Farm Headlines, Thursday August 11, 2016

Cargill Stops Antibiotic Use in Turkey Flocks

Cargill has stopped using an antibiotic for disease prevention in its turkey flocks. The move follows concerns that using the antibiotic, gentamicin (gent-ta-mice-in), contributes to the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Global Meat News says Cargill was “making good on its promise” to reduce antibiotic use across its protein lines by stopping use of the antibiotic. The antibiotic is also used to treat a range of bacterial infections in humans. Cargill’s announcement came after Tyson Foods announced its chicken lines would be free of antibiotics by the end of 2017. Both companies are responding to concerns about antibiotic use and resistance by consumers and investors.

Brazil Could Clear U.S. GMO Corn Imports This Fall

Brazil's agriculture ministry is seeking the approval of U.S. GMO corn imports as the country's livestock, and poultry producers struggle with tight supplies and rising domestic prices. Pro Farmer’s First Thing Today reports Brazil's National Biosafety Technical Commission will meet September first to address the potential approval of U.S. GMO corn imports. The Commission is reportedly under heavy political pressure to approve the measure. Meanwhile, China is pushing for GMO soybean production within its borders. The latest five-year science and technology plan from China outlines plans for the country to approve the commercialization of GMO soybean production for food and feed use by 2020. The plan also calls for the commercialization of GMO corn production. While GMO soybean production will face stiff opposition, China is seeking to increase soybean output and encourage more crop rotations with corn.

Source;  NAFB News