Cutting back on antibiotics use poses hurdles for hog farmers
BY PHILIP BRASHER • PBRASHER@DMREG.COM • AUGUST 22, 2010
State Center, Ia. - The Obama administration would like to see more hog farmers raising hogs the way the Hilleman brothers do - using fewer antibiotics.
But raising hogs with fewer antibiotics has its challenges, the brothers say. One big one: Some of the black Berkshire hogs grunting and rooting around the Hillemans' barns are likely to get sick and die before they're ready for market. That's because it's sometimes impractical to treat them, the brothers say.
Randy, Mark and Tom Hilleman raise the hogs for a local cooperative, Eden Farms, that markets Berkshire pork to high-end restaurants.
Farmers who raise Eden Farms pork earn a premium price for the pigs, because the Berkshires are valued by chefs at high-end restaurants because of the hogs' fatter, darker meat.
But farmers who supply Eden Farms cannot use antibiotics for growth promotion, a common practice on conventional farms, and they cannot use the drugs at all if the hogs are within 100 days - more than three months - of going to slaughter.
If a sick pig doesn't get better on its own, it's likely to get a shot of an antibiotic, unless the animal is under the 100-day drug ban. If the hogs are given antibiotics then, they can only be sold as conventional hogs, and that means keeping a treated animal in a separate pen or marking it in some way to make sure it wasn't mixed with the hogs that will be marketed under the Eden Farms label. But the Hillemans say it's impractical for them to treat the pigs and handle them separately. For every 100 hogs they raise, the brothers figure that two or three die of pneumonia or some other illness. The Hillemans send about 100 to 150 hogs to market each week. Read More
When we hear people outside of ag demanding antibiotics be limited or banned for use in livestock, they rarely seem aware of the consequences of those demands. The bottom line is more livestock will suffer through disease or die as a result. Regardless of production method, all livestock will be more prone to disease, suffer more because of it, and put more pressure on our food production system. There will always be ways we can improve our use of these tools, but making demands of livestock producers without changes in other antibiotic uses will only contribute to the unnecessary suffering of livestock.
Showing posts with label pork. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pork. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Animal Rights Activists Protest 4-H Auction
Activists Protest Animal Auction
4H Club says it's not animal cruelty, it's farming
By SUSAN RIVERA
Updated 9:00 AM CDT, Tue, Aug 3, 2010
Protesters targeted an animal auction at the Lake County fair this weekend.
Several protestors showed up to this at the Wagner Farm in Glenview during a pig auction to draw attention to what they say is animal cruelty, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Since it was established in 2002 the 4H Clovers club – which on its Website boasts membership of “57 children from the ages of 8 to 18" – has generated some controversy. In part because the livestock sold are raised on Glenview Park District Land. But also because most animals sold at the auction are headed to the slaughterhouse.
One of the animals on the auction block was a pig named Buddy raised in part by 11-year-old Mata Stilp and her brother Hans, reported the Chicago Tribune. Read More
Animal rights activists have been targeting 4-H more as of late. Any type of program that teaches young people about the how’s and why’s of raising livestock is certainly a threat to their misinformation campaign. Supporting programs like 4-H is more important than ever before. For many children, 4-H is their only exposure to agriculture. Taking advantage of these teaching opportunities is something we have to continue doing.
4H Club says it's not animal cruelty, it's farming
By SUSAN RIVERA
Updated 9:00 AM CDT, Tue, Aug 3, 2010
Protesters targeted an animal auction at the Lake County fair this weekend.
Several protestors showed up to this at the Wagner Farm in Glenview during a pig auction to draw attention to what they say is animal cruelty, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Since it was established in 2002 the 4H Clovers club – which on its Website boasts membership of “57 children from the ages of 8 to 18" – has generated some controversy. In part because the livestock sold are raised on Glenview Park District Land. But also because most animals sold at the auction are headed to the slaughterhouse.
One of the animals on the auction block was a pig named Buddy raised in part by 11-year-old Mata Stilp and her brother Hans, reported the Chicago Tribune. Read More
Animal rights activists have been targeting 4-H more as of late. Any type of program that teaches young people about the how’s and why’s of raising livestock is certainly a threat to their misinformation campaign. Supporting programs like 4-H is more important than ever before. For many children, 4-H is their only exposure to agriculture. Taking advantage of these teaching opportunities is something we have to continue doing.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Moms On The Farm
Moms Day Out On The Farm
By Alex Hoffman
Published: July 13, 2010, 5:02 PM
Keloland.com
HARTFORD, SD - Whether you are shopping for yourself or feeding a family, people are spending more time studying food labels.
On Tuesday, a group of moms went beyond the packaging and got a firsthand look at where it all comes from.
Surrounded by miles of rolling hills, the farm is normally a quiet oasis. But Tuesday, this land north of Hartford became an outdoor classroom.
Women are taking a break from work and families to find out exactly what it takes to get food from the field to the fridge.
"I think it'd be fun for them to see where it all starts from instead of just going to the grocery store and saying, 'Well, that’s where chicken comes from,' or 'That’s where pork comes from,'” hog farmer Dennis Steineke said.
Most of these women have very little experience being on a farm and say they're excited to learn what it's all about.
"It's good to learn about how farming works and how we get our meat and how the animals are taken from the farm to how we get them in the grocery store,” participant Jackie Studenski said.
Read More
This is a terrific program sponsored by Ag United. I’ve mentioned on this blog many times the importance of showing consumers what we do. There are those in our industry that talk about being advocates and there are those that actually do something. If you ever get the chance to host a tour of your farm or ranch jump on it. Thanks to Ag United and these South Dakota producers for hosting this tour.
By Alex Hoffman
Published: July 13, 2010, 5:02 PM
Keloland.com
HARTFORD, SD - Whether you are shopping for yourself or feeding a family, people are spending more time studying food labels.
On Tuesday, a group of moms went beyond the packaging and got a firsthand look at where it all comes from.
Surrounded by miles of rolling hills, the farm is normally a quiet oasis. But Tuesday, this land north of Hartford became an outdoor classroom.
Women are taking a break from work and families to find out exactly what it takes to get food from the field to the fridge.
"I think it'd be fun for them to see where it all starts from instead of just going to the grocery store and saying, 'Well, that’s where chicken comes from,' or 'That’s where pork comes from,'” hog farmer Dennis Steineke said.
Most of these women have very little experience being on a farm and say they're excited to learn what it's all about.
"It's good to learn about how farming works and how we get our meat and how the animals are taken from the farm to how we get them in the grocery store,” participant Jackie Studenski said.
