The profit potential ofpork products Aug 21, 2008
It turns out that "the Chinese eat more pork than the rest of the world combined. The country consumes seven times as much as the number two consumer, the United States. And consumption is increasing. According to the USDA, Chinese pork consumption rose 22% between 2002 and 2006.". Then, in 2007, a shortage of pork hit China when earthquakes, huge snowfalls, and an outbreak of swine disease "resulted in a 9% decline in Chinese pork production. Chinese pork prices rose 68% between April 2007 and... (Asia Times Online)
New Report: Adult Obesity Rates Rise in 37 States, Obesity Rates Now Exceed 25 Percent in More Than Half of States Aug 20, 2008
-- While the Dietary Guidelines for Americans were updated in 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) school meal program has yet to adopt the recommendations. -- Eighteen states have enacted legislation requiring school meals to exceed USDA nutrition standards. (PR Newswire)
R-CALF calls for more testing after Mad cow found in Canadian cattle Aug 20, 2008
We assumed there would be more cases and we took that into account when we evaluated the risk, said Karen Eggart, a spokeswoman for the USDA s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Internationally, the United States and Canada are both classified as controlled risk countries for mad cow disease, meaning BSE has been detected here but is under control. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Got the blues? Aug 20, 2008
The USDA recommends adults eat two cups of fruit a day. You can fulfill half of that recommendation with a cup of blueberries, which has just 80 calories and contributes to our daily intake of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Blueberries also rank high in antioxidants. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
DEET's Not Sweet To Mosquitoes, Groundbreaking Research Shows Aug 20, 2008
Research chemist Uli Bernier of the Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, said the UC Davis study provides "an excellent explanation.". Bernier, who studies how repellents impact mosquitoes' feeding behavior, said the Leal-Syed work "presents as a very logical basis to help us understand how DEET is perceived by the mosquitoes, and this work provides an excellent explanation to link physiological processing within the mosquito to the (macroscopic) behavioral... (Science Daily)
Fat settles around the South, but Oregon makes Top 30 Aug 20, 2008
The report noted that Oregon is not among the 13 states with enforceable laws promoting physical activity in schools, nor is it among 18 states requiring school meals to exceed USDA nutrition standards. This week, an Oregon task force began meeting to draft obesity prevention policy recommendations for the next legislative session. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Carthage applies for food service feasibility study grant Aug 20, 2008
1 million from the USDA at a presentation ceremony at Western Illinois Electrical Co-op last week. The money is broken into a 740,000 no-interest loan for the city and a 300,000 grant. (Carthage (Hancock County) Journal Pilot, IL)
Cranberry growers anticipate increase in 2008 harvest Aug 20, 2008
The USDA projections follow a recently announced expansion effort by Wisconsin growers to add new cranberry acreage to help meet high demand for cranberries in the U.S. and worldwide. A good crop from Wisconsin is crucial for the industry as the demand for cranberries is running high, said Tom Lochner, the association s executive director. (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
NCT: LETTERS, Aug. 18, 2008 Aug 19, 2008
Or, A recent audit revealed that employees of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) diverted millions of dollars to personal purchases through their government-issued credit cards. Sampling 300 employees purchases over six months, investigators estimated that 15 percent abused their government credit cards at a cost of $5. (North County Times)
Best specialty foods/cooking stores? Aug 19, 2008
What are your favorite specialty food/cooking stores. An Atlanta blog guiding you to good cooking, food shopping and eating choices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Reception to FruitBü snacks is tepid at best Aug 19, 2008
are labeled as organic smooshed fruit and carry the USDA Organic symbol ... snacks are labeled as organic smooshed fruit and carry the USDA Organic symbol. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Baucus bonanza Aug 19, 2008
We re trying to get the USDA to figure it out , Baucus said. The whole thing is this is new and it s needed. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Old Growth Giants Limited By Water-pulling Ability Aug 18, 2008
David Woodruff of the USDA Forest Service climbing high into an old-growth Douglas fir forest. (Credit: Image courtesy of Oregon State University). (Science Daily)
Guest Commentary: Keep the United States FMD free (4) Aug 17, 2008
After introducing stand-alone legislation to stop the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) flawed plan to import questionable meat and livestock from Argentina, I decided we needed to take more immediate action. That's why I introduced an amendment in Senate Appropriations Committee to stop the USDA from spending any money to implement this unsound proposal next year ... The USDA itself has said that an FMD outbreak in the United States would cost our economy billions of dollars, but the USDA... (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Beyond seed and soil: Farmers' high-tech tools increase productivity Aug 17, 2008
