Ranchers need to watch for anthrax
Veterinarians are convinced livestock ranchers in the United States are equipped to deal with the possibility of anthrax being used by would-be saboteurs on their animals.
Officials say ranchers who are aware of the signs of disease will be able to cope.
Bob Krauter, a spokesman for the California Farm Bureau, noted there have been only 10 known livestock anthrax cases in California since 1991.
"The livestock industry is on alert to the potential for terrorism," Krauter said. "Producers should be aware of the signs and risk factors for anthrax in cattle.
"I think if we do that, we'll prevent any possible problems," Krauter said.
Krauter also said he thinks that the chances of people contracting illnesses after being exposed to livestock infected by anthrax is unlikely.
"It's very rare that if you have a diseased animal that an individual would get the disease from that animal," he said.
"I think it's important that producers report suspected anthrax cases to veterinarians," said Krauter. "They know how to handle any animal that is diseased or has died and can minimize and prevent any possible impact on the public."
Veterinarians note that anthrax rarely affects large numbers of animals because it is not contagious in livestock.
They also note vaccines exist for ranchers to protect their livestock when an infection occurs, although some officials say vaccines should rarely be used because they consist of weaker versions of the anthrax virus and can cause infections themselves.
Anthrax most commonly affects livestock when they ingest spores while grazing on grass that is infected. Cattle, sheep and goats are very susceptible, while horses and hogs are less likely to be affected.
Feds help pay for animal disease prevention
The Agriculture Department will provide $1.8 million to help 32 states pay for programs that bolster emergency animal disease prevention, preparedness, response and recovery systems.
Grants are meant to help states in meeting and exceeding animal disease response standards established by the National Animal Health Emergency Management System.
Money was given to officials in 32 states, along with the National Emergency Management Agency and to various agencies representing American Indian interests to assist with livestock and wildlife surveillance.
"We need to take a stronger, more proactive approach to the infrastructure needs of our producers," Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said. "This includes examining our pest and animal disease protection systems, our labs, research and food safety programs."
Activists upset w/ EPA over genetic corn
Environmental and consumer activists said Thursday they are implementing a new allergy testing program in response to what they see as the Environmental Protection Agency's refusal to adequately address allergic reactions allegedly caused by genetically modified corn.
Activists said they believe the EPA on Monday will approve the re-registration of genetically modified corn even though they say the corn causes people with allergies to suffer severe reactions that could be fatal.
EPA officials have said they have found no clear evidence that the causes allergic reactuibs. The activists said there just hasn't been sufficient government testing.
"EPA is rushing the re-registration process ... without careful examination," Friends of the Earth environmental director Larry Bohlen said. "The agency should gather the evidence needed to assure consumers that the corn is safe to eat before it approves the corn for planting."
Dow to pay DEKALB royalties for corn technology
Dow AgroSciences LLC and DEKALB Genetics Corp. have reached a settlement in their lawsuit over patents concerning the use of Bt insect-resistance technology in corn.
Under the settlement, Dow AgroSciences will pay royalties to DEKALB for the sale of Herculex corn, which is supposed to be capable of controlling corn rootworm without the use of additional pesticides.
DEKALB had claimed in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago that Herculex corn was too similar to products to which they held patents on. Neither company would disclose the amount of payments DEKALB will receive.
Dow AgroSciences official Pete Siggelko said the settlement now allows the company to proceed with marketing the corn, which will occur early next year.
Livestock industry faces crossroads
A University of Illinois study released Thursday contends the livestock industry is at a crossroads and ranchers need to make serious commitments now to preserve the future of their livelihood.
The study notes livestock in Illinois has experienced a 4 percent drop each year since 1979 in terms of its share of the state's gross product -- going from 1.68 percent in 1979 down to 0.37 percent in 1999.
Drops in the livestock sector and an expansion of the state's overall economy were responsible for the shift.
In terms of the nominal value of livestock marketings, the volume of business dropped 36 percent, or 1.8 percent per year. The study notes that this is an annual contraction of $42 million, with most of the decline occurring in the past 10 years.
Grains mixed on CBOT
Soybean and corn futures were down while wheat and oats were up at the close Thursday on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Soybean and corn futures fell as many traders were reluctant to establish new positions prior to Friday's release of the Agriculture Department's crop production report. Uncertainty over future demand from China also hurt soybean prices.
Wheat futures traded higher due to carryover from late session advances on Wednesday. There also was speculation among traders that there would be increased export demand for U.S.-grown wheat.
The prices:
Soybeans: Nov 4.47 3/4 off 1/2, Jan 4.54 1/2 off 1 1/4, Mar 4.58 3/4 off 2 1/2, May 4.63 1/2 off 1 3/4.
Corn: Dec 2.13 1/4 off 1, Mar 2.25 1/2 off 3/4, May 2.33 off 1/4, Jul 2.38 1/2 off 3/4.
Wheat: Dec 2.79 1/4 up 1/4, Mar 2.86 3/4 unch, May 2.88 up 1 1/2, Jul 2.88 1/4 up 1 1/2.
Oats: Dec 1.82 1/2 up 5 1/4, Mar 1.69 up 3 1/2, May 1.60 1/2 up 3, Jul 1.52 up 1 1/4.
