Lawmakers Approve More Privacy For Feed Lots
CattleNetwork.com Staff03/09/2010 16:41PM
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Cattle feed lot operators are hoping lawmakers will restrict public access to manure management reports, comparing their waste handling strategies to trade secrets worthy of protection from competitors.
The Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee approved a measure 6-2 Tuesday that would keep the curious from routine feed lot inspection reports. The reports by the Department of Agriculture are done once or twice a year and available to the public upon request.
Idaho Cattle Association representative Rick Stott said information like the number of cows owned or how manure is disposed or treated could become a competitive advantage to other operators.
The Idaho Conservation League's Courtney Washburn opposes the bill. She says making inspection reports confidential would prevent the public from tracking the state's efforts to regulate the industry and protect the environment.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Top Stories
My Beef Checkoff: Dairy Edition - September
09/10/2010 11:29AM
Led by a dramatic increase in exports to South Korea and Russia, a solid June performance allowed U.S. beef exports to finish the first half of 2010 with strong momentum.
Full Story
Video: Going Right To The Source
09/10/2010 10:55AM
With egg, meat and produce recalls grabbing headlines, a movement is underway in Northwest Ohio's six counties to promote locally grown food. The Eating Local Foods Network (ELF) non-profit is bringing small farmers and food producers together to support each other and bring natural food to the masses.
Full Story
World Corn: Global Imports Up Significantly
09/10/2010 10:46AM
Global corn imports are forecast up significantly on expectations of increased import demand from the EU and Russia. Although USDA forecasts a slight reduction in the U.S. crop this month, the United States still has supplies of corn to meet this higher demand.
Full Story
K-State Connects Beef Producers With Online Training Resources
09/10/2010 10:40AM
Beef Quality Assurance Program Spans Pasture to Processing
Full Story
Officials At North Dakota Cowboy Hall Of Fame Seek Donations
09/10/2010 10:38AM
Darrell Dorgan lost count of the number of mounted deer heads he's been offered for the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame when that number reached 45 a few years ago.
Full Story
Vilsack Asked To Conduct Economic Review Of GIPSA
09/10/2010 10:13AM
Oklahoma Farm Report writes a Georgia Representative has asked U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack for an economic analysis of the livestock marketing rules presented by GIPSA.
Full Story
A Cheap Food Policy: Good Or Bad?
09/10/2010 10:10AM
Opponents of modern agriculture, who express concerns about the sustainability of improved seeds and fertilizers, call for food that is organic, local, and slow. That is the type of food found in rural Africa, where impoverished farmers do not have the capacity to buy crop inputs, attend school, create infrastructure, and fund research.
Full Story
Jolley: Kissing The Enemy
09/10/2010 09:56AM
Here is an idea. If you’re responsible for the production of a meat processing plant, spend every waking moment thinking you’ll be the victim of a “Rule 34” inspection request.
Full Story
Economic Issues With Climate Change Legislation & Its Effect On Kansas Agricultural Cooperatives
09/10/2010 09:49AM
In an attempt to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and their negative effect on the environment, H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (Waxman-Markey Bill) of 2009 was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in June of 2009.
Full Story
Natural Gas Outlook: October 2010 Contracts Up 5% Last Week
09/10/2010 09:44AM
At the New York Mercantile Exchange, the price of the October 2010 futures contract rose about 5 cents, from $3.762 per MMBtu on September 1 to $3.814 per MMBtu on September 8.
Full Story