According to the USDA and the consumer price index, in 1957, an average acre of U.S. farmland yielded 48 bushels of corn, but in 2007, an acre typically yielded 151 bushels. Greater output tends to decrease prices: In 2008 dollars, the average price of corn in 1957 was more than twice what it was in 2007. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
500 Club: Fruits and vegetables on a budget Aug 17, 2008
5 cups a day has long been recommended by the USDA s My Pyramid Program to reduce the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and development of type 2 diabetes. The health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables are well documented, but getting a variety of fruits and vegetables into the diet can sometimes be expensive. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Beef recall expands Aug 15, 2008
(AP) A review of Nebraska Beef Ltd.'s records prompted Thursday's recall expansion because USDA investigators determined the company's practices couldn't effectively control E. coli bacteria on June 24 ... And USDA officials continue to investigate as part of an effort to determine the extent of the problems at the plant. (Cleveland.com)
Can Vaccinations Cause Cancer? Aug 15, 2008
Report any adverse vaccine reactions to both the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics and to the vaccine manufacturer. Vaccinations prevent many diseases in cats, but it's important to weight both the risks and the benefits to your cat. (Suite101.com)
Topping the fat list ... again Aug 15, 2008
Connell worked with researchers at Alcorn University, Pennington Biomedical Research in Louisiana, Southern University in Louisiana, University of Arkansas Medical Science, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the USDA, working in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. The team was formed to address health disparities in the Delta, and economic issues. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Daily Briefing Aug 15, 2008
- Nebraska Beef Ltd. expanded its latest recall to include about 160,000 pounds of meat mistakenly left out of last week s announcement, the USDA said Thursday. About 1. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Neb. Beef Company Had Trouble Limiting E. coli Aug 15, 2008
USDA spokeswoman Laura Reiser said investigators decided that about 160,000 pounds of meat should be added to the recall that began last Friday after reviewing the Omaha company's records. About 1. (Click2Houston, TX)
Governor Asks Bush For Disaster Declaration Aug 14, 2008
Additionally, in 2007, 52 of Californias 58 counties received drought designations from the U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture (USDA). In 2008, 32 of Californias counties, with estimated losses totaling more than $180 million, have requested the same USDA designation ... I am also requesting, as appropriate, assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Highway Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service; implementation of the USDAs Emergency Loan... (KSBW 8, CA)
Would you cut a whole chicken to save $$? Aug 14, 2008
Is it worth the money to cut up raw chicken yourself. An Atlanta blog guiding you to good cooking, food shopping and eating choices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Interview with Sen. Burr: Energy, immigration, health care are key issues Aug 14, 2008
Burr s tour also brought out town dignitaries and officials from the USDA-Rural Development, which provided millions of dollars in loans to help build the fire station ... She also praised the USDA s role in funding the fire station ... We re trying to save jobs and create jobs, said John Cooper, state director of USDA-Rural Development for North Carolina. (Washington Daily News, NC)
The Skinny on Diet Plans Aug 14, 2008
Even though Slim-Fast's plan consists largely of shakes and bars (to replace breakfast and lunch), Consumer Reports found that it does meet all USDA nutritional guidelines. One problem: "Anything that makes you buy their food or products is untenable in the long run because you get bored," says Caroline Apovian, director of nutrition and weight management at Boston Medical Center. (SmartMoney)
Genetically Engineered Rice Wins USDA Approval Aug 14, 2008
In approving the rice, the USDA allowed Bayer to take a regulatory shortcut and skip many of the usual safety tests by declaring that the new variety is similar to ones already approved, in this case two varieties of biotech rice that Bayer never commercialized because farmers did not want them in their fields ... Joseph Mendelson, legal director of the nonprofit Center for Food Safety, said the quick approval shows that the USDA is more concerned about the fortunes of the biotechnology industry... (Yahoo News -- Genetically Modified Food)
This little pig heard Mozart Aug 13, 2008
