Egg Products Inspection Act Amendment

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s now officially introduced in the House as H.R. 3798. It’s an amendment to the Egg Products Inspection Act. “To provide for a uniform national standard for the housing and treatment of egg-laying hens, and for other purposes.” And it’s very controversial within the ag industry. This proposed legislation which has been crafted as a result of last year’s agreement between HSUS and the United Egg Producers (pdf) has some pretty strong opposition according to a release from the American Farm Bureau Federation. “Other organizations joining AFBF in raising serious concerns about the bill include the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Pork Producers Council, the National Chicken Council, the National Turkey Federation and the National Milk Producers Federation.” The House bill is sponsored by Rep. Kurt Schrader [D-OR5] and co-sponsored by Jeff Denham [R-CA19], Sam Farr [D-CA17] and Elton Gallegly [R-CA24].

To learn why and how United Egg Producers worked with HSUS on this I spoke with Gene Gregory, President/CEO, UEP, seen on right with Rod Smith, Feedstuffs. Gene says the agreement came about from a proactive approach by UEP to HSUS to find a way to get rid of all the state ballot initiatives on this subject. The organizations have been adversaries in the past. Surprisingly, he says, they agreed. He says it’s all about trying to save the egg farming industry and UEP has worked to make sure it only addresses eggs and no other commodity. He says they would withdraw support if that were to change.

But, according to AFBF, “The flawed legislation, H.R. 3798, introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), would set a dangerous precedent by establishing federally mandated egg production practices and banning a number of other proven science-based egg production methods, according to AFBF President Bob Stallman.” So there is some obvious industry disagreement on this issue.

Listen to my interview with Gene to get more of his perspective, especially as it relates to concerns of other ag groups here: Interview with Gene Gregory

2012 International Poultry Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 International Poultry Expo is sponsored by Novus International
Ag Groups, Audio, Poultry Expo

The Marcel Iron

Melissa Sandfort

If you are reading this post and you’re a female, think back over the years to all the things you’ve done to your hair. Possibly cut it, dyed it, crimped it, curled it, permed it, hot roller’d it, straightened it, and if you had really kinky hair back in the 70s, maybe even used a clothes iron to iron it straight. I’m guilty of quite a few of these things, except ironing my hair.

And to think, the art of hair styling dates back to the 1870s when the smooth, center-parted styles of the Victorian era went “out of style” and a Parisian hairdresser M. Marcel Grateau created a new, natural-looking wave by turning a curling iron upside down. In 1872, Marcel had introduced his famous Marcel wave using a heated iron that imitated the natural curl of the hair.

Basically, you heated these tongs in a kerosene lamp and it made curls instead of a crimp. The one pictured here on the top is a Marcel iron, the bottom two are curling irons, one with a folding handle to make it easier to carry when traveling. Same with the irons – they were heated in a lamp and done one curl at a time.

We’ve come a long way since the Marcel iron…my flat iron has a “boost” button that heats it up in 10 seconds. Seems that beauty took a little longer back in the 1800s.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Novus/Verenium Collaboration Yields First Enzyme Candidate

Chuck Zimmerman

The collaboration between Novus International and Verenium has yielded its first fruit, “the selection of a next-generation phytase as the first enzyme candidate from the two companies’ strategic collaboration to advance toward commercialization.” The strategic partnership began in June of last year to develop a suite of new enzyme products from Verenium’s late-stage pipeline in the animal nutrition and health area globally. Pictured is Novus President/CEO Thad Simons (right) with Arne Solbak and Jonny Lyon, Verenium.

“This partnership has enabled us to create enzyme solutions for nutritionists, producers and others who want to optimize nutrition. This product is geared toward use in poultry, pork and aquaculture product,” notes Novus International President and Chief Executive Officer Thad Simons. “We’re pleased to be a valued partner in optimizing nutrition and, as a result, lowering feed costs for our customers through cutting-edge enzyme solutions like this one.”

Reducing the amount of phytate-bound phosphorus is key in helping livestock producers reduce the impact of animal production on the environment. The phytase enzyme being developed as part of this collaboration will help nutritionists and producers feed more efficiently and get the most out of their rations.

In addition to the next-generation phytase, the collaboration also has three additional products in late-stage development targeted at this market.

I spoke with Thad during the International Poultry Expo to learn more about the collaboration between these two companies. He also discussed the new Novus Triple S Bottom Line, Solutions, Service, Sustainability.

2012 International Poultry Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 International Poultry Expo is sponsored by Novus International
Agribusiness, Novus International, Poultry Expo, Video

National Ag Day On March 8

Chuck Zimmerman

This year National Agriculture Day will be celebrated on March 8 in Washington, DC and around the country. Are you ready to “Share Ag’s Amazing Story?”

Do you have plans for March 8, 2012?

We have a suggestion …

Join thousands of other proud supporters of American agriculture in celebrating all that makes it Abundant, Affordable & Amazing!

Momentum around Ag Day celebrations across the country has really picked up steam in the last couple years. Last year’s attendance at our annual events in Washington, D.C., was the highest ever! We have some exciting new things to share for 2012 and we have updated the Ag Day website in preparation for the upcoming Washington, D.C. events.

I’m hoping to be part of that celebration this year. If your company or organization would like to sponsor my coverage please let me know. Thanks.

