in Canada in September for the International Egg Commission (IEC) conference. This year’s conference was the largest ever, attracting almost 500 attendees from around the globe. Delegates gathered to learn about the very latest industry developments, share best practice ideas and discuss the political and economic issues affecting their businesses. Topics discussed included the increase in political and social pressure to ban conventional cages, and how to market eggs more effectively. Agribusiness meat trade daily news 10/30/2009 http://7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=15382 Orlando Habet, Manager – Belize Poultry Association “In the late 70s, early 80s there was some information that came out and then an article that was published in the 1984 by the Times Magazine and they had the egg on the front page with two eggs as the eyes on a little platter and at the bottom for the mouth they had a moustache made of bacon and the big word cholesterol.” The bad rap triggered a worldwide decline by almost sixty percent in the consumption of eggs. Subsequent research has dispelled that myth that eggs are harmful to your health. Health 7 news Belize 10/30/2009 http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/eu-cage-ban-imminent-4461.html The ban on conventional layer cages within the EU is imminent; but just how prepared are the countries within the EU? How will their new production systems affect the hens and the eggs they lay? And what are the commercial costs and implications of these new systems? International News Wold Poultry 10/30/2009 http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/02/118537/Deluge-of-egg-imports-predicted-after-EU-cage-ban.htm There is growing evidence that the EU cage egg ban will distort the European egg market, fuelling a flood of imports of cheap eggs produced to lower welfare standards. Agribusiness Farmers Weekly Interactive 11/2/2009 http://www.modbee.com/local/story/913546.html During part of a Thursday morning gathering, egg industry leaders saw how fast an omelet can be made. During another, they saw how years of devotion by agricultural educator Mark Bender has benefited students around the state. Both happened at the 47th annual Good Egg Breakfast, which drew several hundred people to the DoubleTree Hotel in Modesto. News Modesto Bee 11/2/2009 http://www.cleveland.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/issues_1_and_2_breeze_to_victo.html Ohio voters believe the care and confinement of farm animals is a matter worthy of addressing in the state constitution. Unofficial results from Tuesday's election showed wide support for state Issue 2, an amendment that will set up the Livestock Care Standards Board and authorize the panel to write rules enforced by the state Department of Agriculture. With 90 percent of the ballots counted, nearly two-thirds backed the plan. Agriculture cleveland.com 11/4/2009 http://www.norwalkreflector.com/articles/2009/11/03/front/doc4af0f7421c840011147025.txt Ohio voters said yes to veterans, farm animals and gambling. The unofficial election results as provided by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office shows all three state issues on today's ballot passed. Issue 1, involving veterans compensation, passed by a 1,336,025 to 507,748 mark. That means more than 72 percent of the voters favored the issue. agriculture norwalkreflector.com 11/4/2009 http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/051109/united_states____billion_eggs_produced_each_month.aspx Egg production in the US totaled 7.37 bln during September 2009, up slightly from last year's figuresm reports Farms.com. Production included 6.34 bln table eggs, and 1.03 bln hatching eggs, of which 961 mln were broiler-type and 69 mln were egg-type. The total number of layers during September 2009 averaged 334 mln, down slightly from 2008. September egg production per 100 layers was 2,209 eggs, up 1% from September 2008. Agriculture Meat Trade News Daily 11/5/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=1A902C6844CC4235A23C6A4AD80E682F Issue 2 -- the Ohio ballot initiative that called for the establishment of a board on livestock care standards -- was adopted by voters in the state yesterday, with almost two-thirds of voters approving the concept late last night. Politics Feedstuff 11/5/2009 http://www.californiademocrat.com/articles/2009/11/04/news/056cal16farmbureau09.txt "The animal welfare issue is looming on the horizon," Cassidy said. He specifically spoke of an initiative in Ohio and a proposition that passed in the state of California, saying they are "not based on facts. They're based on the emotion of the issue." He said the ultimate goal has little to do with the welfare of animals. Animal rights organizations, such as the Humane Society of the United States, ultimate goal is to end livestock production in the United States, and force everyone to get by on a purely vegetarian diet. News California Democrat 11/5/2009 http://www.capitalpress.com/opinion/cs-activist-editorial-110609 Ohio voters this week approved a constitutional amendment that would not only address animal welfare in that state but create a new tactic aimed at taking control of the national debate. They overwhelmingly passed a state constitutional amendment that would establish a 13-member Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. The board, which would include the state director of agriculture, veterinarians, consumers and a representative of the local humane society, would set standards for how farm animals in Ohio are treated. Politics Capital Press 11/5/2009 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/11/virginia-targets-poultry-litter-end-user/ Another state is tightening down on the use of "poultry litter", that inviting mix of poop, sawdust, feathers and spilled feed that results from raising chickens and turkeys. The State Water Control Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia, acting to protect the Shenandoah River from flows of algae-causing nutrients, has opted to impose controls on farmers who are so-called "end-users" of poultry litter. Virginia's action comes as the chicken industry continues to defend its actions in federal court in Tulsa over the State of Oklahoma's attempt to ban any more poultry litter disposal in the Illinois River Basin. Consumer groups want the federal government to ban feeding poultry litter to cattle, an uncommon but legal practice. News Food Safety News 11/11/2009 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j0XCCb1n12DyhoBoDzGj_hTyEtrAD9BSU2UO1 VERAPAZ, El Salvador — At least 10,000 Salvadorans are in urgent need of food aid after floods and mudslides destroyed huge swaths of crops during harvest season, the U.N. World Food Program said Tuesday. President Mauricio Funes told reporters the death toll had risen to at least 160, but lowered the number of homeless to 12,930. Dozens of people remained missing. Heavy rains caused a dozen rivers to jump their banks and sent torrents of mud and boulders tumbling down mountainsides across the Central American country over the weekend, burying entire neighborhoods. Rescue workers used heavy machinery to dig through the rubble Tuesday, while survivors tried to unearth their belongings with any equipment they could get their hands on. International Food Security AP 11/11/2009 http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Animal-Welfare-Groups-Want-To-Change-Your-Production-Practices/2009-11-09/Article.aspx?oid=933214&fid=CN-LATEST_NEWS_&aid=760 A year ago Proposition 2 in California was approved by voters and spelled the end to the California egg industry because it caused the abolition of common production practices. Voters in other states have spoken out, and in some caused significant changes in the way livestock are raised. Last week Ohio voters approved Issue 2 on the ballot, which was a pro-active move by the Ohio livestock industry to pre-empt an effort by the Humane Society of the US to change livestock production practices in that state. The public debate over what livestock producers should and should not do to raise their animals has barely begun. Agriculture University of Illinois 11/11/2009 http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/farming-news/Fears-cage-ban-could-see.5803146.jp CHEAP eggs could be set to flood into the UK when a Europe-wide ban on cages comes into force, scientists have warned. The European Union will become a net importer of eggs by 2012 as more shoppers elect to buy non-European eggs which are produced to far poorer standards of welfare. International News Yorkshire Post 11/11/2009 http://www.worldpoultry.net/article-database/proper-hygiene-measures-on-the-farm-id2119.html Professional poultry operations run the risk of not being fully productive as a result of poor sanitation standards. Diseases can easily occur, but proper measures need to be put into place to avoid this. The fight against these agents will be an on-going effort, and biosecurity measures must be the first line of defence in this battle. Health World Poultry.net 11/11/2009 http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE56S3ZJ20090730 LONDON (Reuters) - Organic food has no nutritional or health benefits over conventionally produced food, according to a major study published on Wednesday. Its conclusions were challenged by organic food campaigners. Health Reuters 11/13/2009 http://businessmirror.com.ph/component/content/article/53-agri-commodities/18574-full-year-2009-farm-growth-still-in-peril.html THE damage wrought by the two recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng will still make it hard for the farm sector to achieve its revised growth forecast of 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent despite the positive production growth rate posted by the sector in January to September this year. Economists said it will be an “uphill climb” for the sector to achieve its growth expectations for 2009 due to the extensive damage caused by Ondoy and Pepeng. Based on figures released by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday, farm production for January to September grew by 1.5 percent on the back of higher fisheries production, which registered a 3.28-percent increase in output. Agriculture businessmirror.com 11/16/2009 http://sj.farmonline.com.au/multimediaplayer.aspx?id=9641 To get the facts on today's modern egg production systems, Feedstuffs' Trent Loos visits a family egg farm in Indiana where they produce eggs indoors using both conventional cages and cage-free barns. Bob Krouse of Midwest Poultry Supply provided a tour and talked with about the different production systems. The philosophy at Midwest Poultry Supply is that of giving consumers a choice in the eggs they choose to buy. Agriculture Stock Journal 11/16/2009 http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/11/primary-source-obama-on-unsett.html?wprss=44 President Obama on Monday released a statement in response to the USDA report on the nation's food security (PDF), which determined that the number of Americans who lack dependable access to adequate food shot up last year to 49 million, the largest number since the government has been keeping track. His statement follows: As American families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, we received an unsettling report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that found that hunger rose significantly last year. This trend was already painfully clear in many communities across our nation, where food stamp applications are surging and food pantry shelves are emptying. It is particularly troubling that there were more than 500,000 families in which a child experienced hunger multiple times over the course of the year. Our children's ability to grow, learn, and meet their full potential - and therefore our future competitiveness as a nation - depends on regular access to healthy meals. My Administration is committed to reversing the trend of rising hunger. The first task is to restore job growth, which will help relieve the economic pressures that make it difficult for parents to put a square meal on the table each day. But we are also taking targeted steps to prevent Americans from experiencing hunger. Earlier this year, we extended help to those hit hardest by this economic downturn by boosting SNAP benefits. And Secretary Vilsack is working hard to make sure eligible families are able to access those benefits as well as the School Lunch and Breakfast Program. In addition, a bill I signed into law last month invests $85 million in new strategies to prevent children from experiencing hunger in the summer. Hunger is a problem that we can solve together, and I look forward to working with Congress to pass a strong child nutrition bill that will help children get the healthy meals they need to grow and succeed - and help keep America competitive in the decades to come. Food Security Washinton Post 11/16/2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/us/17hunger.html?