Read More
This is a terrific program sponsored by Ag United. I’ve mentioned on this blog many times the importance of showing consumers what we do. There are those in our industry that talk about being advocates and there are those that actually do something. If you ever get the chance to host a tour of your farm or ranch jump on it. Thanks to Ag United and these South Dakota producers for hosting this tour.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Pork Youth Ambassadors
Youth Ambassadors active at World Pork Expo
By By Jean Caspers-Simmetsimmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 06/17/2010 9:25 AM
DES MOINES — Pork Youth Ambassadors Jason Welter and Sarah Pakala wear navy blue polo shirts that say "We Care" with the Pork Checkoff logo on the sleeve, and they invite people to ask them questions.
Welter just graduated from South Central College in Mankato with a degree in agricultural business. He is returning home to Stewartville, Minn., to help with his family's hog operation and to work for a neighbor.
Pakala is an Iowa State University senior majoring in ag studies from Dike.They joined other ambassadors from around the country for training and helped with National Pork Board activities at World Pork Expo.
Welter grew up on his parents, Myrna and Randy,'s farrow-to-finish operation. They now farrow 125 sows and raise 600 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. His father works full-time at Mayo Clinic. Welter has six brothers and sisters.
Pakala is new to the pork industry. Her interest developed when she began working for Ed Juhl, who has a hog operation near Hudson.Both won a competition to be their state's pork ambassador.
Pakala helps with World Pork Expo, the Iowa Pork Congress, the Iowa State Fair and she also works with middle school students and 4-H members.
"I'm educating the public on the good story of the pork industry," she said. Read More
We have the great pleasure of working with many groups of young adults interested in agriculture every year. The enthusiasm for promoting agriculture and the passion for making sure every consumer is receiving correct information about how food gets on their plates is incredible. With all of the energy ready to go to work, we just need to help them find the opportunities to use it. Programs like the Pork Youth Ambassadors do just that. These young people are some of our greatest advocates and they deserve all the support we can give them. ~Troy
By By Jean Caspers-Simmetsimmet@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 06/17/2010 9:25 AM
DES MOINES — Pork Youth Ambassadors Jason Welter and Sarah Pakala wear navy blue polo shirts that say "We Care" with the Pork Checkoff logo on the sleeve, and they invite people to ask them questions.
Welter just graduated from South Central College in Mankato with a degree in agricultural business. He is returning home to Stewartville, Minn., to help with his family's hog operation and to work for a neighbor.
Pakala is an Iowa State University senior majoring in ag studies from Dike.They joined other ambassadors from around the country for training and helped with National Pork Board activities at World Pork Expo.
Welter grew up on his parents, Myrna and Randy,'s farrow-to-finish operation. They now farrow 125 sows and raise 600 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. His father works full-time at Mayo Clinic. Welter has six brothers and sisters.
Pakala is new to the pork industry. Her interest developed when she began working for Ed Juhl, who has a hog operation near Hudson.Both won a competition to be their state's pork ambassador.
Pakala helps with World Pork Expo, the Iowa Pork Congress, the Iowa State Fair and she also works with middle school students and 4-H members.
"I'm educating the public on the good story of the pork industry," she said. Read More
We have the great pleasure of working with many groups of young adults interested in agriculture every year. The enthusiasm for promoting agriculture and the passion for making sure every consumer is receiving correct information about how food gets on their plates is incredible. With all of the energy ready to go to work, we just need to help them find the opportunities to use it. Programs like the Pork Youth Ambassadors do just that. These young people are some of our greatest advocates and they deserve all the support we can give them. ~Troy
Thursday, April 29, 2010
HSUS Meets with Domino's
HSUS will Address Domino's about Pork Suppliers
Pork news staff Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Humane Society of the United States will address Domino’s Pizza executives at the pizza company's April 28 annual shareholder meeting in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Domino’s is the world's second-largest pizza company, reports Pizza Marketplace. The delivery-carryout chain is based in Ann Arbor, Mich., and has more than 8,726 units in 60 countries. Domino’s did approximately $6.9 billion in system-wide sales in 2008.
“We’re asking the company to implement some very basic but important animal welfare improvements, similar to what many top food companies have already done,” says Kristine Middleton, corporate outreach manager, who will be addressing the executives. HSUS is a shareholder of the pizza company.
Middleton’s speech will mainly target what she says is the company’s practice of using pork from suppliers that use gestation-sow crates. Middleton cites seven states, including Michigan, Domino's home state, have passed laws prohibiting the use of gestation crates.
Other quick-serve restaurant chains such Burger King, CKE Restaurants, Wendy’s, Chipotle, Panera Bread and Sonic have agreed to phase in purchases of pork from suppliers who do not use gestation crate. Middleton could not confirm any pizza chains that have committed to that same action.
“We’re in various states of communication with various chains, including pizza chains, but none that are ready to make announcements,” she says. Link
Using a page out of PETA’s playbook seems like an odd way for the HSUS to convince people they aren’t as radical. But here you have it! Just like PETA has done in the past, they are meeting with companies or buying shares in an attempt to force them to change where they buy their food. Unfortunately, intimidation from the HSUS has been more effective than science in influencing the decisions.
Pork news staff Tuesday, April 27, 2010
The Humane Society of the United States will address Domino’s Pizza executives at the pizza company's April 28 annual shareholder meeting in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Domino’s is the world's second-largest pizza company, reports Pizza Marketplace. The delivery-carryout chain is based in Ann Arbor, Mich., and has more than 8,726 units in 60 countries. Domino’s did approximately $6.9 billion in system-wide sales in 2008.
“We’re asking the company to implement some very basic but important animal welfare improvements, similar to what many top food companies have already done,” says Kristine Middleton, corporate outreach manager, who will be addressing the executives. HSUS is a shareholder of the pizza company.
Middleton’s speech will mainly target what she says is the company’s practice of using pork from suppliers that use gestation-sow crates. Middleton cites seven states, including Michigan, Domino's home state, have passed laws prohibiting the use of gestation crates.
Other quick-serve restaurant chains such Burger King, CKE Restaurants, Wendy’s, Chipotle, Panera Bread and Sonic have agreed to phase in purchases of pork from suppliers who do not use gestation crate. Middleton could not confirm any pizza chains that have committed to that same action.
“We’re in various states of communication with various chains, including pizza chains, but none that are ready to make announcements,” she says. Link
Using a page out of PETA’s playbook seems like an odd way for the HSUS to convince people they aren’t as radical. But here you have it! Just like PETA has done in the past, they are meeting with companies or buying shares in an attempt to force them to change where they buy their food. Unfortunately, intimidation from the HSUS has been more effective than science in influencing the decisions.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Lawyer Challenges Pork Plant
January 1, 2010
Lawyer raises a stink about Ky. pork plant
By Martha Elson(Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal
Jon Salomon knew the JBS pork plant in Butchertown was only a couple of blocks away when he and his wife moved in 2008 from New York to a $465,000 condominium in Louisville, Ky.
