Archive for December, 2008
Meanwhile, back at the ranch
While helping our neighbor Grant Dunning move cattle on Moon Creek Road, south of Hathaway, I stopped in a the Cheezum ranch. Check out that fire place! That is a one of a kind fire pit made from petrified wood!
Happy holidays to all…
Christmas is coming, and I can hardly wait! The last few weeks have been extremely busy and productive in DC, and now I am happy to be headed back to Montana for a break with the family. See what I’ve been up to in the entries for 12/10 through 12/23. Enjoy, and happy holidays!
Call with USDA Veterinary Services Management Team regarding its updated VS Memorandum on Premises Identification Numbers
Chuck Kiker and I participated on this call today. USDA VS Officials outlined the updated memorandum. First off all, USDA announced that it had canceled its Sept. 22nd VS Memorandum. USDA will now send the corrected information to the Federal Register early in 2009. A few basic points outlined during this call included:
• Livestock markets will not assign a premises ID to a cattle producer; rather, if a producer without a premises ID sells cattle at a livestock market, then those cattle will be traced to the livestock market premises ID and a producer will not be assigned a premises ID. (Mark Ellis, you can thank Chuck Kiker for bringing this up and clarifying this point!)
• VS has established a procedure for producers who request their premises record be removed from the NAIS premises database.
• A State PIN will be issued in the administration of animal disease program activities when the State or producer (or person responsible) for the premises elects not to have a standardized PIN assigned to the premises.
All in all, I think that the USDA listened to the concerns we raised on behalf of U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. We received A LOT of negative feedback regarding the Sept. 22nd memo, and USCA relayed all of that info on to USDA. Hopefully we can continue a positive working dialogue with USDA on this issue.
If you like the sounds of the updated memo and USCA’s work on it, please call or email me. If you hate it and are really worked up about it, please call Chuck Kiker! All kidding aside, we welcome your input and guidance on this very important issue.
COOL Meeting with Whitehouse OMB
On Thursday, December 18th, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Farmers Union, and the consumer groups met with the Whitehouse Office of Management and Budget (OMB). As you may already know, the final COOL regulation is under review by OMB. USCA has received reports that this rule will be finalized and posted tomorrow night (Christmas Eve). Given that information, during our meeting we asked USDA to delay posting the final rule until the conclusion of the six-month evaluation period. There are still several lingering questions regarding packer and retailer compliance with COOL, and our group felt it was important to iron out these kinks before the rule is finalized. We delivered the September 26th COOL clarification letter that was signed by 32 Senators. This letter outlined several of the COOL issues that still need to be addressed.
Also during this meeting, USCA stated it support for the current COOL verification process and urged OMB to continue the use of allowing import markings, health papers, and affidavits.
So tune in tomorrow night if you can pull yourself away from the Christmas tree and family! Check out the USDA website regarding the status of the COOL rule, and rest assured knowing that the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association will be monitoring it!
USDA TB Listening Session and Breakout Meeting update
On Tuesday, December 16th, I attended the USDA Listening Session and Breakout Meeting on Tuberculosis. I want to thank everyone who called in to the Horn Wrap call that morning to give me excellent input for TB talking points. I raised the following noteworthy issues:
• USDA needs to isolate the TB problem. Mexico producers claim to test steers bound for the U.S., but we have reports from producers in the Southwest states that question the accuracy and credibility of the TB testing that is supposedly taking place in Mexico.
• Feeder steers and dairy heifers need to be segregated in feedyards. Mexican feeder steers and U.S. dairy heifers should NOT be comingled.
• Rodeo stock needs to be TB tested on an annual basis.
• As USDA finalizes its TB rules, it needs to take into consideration the TB mitigation measures that are currently being done in states like New Mexico.
• In the state of Washington, the process that involves “restricted feedyards” needs to be refined. “Restricted feedyards” feed Canadian steers that are imported without TB testing and will not be comingled. However, WA state producers report that a loophole allows these steers to enter WA livestock markets. It’s my understanding this issue is being addressed at the state level but that it remains an issue that needs to be addressed.
A point that really stood out was the fact that the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and other industry groups can take a proactive role in ensuring Congress properly funds the TB eradication efforts. I learned at this meeting that each year USDA submits a white paper to members of the United States Animal Health Association during its annual meeting. This white paper outlines necessary additional TB funding. USDA runs into several hurdles anytime it requests specialized funding. This white paper helps clarify the funding needs. Industry groups can use this information to lobby Congress for additional funds. USCA and industry groups need to keep this in mind during next year’s USAHA meeting. Similar to the Fever Tick eradication efforts in Texas, if the federal funds are tied up and not delivered, then it hinders the ability of both the feds and states to properly carry out disease eradication efforts.
Another point that was made very clear: we are at least 10-15 years away from designing a better TB test. From the sounds of this meeting, cattle producers should not expect an upgraded TB test in the near future.
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