_r=1 WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who lacked reliable access to sufficient food shot up last year to its highest point since the government began surveying in 1995, the Agriculture Department reported on Monday. Food Security NY Times 11/17/2009 http://www.fightbac.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=250&Itemid= The Thanksgiving feast traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season. This season, consumers can be thankful for many things including a new Web site, www.holidayfoodsafety.org, that puts food safety in the context of all the planning and preparation families put into their holiday celebration. The site includes food shopping and preparation tips, recipes, and food safety advice and activities – all in one convenient location. Health fightbac.org 11/17/2009 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hOZfdHnEXs_3ZfK97CXS6GvkPCcQD9C2FN4G0 DES MOINES, Iowa — Are cramped chickens crazy chickens? Researchers are trying to answer that question through several studies that intend to take emotions out of an angry debate between animal welfare groups and producers. At issue are small cages, typically 24 inches wide by 25 1/2 inches deep, that can be shared by up to nine hens. About 96 percent of eggs sold in the United States come from hens who live in the so-called battery cages from the day they're born until their egg-laying days end 18 to 24 months later. Animal Welfare AP 11/19/2009 http://www.theprairiestar.com/articles/2009/11/18/ag_news/columnists/alan.txt If idle hands are the devil’s workshop, idle thoughts are, what, the product of a devil’s advocate? Maybe, but one election result from early November leaves plenty of room for thought, idle or otherwise. On Nov. 3, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved Issue 2, a statehouse-directed ballot initiative to create a “Livestock Care Standards Board.” The 13-member, all-appointed board, according to its advocacy group, Ohioans for Livestock Care, was necessary because “out-of-state extremist groups” were licking their vegetarian lips to make Ohio the next California: greenie-weenies looking to ban “modern” livestock tools. Agribusiness Prairie Star 11/19/2009 http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/12595.html BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Just in time for Thanksgiving Day next Thursday (Nov. 26), the Indiana Business Research Center in Indiana University's Kelley School of Business has offered a menu of interesting statistics. Statistics Indiana University 11/19/2009 http://daily.sightline.org/daily_score/archive/2009/11/19/oregons-shocking-hunger-stats Second only to Mississippi in serious food insecurity. By one measure of "food security," the new USDA hunger data released this week puts Oregon right in the middle of the pack. Its rate of food insecurity, is higher than the rest of the Northwest states, but only a little higher than the national average. Yet a closer look at the numbers reveals a more worrisome story. Food Security Sightline Daily 11/19/2009 http://www.daily49er.com/opinion/our-view-hunger-becomes-national-security-issue-1.2089427 One of the topics that rarely reach the American public is expanding hunger within our structures. The ugly phrase “very low food security” has surfaced in our government’s lexicon that should send off red flags, but is likely so disturbing, we don’t want to acknowledge its existence. Food Security daily49er 11/19/2009 http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911209977/1002&parentprofile=1001 Howard Helmer can make an omelet faster than a hen can lay the egg. Helmer, who's been with the American Egg Board in New York City for more than 40 years, holds the Guinness World Records title as the fastest omelet maker. He was at the Weld Food Bank on Thursday with representatives of the Colorado Egg Producers and gave his expert instruction on how an omelet should be made. Food Security greeley tribune 11/23/2009 http://insider.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10260/who-can-afford-7-50-a-pound-for-turkey/comment-page-1/#comment-235 Food for thought: I got a call on Friday from Arnie Riebli, a fourth-generation Sonoma County farmer and co-owner of Petaluma-based Sunrise Farms, one of the top egg producers in the state. We talked about the front-page story about the Thode family raising heritage turkeys on their Sebastopol ranch. “I know I’m not objective about the whole thing,” he said. “But I read the news media every day. Animal agriculture is under attack. And then I read about . . . 70 turkeys selling for $7.50 a pound and in other parts of the country people are going hungry.” Food Security pressdemocrat.com 11/30/2009 http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20091128/NEWS03/911280319/1004/NEWS03/Farmers-share-their-bounty--tell-their-stories Fed up with the notion that milk and eggs come only from the grocery store, several Michigan agricultural groups have banded together to remind people that farmers are the ones who feed them. Farmers Feed Us, a program of the Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Pork Producers, Michigan Allied Poultry and eight other groups, wants to educate people about how food gets to their tables. Then, the group wants to help put it there. Food Security lansingstatejournal 11/30/2009 http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/26414/ Crystal Farms Inc. of Chestnut Mountain announced Tuesday the sale of its commercial shell egg production and processing business to Rose Acre Farms, based in Seymour, Ind. Rose Acre has acquired Crystal Farms’ nearly 2.5 million laying hens as well as the related equipment, facilities and inventory. Business gainesvilletimes 11/24/2009 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=AA01E1C62E954234AA0052ECD5818EF4&tier=4&id=6EC22E0D2E564DE6AA671E11EB624F98 IN the first permanent settlement of the "new world" in the early years, the colonists were living anything but high on the hog. History tells us that anyone who survived from year to year accomplished a major feat. Consider that in 1607, 104 men -- some poor and some rich -- sailed to Jamestown, Va., on three ships. The only reason they came was to find gold. Unfortunately, some of the men were too proud to work for their own survival. These "gentlemen" just wouldn't work! Many men died of starvation or mosquito-transmitted diseases. In fact, nearly half of the men died in the first year. Food Security Feedstuffs 12/1/2009 http://www.kentucky.com/latest_news/story/1044950.html Kentucky's No. 1 farm commodity this year isn't horses or tobacco, or even beef or corn. Think chicken and eggs. "We are becoming a poultry state," said Lee Meyer, a University of Kentucky agricultural economist. Chickens don't have as high a profile as horses in the state, but broiler and egg production has been growing steadily for several years. In 2009, for the first time, they top all other farm products in cash receipts, at an estimated $930 million, according to UK farm experts. Overall, Kentucky farm cash receipts fell this year by $550 million, a drop of 10.6 percent, led by plunging Thoroughbred horse sales and breeding. Net farm income is expected to fall to $1.07 billion, down 31 percent from 2008. Economics Kentucky.com 12/4/2009 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2009/12/agencies-launch-food-defense-tool/ The federal government has launched a new tool to help farmers and producers keep food safe from bioterrorism. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have created an online tool called CARVER + Shock to help those in the food business "assess and mitigate vulnerabilities in their production processes." CARVER was developed by the U.S. military to identify areas that might be vulnerable to attack. The agencies have adapted the model and applied to the food and agriculture sectors. Food Safety Food Safety News 12/7/2009 http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/4047-is-hsus-going-buckeye-hunting The Ohio Farm Bureau (OFB) met last week to discuss, among other things, its victory in November’s “Issue 2” vote. As one OFB vice president told members, the fight is far from over: “It’s going to get ugly.” Meaning that sooner or later, Ohio’s farmers are going to have to deal with the $131-million raging elephant in the room, the so-called “Humane Society” of the United States (HSUS). Politics Center for Consumer Freedom 12/9/2009 http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/dec09/dec14/WesJamisonNebraskaAgClassic.cfm?title=Animal%20welfare%20organization%20finds%20religion The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has discovered religion and that is not necessarily a good thing for animal agriculture, according to Wes Jamison. Jamison, an associate professor of communication at Palm Beach Atlantic University, was a featured speaker at the Nebraska Ag Classic held Dec. 1 and 2 in Lincoln, Neb. His presentation was entitled "Ready for Combustion: Animals, Religion, Politics & the HSUS." Animal Welfare High Plains Journal 12/14/2009 http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Free-range-prices-pd20091215-YR5YV?OpenDocument The idea of chickens scratching outside in the dirt and laying their eggs in a hay-lined nesting box appeals to a lot of people who think they know what chickens prefer. Indeed, those who believe chickens have the same rights as humans like it so much they want to outlaw egg production in cages. They have already succeeded in some parts of the world. The EU has banned the use of battery cages from 2012, although 'enriched cages' will be permitted. Belgium is banning all cages from 2025. In the US, California is converting to non-cage systems over the next five years and Michigan over ten years, while several other states are under pressure to follow suit. Australia has resisted the pressure to abandon cage production but recently increased the minimum size of cages. Food Safety Business Spectator 12/17/2009 http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/agribusiness-and-general/general/protein-role-needs-reinvention/1703557.aspx?storypage=1 AMERICANS follow "diets of avoidance" because of the myths of nutrition that encourage too much consumption of the wrong nutrients and too little consumption of proteins, according to Dr Don Layman, director of research at the Egg Nutrition Center. The consequence is that Americans are experiencing increasingly more adult, age-related diseases, he said, calling on health and nutrition professionals to re-establish the role of animal protein in people's diets, especially the role of eggs - a food Layman suggested was "underappreciated" but had an extremely important protein role. "We need to reinvent the protein story," he said. Food Security Stock & Land 12/21/2009 http://www.lancasterfarming.com/node/2710 EAST EARL, Pa. — Agriculture needs to become proactive and share how it does business. As the animal welfare debate continues, the best defense could be a strong offense. That was the take-home message Hinda Mitchell gave members of PennAg Industries at their annual Meat and Egg Meeting last week here at Shady Maple. Mitchell and her employer, the Cochran Group, were instrumental in helping Ohio establish an animal welfare board by voter referendum in November. But even though Mitchell considers passage of the referendum a significant success, she said it doesn’t mean the end of the animal welfare debate in Ohio. Politics Lancaster Farming 1/4/2010 http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091227/BUSINESS/912270325/1029/BUSINESS/Let-s-hear-it-for-Iowa-s-hens-Layers-rank-No.