But while they expected occasional odors, he said, "I was shocked" by the foul and often persistent stench.
"I've been to small towns where you wouldn't find that kind of odor on the farm," said Salomon, a 34-year-old former Wall Street lawyer.
Deciding that such odors shouldn't be legal anywhere - not even in a place called Butchertown - he quickly mounted an aggressive legal challenge on behalf of the Butchertown Neighborhood Association, and soon became the face of a communitywide debate.
Last month, supporters of the plant took to the street outside Salomon's downtown law office and handed out leaflets with his photo, saying, "Why is this man trying to drive 1,300 good jobs out of Louisville?" Read More
We’ve all seen this before. Someone moves into a new area and wants everyone else to conform to their demands. While the article does mention the jobs involved directly at the facility, it fails to mention all of the family farms that depend on it to process their hogs. Certainly the plant needs to be following the regulations in place, but why would you agree to buy this house in the first place if you were so offended by the odors. After all, he says it’s a persistent odor, which would mean he smelled it when he bought the place. It’s interesting that people think they should be able to tell ag-related businesses what to do. After all, you don’t see people moving in next door to an airport and then suing for noise pollution.
Lawyer raises a stink about Ky. pork plant
By Martha Elson(Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal
Jon Salomon knew the JBS pork plant in Butchertown was only a couple of blocks away when he and his wife moved in 2008 from New York to a $465,000 condominium in Louisville, Ky.
But while they expected occasional odors, he said, "I was shocked" by the foul and often persistent stench.
"I've been to small towns where you wouldn't find that kind of odor on the farm," said Salomon, a 34-year-old former Wall Street lawyer.
Deciding that such odors shouldn't be legal anywhere - not even in a place called Butchertown - he quickly mounted an aggressive legal challenge on behalf of the Butchertown Neighborhood Association, and soon became the face of a communitywide debate.
Last month, supporters of the plant took to the street outside Salomon's downtown law office and handed out leaflets with his photo, saying, "Why is this man trying to drive 1,300 good jobs out of Louisville?" Read More
We’ve all seen this before. Someone moves into a new area and wants everyone else to conform to their demands. While the article does mention the jobs involved directly at the facility, it fails to mention all of the family farms that depend on it to process their hogs. Certainly the plant needs to be following the regulations in place, but why would you agree to buy this house in the first place if you were so offended by the odors. After all, he says it’s a persistent odor, which would mean he smelled it when he bought the place. It’s interesting that people think they should be able to tell ag-related businesses what to do. After all, you don’t see people moving in next door to an airport and then suing for noise pollution.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Trial Lawyers Join Forces to Sue Farmers in Indiana
December 26, 2009
Lawyers targeting pig, dairy farms
Attorneys seek justice for neighbors allegedly injured by large operations
By Seth Slabaugh
Muncie Star Press
WINCHESTER, Ind. -- Neighbors who are fed up living next door to factory farms have found three high-powered trial lawyers who vow to make Randolph County "ground zero" in a legal food fight over how Indiana produces pork and milk.
Highly aggressive flies, harmful odors, stacks of dead animals and mismanagement of millions of gallons of manure are among the complaints of neighbors suing pork and dairy producers.
The trial lawyers are bringing multiple lawsuits challenging Indiana's industrial or factory model of producing milk and pork in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) promoted by Gov. Mitch Daniels' agriculture department.
It's a system that produces odors so intense that neighbors are suffering skin irritations, nausea, headaches, breathing difficulties, tightness of the chest, sinus infection, stress, burning eyes, noses and throats and other ailments, the lawsuits allege.
"There is a lot of discontent," said Indianapolis attorney Rich Hailey, a former president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, now known as the American Association for Justice (AAJ). "We anticipate the potential filing of a dozen more cases in a short period of time."
Read More
It’s too bad there won’t be anyone to sue when the grocery store shelves are empty or we become dependent on another country for our food supply. Suing family farmers because of smells that come from the production of food animals will be the first step to that happening. These are the same people that are also pushing to regulate crop farmers from ever having dust blow off their fields. Growing food isn’t an easy job. Getting sued for doing it will only lead to fewer families on the land.
Lawyers targeting pig, dairy farms
Attorneys seek justice for neighbors allegedly injured by large operations
By Seth Slabaugh
Muncie Star Press
WINCHESTER, Ind. -- Neighbors who are fed up living next door to factory farms have found three high-powered trial lawyers who vow to make Randolph County "ground zero" in a legal food fight over how Indiana produces pork and milk.
Highly aggressive flies, harmful odors, stacks of dead animals and mismanagement of millions of gallons of manure are among the complaints of neighbors suing pork and dairy producers.
The trial lawyers are bringing multiple lawsuits challenging Indiana's industrial or factory model of producing milk and pork in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) promoted by Gov. Mitch Daniels' agriculture department.
It's a system that produces odors so intense that neighbors are suffering skin irritations, nausea, headaches, breathing difficulties, tightness of the chest, sinus infection, stress, burning eyes, noses and throats and other ailments, the lawsuits allege.
"There is a lot of discontent," said Indianapolis attorney Rich Hailey, a former president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, now known as the American Association for Justice (AAJ). "We anticipate the potential filing of a dozen more cases in a short period of time."
Read More
It’s too bad there won’t be anyone to sue when the grocery store shelves are empty or we become dependent on another country for our food supply. Suing family farmers because of smells that come from the production of food animals will be the first step to that happening. These are the same people that are also pushing to regulate crop farmers from ever having dust blow off their fields. Growing food isn’t an easy job. Getting sued for doing it will only lead to fewer families on the land.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Uniting Agriculture
Last week, Stacy and I had the opportunity to present at the Range Beef Cow Symposium in Casper, WY. It's a three day meeting that occurs every other year and is one of the best informational meetings dealing with beef cattle that you can attend.
The message we shared was simple. It's important for producers to be talking to consumers, educating them about what they do and letting them know that their are great family farmers and ranchers in this country that are growing their food. We also tell them how important it is for all of us in agriculture to start working together. With less than 2% of the population involved in production agriculture, we can't afford to be divided. Certainly we need to promote our own products, but it shouldn't be done by trashing another commodity or production method. All of us rely on each other in some fashion in agriculture. The biggest challenges we face are a commonality amongst us and we need to work on them in a cooperative manner.
Unfortunately, the speaker that presented after us had a much different view. He told the beef cattle producers in attendance at the meeting that people who use modern production methods to raise pigs, chickens and dairy cattle are immoral and unethical. In fact he even suggested that beef producers use that as a marketing tool. While he is saying this, he continues to brag about how he is a friend to agriculture.
