Challenging bovine Big Brother

Challenging bovine Big Brother

Entrepreneur creates own radio chips to ID cows

By Brian Bergstein
Associated Press / Fortwayne.com

TULSA, Okla. – After growing up on a cattle ranch, John Hassell became an electrical engineer specializing in wireless technology. So he feels doubly qualified to offer this warning about the system taking shape to track cattle across America: It won’t work.

To be sure, he doesn’t quibble with the logic of the system. It stems from the Bush administration’s plan to give agriculture inspectors the ability to pinpoint the origins of “mad cow” and other diseases within 48 hours. Livestock facilities and individual animals will get identifying numbers, which owners will use to document the beasts’ movements in industry databases.

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Alleged thief squeezes calves in small car

Alleged thief squeezes calves in small car

Associated Press / Sanluisobispo.com

OGDENSBURG, N.Y. – A man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly stealing seven calves from a Canton farmer, sheriff’s deputies said.

Victor R. Gardner, 22, is accused of squeezing seven of the young cattle into the back seat and trunk of a 2000 Dodge Neon. He is charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny.

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Reverse split helps eMerge recover after shaky start

Reverse split helps eMerge recover after shaky start

BY SCOTT BLAKE
FLORIDA TODAY

With the scare over mad-cow disease and the mass recalls of beef in recent years, it seemed like there would be a big market for cattle tracking and inspection products. But, so far, that hasn’t been the case for Sebastian-based eMerge Interactive Inc., which makes such products.

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Will We See Meat Even Vegetarians Can Love?

Will We See Meat Even Vegetarians Can Love?

American Chronicle

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – PETA
June 1, 2006

By Ingrid E. Newkirk

Imagine tucking into a plate of sausages, popping chicken nuggets into your mouth and dining on a sumptuous steak — all with the approval of the most ardent vegan animal rights activists.

This may not be just wishful thinking, for meat-eaters or activists, because scientists at the University of Maryland say that it is possible to grow huge quantities of meat in laboratories and market it to consumers.

This is truly science that will benefit everyone, and I urge legislators, government agencies and officials to support it.

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The other side of NAIS

The other side of NAIS

By Randy Givens
for eco-logic/Powerhouse / citizenreviewonline.com

June 1, 2006

Editors’ note: Here is a reply to a recent pro-NAIS article by Cindy Coping, published in the May, 2006, People for the West Newsletter (scroll down to read the original article).

I was extremely disappointed to read the article on the National Animal Identification by Cindy Coping in your May Newsletter. The article is full of incorrect information, and a defeatist attitude which flies in the face of your mission.

Here is a rebuttal of just a few of her incorrect statements:

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Ninety-eight percent of U.S. farms are family farms

Ninety-eight percent of U.S. farms are family farms

Thursday, June 1, 2006, 1:38 PM
Brownfield Network
by Bob Meyer

The latest statistics from the USDA Economic Research Service show 98% of the farms in the United States are family farms. The Structure and Finances of U.S. Farms: 2005 Family Farm Report defines family farms as, “Proprietorships, partnerships or family operations that do not have hired managers.” The report found four major points:

Large family farms, those with annual sales over $1 million, account for only 9% of total farms in 2003 but produced 73% of all production by value. Small family operations do account for significant amounts of hay, tobacco, cash grains, dairy and beef cattle.

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National Beef completes acquisition of Brawley Beef

National Beef completes acquisition of Brawley Beef

MEATPOULTRY.com,
June 1, 2006
by Keith Nunes

KANSAS CITY, MO. – National Beef Packing Company, L.L.C. and its majority owner, U.S. Premium Beef, L.L.C. (U.S.P.B.), announced the completion of its acquisition of Brawley, Calif.-based Brawley Beef, L.L.C. The acquisition results in Brawley contributing its assets in exchange for an ownership interest in U.S.P.B. For National Beef, the acquisition of Brawley Beef creates a new relationship with its owner/producers in Arizona and California.

As part of the acquisition, National Beef will own and operate the Brawley Beef facility. The plant, constructed in 2001, has the capacity to process over 400,000 cattle annually.

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Safety Around Beef Animas is Very Important

Safety Around Beef Animas is Very Important

Clyde D. Lane, Professor,
Animal Science, University of Tennessee

Beef producers cannot be too careful when working around their animals.

Working around the bull can be very dangerous. Bulls are generally docile, however, they should not be trusted. Even bulls with a good disposition can get rowdy and cause personal injury to the owner. When feeding bulls be careful to not get between the bull and the feed. Because of the size of a bull, just a push can result in an injury. Extra care should be used When placing a bull in a chute for routine health care. Bulls have a habit of getting their own way and trying to make them do something they do not want to do can prove dangerous.

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EU Parliament Calls For Free Trade Deal With US By 2015

EU Parliament Calls For Free Trade Deal With US By 2015

Cattlenetwork.com

BRUSSELS (Dow Jones)–The European Parliament Thursday approved a resolution calling for a free trade accord with the U.S. by 2015, despite misgivings about the U.S.’s human rights records and policies on climate change.

The resolution called for the creation of an “unfettered transatlantic market by 2015.” This means both ending tariff barriers and creating common regulatory rules, a parliament official said.

Although non-binding, the report comes at a time when both E.U. and U.S. officials are touting an improvement in relations. Kurt Volker, the U.S. principal deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, visited Brussels this week and gave a rosy picture of relations between both Washington and the 25-nation bloc.

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Feedlots Bring Out Their Finest For Live Cattle Show

Feedlots Bring Out Their Finest For Live Cattle Show

Cattlenetwork.com

GARDEN CITY, KAN. – Cattlemen and women brought their best cattle to the Finney County Fairgrounds Thursday hoping to of be named champion of the 2006 Beef Empire Days Live Show.

Hitch Feeders II of Satanta, received top honors in the steer show with steer No. 149 weighing 1338 pounds. The steer is jointly owned by HAB-2 and Mike Long. A 1330 pound steer, No. 151, owned by Mike Van Mannen and entered by Beefland Feed Yard of Garden City placed second. Cactus of Kansas — Syracuse Feed Yard had the third place steer, No. 141, weighing 1384 pounds.

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