-1-for-eggs When Iowans brag about their state as a national leader, they almost always talk about corn, soybeans, hogs or maybe the presidential caucuses. They should be talking about eggs and, specifically, those hardworking hens who produce them. In today's specialized world, Iowa is a layer state, meaning its poultry largely confine themselves to producing eggs. Broilers, the kind you eat, come primarily from Southern states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises that in November, Iowa's 52.3 million laying hens produced 1.21 billion eggs. Agriculture Des Moines Resgister 01/04/2010 http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/291209/usa____billion_eggs_produced_in_november.aspx For the month of November, U.S. egg production totaled 7.55 billion, up 1% from last year, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Production included 6.52 billion table eggs, and 1.03 billion hatching eggs, of which 960 million were broiler-type and 67 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during November 2009 averaged 337 million, down slightly from last year. November egg production per 100 layers was 2,238 eggs, up 1% from November 2008. On Dec. 1, all layers in the U.S. totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million layers consisted of 282 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 53.2 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 2.90 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on Dec. 1averaged 74.8 eggs per 100 layers, up 1% from Dec. 1, 2008. Egg-type chicks hatched during November 2009 totaled 34.9 million, up 2% from November 2008. Eggs in incubators totaled 39 million on Dec. 1, up 12% from a year ago. Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 290 thousand during November 2009, down 9% from November 2008. During November, broiler-type chicks hatched totaled 704 million, down slightly from November 2008. Eggs in incubators totaled 625 million on Dec. 1, down 1% from one year earlier. Leading breeders placed 7.26 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during November 2009, up 3% from November 2008. Source: meatpoultry.com Agriculture Meat News Daily 1/4/2010 http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2009/12/22/news/latest/doc4b31305fb2379318472443.txt#vmix_media_id=8896946 HAMPTON — An award-winning egg production company is planning to expand its operations into Franklin County. Hickman Family Farms, of Buckeye Ariz., has plans to open an egg grading and packaging operation in the Hampton Industrial Park, the Franklin County Development Association announced this week. Economy Globe Gazette 1/4/2010 http://www.fstribune.com/story/1599550.html As we gathered with family and friends during the holidays, we probably gave little thought to how the food, fabrics, and holiday décor came to be. But, research and scientists have a large role in the food, fiber, and plants we've been enjoying. We can thank science and technology -- and American farmers -- for providing the cheapest, most abundant food supply in the world. In 2008, only 9.6 percent of Americans' disposable income was spent on food. Compare that to 1933 when 25 percent of the disposable income went for purchasing food. In France 15 percent of disposable income is spent on food; in Japan, 26 percent. Along with low cost, new products developed every year offer more convenience, longer shelf life, better nutrition, and new flavors. Research which develops improved varieties of crops, improved disease resistance, and tolerance to pests appear to benefit only farmers and ranchers. But, they ultimately always benefit the public by making food more affordable and more available. Agriculture Fort Scott Tribune 1/6/2010 http://www.swvatoday.com/living/article/eggs_come_first_at_green_valley/6586/ This is a story about the egg and its trip from the largest egg producer in the state, here on Wyndale Road in Washington County, to the distribution center in Abingdon and to the store and consumer. This week, in part 1 of 3, we’ll start with the hen houses and processing plant. An egg slips though a chicken’s legs, past the wires of the cage and onto a slow-moving conveyor belt. Nearly 200,000 chickens live in house No. 9 at Green Valley Poultry Farm on Wyndale Road. There are rows and rows, layers and layers of regulation 24-by-25-inch cages. The whir of the conveyor belt and cluck of the hens mix with the smells of dust and chicken feed. Ronnie Owens of Laurel Bloomery works two houses at the farm. He walks 4,088 feet of catwalk in each house each round. He sweeps his head back and forth scanning the six rows of chicken cages stacked eight feet high. Back and forth, back and forth, looking for jammed up eggs, water leaks and dead chickens. Egg Production swva today 1/6/2010 http://health.yahoo.com/experts/eatthis/41903/top-weight-loss-foods-for-2010/ Eggs Skip the cold cereal: Eating eggs and bacon in the morning can help you control your hunger later in the day. Indiana University scientists determined that dieters who consumed their biggest dose of daily protein at breakfast felt full longer than those who ate more of the nutrient at lunch or dinner. The upshot: “They were less likely to overeat the rest of the day,” says study author Heather Leidy, Ph.D. To fend off hunger, shoot for at least 20 to 30 grams of protein at breakfast. Health Men's Health 1/6/2010 http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/130110/usa___religion_like_patriotism_the_last_refuge_of_the_scoundral_.aspx Wes Jamison, associate professor of communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University, is studying how the Humane Society of the United States and other animal rights groups use religion in their messages. Meatingplace asked him to describe what makes this tactic so effective, and what the meat industry can do about it. How is HSUS using religion to promote animal rights? Their framing of the issue is that they are providing a resource for people who want to understand what their faith tradition says regarding food and faith. In reality, what they are doing is using very sophisticated, persuasive techniques. They have discovered ways to selectively use the Bible, the Koran and the Torah to amplify the guilt of consumers who purchase and consume products produced by confinement animal agriculture. The essence of their argument is this, "We are not asking you to stop eating meat, we are asking you to help the lives of animals a little bit." Is it working? Animal Welfare Meat Trade News 1/11/2010 http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/business/farming/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=Farm&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED08%20Jan%202010%2017%3A21%3A49%3A393 Norfolk free-range egg producer and eastern region MEP Stuart Agnew has issued a scathing attack on environment secretary Hilary Benn's 2030 food strategy.... Food Security Eastern Daily Press EU 1/11/2010 http://www.wallacesfarmer.com/story.aspx/history/channel/to/showcase/iowa/state/egg/experts/9/34771 The popular History Channel program "Modern Marvels" is exploring the topic of eggs and will feature several Iowa State University experts on the show, which is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 21. News Wallaces Farmer 1/19/2010 http://www.swvatoday.com/news/article/egg_popularity_growing/6672/ This is a story about the egg and its trip from the largest egg producer in the state, here on Wyndale Road in Washington County, to the distribution center in Abingdon and to the store and consumer. This week, as the egg makes its way from the grocery warehouse to the consumer, is the last in our series. To read the first two articles in this series visit http://www.swvatoday.com and search “eggs.” In the egg aisle at Food County in Abingdon, Johnny Justice picks up a carton of eggs while Anna Justice holds the buggy. The pair eat eggs at least three times a week - sometimes even for dinner. Johnny likes them medium-rare and Anna likes them any way. People didn’t always eat eggs with such abandon, said Rodney Wagner, vice-president of Green Valley Poultry Farms on Wyndale Road in Washington County. They weren’t always a popular item at the grocery store. News swva today 1/19/2010 http://www.wctrib.com/event/article/id/62467/ WILLMAR — “Don’t let what happened to us happen to you.” The words of a German farmer could well be a foretelling of the demise of American animal agriculture and of food safety and security in this country. Those words were spoken more than 10 years ago but should be taken seriously , according to Chad Gregory, senior vice president of the United Egg Producers, who spoke Friday at the 2010 Strategic Animal Ag Conference in Willmar. Food Security West Central Tribune 1/22/2010 http://www.agrinews.com/united/egg/producers/executive/warns/about/hsus/effort/story-1827.html WILLMAR, Minn. —Imagine exporting Minnesota-grown corn and soybeans to Brazil, Mexico or China to feed livestock and then having the meat and eggs shipped back to the U.S. for consumption. The scenario is not far from reality, said Chad Gregory at the 2010 Strategic Animal Ag Conference in Willmar Jan. 15. Gregory, United Egg Producers senior vice president, said PETA and the Humane Society of the United States are targeting organizations like Gregory's. PETA and HSUS are not interested in humane conditions for animals, but in conflict and cash, he said. HSUS has a $131 million revenue source while the U.S. Egg Producers has $2.5 million with eight employees... Animal Welfare Agri News 2/3/2010 http://www.agweek.com/articles/?id=8177&article_id=20463&property_id=12 WILLMAR — “Don’t let what happened to us happen to you.” The words of a German farmer could well be a foretelling of the demise of American animal agriculture and of food safety and security in this country. Those words were spoken more than 10 years ago but should be taken seriously , according to Chad Gregory, senior vice president of the United Egg Producers, who spoke Friday at the 2010 Strategic Animal Ag Conference in Willmar. “Just look at Europe,” Gregory said. “They are literally getting to the point where they can’t feed themselves.” Food Security AGWEEK 2/3/2010 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=F4D1A9DFCD974EAD8CD5205E15C1CB42&nm=Breaking+News&type=news&mod=News&mid=A3D60400B4204079A76C4B1B129CB433&tier=3&nid=EBE036454DFF42E0A60F25028E0836D2 Special coverage from the board of directors meeting of the United Egg Producers ahead of the annual IPE/IFE in Atlanta, Ga., this week. The United Egg Producers (UEP) has made a few significant changes to its "Animal Husbandry Guidelines" -- its animal welfare guidelines -- according to the 2010 edition that was released at the UEP board's meeting this week. The first revision is a history of the guidelines, explaining that they were developed by an independent committee of poultry ethicists and scientists under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Armstrong, now dean of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Michigan State University (i.e., UEP's scientific advisory committee). The guidelines for animal husbandry in modern cage housing systems were adopted by the UEP board at its annual meeting in 2000 (Feedstuffs, Oct. 16, 2000) and then were endorsed by the Food Marketing Institute and National Council of Chain Restaurants. Animal Welfare Feedstuffs 2/3/2010 http://news.msu.edu/story/7397/ EAST LANSING, Mich. — A team of Michigan State University researchers will explore the use of new wireless technology to determine its effectiveness in monitoring the welfare of egg-laying chickens. Using a grant of $375,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the researchers will test wearable sensors that will monitor how hens use space and resources in non-cage environments. The team has developed a hen-mountable wireless sensor system for tracking a hen’s activity profile, including its movement with respect to other hens and fixed items such as nest-boxes, perches and water station. The sensor weighs less than one ounce. “Wearable and networked wireless sensor technology is currently being explored in academia and in the industry primarily for human health monitoring,” said Subir Biswas, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and one of the team members. “We wanted to develop applications for such technology in the context of animal health and well-being monitoring.”