This person continually talked about how much he admired the cowboy culture and was happy to be part of it, even though he grew up in Brooklyn, NY. It was obvious that he knows nothing about the cowboy culture, at least not the culture I was raised in. You see, if he knew anything about our culture, he wouldn't suggest we try stepping on the throats of our neighbors to promote ourselves.
He also went on to say that we should accept the demands of animal rights groups like HSUS rather than doing what Ohio did with their Issue 2. If he were truly a friend of agriculture, he would trust livestock producers to care for them rather than thinking that an animal rights lobbying group out of Washington DC knows better.
I have a lot of great friends that raise pigs, chickens and dairy cattle. I have been on several of these operations all over the United States. While all of them are different, they all have one thing in common, and that is the fact that they care about their livestock. They are using certain production techniques because they DO care about them, not because they don't. And if any of these folks were immoral or unethical, they wouldn't work so hard to care for their animals.
I'm proud to be in agriculture and I'm proud to be associated with these other livestock commodities. I suppose when you sit at a desk for a career, never worrying about where your next meal is going to come from that it's easy to chastise what these people do.
He claimed that a beef producer once told him that if he had to raise his cows the way pig producers raise their animals that he would quit. Here's what I think as a beef producer. If my industry starts listening to people like this that want to drive a wedge between neighbors, that will be the day I quit.
I'm not an ethicist with a Ph. D. behind my name like this guy, but I am a fifth generation United States rancher. I don't need a person like this telling me what's right and wrong. The cowboy culture that he so admires is the one I grew up in and that experience tells me what he is suggesting is wrong.
The message we shared was simple. It's important for producers to be talking to consumers, educating them about what they do and letting them know that their are great family farmers and ranchers in this country that are growing their food. We also tell them how important it is for all of us in agriculture to start working together. With less than 2% of the population involved in production agriculture, we can't afford to be divided. Certainly we need to promote our own products, but it shouldn't be done by trashing another commodity or production method. All of us rely on each other in some fashion in agriculture. The biggest challenges we face are a commonality amongst us and we need to work on them in a cooperative manner.
Unfortunately, the speaker that presented after us had a much different view. He told the beef cattle producers in attendance at the meeting that people who use modern production methods to raise pigs, chickens and dairy cattle are immoral and unethical. In fact he even suggested that beef producers use that as a marketing tool. While he is saying this, he continues to brag about how he is a friend to agriculture.
This person continually talked about how much he admired the cowboy culture and was happy to be part of it, even though he grew up in Brooklyn, NY. It was obvious that he knows nothing about the cowboy culture, at least not the culture I was raised in. You see, if he knew anything about our culture, he wouldn't suggest we try stepping on the throats of our neighbors to promote ourselves.
He also went on to say that we should accept the demands of animal rights groups like HSUS rather than doing what Ohio did with their Issue 2. If he were truly a friend of agriculture, he would trust livestock producers to care for them rather than thinking that an animal rights lobbying group out of Washington DC knows better.
I have a lot of great friends that raise pigs, chickens and dairy cattle. I have been on several of these operations all over the United States. While all of them are different, they all have one thing in common, and that is the fact that they care about their livestock. They are using certain production techniques because they DO care about them, not because they don't. And if any of these folks were immoral or unethical, they wouldn't work so hard to care for their animals.
I'm proud to be in agriculture and I'm proud to be associated with these other livestock commodities. I suppose when you sit at a desk for a career, never worrying about where your next meal is going to come from that it's easy to chastise what these people do.
He claimed that a beef producer once told him that if he had to raise his cows the way pig producers raise their animals that he would quit. Here's what I think as a beef producer. If my industry starts listening to people like this that want to drive a wedge between neighbors, that will be the day I quit.
I'm not an ethicist with a Ph. D. behind my name like this guy, but I am a fifth generation United States rancher. I don't need a person like this telling me what's right and wrong. The cowboy culture that he so admires is the one I grew up in and that experience tells me what he is suggesting is wrong.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Vandals Kill 3800 Pigs In Iowa
Suspected act of vandalism kills 3,800 Northwest Iowa pigs
By Dolly A. Butz dbutz@siouxcityjournal.com Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009
HULL, Iowa -- A suspected act of vandalism at a hog confinement near Hull that caused the deaths of thousands of pigs last week has puzzled authorities.
"We have no idea why somebody would do something like this," Sioux County Sheriff Dan Altena said Monday.
According to Altena, someone entered the facility, 2739 Highway 75, and intentionally turned off the confinement's airflow and alarm systems sometime during the overnight hours last Thursday, causing 3,800 pigs to suffocate.
"These confinements have an alarm system that if something goes bad with the air handling unit it telephones to a certain location," Altena said. "They shut down both of those."
At 10:30 a.m. Friday, owner Todd Hasche, of rural Rock Rapids, Iowa, called police and reported that all of the feeder pigs at the facility were dead and that someone had tampered with the confinement's airflow system. Read More
It’s almost hard to read this story. Farmers and ranchers put everything they have into taking care of their crops and livestock and then on a whim, some criminal comes along and destroys it all. Hopefully they catch whoever is responsible for this very soon. To go along with this, does anyone think HSUS will come in and offer a reward on this case? If someone intentionally killed a dog or a horse in this manner, they would have already done so. I guess I won’t hold my breath, but it shows the hypocrisy of this group.
Update:
The HSUS did finally come forward with the offer of a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these criminals. Thanks to my friend Sarah at HSUS for sending me the information. Now if we could only get them to reverse their policy and stated goals of eliminating all animal agriculture and forcing a vegan diet on everyone.
By Dolly A. Butz dbutz@siouxcityjournal.com Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009
HULL, Iowa -- A suspected act of vandalism at a hog confinement near Hull that caused the deaths of thousands of pigs last week has puzzled authorities.
"We have no idea why somebody would do something like this," Sioux County Sheriff Dan Altena said Monday.
According to Altena, someone entered the facility, 2739 Highway 75, and intentionally turned off the confinement's airflow and alarm systems sometime during the overnight hours last Thursday, causing 3,800 pigs to suffocate.
"These confinements have an alarm system that if something goes bad with the air handling unit it telephones to a certain location," Altena said. "They shut down both of those."
At 10:30 a.m. Friday, owner Todd Hasche, of rural Rock Rapids, Iowa, called police and reported that all of the feeder pigs at the facility were dead and that someone had tampered with the confinement's airflow system. Read More
It’s almost hard to read this story. Farmers and ranchers put everything they have into taking care of their crops and livestock and then on a whim, some criminal comes along and destroys it all. Hopefully they catch whoever is responsible for this very soon. To go along with this, does anyone think HSUS will come in and offer a reward on this case? If someone intentionally killed a dog or a horse in this manner, they would have already done so. I guess I won’t hold my breath, but it shows the hypocrisy of this group.
