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BROWN NAMED TO REPLACE TEAGARDEN AS LIVESTOCK COMMISSIONER
The Kansas Animal Health Board has named
accomplished veterinarian and retired U.S.
Army Reserve Colonel Bill Brown as the
state’s new livestock commissioner. He
will replace George Teagarden, who will
retire in May after 16 years in the
position. Brown will assume his new role
March 8. He and Teagarden will work
together during the transition.
Brown most recently served as health
services veterinarian for Newsham Choice
Genetics of West Des Moines, IA. In that
capacity, he was responsible for
maintaining the health and biosecurity of
the company’s swine operations in the U.S.
and
The
Brown is a member of the American
Veterinary Medical Association, Kansas
Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA),
American Association of Swine
Practitioners, United States Animal Health
Association and American College
of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. He was
named “Kansas Veterinarian of the
Year” by KVMA in 2004. “The
Kansas livestock industry is fortunate to have an
individual with Dr. Brown’s credentials
as the new livestock commissioner,” said
Kansas Animal Health Board Chair Heather
Donley, who serves as director of quality
assurance for the Beef Marketing Group,
headquartered in Great Bend.
As commissioner, Brown will lead the
Kansas Animal Health Department (KAHD).
The agency is assigned to protect the
health, safety and welfare of Kansas citizens through the prevention, control
and eradication of infectious and
contagious diseases in livestock and
domestic animals. Agency officials also
regulate companion animal breeding
facilities, investigate livestock thefts
and maintain the livestock brand registry.
KAHD has achieved numerous important
milestones under Teagarden’s direction.
His tenure includes attaining cattle
tuberculosis-free status in 1995. USDA
declared Kansas free of both cattle brucellosis and swine
pseudorabies in 1999. Earning free status
from USDA for these three infectious
diseases was the culmination of years of
work led by Teagarden, his predecessors in
the position, the KAHD staff and the
livestock industry.
Another major accomplishment occurring
under Teagarden’s leadership is planning
for an emergency response to a potential
foreign animal disease outbreak in Kansas. In addition to forming a statewide plan,
KAHD has fostered the creation of 105
county-level animal disease emergency
plans. According to Donley, Kansas
serves as a model among states in terms of
emergency animal disease response
planning. “Commissioner Teagarden deserves a big thanks from livestock producers and the citizens of Kansas,” said Donley. “His efforts to eradicate major food animal diseases in the state has saved livestock producers countless millions of dollars and enhanced food and public safety.” # # #
INCREASED
EXPENSES REDUCE USE-
Several county commissioners have raised concerns with declining agricultural land valuations for ad valorem tax purposes. Agricultural land is valued for property taxes on its “use-value”, the net income typically received by the landlord, not on market comparisons. In calculating the landlord’s net income, the state considers rental rates, expenses and a capitalization factor. The values are computed on an eight-year rolling average to ensure stability in the tax base.
State Sen. Janis Lee of Kensington and KLA
staff recently met with the Kansas
Department of Revenue to review 2009 data. The
conclusion was valuation declines are
largely due to increased expenses. As
expenses increase, net income and
valuations decrease.
A similar scenario has been taking place
in urban areas where residential property,
valued on market comparisons, also is
showing a decline. Local budgets are
affected when valuations increase or
decrease if mill levies are not adjusted. # # #
CLIMATE
CHANGE ON CATTLEMEN’S
Patrick
Michaels, a climatologist from
Afternoon
breakout sessions at Weber Hall will
address capturing maximum value from cull
beef cows, bridging the knowledge gap with
consumers on animal welfare practices and
the beef market outlook. An open house at
the Beef Cattle Research Center will
feature discussions about the value of
post-mortem diagnosis, storage systems for
distiller’s grains and low-stress cattle
processing. Registration for Cattlemen’s Day is $25 at the door and includes lunch. The evening prior, Kenny Knight of Lyons will be honored as “Stockman of the Year” by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council. Registration for the Stockmen’s Dinner paying tribute to Knight is available online or by calling Karla Wisdom at (785) 532-7513. # # # Japan has been one of the stronger export markets for U.S. beef and pork despite the global economic slowdown. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), beef exports to
These
gains helped the U.S. increase market share for both protein
sources last year.
U.S.
sources now hold 20% of
Japan’s market for imported beef, compared to
just 10% in 2007. The U.S.
has 46% of the imported pork market share
in
Japan
, up steadily from 30% in 2004. An
estimated 72% of Japan
’s imported market for chilled pork
belongs to the
U.S.
“One
of the keys to growing market share for
U.S.
beef and pork in this economic environment
has been to meet these challenges with
products that deliver tremendous
versatility and value,” said USMEF Chief
Executive Officer Phil Seng. USMEF is using beef checkoff dollars to promote alternative beef cuts such as the chuck rib, brisket and tongue for Korean barbecue restaurants in Japan. Through the end of this month, USMEF is using pork checkoff funds to promote pork loin, belly and butt as ingredients in traditional Japanese winter dishes. # # # LIVESTOCK
INTERESTS EXPLAIN RESPONSIBLE ANTIBIOTIC
USE TO CONGRESS
NCBA was among a coalition of livestock and poultry groups that
hosted educational briefings yesterday for
members of Congress on the importance of
proper antibiotic use in raising healthy
food animals. Top livestock and poultry
health experts from across the country
presented information to those in
attendance.
West
“We
know that a ban on antibiotics, like the
one in Denmark, will have adverse effects
on our pigs, will raise the cost of
production and will not provide a benefit
to public health,” said Rowles.
The
meat industry experts told Congress
despite unsubstantiated allegations by
activist groups, there is no conclusive
scientific proof showing the use of
antibiotics on farms and ranches
contributes significantly to an increase
in antibiotic resistance in humans. In
fact, a growing body of evidence shows
responsible, professional use of animal
health products keeps livestock healthy
and enhances animal welfare, while not
contributing to resistance. Ohio veterinarian and dairy farmer Leon Weaver explained more than 3.3 million tests are conducted annually on all milk entering plants to ensure there are no antibiotic residues. According to the Food and Drug Administration, less than one batch in 3,800 tests positive. In those rare cases, all milk testing positive is disposed of immediately and does not go into the food supply. # # # |
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