... Animal Welfare Michigan State University 2/8/2010 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=BDCE1246FF024E5D802D5D77D24D4E2D A LANDMARK new study released last week by Feeding America, the leading domestic hunger-relief organization in the U.S., reported that more than 37 million people, or one in eight Americans -- including 14 million children and almost 3 million seniors -- need emergency food assistance each year from the nation's network of food banks and the agencies they serve. The findings from "Hunger in America 2010" represent a numbing 46% increase since the organization's previous study, "Hunger in America 2006." Furthermore, more than one in three client households are experiencing very low food security -- "or hunger" -- a 54% increase in the number of households from four years ago, according to the 2010 report.... Food Security Feedstuffs 2/8/2010 http://www.nctimes.com/business/article_ea706661-4c55-5710-b461-aa93a832d61e.html Idaho and Nevada are among several states positioning themselves to attract California egg producers if an animal care law drives out big egg farms, including producers in North San Diego County. California voters in 2008 approved Proposition 2, banning cramped cages for laying hens by 2015. But the proposition lacked specifications for what would be required, said Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Neither Idaho nor Nevada, where officials are aggressively courting the Golden State egg industry, have restrictions on "battery cages" that leave chickens little room to spread their wings. Idaho state Sen. Tim Corder, a Republican, has no desire to change that in his state. Industry should decide, Corder insists. Agribusiness North County Times 2/9/2010 http://www.hpj.com/archives/2010/feb10/feb8/0208Edit.cfm It may seem there's nothing positive about modern agriculture in the media. Last week, we were subjected to a "Nightline" "investigative" report on a dairy farm in New York. The report should have been called a "sensationalized" report. It spouted the agenda of animal rights groups and did little to talk about the positive aspects of modern dairy production. But, there are those who feel our pain. And Mike Rowe, host of the television program "Dirty Jobs," is one of them. Rowe is a champion for people who work hard and has even begun a foundation, Mike Rowe Works, that says "Work is not the enemy." Recently, I watched one of his videos, which began this way: "In so many ways today it seems that America's farmers are under siege. Every year, we expect them to grow more and more food with less and less land. And every year they do it-- but the grief! The grief seems to come from all sides: environmental groups, animal rights activists--everyone seems to have their own specific agenda. And the media, God bless us, just can't seem to tell the whole story." .... Agriculture High Plains Journal 2/9/2010 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/02/idaho-chicken-prepare-for-california-egg-exodus.html Idaho is among several states watching to see if a California animal cruelty law drives flocks of big egg farms there to fly the coop. California voters in 2008 approved Proposition 2, banning cramped cages for laying hens by 2015. Neither Idaho nor Nevada, where officials are aggressively courting the Golden State egg industry, have restrictions on "battery cages" that leave chickens little room to spread their wings. Idaho Sen. Tim Corder has no desire to change that in his state. Industry should decide, Corder insists. Agribusiness LA Times 2/9/2010 http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cracking-cholesterol-confusion-during-american-heart-month-83872987.html PARK RIDGE, Ill., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- February is American Heart Month, which means it's time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in America. When it comes to diet, mixed messages about dietary cholesterol can be confusing for many Americans, especially when it comes to eating eggs. But egg lovers still have a reason to celebrate during American Heart Month – and all year long – because more than 30 years of research shows healthy adults can enjoy eggs without significantly impacting their risk of heart disease.... Health PR Newswire 2/9/2010 http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/201002/s2815337.htm Food prices are expected to spike again this year with India suffering its worst drought in 40 years. And the outlook for food prices and production don't look good in the long run either. The United Nations says food production must double within 40 years to meet the demand of a growing world population. Already a billion people suffer from hunger and a lack of nutrition, partly due to depleted investment in agricultural production. Food Security Food prices are expected to spike again this year with India suffering its worst drought in 40 years. And the outlook for food prices and production don't look good in the long run either. The United Nations says food production must double within 40 years to meet the demand of a growing world population. Already a billion people suffer from hunger and a lack of nutrition, partly due to depleted investment in agricultural production. 2/10/2010 http://baltimorechronicle.com/2010/020910Lendman.shtml In January 2010, Feeding America (FA, formerly America's Second Harvest) released its disturbing new report on growing hunger titled, "Hunger in America 2010." The Chicago-based organization is the nation's "leading domestic hunger-relief charity," serving the needy "through a nationwide network of member food banks, over 200 in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico." Its study is based on interviews with over 62,000 clients served by the FA network, as well as information provided by 37,000 FA agencies - emergency food providers, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters for short-term residents. FA's system serves an estimated 37 million people annually, up 46% since 2005, including 33.9 million pantry users, 1.8 million kitchen ones, and 1.3 million in shelters. Food Security baltimore chronicle 2/10/2010 http://www.prweb.com/releases/eggs_conventional_cage/free_range_eggs/prweb3547074.htm GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Eggs markets. The global market for eggs is projected to reach 1,154 billion by the year 2015. With growing base of the middle class population and their increasing purchasing power, the per capita consumption of eggs is increasing constantly across major Asian nations such as China and India. Since the population in the region is high, the smallest rise in the per-capita consumption would trigger a significant upswing in the retail egg market.. Agriculture PR Web 2/15/2010 http://newmatilda.com/2010/02/23/animal-rights-enters-mainstream The title of this article may confuse some people. You may be thinking "but animal rights is an issue that is in the mainstream all the time. When I walk through the city I see billboards campaigning for an end to live animal export to the Middle East. Same thing when I turn on my television. I see Jamie Oliver exposing the treatment of chickens in factory farms, or when I walk through the supermarket there are RSPCA ads telling me to choose cage-free eggs." These, however, are not about animal rights at all. They are about promoting animal welfare which certainly is a mainstream issue. The distinction between the two approaches is critical to understanding why the rights focus is finally gaining traction. Animal welfare involves promoting better treatment of animals by humans, whereas an animal rights ideology means striving for the abolition of humans’ use of animals, regardless of their treatment. While animal welfare campaigns try to improve the treatment of animals raised for food, clothing and so on, animal rights campaigns push to abolish the use of animals for all of these purposes. Animal Welfare newmatilda 3/1/2010 http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1009764948/Thats-a-lot-of-eggs PEORIA — It didn't take Barb Shreves long to polish off the 43,000 eggs delivered to her Tuesday morning. The director of the Peoria Area Food Bank, 721 W. McBean St., said the donation from Pearl Valley Eggs "has already been spoken for." The 44 food pantries served by the food bank will pick up the eggs in the next two days, she said. "We are extremely grateful to Pearl Valley for this donation. We don't get eggs donated very often. In fact, this is really the only egg donation we receive during the year," said Shreves. Food Security pjstar.com 4/1/10 http://www.timesgazette.