The ham has arrived in the United States because the Spanish company Embutidos Fermin, located in the medieval village of La Alberca, spent much of the last decade working to meet USDA specifications. The company built a new slaughterhouse and formed a partnership with chef Jose Andres, host of the PBS series "Made in Spain," and Portland, Maine, importers the Rogers Collection. (Boston Globe)
Fresno market recalls beef after E. coli scare Aug 13, 2008
The meat in his store at First Street and Ashlan Avenue is tested monthly by the USDA, Renna said ... And USDA inspectors are in the market every day, he said ... The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service said the meat was distributed to restaurants and was available for direct purchase at the market. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Sugar farmers hope import plan doesn't hurt prices Aug 12, 2008
But some trade groups and southern farmers dispute USDA's assertion that there's a tight refined sugar market and question the government's getting involved before their harvest even begins ... According to USDA, farmers spent $12 ... Ellender, who farms near Bourg, in southeast Louisiana, called USDA's decision "kind of a slap in the face to American producers.". (Cleveland.com)
Pathogen That Causes Disease In Cattle Also Associated With Crohn's Disease Aug 12, 2008
11, 2008) People with Crohn's disease (CD) are seven-fold more likely to have in their gut tissues the bacterium that causes a digestive-tract disease in cattle called Johne's disease. The role this bacterium may or may not play in causing CD is a top research priority, according to a new report released by the American Academy of Microbiology. (Science Daily)
chuck from Mn. Aug 12, 2008
EPN wrote on Feb 22, 2007 10:02 PM:" Horse owners across the country pay state sales tax on horses, products, feed, and other related items unlike other food source animals. If I am wrong, then please have your CPA explain to all the merchants in PA A Dept of Revenue why I do not have to pay 6% state sales tax. My horses are my business, not hobby. While your CPA is at it, could they please find away to make my horse facility available for all those federally funded programs available to other... (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
USDA raises corn harvest estimates, cuts soybeans Aug 12, 2008
Associated Press - August 12, 2008 8:53 AM ET. WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has raised its estimates of corn production and says improved weather has helped Midwestern farmers recover from June's devastating floods. (WCAX.com, VT)
Elder Care Fair on Thursday will educate senior citizens Aug 12, 2008
Among these tools of independence are low-interest home improvement loans from USDA Rural Development, which will have a booth to help seniors apply for loans. Bill Rassmussen, a pianist with prosthetic arms, will also perform. (Cody Enterprise, WY)
Local stores issue second ground beef recall from Nebraska processor Aug 11, 2008
The USDA therefore recommended to Kroger, the parent company of both Fred Meyer and QFC, that the product be pulled from shelves, Merrill said Sunday ... Early investigations by the USDA and other health agencies led federal investigators to focus on ground beef products ... "We were focused on the products that were going out for grinding," USDA spokeswoman Laura Reiser said Saturday. (Seattle Post Intelligencer)
Minnesota asks for split-state TB status (2) Aug 10, 2008
The USDA officially downgraded Minnesota's Bovine TB status from Modified Accredited Advanced to Modified Accredited on Wednesday, April 9 ... The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has asked the USDA to consider giving parts of four counties -- Roseau, Marshall, northern Beltrami and western Lake of the Woods -- a Modified Accredited status ... "This is a consideration that USDA will evaluate for our risk assessment and our application," said Dr. Linda Glaser, Minnesota Board of Animal Health... (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
How To Look And Feel Your Best All Summer Long Aug 10, 2008
USDA MyPyramid: 3/4 cup Vegetables ... USDA MyPyramid: 1 cup Vegetables. (Pekin Times, IL)
E. Coli Fears Spur More Beef Recalls Aug 10, 2008
Reiser said she wasn't sure at the time of the first recall whether the USDA investigation had spread beyond the area of the Omaha plant that produces ground beef, which has been linked to at least 49 cases of E. coli in seven states. But she said information compiled in the weeks after the June 30 recall showed another strain of the potentially deadly E. coli bacterium in other beef products. (ABC News -- Wire)
Big pressure on Big Sugar Aug 10, 2008
And this past Wednesday, at an American Sugar Alliance symposium in Hawaii, USDA Undersecretary Mark Keenum announced the agency will allow an additional 300,000 tons of refined sugar imports into the U.S. market for fiscal year 2008 ... However, the new farm bill passed this year is expected to make a difference for the better for the sugar industry, as the USDA has been given more tools to balance the market, such as a provision that surplus sugar go to ethanol production. (The Palm Beach Post)
More Nebraska Beef Recalled Aug 10, 2008
Reiser said she wasn't sure at the time of the first recall whether the USDA investigation had spread beyond the area of the Omaha plant that produces ground beef, which has been linked to at least 49 cases of E. coli in seven states ... USDA spokeswoman Amanda Eamich said July 10 that federal officials were satisfied that Nebraska Beef had made enough changes to ensure product safety ... The USDA recommends that people use a meat thermometer to verify they have cooked meat thoroughly. (Time.com)