Update:
The HSUS did finally come forward with the offer of a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these criminals. Thanks to my friend Sarah at HSUS for sending me the information. Now if we could only get them to reverse their policy and stated goals of eliminating all animal agriculture and forcing a vegan diet on everyone.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
MN Farmers Donate Food To Communities
State farmers donate pork and dairy products to Minnesota food shelves
Pine Journal
Published: 11/03/2009
SAINT PAUL, MN, October 30, 2009 – Minnesota Farmers Helping Families, a coalition of state agriculture commodity groups, announced today a donation of more than $115,000 in pork and dairy products to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, a comprehensive hunger relief organization.
At a news conference hosted by Governor Tim Pawlenty at the state capitol, representatives from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Milk Producers Association announced the donation of approximately 85,000 lbs of pork and more than 36,000 pounds of cheese.
"Minnesota farmers are known for their willingness to help neighbors in times of need,” Governor Pawlenty said. “It’s heartwarming to see the agricultural community lending a hand, even as it faces its own economic challenges."
In 2008, there were 2 million visits and 47 million pounds of food distributed at Minnesota’s 300 food shelves. There has been an 89 percent increase in food shelf visits since 2000. Minnesota food shelves have also seen a surge in demand this year. There were 328,468 unique visitors to food shelves in the first six months of the year. Read More
One of the favorite terms as of late to describe us evil agriculturalists is greedy. I’m not sure why they think we are greedy. After all, we produce the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world for this country. Even in the face of these insults, we continue to push forward growing food and living the values of rural America. I always enjoy sharing stories of farmers and ranchers donating food to help their friends and neighbors in the community. If you think about it, it’s one of the most basic and appreciated acts of kindness a human being can do. Congratulations to these Minnesota farming and ranching families for their donation.
Pine Journal
Published: 11/03/2009
SAINT PAUL, MN, October 30, 2009 – Minnesota Farmers Helping Families, a coalition of state agriculture commodity groups, announced today a donation of more than $115,000 in pork and dairy products to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, a comprehensive hunger relief organization.
At a news conference hosted by Governor Tim Pawlenty at the state capitol, representatives from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Minnesota Pork Board and Minnesota Milk Producers Association announced the donation of approximately 85,000 lbs of pork and more than 36,000 pounds of cheese.
"Minnesota farmers are known for their willingness to help neighbors in times of need,” Governor Pawlenty said. “It’s heartwarming to see the agricultural community lending a hand, even as it faces its own economic challenges."
In 2008, there were 2 million visits and 47 million pounds of food distributed at Minnesota’s 300 food shelves. There has been an 89 percent increase in food shelf visits since 2000. Minnesota food shelves have also seen a surge in demand this year. There were 328,468 unique visitors to food shelves in the first six months of the year. Read More
One of the favorite terms as of late to describe us evil agriculturalists is greedy. I’m not sure why they think we are greedy. After all, we produce the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world for this country. Even in the face of these insults, we continue to push forward growing food and living the values of rural America. I always enjoy sharing stories of farmers and ranchers donating food to help their friends and neighbors in the community. If you think about it, it’s one of the most basic and appreciated acts of kindness a human being can do. Congratulations to these Minnesota farming and ranching families for their donation.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Food Bank Donation
October 27, 2009
Half-ton of pork donated
CentralOhio.com
BUCYRUS - Pat and Duane Hord of Hord Livestock recently delivered 1,070 pounds of ground pork to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
The effort, "Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Ohio," is a partnership between the Ohio Pork Producers Council, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, the Ohio Association of Meat Processors and the Ohio Corn Marketing Program. These groups hope to provide 100,000 pounds, or 500,000 servings, of pork through April 30. Food will be distributed through 12 Ohio food banks.
The program began Sept. 22 and has donated more than 5,000 pounds of pork.
"The Hord family has been a part of Crawford, Marion and surrounding communities, dating back to the 1800s," Pat Hord said. "We have always made it our practice to help our community members in any way possible. We are proud to have the opportunity to be partnering with the Ohio Pork Producers Council in this effort to fight hunger in Ohio. Read More
More and more families in our communities are relying on food banks for their next meal due to the tough economic times across the country. Demand at food banks has risen dramatically in the past two years unfortunately. If there is anything that rural America does well though, they know the importance of taking care of their neighbors. So many times you will see farmers and ranchers donating part of their harvest to help out their friends and neighbors that need it. It’s just one of the great things you can expect from rural America.
Half-ton of pork donated
CentralOhio.com
BUCYRUS - Pat and Duane Hord of Hord Livestock recently delivered 1,070 pounds of ground pork to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
The effort, "Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Ohio," is a partnership between the Ohio Pork Producers Council, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, the Ohio Association of Meat Processors and the Ohio Corn Marketing Program. These groups hope to provide 100,000 pounds, or 500,000 servings, of pork through April 30. Food will be distributed through 12 Ohio food banks.
The program began Sept. 22 and has donated more than 5,000 pounds of pork.
"The Hord family has been a part of Crawford, Marion and surrounding communities, dating back to the 1800s," Pat Hord said. "We have always made it our practice to help our community members in any way possible. We are proud to have the opportunity to be partnering with the Ohio Pork Producers Council in this effort to fight hunger in Ohio. Read More
More and more families in our communities are relying on food banks for their next meal due to the tough economic times across the country. Demand at food banks has risen dramatically in the past two years unfortunately. If there is anything that rural America does well though, they know the importance of taking care of their neighbors. So many times you will see farmers and ranchers donating part of their harvest to help out their friends and neighbors that need it. It’s just one of the great things you can expect from rural America.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
PETA Billboard Suggests H1N1 From Eating Pork
PETA rapped over swine flu fear mongering
Wed, 14 Oct 2009 By Russell Parsons
A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for spreading “undue fear and distress” about swine flu.
The watchdog ruled some readers might infer that eating meat caused swine flu because the disease stood out more than the others and sat next to the statement on meat and vegetarianism. Read More
Wed, 14 Oct 2009 By Russell Parsons
A People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for spreading “undue fear and distress” about swine flu.
The ad states “meat kills” in large letters next to a list of diseases with swine flu more prominently featured than others including e.coli and mad cow. The end line reads: “Go Vegetarian. PETA”.