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=382&ArticleID=172127 This Easter, the Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) and Ohio's egg farmers are helping feed hungry people, teaming up with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) for the third year to donate more than one million eggs statewide. Nine Ohio egg farmers again will donate more than 1.2 million eggs via the Second Harvest network of 12 foodbanks just in time for Easter. The contribution of 101,000 dozen eggs has an estimated retail value of more than $101,000. Food Security Times-Gazette 4/1/10 http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100401/NEWS01/4010381/Ozarks-Food-Harvest-receives-43-200-eggs Moark, LLC gave the Easter Bunny something to hop about Wednesday as it donated more than 43,000 eggs to Ozarks Food Harvest. Stretched out shell-to-shell -- each egg is approximately two-and-a-half inches long -- the 43,200 donated eggs equal 1.7 miles, according to a news release. This marks the third year United Egg Producers has teamed up with Feeding America to donate more than 12 million eggs to feed the nation's hungry. Food Security News-Leader.com 4/1/10 http://www.krdo.com/Global/story.asp?S=12228378 COLORADO SPRINGS - Care and Share, Southern Colorado's food bank, has been given a donation of 43,000 eggs. The eggs come from MoArk LLC, in an effort to help feed area residents in need. "Helping neighboring families in need is of the utmost importance to our industry," said Craig Willardson, president of MoArk LLC, in a press release. Willardson says the company is proud to offer its support. President and CEO of Care and Share Deborah Tuck is thankful for the donation. "Fresh eggs are rich sources of protein and are highly nutritious staples," said Tuck. This is the third year in a row the United Egg Producers and Feeding America have teamed up to fight hunger by contributing eggs to food banks across the country. Food Security ABC 3/31/10 http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/89546532.html Care and Share Food Bank is giving thanks for an Easter-themed donation from MoArk, LLC, of more than 43,000 eggs! The egg farmer, MoArk, LLC, gave the large donation to help local residents in need. Stretched out shell to shell (each egg is approximately two and a half inches long), the 43,200 donated eggs equals 1.7 miles of eggs. Food Security kktv.com 3/31/2010 http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/89543197.html Brazos Valley Food Bank is ‘egg-static’ over a generous donation of more than 43,000 eggs from local egg farmer Feather Crest Farms to help feed Texans in need. Food Security kbtx.com 3/31/2010 http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_W_weggs31.1f3da87.html One of the biggest food items during Easter is eggs. Children love to dye them and then run around and find them. They are also a big source of nutrition. It is that way of thinking that is driving a big donation effort by the United Egg Producers. In the Inland Empire, the Second Harvest Food Bank received a shipment of more than 80,000 eggs on Tuesday. Food Security pe.com 3/31/2010 http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-egg-farmers-lend-helping-hand-to-local-communities-and-donate-more-than-12-million-eggs-to-food-banks-nationwide-89502347.html ALPHARETTA, Ga., March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- America's egg farmers are lending a helping hand to their local communities this Easter by teaming up with Feeding America to donate 12 million eggs to food banks across the country. The eggs donations will span approximately 90 cities in 33 states leading up to Easter on April 4. According to a 2009 report on food insecurity from the United States Department of Agriculture, the number of Americans at risk of hunger is a staggering one in six, with an increase from 2007 to 2008 of 13 million people. The number of children at risk of hunger is now an alarming one in four. Feeding America is annually providing food to 37 million Americans, including 14 million children. Fresh items, such as eggs, are always a prized item for food banks due to their dense nutritional and high protein content. "Many of our clients are having to decide between food and other basic necessities, such as paying the rent or a utility bill," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "Receiving the gift of eggs, which have always been an important staple in the American diet, is a tremendous help at this time of year." This marks the third year in a row United Egg Producers and Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, are teaming up to help ensure America's food banks are well stocked with nutrient-dense eggs. The nationwide partnership will help feed the nearly 49 million men, women and children in America who are at risk of hunger. "United Egg Producers and its members are proud to lend a helping hand to those in need in our local communities," said Gene Gregory, president of United Egg Producers. "Our members are committed to making these donations because they realize what an impact they have on the many Americans who are at risk of hunger, especially during the Easter holiday." Stretched out shell to shell (each egg is approximately two and a half inches long), the more than 12 million donated eggs equals 494 miles. Nutritious for their size and caloric content, every egg has 13 essential nutrients including high quality protein – choline, folate, iron and zinc – with only 75 calories. About United Egg Producers United Egg Producers (UEP) is the nation's leading trade association for U.S. egg farmers, representing 97 percent of U.S. egg farmers, whose members produce eggs including modern cage production, cage-free, free range, organic and other specialty eggs. UEP is based in Alpharetta, GA. To learn more about the egg industry visit www.uepcertified.com. About Feeding America Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica. SOURCE United Egg Producers Press Release United Egg Producers 3/31/2010 http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/mar/29/food-bank-get-egg-donation/ The Tri-State Food Bank won't have to hunt for Easter eggs this year. Wabash Valley Produce, a Dubois County-based company, will donate more than 162,000 eggs to the Tri-State Food Bank for the Easter season. This is the third year the company has made the donation as part of a campaign by United Egg Producers and Feeding America. In coordination with Feeding America – the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, egg farmers nationwide will be donating more than 12 million eggs to help make sure America’s food banks are well stocked with nutrient-dense eggs. Approximately 14 percent of people in the 33 counties served by the food bank live below or at poverty level and may be experiencing hunger. “This extremely generous donation of eggs will guarantee a great source of protein for families in need –and especially children. We are truly grateful,” said Mary Blair, Executive Director at Tri-State Food Bank. Food Security Curier Press 3/30/2010 http://www.buckeyeag.com/article.php?aid=20100329053012868 This Easter, the Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) and Ohio's egg farmers continue to play an active role in their local communities by once again teaming up with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) for the third year to donate more than one million eggs statewide. Nine Ohio egg farmers again will donate more than 1.2 million eggs, to be provided to local hunger charities via the Second Harvest network of 12 foodbanks, just in time for Easter. Eggs were delivered starting this week. The contribution of 101,000 dozen eggs has an estimated retail value of more than $101,000. Food Security Buckeye Ag 3/30/2010 http://www.fox59.com/news/sns-bc-in--foodbank-eggdonation,0,1269581.story BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — A Bloomington food bank has received a donation of more than 60,000 eggs as part of a national push to assist people struggling with poverty. Some of Indiana's egg farmers donated 5,400 cartons containing 64,800 Grade A, extra-large eggs earlier this month to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Since then, more than half of the eggs have been snapped up by families in need. Food bank executive director Julio Alonso says eggs aren't the kind of food that stays on the Bloomington-based food bank's shelves for very long. He says eggs are full of protein, which is something lacking in the diets of many of the people in the six counties the food bank serves. The egg donation is part of a nationwide effort between the United Egg Producers and Feeding America to provide 12 million eggs to people in poverty. Food Security fox59.com 3/30/2010 http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x250446239/Local-farmer-donates-2-100-eggs-to-Harvest-Outreach DALTON — Harvest Outreach executive director Sheila Reed watched as six cases of eggs were wheeled into the ministry on Morris Street in Dalton on Thursday. Harvest Outreach serves about 200 meals a day to the needy, and it depends on donations of food and money to serve its meals. But Reed said donations of eggs are rare and such a large donation is almost unheard of. Food Security daltondailycitizen.com 3/29/2010 http://www.rrstar.com/news/x38419373/Farmers-donate-57-000-eggs-to-food-bank ROCKFORD — Illinois egg farmers donated 57,000 eggs to the Northern Illinois Food Bank on Thursday. The donation from Pearl Valley Eggs and Mussman’s Back Acres Inc. is a part of a national effort of the United Egg Producers, which has donated more than 12 million eggs across the nation. “It’s going to go a long way,” said Sarah Slavenas, communications manager of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. “We serve 61,600 people each week. Anytime we get a sizable donation, especially given Rockford’s high unemployment rate, we are very excited.” This is the third year that the United Egg Producers have donated more than 12 million eggs nationwide. According to Slavenas, it is the largest egg donation the NIFB has received. Reach staff writer Greg Stanley can be reached at gstanley@rrstar.com or 815-987-1369. Copyright 2010 Rockford Register Star. Some rights reserved About AP News Registry Food Security rrstar.com 3/29/2010 http://www.mydailysentinel.com/view/full_story/6846099/article-Ohio-Farmers-donate-eggs-to-Second-Harvest?instance=secondary_news_left_column COLUMBUS — This Easter, the Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) and Ohio’s egg farmers continue to play an active role in local communities by once again teaming up with Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) for the third year to donate more than one million eggs statewide. Nine Ohio egg farmers again will donate more than 1.2 million eggs, to be provided to local hunger charities via the Second Harvest network of 12 foodbanks, just in time for Easter. The contribution of 101,000 dozen eggs has an estimated retail value of more than $101,000. The Meigs County Council on Aging receives products through Second Harvest for it’s nutrition program although Sharon Matson, nutrition director, said they have not in previous years received the eggs. Food Security mydailysentinel.com 3/26/2010 http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-100325-egg-donation,0,2326973.story WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE - Wisconsin farmers donate thousands of eggs to help local food pantries. This donation comes just in time for the Easter holiday. Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Rep Bonnie Bellehumeur says, "[This is] the biggest donation of eggs we have ever gotten. Three hundred thousand eggs from two wonderful Wisconsin egg producers." Those farms are S&R Farms in Whitewater and Daybreak Foods in Lake Mills. They're both members of United Egg Producers who will be donating eleven million eggs nationwide this year to Feeding America. Pantries and shelters began picking up their eggs right away. "Believe me, the need is so great right now that this could not have come at a better time. Our demand for food is up 22% in the last year, and over the last four years over 40%" Feeding America is equipped to handle perishable food as well as dry and frozen food. This shipment of eggs is just a lot of bigger than they're used to seeing. "We rarely get eggs donated, especially in this quantity. We might get a case at a time, but this is 27,000 dozen." Fresh eggs are very rich in protein, and are easy to prepare so they're a welcome addition to the warehouse. Feeding America says about 330,000 people in eastern Wisconsin, including more than 100,000 children rely on them for food. "We'll distribute probably a hundred cases or more everyday to programs that are feeding the hungry here in Milwaukee, but also throughout eastern Wisconsin." This non-profit group has distributed more than 250,000,000 lbs. of food to shelters and food pantries since 1982. Food Security fox6now.com 3/29/2010 http://www.thebraziltimes.com/story/1621239.html TERRE HAUTE -- Indiana egg farmers are giving the Easter Bunny something to hop about as Wabash Valley Produce prepares to donate more than 64,800 eggs to Terre Haute Catholic Charities Food Bank for the Easter season. Approximately 13.1 percent of people in Indiana live below or at poverty level and may be experiencing hunger. "Helping neighboring families in