As Kids Head Back to School, National Advocacy Group Issues Report on Progress of School Wellness Aug 9, 2008
Improving the quality of the nutrient-rich foods that make up the USDA-guided school cafeteria menu presents an opportunity for increasing overall nutritional wellness. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the USDA say the nutritional content of school meals has improved since the mid-1990s, but the key -- according to the report -- is making healthy offerings more youth-appealing. (PR Newswire)
New Guidelines to Help Achieve Optimal Digestive Health Aug 9, 2008
While Americans may recognize the USDA MyPyramid to visually illustrate the types and relative portions of food they should eat from the various food groups, digestive health is not addressed in this eating plan. Digestive health requires supplementary and specific guidelines, and the FDHN has released a graphic that provides an easy-to-follow guide for consumers. (Pekin Times, IL)
Will your kids eat okra? Aug 9, 2008
An Atlanta blog guiding you to good cooking, food shopping and eating choices. The latest 10 entries, with the newest at the top, and snippets from the latest comments. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Will collards and okra fly on school lunch menus? Aug 9, 2008
Will collards and okra fly on school lunch menus. An Atlanta blog guiding you to good cooking, food shopping and eating choices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
E.coli outbreak prompts yet another beef recall Aug 9, 2008
The recall involves one-pound bricks of beef that were packed into 30-pound boxes labeled with EST. 20375 inside the USDA mark of inspection ... Children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are most susceptible to foodborne illnesses, according to the USDA.. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Azusa food company recalls frozen beef after E. coli outbreak Aug 8, 2008
The link to beef was discovered through an investigation by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Virginia Department of Health. USDA spokeswoman Laura Reiser said that the department didn't know how the meat became infected and that it would be following up with Ss about the source of the beef and the company's food safety measures ... The recall involves 1-pound bricks of beef that were packed into 30-pound boxes labeled with EST. 20375 inside the USDA mark of inspection. (Los Angeles Times)
California firm recalls beef due to E. coli Aug 8, 2008
11 illnesses linked to frozen meat product, USDA reports ... USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service said the Azusa, California-based company was recalling the beef products that were shipped to distribution centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Allentown, Pennsylvania ... The label of the products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 20375" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a case code beginning "06238" ink-jet printed on the side of the box. (MSNBC -- Health)
USDA issues food recall Aug 8, 2008
Roche Brothers locations Acton Bridgewater Burlington Easton Marshfield Mashpee Millis Natick Needham Norton Quincy Wellesley West Roxbury Westborough Westwood Sudbury Farm locations Needham Randolph Sudbury Find USDA Information on the product recall at fsis. usda. (Wakefield Observer, MA)
Produce supplier to the stars Aug 8, 2008
Though many small farmers use organic-farming techniques and sell to restaurants, McClendon is one of a few to carry the USDA certification, a label that took him five years and about $250,000 to achieve. The USDA requires organic soil to go untouched by harmful substances for three years ... Robert McClendon turned his 25-acre Peoria farm into a USDA-certified organic-produce farm in 2006. (AZCentral -- Business)
MISD registering students for free and reduced-price lunch program Aug 8, 2008
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 or (202)720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
USDA issues recall for contaminated food sold at Mass. supermarkets Aug 7, 2008
USDA issues recall for contaminated food sold at Mass ... USDA issues recall for contaminated food sold at Mass ... Click for USDA Information on the product recall. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Speaker addresses grant availability Aug 7, 2008
Blakely pointed out that Eupora is already eligible for USDA Rural Development funds and, because of dropping population and median income, is in a good position to be funded for other grants ... She said the Doss Building on Highway 182, where the Webster County Farmers Market is already located, has potential for other "drawing cards" that could receive USDA funding, such as a small cannery or other microenterprises. (Webster Progress-Times, MS)
PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: USDA issues food recall Aug 7, 2008
Roller sandwiches are now being recalled. The items were sold by Roche Brothers and Sudbury Farms. (Medford Transcript, MA)
Horrified and Paranoid in Maine Aug 7, 2008