The watchdog ruled some readers might infer that eating meat caused swine flu because the disease stood out more than the others and sat next to the statement on meat and vegetarianism. Read More
Since PETA’s views and ideas can’t stand on their own in society, they have to blatantly lie to the public to garner support. This billboard suggests that eating pork will give you H1N1 and probably kill you. Along with that, eating any type of meat will kill you according to their message. Thankfully it has been rejected by British officials because it is so blatantly misleading. However, they will continue to produce these outlandish ads which is why those of us in agriculture must continue to be vigilant in telling the true story of ag.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Flu Infected Herd Destroyed
Hog farmer destroys herd quarantined for swine flu
Andrea Sands, Canwest News Service
EDMONTON -- The Alberta hog farmer whose herd was quarantined after the animals were infected with swine flu has culled his entire herd, says a news release from Alberta Pork.
Arnold Van Ginkel said in the release Sunday he made the business decision because he couldn't sell the pigs, even though the animals were safe to eat. The quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency meant no animals from the farm could be marketed until testing showed the virus was gone and all the animals were healthy, the release said.
"I am disappointed that I have to cull these animals, but the presence of the Type A H1N1 virus in my herd left me with few options," said Van Ginkel, who had more than 2,000 pigs on his farm near Rocky Mountain House, west of Red Deer.
"With the quarantine still in place, I was facing another partial cull due to overcrowding and no prospects for marketing my animals once they were given a clean bill of health. The only real option left was to have a complete cull and end the uncertainty for my farm and for the entire pork industry." Read More
This is an unfortunate end to an unfortunate situation. Because of the unfounded fears over H1N1 and livestock, Van Ginkel would have never been able to market these animals. For the industry, this was the most responsible thing to have happen. Hopefully this farm family can recover from the financial and emotional hardship this has caused.
Andrea Sands, Canwest News Service
EDMONTON -- The Alberta hog farmer whose herd was quarantined after the animals were infected with swine flu has culled his entire herd, says a news release from Alberta Pork.
Arnold Van Ginkel said in the release Sunday he made the business decision because he couldn't sell the pigs, even though the animals were safe to eat. The quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency meant no animals from the farm could be marketed until testing showed the virus was gone and all the animals were healthy, the release said.
"I am disappointed that I have to cull these animals, but the presence of the Type A H1N1 virus in my herd left me with few options," said Van Ginkel, who had more than 2,000 pigs on his farm near Rocky Mountain House, west of Red Deer.
"With the quarantine still in place, I was facing another partial cull due to overcrowding and no prospects for marketing my animals once they were given a clean bill of health. The only real option left was to have a complete cull and end the uncertainty for my farm and for the entire pork industry." Read More
This is an unfortunate end to an unfortunate situation. Because of the unfounded fears over H1N1 and livestock, Van Ginkel would have never been able to market these animals. For the industry, this was the most responsible thing to have happen. Hopefully this farm family can recover from the financial and emotional hardship this has caused.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Leading by Example
Students learn they can’t get swine flu from eating pork
AARON KEITH HARRIS Staff Writer
JAMESTOWN, OH — The recent outbreak of the swine flu turned into a “teachable moment” and a delicious treat for some Greeneview High School students Friday.
Craig Corry, who teaches agriculture at the school, organized the “Salute the Pig — Stick it to the Swine Flu Barbecue” to educate his students about the fact that you can’t get the swine flu from eating pork.
“The idea came from the fact that some of the students had concerns about catching H1N1 from eating pork products,” Corry said.“We want to get the word out that pork products are fine to eat,” Corry said. “It’s been a big financial issue for some families, and we need to get education and positive information out there.”
“Anytime you give the consumer a doubt, it affects the bottom line,” said Janelle Mead of the Ohio Farm Bureau, who sponsored the event and provided the tasty pork loins.
Corry told his students that the care, quality and inspection standards in the United States are better than anywhere else in the world and that pork is safe to eat if cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
“This is great,” said sophomore Wayne Harlow, who was on his second pork sandwich. “You can’t get swine flu from eating pork, but pork is delicious and you should keep eating it.” Link
AARON KEITH HARRIS Staff Writer
JAMESTOWN, OH — The recent outbreak of the swine flu turned into a “teachable moment” and a delicious treat for some Greeneview High School students Friday.
Craig Corry, who teaches agriculture at the school, organized the “Salute the Pig — Stick it to the Swine Flu Barbecue” to educate his students about the fact that you can’t get the swine flu from eating pork.
“The idea came from the fact that some of the students had concerns about catching H1N1 from eating pork products,” Corry said.“We want to get the word out that pork products are fine to eat,” Corry said. “It’s been a big financial issue for some families, and we need to get education and positive information out there.”
“Anytime you give the consumer a doubt, it affects the bottom line,” said Janelle Mead of the Ohio Farm Bureau, who sponsored the event and provided the tasty pork loins.
Corry told his students that the care, quality and inspection standards in the United States are better than anywhere else in the world and that pork is safe to eat if cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.
“This is great,” said sophomore Wayne Harlow, who was on his second pork sandwich. “You can’t get swine flu from eating pork, but pork is delicious and you should keep eating it.” Link
Friday, May 8, 2009
Assistance for Pork Industry
USDA may help ailing pork industry hit by H1N1
Thu May 7, 2009 2:23pm EDT
By Christopher Doering
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. pork industry, battered by import bans by nearly two dozen countries worried about the H1N1 flu outbreak, could soon receive some help from the government, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday.
"Clearly pork producers have suffered and will continue to do so until we get this turned around," Vilsack told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee. "We are looking at ways we can be of assistance or help," he said.
Vilsack did not go into details on what type of aid the industry might receive or when it would occur.
In a letter to the USDA earlier this week, the National Pork Producers Council said low prices have compounded a slump in the pork industry. It suggested USDA buy $50 million in pork products for donation to food pantries and hunger relief to bolster hog prices. Read More
Because consumers really don’t understand where their food comes from or how it is produced, issues like having a flu virus named after a farm animal are doomed to continue haunting agriculture. That is unless all of us take everyday opportunities to educate people about agriculture. Sometimes its easy to think we don’t have time to promote ag, but look at how much money this flu virus cost the pork industry.
Thu May 7, 2009 2:23pm EDT
By Christopher Doering
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. pork industry, battered by import bans by nearly two dozen countries worried about the H1N1 flu outbreak, could soon receive some help from the government, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday.
"Clearly pork producers have suffered and will continue to do so until we get this turned around," Vilsack told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee. "We are looking at ways we can be of assistance or help," he said.
Vilsack did not go into details on what type of aid the industry might receive or when it would occur.
In a letter to the USDA earlier this week, the National Pork Producers Council said low prices have compounded a slump in the pork industry. It suggested USDA buy $50 million in pork products for donation to food pantries and hunger relief to bolster hog prices. Read More
Because consumers really don’t understand where their food comes from or how it is produced, issues like having a flu virus named after a farm animal are doomed to continue haunting agriculture. That is unless all of us take everyday opportunities to educate people about agriculture. Sometimes its easy to think we don’t have time to promote ag, but look at how much money this flu virus cost the pork industry.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Infected Canadian Pigs Recovered From Flu
Canada reports pigs infected with H1N1
By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY
For the first time, a sick farmworker has infected pigs with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, World Health Organization officials said Sunday.