need is of the utmost importance to our industry," Wabash Valley Produce representative Tom Seger said. "We're proud to offer our help and support when our community needs it now more than ever." Food Security The Brazil Times 3/26/2010 http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100325/NEWS01/3250359/Gift+of+144+000+eggs+will+go+to+the+hungry+in+46+counties Tennessee egg farmers donated more than 144,000 eggs to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee on Wednesday morning. The donation will make its way to the shelves of about 400 community food partner agencies, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee within the next 48 hours, said Second Harvest spokeswoman Tasha Kennard. "They have a shelf life of 30 days, but they'll likely be gone in the next two or three days," she said. Food Security Tennessean.com 3/25/2010 http://www.yumasun.com/news/eggs-57214-food-hickman.html An Arizona business wants to make sure Yuma-area families can participate in a holiday tradition with a donation of almost 1,900 dozen eggs to the Yuma Community Food Bank. Representatives with Hickman's Family Farms were on hand Wednesday morning to drop off the 22,464 eggs to the food bank. This is the second year that Hickman's has donated eggs to the food bank. The family donated a total of 700,000 eggs to food banks across Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Colorado. Food Security yumasun.com 3/24/2010 http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2010/03/22/daily18.html Cal-Maine Foods Inc. donated 144,000 eggs to the San Antonio Food Bank as part of a national program designed to provide fresh supplies of eggs to needy residents. For the third year in a row, United Egg Producers and Feeding America have teamed up to help local food banks throughout the country distribute fresh eggs to families around Easter. About 16.3 of Texas families are at-risk of going hungry. Protein items like eggs aren’t typically donated to food banks, but are one of the most requested items on the San Antonio Food Bank’s list, says Eric S. Cooper, executive director of the San Antonio Food Bank. Food Security sanantonio.biz 3/24/2010 http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=12189441 JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - The Mississippi Food Network received a special donation Tuesday morning, just in time for Easter. Cal-Maine Foods delivered nearly 145,000 eggs to the food bank in Jackson. It's the third year the company has teamed up with United Egg Producers and Feeding America to make the big donation. It's all part of a nationwide effort to help curb hunger, especially in a tough economy. "This can make a huge difference. They'll be able to have eggs for their children for Easter to hide and they'll be able to eat them. It's such a good source of protein for them," said Marilyn Blackledge, director of development for the Mississippi Food Network. The eggs will be distributed to needy families through the Food Network's member agencies. Food Security wbt.com 3/24/2010 http://www.wwmt.com/articles/egg-1374158-eggs-michigan.html WEST MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - There's a big delivery happening Tuesday to help the hungry across West Michigan. A couple of local egg producers will donate close to 100,000 eggs to the local Feeding America. This donation is the third year in a row for the partnership between United Egg Producers and Feeding America. Herbuck's Poultry Ranch and Sunrise Acres Egg Farms will donate the eggs. Food Security wwmt.com 3/23/2010 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_672245.html Standing near pallets holding 3,600 dozen eggs donated to the Westmoreland County Food Bank Wednesday, Chief Executive Officer Marlene Kozak expressed her delight with a pun. "We're very egg-cited," she said, grinning. "We are really grateful that we benefit from this," Kozak added. Weeks before Easter, Hillandale Farms made its third annual donation to the food bank, delivering the 3,600 dozen eggs -- 43,200 eggs -- to the facility near Delmont. Food Security pittsburghlive.com 3/18/2010 http://www.mountainx.com/blogwire/2010/wnc_egg_farmers_to_donate_more_than_40000_eggs_to_manna_foodbank MANNA FoodBank EGG-STATIC’ OVER DONATION OF MORE THAN 43,000 EGGS Egg Farmers Donate More Than 11 Million Eggs to Feeding America This Easter WHO: Western North Carolina egg farmers are giving the Easter Bunny something to hop about as they prepare to donate more than 43,000 eggs to the MANNA FoodBank. WHAT: 106,600 different Western North Carolinians seek emergency food assistance from a MANNA FoodBank partner agency in a single year 1 in 6 of our neighbors. This marks the thid year United Egg Producers (http://www.uepcertified.com) has teamed up with Feeding America to donate more than 11 million eggs to feed the nation’s hungry.. WHERE: MANNA FoodBank (mannafoodbank.org) 627 Swannanoa River Road Asheville, NC 28805 WHEN: NOON today, March 17, 2010 WHY: Fresh eggs are always a prized item for food banks due to their dense nutritional and high protein content, but they are also one of the hardest food categories for food banks to acquire. The nationwide partnership will help feed the nearly 49 million men, women and children in America who are at risk of hunger. Food Security Mountainx.com 3/17/2010 http://www.fwdailynews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7138:Community-Harvest-receives-440,000-eggs&catid=61:times-online2&Itemid=6 Indiana egg farmers are giving the Easter Bunny something to hop about as Midwest Poultry and Bern-Hi Way Hatchery prepare to donate more than 440,000 eggs to the Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Inc. on Tuesday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. Approximately 21,200 different people receive emergency food assistance for the food bank any given week and 45 percent of that amount is children under 18. “Helping neighboring families in need is of the utmost importance to our industry,” said Bob Krouse, President of Midwest Poultry. Food Security fwdailynews.com 3/16/2010 http://www.evliving.com/2010/03/15/egg-donation-to-az-food-banks/ ARIZONA – Leading up to the Easter holiday, food banks across the state as well as in Hawaii, Nevada and Colorado will be receiving approximately 700,000 eggs from Hickman’s Family Farms – Arizona’s only commercial egg producer. The donation is a long-time Hickman’s family tradition before Easter and has been part of United Egg Producers contribution to Feeding America’s national campaign for the past three years. “We have decades of making egg deliveries to food banks at Easter time, but the official standardized program with United Egg Producers began three years ago,” said Clint Hickman, vice president of sales and marketing for Hickman’s. “Our average donation at Easter is around 700,000 eggs — and year round to different organizations combined is approximately one million eggs.” Food Security evliving.com 3/15/2010 http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=116082&catid=2#comments AUBURN, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A box truck filled with 300 cases of eggs pulled up to the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn Wednesday. Dorothy Egg Farm donated the eggs to the food bank which serves families throughout Maine. Each case holds 15 dozen eggs. Dorothy Egg Farm makes a weekly donation to Good Shepherd throughout the year but this large donation came as an unexpected surprise. Food Security wcsh6.com 4/1/2010 http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/89547577.html Food banks across the country are getting an egg-cellent donation just in time for Easter. United Egg Producers teamed up with Feeding America to donate more than 11 million eggs to feed the nation's hungry. Laid out shell-to-shell, those eggs would stretch for 494 miles. Locally, northern Indiana egg farmers gave over 100,000 eggs to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. The Food Bank was thrilled to have the eggs, and the egg farmers were happy to get the opportunity to help out. "We all do things locally in our direct community and with other things, but this was a collective effort to really get out the message about the value of eggs as well as for the selfish reason of giving back a little bit," Brian Hayward from Creighton Brothers Eggs said. “It's going to go quick, but we're very excited to have it, especially at Easter time. For many families an Easter egg is a pretty special thing,” Lisa Jaworski from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana said. This is the third year United Egg Producers have made a large donation. Food Security wndu.com 4/1/2010 http://www.sacbee.com/2010/06/21/2839293/js-west-enlarges-its-hen-cages.html LIVINGSTON -- J.S. West & Cos. on Monday showed new housing for egg-laying hens that aims to meet the space standards approved by state voters in 2008. The Modesto-based company completed the $3.2 million project in the face of criticism from the Humane Society of the United States, which argues that it falls short of what Proposition 2 will require as of 2015. The barn, the first built in California since the measure was approved, will house about 132,000 hens, 8 percent of J.S. West's flock. The company hopes to convert all of the barns on its three farms over the next five years. Animal Welfare Modesto Bee 6/22/2010 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/06/free-range-eggs-contaminated-with-dioxins.html Here’s some disconcerting news for health-conscious eaters who favor eggs from free-range hens: A Taiwanese study found that the eggs contain much higher levels of industrial pollutants than eggs laid by caged hens. The researchers focused on two types of pollutants, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (known collectively as PCCD/Fs), which are released into the environment by municipal waste incinerators, factories and other industrial sources. A report from the International Program on Chemical Safety says the chemicals have caused cancer, liver damage, problems with the skin and nervous system, reproductive problems and other undesirable effects in animals. Food Safety Los Angeles Times 6/22/2010 http://www.sacbee.com/2010/06/21/2839293/js-west-enlarges-its-hen-cages.html LIVINGSTON -- J.S. West & Cos. on Monday showed new housing for egg-laying hens that aims to meet the space standards approved by state voters in 2008. The Modesto-based company completed the $3.2 million project in the face of criticism from the Humane Society of the United States, which argues that it falls short of what Proposition 2 will require as of 2015. The barn, the first built in California since the measure was approved, will house about 132,000 hens, 8 percent of J.S. West's flock. The company hopes to convert all of the barns on its three farms over the next five years. Animal Welfare Sacramento Bee 6/22/2010 http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/business/96894419.html WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the United States Department of Agriculture has selected a Nebraska project and 26 other projects to receive grants to help fund rural businesses, start new businesses, save and create jobs, and train workers in Native American communities in 12 states. “USDA is working to ensure that members of tribes have the tools they need to create a livelihood, expand economic opportunity and improve their quality of life,” Vilsack said. “The grants. … represent USDA’s ongoing commitment to strengthen tribes and support sustainable business opportunities.” Agriculture Indian Country Today 6/22/2010 http://www.worldpoultry.net/background/us-egg-market-at-a-crossroad--7605.html Egg producers in the US carefully follow developments in animal welfare discussions both inside and outside the country. It