Ag Day

AMI To Co-Locate With Poultry/Feed Expo

Chuck Zimmerman

It looks like IPE Week in Atlanta is going to get bigger next year. The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and the American Feed Industry Association have signed an agreement with the American Meat Institute to co-locate the AMI tradeshow with the IPE/IFE in Atlanta, annually in January, starting in 2013.

The three shows will operate under one umbrella creating one of the largest 50 shows in the United States. It is expected that the entire show will include more than 1,000 exhibitors and close to 1,000,000 square feet of exhibit space. The meat and poultry exhibits will be combined on one large show floor, and the IFE will be held in the adjacent hall. One badge will allow all attendees into any exhibit.

“We are very excited about this partnership with AMI, and the co-location is something our exhibitors have asked about for a long time. The consolidation of the tradeshows will allow our respective organizations to build on the synergies of the poultry, feed, and meat sectors, as well as provide a benefit to our exhibitors and members who produce or exhibit across multiple protein sectors,” commented John Starkey, President of USPOULTRY.

All three associations will continue to operate independently, serving their respective constituents and will offer targeted education and networking opportunities that meet the customer needs and compliment the expo. The operations of the show will be handled out of the USPOULTRY offices, and AMI and AFIA will be instrumental in driving attendance promotion and exhibit sales efforts.

2012 International Poultry Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 International Poultry Expo is sponsored by Novus International
Ag Groups, Poultry Expo

Overview Of 2012 International Poultry Expo

Chuck Zimmerman

The 2012 International Poultry Expo has an increased focus on educational sessions according to Charles Olentine, Executive Vice President. I spoke with him about the show this year which he says has “exceeded our expectations.” Last year was a tough one in the industry but the show has just about the same number of exhibitors and attendees as in 2011. International attendees continue to be a big part of IPE accounting for about twenty five percent of those who are here.

This is the 64th year for the show and Charles says they’re contracted with Atlanta through 2016 so we get to keep coming back to Atlanta for a while. I just have to say how much I appreciate the great weather we’ve been having. Last year wasn’t quite as nice as I recall.

Listen to my interview with Charles here: Interview with Charles Olentine

2012 International Poultry Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 International Poultry Expo is sponsored by Novus International
Ag Groups, Audio, Poultry Expo

Novus Chicken Balloons

Chuck Zimmerman

Chickens just want to have fun. Actually, chicken balloons.

This is part of the Novus International team here at the International Poultry Expo with one of their decorative chicken balloons that could be found at their social hour last night. You can also see the chicken balloon getting “scanned.” Everyone coming in had their badge scanned which was a very handy way for the company to know who attended. The hand scanner immediately delivers results to a smartphone too btw. I love new technology!

2012 International Poultry Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 International Poultry Expo is sponsored by Novus International
Novus International, Poultry Expo

Proposed Ag Child Labor Regs Would Negatively Impact Farming

Chuck Zimmerman

Our latest ZimmPoll asked a very timely question since it’s on a topic that is the subject of a cover story on USA Today. We asked, “How will proposed changes to child labor in agriculture regulations affect farms?” Seventy percent said Negatively, seventeen percent said No Effect and only thirteen percent said Positively.

You may know that last fall the Department of Labor proposed changes that many believe could have major impacts on family farms and farm life (proposed rule – pdf). This is just another example of unnecessary government intrusion in private business and lives in my opinion. We don’t need it but . . . as if the government knows better. Riiight. You can find out more from this DOL early news release.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Do you agree with President Obama’s call for more clean (renewable) energy?” Let us know what you think. He definitely issued a call during his State of the Union speech last night. Here’s an excerpt:

We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • A new CAST Issue Paper, Energy Issues Affecting Corn/Soybean Systems: Challenges for Sustainable Production, examines energy issues within the corn/soybean production system.
  • The national soy checkoff once again plans its Green Ribbon Fairs reimbursement program, aimed at encouraging fairs across the country to promote and use soy-based products.
  • Animal Welfare Approved is pleased to announce the 2011-12 Good Husbandry Grants which help promote innovative, forward thinking farming techniques.
  • Growers Edge has introduced a new and free online tool to assist grain farmers in tracking the profitability of their farming operation.
Zimfo Bytes

The Novus IPE Week Program

Chuck Zimmerman

The Global Poultry Market Manager for Novus International is Scott Carter (on right). I got an overview from him of all the activities Novus is involved in during IPE Week.

To start with Scott says they participated in the International Poultry Scientific Forum with a sponsored lunch featuring David Armano who spoke about social media. David was my interview in this week’s ZimmCast. Scott says he learned a few key things from that presentation, including the fact that academics are the most trusted source of information. Another learning point was that “everybody is empowered, everybody has a voice.” That’s social media.

Another way Novus was involved was with the Animal Ag Sustainability Summit where Scott Hine, Novus Product Management and Operations, spoke about Novus’s commitment to sustainability. I’ll have more on that topic in my interview with Scott coming up soon. Besides these programs Novus is catching up with “old” friends and customers in the trade show.

Listen to my interview with Scott here: Interview with Scott Carter

2012 International Poultry Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the 2012 International Poultry Expo is sponsored by Novus International
Agribusiness, Audio, Novus International, Poultry Expo, Sustainability