A farmworker who recently had traveled to Mexico has infected a herd of pigs in Alberta, Canada, Peter Ben Embarek, a WHO food safety scientist, said at a news conference. The worker returned to the farm in mid-April, and the animals began getting sick eight to 10 days later, Embarek said.
The infection was mild, and the farmworker and pigs have recovered.
The virus that infected the pigs is the same one that is in circulation among people, and there is no indication that the transfer between species has caused the flu bug to mutate into a new or dangerous form, Embarek said.
"This is not a big surprise," he said, noting that officials had expected that pigs could be infected in areas where the virus is circulating.
Although farmworkers are at risk of contracting the virus from pigs, Embarek emphasized that people cannot become infected from eating pork. Both heat and the curing process used to make ham kill the virus, and the virus doesn't live long on surfaces.
"You can continue to safely eat your prosciutto," Embarek said. Link
Even though for the first time, a group of pigs in Canada were infected with the H1N1 virus, there is still no reason for anyone to panic. It appears that the pigs will recover without any problems. Properly handled and cooked pork is still safe to eat. Everyone needs to remember that 36,000 people die from the flu every year in the United States. So far not a single resident of this country has died and almost all the cases of H1N1 have been mild.
By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY
For the first time, a sick farmworker has infected pigs with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, World Health Organization officials said Sunday.
A farmworker who recently had traveled to Mexico has infected a herd of pigs in Alberta, Canada, Peter Ben Embarek, a WHO food safety scientist, said at a news conference. The worker returned to the farm in mid-April, and the animals began getting sick eight to 10 days later, Embarek said.
The infection was mild, and the farmworker and pigs have recovered.
The virus that infected the pigs is the same one that is in circulation among people, and there is no indication that the transfer between species has caused the flu bug to mutate into a new or dangerous form, Embarek said.
"This is not a big surprise," he said, noting that officials had expected that pigs could be infected in areas where the virus is circulating.
Although farmworkers are at risk of contracting the virus from pigs, Embarek emphasized that people cannot become infected from eating pork. Both heat and the curing process used to make ham kill the virus, and the virus doesn't live long on surfaces.
"You can continue to safely eat your prosciutto," Embarek said. Link
Even though for the first time, a group of pigs in Canada were infected with the H1N1 virus, there is still no reason for anyone to panic. It appears that the pigs will recover without any problems. Properly handled and cooked pork is still safe to eat. Everyone needs to remember that 36,000 people die from the flu every year in the United States. So far not a single resident of this country has died and almost all the cases of H1N1 have been mild.
Friday, May 1, 2009
WHO Finally Changes Name of Flu
W.H.O. Gives Virus a Name That’s More Scientific and Less Loaded
By DENISE GRADY
Published: April 30, 2009
On Wednesday, the new disease affecting thousands of people in Mexico and more than 100 in the United States and other countries was called swine influenza. By Thursday, the “S word” had been banned: A sentence in a box at the very top of the home page of the World Health Organization said, “From today, W.H.O. will refer to the new influenza virus as influenza A(H1N1).”
At the organization’s news conference in Geneva on Thursday, its deputy director general, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, dutifully referred to the virus as “H1N1,” slipping only once. Just two days earlier, Dr. Fukuda had declared that the new virus was a swine influenza virus and that the organization had no plans to call it anything other than what it was.
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also started to shun the word “swine,” and a hapless reporter who used it during a radio interview was roundly scolded by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Read More
It’s refreshing to see that public health officials finally realized that they were doing more harm to the public because of the street name used for this virus than the virus itself. I would contend that the word ‘pandemic’ has caused less panic around the world than the term ’swine flu’. Egypt needlessly seized and slaughtered hundreds of thousands of healthy hogs from farmers in an attempt to ward of this flu that hasn’t made a single hog sick. They wouldn’t have done this if officials had correctly name this virus in the first place.
By DENISE GRADY
Published: April 30, 2009
On Wednesday, the new disease affecting thousands of people in Mexico and more than 100 in the United States and other countries was called swine influenza. By Thursday, the “S word” had been banned: A sentence in a box at the very top of the home page of the World Health Organization said, “From today, W.H.O. will refer to the new influenza virus as influenza A(H1N1).”
At the organization’s news conference in Geneva on Thursday, its deputy director general, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, dutifully referred to the virus as “H1N1,” slipping only once. Just two days earlier, Dr. Fukuda had declared that the new virus was a swine influenza virus and that the organization had no plans to call it anything other than what it was.
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also started to shun the word “swine,” and a hapless reporter who used it during a radio interview was roundly scolded by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Read More
It’s refreshing to see that public health officials finally realized that they were doing more harm to the public because of the street name used for this virus than the virus itself. I would contend that the word ‘pandemic’ has caused less panic around the world than the term ’swine flu’. Egypt needlessly seized and slaughtered hundreds of thousands of healthy hogs from farmers in an attempt to ward of this flu that hasn’t made a single hog sick. They wouldn’t have done this if officials had correctly name this virus in the first place.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wrong Name Is The Real Threat
APRIL 30, 2009
Pork Producers Ache From Swine Flu
By CURT THACKER
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Declining hog prices amid the swine-flu outbreak could spawn losses of more than a quarter of a billion dollars and be the last straw for some U.S. pork producers.
Questions surrounding the disease and the word swine in the name have contributed to losses in lean hog futures, leading to lower cash prices and to declines in wholesale pork values.
U.S. hog producers have lost money in 16 of the past 18 months, and they needed prices to be profitable during the spring and summer. Cases of swine flu, however, have led to import bans by some countries on pork produced in a number of U.S. states and Mexico.
U.S. government officials are considering a change to the disease's current moniker. Swine flu makes some people think they can get the disease from pigs or pork, said acting CDC Director Richard Besser.
"That's not helpful to pork producers. That's not helpful to people who eat pork," he said.
Pork remains safe to eat, and the virus hasn't been found in U.S. hogs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Read More
The outbreak of a flu virus that was misnamed might put some of our nations hog farming families out of business. Because of unfounded fears by not only consumers, but also some of our trading partners, the prices received for hogs has taken another hit. It’s shameful that our government has tiptoed around the subject. Some agencies are referring to it correctly as H1N1, but the media has been slow to get the hint. If you hear the media in your area incorrectly using the term swine flu, take the time to contact them and se them straight. All the little things we do can make a big difference, and undoubtedly our hog farmers will appreciate it.