is questioned if more states will follow California in banning cages. Some farmers have made the decision to change their production method to non-cage facilities. Demand for these cagefree eggs is also growing worldwide. Animal Welfare worldpoultry.net 6/25/10 http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/generations-of-experience-help-horst-brothers-succeed-with-poultry/15165.html DALTON, Ohio — Sometimes, it just makes sense to stay with what you know best. That’s been part of the lesson at Horst Brothers poultry farm, where brothers Nevin and Bob Horst operate one of the state’s top poultry operations. The Horst family has been producing eggs for the state for the past 70 years. They tried raising hogs in the early ’90s, but soon returned to what they know best. Egg Production Farm and Dairy 6/25/10 http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=42&SubSectionID=201&ArticleID=184081 May is National Egg Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate Ohio’s egg farmers who are providing safe, nutritious, affordable food through their progressive animal care practices. Excellent animal care is essential to a healthy and productive egg farm — and it is why egg farmers take this matter seriously. Ohio egg farmers are committed to the humane treatment of animals and know that healthy, well cared for flocks are essential to meeting the expectations of today’s consumers. Egg farmers also are consumers and share the same concerns for safe food, a healthy environment and a strong community. Animal Welfare wnewsj.com 6/25/10 http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/identifying-egg-production-definitions-7620.html The Australian Egg Corporation (AECL) is looking to robust science, consumer expectations and commercial reality to identify definitions and minimum standards for all egg production systems. AECL have considered 10 known national and international standards of free-range egg farming, conducted extensive, independent and robust consumer research into understanding and expectations of consumers, consulted rigorous and repeatable scientific research on hen husbandry and engaged in extensive industry consultation to ensure that these minimum standards are rigorous and practical. Egg Industry World Poultry 6/29/10 http://www.modbee.com/2010/06/27/1228495/still-leading-the-way.html When Proposition 2 qualified for the 2008 ballot, J.S. West & Cos. took a leading role in opposing the initiative requiring more space for egg-laying chickens. When voters approved the measure, many in the egg industry began making plans to move their operations out of state or shut down altogether. But not J.S. West. While others were giving up, the 100-year-old Modesto-based agriculture company was going to work. Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/06/27/1228495/still-leading-the-way.html#ixzz0sFWNdOpU Modesto Bee 6/29/10 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/06/in-most-developing-countries-agriculture/ In his opening statement at the Global Consumer Goods Forum's summit in London last week, Pick n Pay chairman Gareth Ackerman voiced concerns about land reform ahead of the expected release of a South African government policy document on the topic. Food Safety Foodsafetynews 6/29/10 http://www.worldpoultry.net/news/study-social-sustainability-of-egg-production-7633.html The results from the first stage of a broad and multidisciplinary study of issues relating to the sustainability of laying hen production systems will be the presented at the 99th Annual Meeting of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) in Denver in mid-July. The purpose of the study, which is being funded by the American Egg Board, is to identify what is known – and what is not known – about different laying hen production systems, from the point of view of sustainability, said PSA. Food Security worldpoultry.net 7/1/10 http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/New-York-Egg-Production-Down-6-in-May/UQZSWzeHpUOZBRCNAF3z8Q.cspx Egg production on New York farms totaled 96 million eggs in May, down 6 percent from last year, according to Stephen Ropel, Director of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Field Office. Agriculture USDA 7/1/10 http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_eggs01.23e25e5.html SACRAMENTO - A bill on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk would extend California's upcoming ban on cramped conditions for egg-laying hens to millions of out-of-state chickens. The legislation emerged last year, soon after California voters overwhelmingly approved Prop. 2 in November 2008. The initiative, starting in 2015, requires more room for hens and other farm animals. Animal Welfare Sacramento Bureau 7/1/10 http://www.agweb.com/BeefToday/Article.aspx?id=158035 The Ohioans for Livestock Care coalition and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have reached an agreement to implement eight farm-animal care reform issues. The agreement means HSUS won't move forward with placing an animal care-related constitutional amendment on the November ballot. The following are some of the proposed livestock standard changes: Animal Welfare agweb 7/1/10 http://agwired.com/2010/06/30/hsus-drops-ballot-initiative-in-ohio/ The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has reached an agreement with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and state agricultural leaders to drop a proposed animal rights ballot initiative. At a hastily called press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Governor Stickland stood with Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president Jack Fisher and HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle to make the announcement, which amounts to a truce between the aggressive animal rights group and Ohio’s animal agriculture industry. “This agreement represents a joint effort to find common ground,” said Strickland. “What we have concluded is something that is good for Ohio agriculture and will be good for animal welfare in our state.” Animal Welfare agwired.com 7/1/10 http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100707.htm By Sharon Durham July 7, 2010 There's no substantial quality difference between organically and conventionally produced eggs. That's one of a number of findings in an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study examining various aspects of egg quality. ARS food technologist Deana Jones and her team in the agency's Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit in Athens, Ga., found that, on average, there was no substantial quality difference between types of eggs. So, no matter which specialty egg is chosen, it will be nearly the same quality as any other egg. Food Quality USDA 7/7/10 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/07/06/BA3S1EADD2.DTL Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law on Tuesday a bill that extends voter-approved mandates for the humane treatment of egg-laying hens in California and could affect living conditions for birds nationwide. Proposition 2, passed by 63 percent of voters in 2008, requires that hens should be able to freely lie down, stand up, extend their wings and turn around by 2015. The law essentially bans the use of small cages that cram the animals so tightly they sometimes cannot turn around. Animal Welfare SFgate.com 7/7/10 http://www.truthabouttrade.org/news/latest-news/16240-consumers-have-choices-of-eggs MODERN egg production systems based on science provide consumers with a number of choices in the kinds of eggs they can buy and enjoy -- from eggs produced in conventional cage housing to eggs produced in barn/floor cage-free housing, as well as brown and white eggs, organic eggs and nutrient-fortified eggs, according to extension poultry specialist Gregory Martin at The Pennsylvania State University. If any of those choices are taken away, consumers could feel the effects of decreased competition and increased prices for high-quality, nutritious and safe eggs, he said. Food Production TruthaboutTrade 7/7/10 http://www.cfbf.com/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=1571&ck=7BD28F15A49D5E5848D6EC70E584E625 Responding to the mandates of Proposition 2 regarding animal agriculture operations, a Modesto-based egg farm has installed and opened the first “enriched colony” housing system for layer hens in the United States. Proposition 2, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, prohibits specific farm animals from being confined in a way that prevents them from being able to turn around, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. It was approved by California voters in November 2008. Animal Welfare CA Farm Bureau Fed. 7/6/10 http://www.unitedegg.com/information/homeNews/USDAStudyRelease.pdf ALPHARETTA, GA (July 12, 2010) – There is no substantial quality difference between specialty and traditionally-produced eggs, a new government study shows. A team of researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Egg Safety and Quality Research Unit compared traditional eggs, cage-free, free-range, pasteurized, nutritionally-enhanced and fertile eggs to determine if there were physical quality and compositional differences. While there were differences in size and weight, albumen height, shell strength, membrane strength and total solids, the researchers concluded that no egg type maintained the highest or lowest values. The study was published in the July issue of Poultry Science. Food Safety United Egg Producers 7/13/10 http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/07/egg-producers-implement-new-salmonella-controls/ New regulations for controlling the spread of a form of Salmonella, whose mode of transmission still isn't entirely understood, kicked into effect last Friday. The new regulations, the FDA insists, could reduce the number of illnesses by as many as 79,000 people, and deaths by up to 30 individuals, each year. Announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration a year ago, the regulations address several aspects of egg production, particularly spots where chickens and egg production seem most vulnerable to infection by Salmonella enteritidis. While the new regs only immediately effect the largest of the nation's egg producers, those producers also account for the overwhelming number of eggs produced. Food Safety Food Safety News 7/15/2010 http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGm14Z7KyLzlEpDWBo0uJ0uM1ARVQ&url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-humane-association-announces-joy-mench-phd-joins-the-scientific-advisory-committee-of-the-american-humane-certified-farm-animal-program-98140679.html DENVER, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association announced today that Joy Mench, Ph.D., has joined the Scientific Advisory Committee for its farm animal welfare program, American Humane® Certified. Dr. Mench is a professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis and is director of the Center for Animal Welfare at UC Davis. Press Release PR Newswire 7/19/10 http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/central-maine-egg-festivalannual-celebration-begins-tuesdaythis-years-eventto-feature-art-showat-renovated-library_2010-07-18.html PITTSFIELD -- The Central Maine Egg Festival, which runs Tuesday through Saturday, is getting back to its roots. So says Deb Billings, in her first year as president of the festival's organizing committee. It's a personal mission for Billings, because her mother-in-law, Bea Billings, cofounded the original event in 1973 to promote the egg industry in central Maine. News Morning Sentinel 7/19/10 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=49804C6972614A63A1A10DF54CD95D65&nm=Search+our+Archives&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=AA01E1C62E954234AA0052ECD5818EF4&tier=4&id=8AB3A4B54C94446899B407D856FB8158 AN in-depth House subcommittee hearing last week shed new light on the controversy surrounding antibiotic resistance and concerns about a potential link to the use of subtherapeutic antibiotics in food animal production. It pitted scientists on both sides of the issue in a debate that unveiled the lengthy history and conflicting views of the science behind the hot topic. While the livestock industry has been dubious about the science linking antibiotic resistance to livestock production, several expert witnesses from the medical and public health fields concluded that a scientific link is "unequivocal" based on studies in both the U.S. and Europe. The written testimony from those witnesses cited numerous peer-reviewed studies in lengthy bibliographies. Food Safety Feedstuffs Food Link 7/19/10 http://www.feedstuffsfoodlink.