| |
Changes in the Marketplace
5/23/2008
Michael Fisher
Area Extension Agent
(Livestock)
Colorado State University Extension
Golden Plains
Area |
 |
| I have provided this information to assist you
with making informed decisions. If you have questions about this article or
suggestions on making this or other articles better, please click on the
buttons below. |
|
|
|
For next week's article I am going to defer to an article written
by Travis Hoffman. This is important and timely information that cattle
producers need to know. (MJF)
The beef industry, and everyone involved,
has the responsibility to uphold the wholesomeness and integrity of
merchandised beef products. This week, the United States Department of
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced the plan for a proposed rule to ban
all non-ambulatory cattle from entering the U.S. food supply. This will remove
the exception currently given to injured animals that are slaughtered at
federally-inspected packing facilities following a satisfactory ante-mortem
inspection. Last year, this exception was applied to less than 1,000 animals,
or 0.003 % of annual beef slaughter. The now proposed rule will no longer allow
cattle with a broken leg or any other ailment making them non-ambulatory to be
suitable for federally-inspected slaughter. It is certain that USDA is enacting
this strict new guideline in attempt to bolster consumer confidence in the
safety of the nation's food supply.
Whether you are for or against this
new requirement, producer responsibility will become of even greater
significance to consumer acceptability of beef. Schafer stated "This action
sends a clear message to consumers in both domestic and in international
markets that we will continue to uphold the highest standards to protect our
food supply and deliver the highest-quality products." The United States has
numerous precautions in place to provide assurances of safe products, but this
is not a food safety issue. From the producer's standpoint, further regulations
will amplify the need for proper culling in beef and dairy industries. Animal
injuries are unavoidable, but we must focus on the well-being of animals and
ensure that cattle sent to slaughter are healthy and will contribute to a safe
food supply. Keep in mind that our beef reaches dinner tables throughout the
world, and we must take pride in OUR cattle business by doing our part to
ensure beef safety, quality, and integrity in the marketplace.
Travis
Hoffman
Colorado Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator
Colorado State
University
Room 212C Dept. of Animal Sciences
Ft. Collins, CO
80523-1171
Office: 970-491-BEEF (2333)
Email:
Travis.Hoffman@colostate.edu
|
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
5/28/2008 |
|
|
