Ag News June 3, 2015

NCBA Takes Opportunity to Highlight BQA Program At Forum

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association participated in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship. NCBA President Philip Ellis says the Association takes its commitment for antimicrobial stewardship very seriously and seeds to educate its members, consumers, regulators, legislators and the general public on the merits of appropriate antimicrobial drug use within the diversified sectors of the beef industry.

Ellis says the Forum was a great opportunity to highlight what the cattle industry is - and has been - doing to support this effort. He says NCBA encourages the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs through the guidance offered in the Beef Quality Assurance program. He says antimicrobial resistance is a complex and multi-faceted problem that is best addressed in a One Health approach that brings together stakeholders from human medicine, veterinary medicine and environmental science.

AFBF Urges House to Pass TPA

Farm Bureau urges the House to pass TPA for the future of agriculture. American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman says the U.S. leads the world in ag exports - but will soon give up customers and potential markets without the trade promotion authority needed to secure important new trade agreements. Last year - U.S. agricultural exports surpassed 152-billion dollars. Due to challenges U.S. negotiators are facing in reducing trade barriers - Stallman says ag exports could decrease by 12-billion dollars this year. TPA gives U.S. negotiators the leverage they need to resolve trade conflicts, break down barriers to U.S. products and open new markets around the world - according to AFBF. Stallman says with TPA - the U.S. sends a strong message to its international partners that the U.S. means business when it comes to the negotiating table. Without it - he says the U.S. risks yielding its global economic leadership to other nations.

Feed A Bee Initiative Going Strong

The Bayer Crop Science Feed a Bee initiative has already exceeded its goal of receiving pledges to plant 50-million flowers this year. Almost 200,000 people have visiting http://feedabee.com/ and requested a free seed packet to plant in their local community. Bayer CropScience LP North America President and CEO Jim Blome says this support is a testament to the passion of individuals and organizations to support pollinator health. So far - the initiative has secured more than 30 collaborators.

North American Bee Care Program Manager Dr. Becky Langer-Curry says Feed a Bee is working with a group of diverse organizations to distribute seeds to individuals to plant in their gardens and plant forage in various locations - demonstrating how everyone can work together to improve pollinator health. For more information on the importance of bee health - visit  http://beehealth.bayer.us

Source:  NAFB News