The USDA wants all livestock owners - even those keeping animals as pets - to register their premises with the government ... The USDA presently maintains that participation in the program is "voluntary." ... The journalist is Mary-Louise Zanoni, a freelance writer based in St. Lawrence County, N.Y. Zanoni is seeking disclosure of the USDA's National Premises Information Repository (NPIR), a list of contact information for livestock premises. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
USDA issues notice of contaminated food from Mass. supermarket Aug 7, 2008
USDA issues notice of contaminated food from Mass ... USDA issues notice of contaminated food from Mass ... USDA Information on the product recall can be found at the link below. (Littleton Independent, MA)
Organic Alliance Adds Dr. Gail Morrison as New Member to the Medical Advisory Board Aug 6, 2008
About Organic Alliance Organic Alliance intends to become one of the world's leading providers of USDA certified organic crops to many of the country's leading consumer package goods manufacturers, food processors, grocery, and retail restaurant chains. Organic Alliance sources top quality, safe tested and certified organic at the source -- prior to customer shipment, utilizing USDA certification in conjunction with the in-house OAI Quality Team. (PR Newswire)
Sheriffs: 2 tiger attacks show tougher laws needed Aug 6, 2008
The Wesa-A-Geh-Ya facility, which used to have a license to exhibit its animals through the USDA, surrendered that license in 2003 and then had it revoked after a number of violations involving animal care were alleged. Critics say a patchwork of laws means no single agency in the state or nation is responsible for law enforcement and inspections related to exotic animals like large carnivores. (Cleveland.com)
Missouri sees second tiger attack in as many days Aug 6, 2008
But in 2003, the Smiths surrendered their license to exhibit the animals, and it was later revoked, after the USDA said there were violations at the site, including gaps in fencing where lions and tigers lived. Comments. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
Hospital nearly 3 years away Aug 6, 2008
The $19 million shortfall could be covered by a loan from the USDA, for which the commission, not the parish, would be liable ... Commission members said they have been working under the assurances that the parish would be eligible for USDA funding ... But members said Tuesday the agency's lawyers informed them last month that they would not be eligible because Chalmette's population is "too large." Chapman said the USDA is using census information from 2000, which lists Chalmette's population... (Nola.com -- Sports)
States seeking bio lab Aug 6, 2008
The site also is close to a USDA biosafety level 3 ag facility and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, which has a biosafety level 4 facility. Infrastructure: The site is less than two miles from the Athens Perimeter, a four-lane bypass that connects to Atlanta and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Man's leg amputated after tiger attack (40) Aug 5, 2008
Wesa was open to the public until the Smiths surrendered their exhibitors license to the USDA in late 2003 in the midst of a federal investigation. Allegations included not providing proper veterinary care and lacking adequately trained employees. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Rate the selections on kids' menus Aug 5, 2008
What do you think of the choices on kids' menus. An Atlanta blog guiding you to good cooking, food shopping and eating choices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Farmers Market Week Recognizing a Nationwide Comeback Aug 5, 2008
"USDA records indicate that by 1994, the number of U.S. farmers markets had climbed back to 1,750. By July 2008, the number was closer to 4,700. "Of course, that s just the markets themselves ... "Even so, USDA estimates farmers market sales now exceed 1 billion a year, with most of that going directly to small-acreage family farmers."Those sales translate into a wealth of seasonal bounty on the American dinner table. (Agri-View, WI)
Second Tiger Attack in Mo. in 2 Days Aug 5, 2008
But in 2003, the Smiths surrendered their license to exhibit the animals, and it was later revoked, after the USDA said there were violations at the site, including gaps in fencing where lions and tigers lived. More from. (Time.com)
Region roundup Aug 4, 2008
Elgin - A public meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center activity room to discuss the center's application for a USDA Rural Development grant to upgrade computer hardware and software. New Leipzig - The New Leipzig Economic Development Committee will hold a fundraising supper from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Community Center in New Leipzig. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Study: Improve Your Kids' Bones By Including Enough Calcium Aug 3, 2008
More than 60 percent of boys and 85 percent of girls ages 9 to 18 in United States fail to get the recommended 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily, daily calcium recommendation issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ... According to the USDAs 2005 Dietary Guidelines children and adolescents must have at least three servings a day of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. (TheMedGuru)