Pork Producers Ache From Swine Flu
By CURT THACKER
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Declining hog prices amid the swine-flu outbreak could spawn losses of more than a quarter of a billion dollars and be the last straw for some U.S. pork producers.
Questions surrounding the disease and the word swine in the name have contributed to losses in lean hog futures, leading to lower cash prices and to declines in wholesale pork values.
U.S. hog producers have lost money in 16 of the past 18 months, and they needed prices to be profitable during the spring and summer. Cases of swine flu, however, have led to import bans by some countries on pork produced in a number of U.S. states and Mexico.
U.S. government officials are considering a change to the disease's current moniker. Swine flu makes some people think they can get the disease from pigs or pork, said acting CDC Director Richard Besser.
"That's not helpful to pork producers. That's not helpful to people who eat pork," he said.
Pork remains safe to eat, and the virus hasn't been found in U.S. hogs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Read More
The outbreak of a flu virus that was misnamed might put some of our nations hog farming families out of business. Because of unfounded fears by not only consumers, but also some of our trading partners, the prices received for hogs has taken another hit. It’s shameful that our government has tiptoed around the subject. Some agencies are referring to it correctly as H1N1, but the media has been slow to get the hint. If you hear the media in your area incorrectly using the term swine flu, take the time to contact them and se them straight. All the little things we do can make a big difference, and undoubtedly our hog farmers will appreciate it.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Properly Naming the Flu
Pork packers, producers hurt by worries about 'North American flu'
By staff and wire reports
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 - 05:39:23 pm CDT
Pork producers and packers are being punished financially for mistaken impressions about what the news media are mistakenly calling “swine flu,” according to international animal health and U.S. health and agriculture authorities.
“It is not correct to call the current disease ‘swine influenza,” the World Organisation for Animal Health said Tuesday. “The virus that is circulating includes genetic components of human, avian and swine origin.”
The organization proposed to refer to this new virus as “North American influenza”, using the same approach to the name as used with the Asian influenza and Spanish influenza outbreaks that have occurred in the past.
U.S. officials said Tuesday they may abandon the term swine flu, for fear it's confusing people into thinking they could catch it from pork — which is flat-out wrong.
"We're discussing, is there a better way to describe this that would not lead to inappropriate actions on people's part?'' said Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "In the public, we've been seeing a fair amount of misconception ... and that's not helpful.'' Read More
This outbreak of the flu has been very harmful to pork producers and processors. Even though not a single pig in the world has gotten sick and you cannot get sick eating properly cooked pork, the term swine flu was originally used as the name for this particular strain. The US government, along with international agencies, is now accurately using the name H1N1 flu. Some of our media outlets have begun using the correct terminology as well. If you hear someone using the incorrect term, please let them know. Anytime there is a potential for the public to panic over a situation, accurate information must be used.
By staff and wire reports
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2009 - 05:39:23 pm CDT
Pork producers and packers are being punished financially for mistaken impressions about what the news media are mistakenly calling “swine flu,” according to international animal health and U.S. health and agriculture authorities.
“It is not correct to call the current disease ‘swine influenza,” the World Organisation for Animal Health said Tuesday. “The virus that is circulating includes genetic components of human, avian and swine origin.”
The organization proposed to refer to this new virus as “North American influenza”, using the same approach to the name as used with the Asian influenza and Spanish influenza outbreaks that have occurred in the past.
U.S. officials said Tuesday they may abandon the term swine flu, for fear it's confusing people into thinking they could catch it from pork — which is flat-out wrong.
"We're discussing, is there a better way to describe this that would not lead to inappropriate actions on people's part?'' said Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "In the public, we've been seeing a fair amount of misconception ... and that's not helpful.'' Read More
This outbreak of the flu has been very harmful to pork producers and processors. Even though not a single pig in the world has gotten sick and you cannot get sick eating properly cooked pork, the term swine flu was originally used as the name for this particular strain. The US government, along with international agencies, is now accurately using the name H1N1 flu. Some of our media outlets have begun using the correct terminology as well. If you hear someone using the incorrect term, please let them know. Anytime there is a potential for the public to panic over a situation, accurate information must be used.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pork Is Safe To Eat
USDA: Swine not infected with swine flu
Published: April 26, 2009 at 10:50 PM
WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- U.S. officials said Sunday there is no evidence the outbreak of swine flu has affected swine and consumers cannot get the virus from eating pork.
"There is no evidence at this time showing that swine have been infected with this virus," Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in a statement.
Citing scientists at the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vilsack said swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food "so you cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products." Vilsack reminded consumers that food must be properly handled and cooked to kill viruses and other foodborne pathogens.
"USDA has in place, and did so before the last week's events, a surveillance system to monitor animal health," Vilsack said. "As an additional precautionary measure, I have asked USDA to reach out to agriculture officials in every state to affirm that they have no signs of this virus type in their state."
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Sunday she has declared a public health emergency to free up funds to fight the virus' spread and to release one-quarter of the government's stockpile of anti-virus medications Tamiflu and Relenza.
Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, said his agency has confirmed 20 non-fatal cases of swine flu within the Unites States, including eight cases found among New York City high school students. The other cases were detected in Ohio, Kansas, Texas and seven in California.
As the world is learning about swine flu, some animal rights groups are using the situation to promote their anti-meat agenda. They have played on people’s fear of the unknown and have suggested that eating pork could give you this disease, when the facts are quite clear here that this has been human to human transmission. It’s unfortunate that these groups would use a serious human health issue to promote their own selfish goals.
Published: April 26, 2009 at 10:50 PM
WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- U.S. officials said Sunday there is no evidence the outbreak of swine flu has affected swine and consumers cannot get the virus from eating pork.
"There is no evidence at this time showing that swine have been infected with this virus," Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said in a statement.
Citing scientists at the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vilsack said swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food "so you cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products." Vilsack reminded consumers that food must be properly handled and cooked to kill viruses and other foodborne pathogens.
"USDA has in place, and did so before the last week's events, a surveillance system to monitor animal health," Vilsack said. "As an additional precautionary measure, I have asked USDA to reach out to agriculture officials in every state to affirm that they have no signs of this virus type in their state."
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Sunday she has declared a public health emergency to free up funds to fight the virus' spread and to release one-quarter of the government's stockpile of anti-virus medications Tamiflu and Relenza.
Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, said his agency has confirmed 20 non-fatal cases of swine flu within the Unites States, including eight cases found among New York City high school students. The other cases were detected in Ohio, Kansas, Texas and seven in California.
As the world is learning about swine flu, some animal rights groups are using the situation to promote their anti-meat agenda. They have played on people’s fear of the unknown and have suggested that eating pork could give you this disease, when the facts are quite clear here that this has been human to human transmission. It’s unfortunate that these groups would use a serious human health issue to promote their own selfish goals.
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