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=0C7CED9F266545689523F548A58BEF5A Stanford University recently startled the world with its conclusion that conventional, high-yield farming is far better for the planet than low-yield farming. This includes the developed world's current icon: organic farming. We know that high-yield farms need less land to produce the same amount of food, protecting huge amounts of soil carbon that would be gassed off if we plowed more land for low-yield crops. However, the Stanford study said high-yield farming may have saved 600 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions. That's equal to one-third of the greenhouses gasses emitted from the whole Industrial Revolution since 1850! "Our results dispel the notion that modern, intensive agriculture is inherently worse for the environment than a more 'old-fashioned' way of doing things," said Jennifer Burney, lead author of the Stanford study. Agriculture FeedsStuff Food Link 7/19/10 http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100709/BUSINESS/7090352/1029/Panel-s-advice-to-cut-back-meat-eggs-vexes-ag-groups The livestock industry fears a scientific panel's advice that Americans eat "only moderate" amounts of lean meat and eggs could discourage consumption of those products. That advice is in recommendations to the Obama administration for revising the government's dietary guidelines. "Lean meat is a vital source of high-quality protein and certainly should not be framed as food to limit in the American diet," Chelsie Redalen, director of government relations for the National Pork Producers Council, told government officials Thursday. Food Safety The livestock industry fears a scientific panel's advice that Americans eat "only moderate" amounts of lean meat and eggs could discourage consumption of those products. 7/20/10 http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100729/NEWS01/7290301/Canadian-investors-buy-Vermont-Egg-Farm The Vermont Egg Farm Inc. in Highgate Center, recently sold to a group of Canadian investors, will remain at its current size for the time being, an executive for the new owners said Wednesday. "We have no plans to expand or grow the farm at this point in time," Ted Hudson, vice president of Burnbrae Farms Ltd., said in an interview. Agribusiness BurlingtonFreePress.com 7/29/10 http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/story.phtml?id=11402 [2010-07-27] Close to 50 percent of consumers queried in the 2010 Food & Health Survey of the International Food Information Council believe that food safety in the U.S. is the responsibility of foodservice/retailers. To update quick-service staff with important information on egg safety and handling, the American Egg Board is offering foodservice operators a complimentary copy of its Egg Safety and Quality poster. Food Safety [2010-07-27] Close to 50 percent of consumers queried in the 2010 Food & Health Survey of the International Food Information Council believe that food safety in the U.S. is the responsibility of foodservice/retailers. To update quick-service staff with important information on egg safety and handling, the American Egg Board is offering foodservice operators a complimentary copy of its Egg Safety and Quality poster. 8/4/10 http://www.lvrj.com/living/can-you-fry-an-egg-in-the-las-vegas-heat--we-give-it-our-best-shot-99190799.html?ref=799 You can pretty much bet your life savings every summer that, when the mercury creeps above 100 degrees, some Las Vegan will tell another, "At least it's a dry heat." Without fail, when the summer heat rolls into the valley, along with it comes the many ways locals try to express their displeasure. Maybe it's equating the heat outdoors with sticking one's head in a hot oven. Or blasting your face with a blow-dryer. And who hasn't said, or heard, that it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk? Food Safety Las Vegas Review-Journal 8/2/10 http://humanewatch.org/index.php/site/post/scramble_the_constitution/ Maybe California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has forgotten about all those thermoses full of raw eggs he used to gulp down in his bodybuilding days. Or perhaps he’s still mad at the anonymous protester who hurled a raw egg at him during a 2003 campaign stop. (Schwarzenegger shook it off and said “this guy owes me bacon now.”) But for whatever reason, the Governator signed a bill into law earlier this month (“AB 1437”) which could “Terminate” the concept of cheap, plentiful eggs in his state. The new law, heavily promoted and lobbied by the Humane Society of the United States, will extend the reach of Proposition 2—the 2008 ballot initiative requiring egg farmers to give their chickens far more precious real estate. AB 1437 requires eggs imported into California to follow the Proposition 2 standards imposed on in-state farmers. Opinion Humane Watch 8/3/10 http://www.feedstuffs.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=AA01E1C62E954234AA0052ECD5818EF4&tier=4&id=7ECD081F650F41C6A487C3C133E3F6B1 AS the egg recall related to salmonella-contaminated eggs from two farms spread over the Aug. 21-22 weekend, so did allegations that eggs from big, cage-housing operations are prone to the bacteria. Nothing is further from the truth, according to Feedstuffs sources. Salmonella can contaminate any animal- or plant-based food from any kind or size of farm operation, and the last major incident in which eggs and salmonella were linked was two years ago in eggs from a cage-free, organic production system, sources noted. Food Safety Feedstuffs 8/30/10 http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/26/1407594/fully-cooked-eggs-eliminate-salmonella.html The recent recall of eggs because of possible salmonella contamination has left cooks with a dilemma. Eggs are a staple, and the fear of salmonella puts many a menu on hold. But thoroughly cooked eggs are thoroughly safe eggs, according to the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. Salmonella is destroyed by the heat of cooking. Eggs should be cooked until the whites and yolks are firm. Dishes containing eggs should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, according to the American Egg Board. Food Safety The recent recall of eggs because of possible salmonella contamination has left cooks with a dilemma. Eggs are a staple, and the fear of salmonella puts many a menu on hold. But thoroughly cooked eggs are thoroughly safe eggs, according to the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration 8/30/10 http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/010910/usa___meat_and_farming_get_wrong_image_portrayed_by_media_.aspx “Factory farming,” paints a picture of animal suffering, excessive antibiotic and hormone use, food safety concerns and environmental damage. Food Safety Meattradenewsdaily 9/2/10 http://www.turnto23.com/east_county/24833897/detail.html BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- "It's extremely rare to have a salmonella outbreak in the egg industry. In fact in California we haven't had a Salmonella Enteritidis associated outbreak in more than 10 years," said Veterinarian Nancy Reimers. Even more rare is the current species of salmonella. "Salmonella Enteritidis is very rare. I've heard people encounter a Salmonella Enteritidis positive egg once every 84 years," said Reimers. Food Safety KERO-TV 23 9/2/10 http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4455065 Aug. 31--Olivera Egg Ranch in French Camp plans to install a 1.4-megawatt fuel cell electrical plant, powered by methane from more than 1 million pounds of poultry waste per week, reducing both its electric bills and waste disposal costs. The system may also help ease the egg farm's impact on neighbors who have sued Olivera over noxious ammonia emissions from its manure lagoons. Environment istockanalyst 9/2/10 http://www.farminguk.com/newsletters/EU-unprepared-for-battery-cage-ban-MEP_18843.html At a meeting of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on Monday (30 August), UK Independence Party’s agriculture spokesman and Norfolk egg farmer, Stuart Agnew MEP, clashed with a European Commission representative over the battery cage ban due to come into force on 1 January 2012. Mr Agnew was at pains to point out that the egg industry believes that as much as 29 per cent of EU egg production will still be from caged birds when the ban comes into force. Commenting after the meeting, Mr Agnew said: "The Commission is burying its head in the sand on this issue. Its representative at the meeting, ironically, an Englishman called Newman was not prepared to speculate on what might happen if a significant number of hens are still in cages. His line is ’it will be alright on the night’, despite the fact that financially, let alone logistically the industry believes that 29 per cent of EU production will still be in cages on D-Day. He was not prepared to discuss suggestions that battery cage eggs must not leave the country of production. He would only say that the Commission is constantly reminding member states of their obligations. No mention was made of any attempt by the Commission to either encourage or force them to comply with the ban. "Once again, I championed the obvious solution of creating an extra number ’4’ classification to be used to identify colony-produced eggs but Mr Newman failed to answer because he believes that there will not be a need for it. The potential disaster here is that English egg producers have invested heavily in the infrastructure needed to comply with the ban and having met the deadline, will find themselves in unfair competition from suppliers outside of the EU or from member states who have not met the deadline but have been allowed extensions." Mr Agnew made the Commission’s options very clear during the Committee meeting: "You have no Plan B, so on 1st January 2012 you will have to make a choice. Either you ban 29 per cent of production, which will be replaced by imported eggs from outside the EU, which of course will be produced in battery cages, or you give the non-compliant member states more time, resulting in eggs from different production systems being put on the market under the same label." Animal Welfare 9/3/10 http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/food/safety/2010-09-03-egg-farms-salmonella_N.htm PEARL CITY, Ill. — There is nothing small scale about Pearl Valley Eggs, deep in the heart of Illinois farm country. The egg farm itself, two miles south of the nearest town, is a neat collection of 350-foot- and 450-foot henhouses covered in white steel siding. They're linked by overhead pipes that bring in ground corn and soybeans from the farm's own feed mill. The farm employs 100 people and produces 800,000 to 850,000 eggs a day, seven days a week. "The chickens don't stop laying eggs just because it's the weekend," says Ben Thompson, 30, who runs the farm with his father, Dave. Food Safety USAToday 9/3/10