Simon M. Shane*(290 million hens in production less specialty and breaking flocks)From the AuthorHomeEfficiency, the common theme at IFEThis edition of Feed Management is devoted to observations and reports from the 2011 International Feed Exposition organized jointly by the AFIA and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association.Business & MarketsOptimism for a profitable 2011The economy is improving, which augers well for consumption and hence demand for feed. Forecasts for the 2010/2011 corn and soy harvests are acceptable although prices for ingredients will remain high due to international demand and diversion of corn to ethanol.HomeFeeding 10 billion people: the challengeGlobal dialogue is required to establish principles, criteria and indicators relating to sustainable beef production. A comprehensive presentation at the Sustainability Conference provided a broad overview of the challenges facing beef production. In a thought-provoking review of challenges facing the world, Bryan Weech, director for livestock agriculture for the World Wildlife Fund, discussed meat production with limited resources.HomeWhat can we expect in 2011?A review of trends and events in 2010 provides some indication of how 2011 will play out. Of the seven major topics which will influence profitability for intensive livestock and poultry production and hence the feed industry during the year, five are either directly or indirectly influenced by Congress and the policies of the current Administration.HomeRepeal of the VEETC?Repeal of the VEETC? Simon M. Shane Senators Tom Coburn, R-OK, and Ben Cardin, D-MD, have introduced legislation into the Senate that would revoke the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, or VEETC. Currently blenders receive 45 cents for each gallon of ethanol incorporated into gasoline.HomeA perspective on “food hormones”Considerable concern is expressed by both consumer advocacy groups and some regulatory bodies relating to allegations of “hormones” being present in foods. Estrogenic compounds occur naturally in many grains and contribute to low and continual intake by consumers.CommoditiesDemand for GE corn for ethanol on the riseThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced full deregulation of “Enogen,” a GM corn cultivar developed by Syngenta. The strain produces the enzyme amylase, enhancing production of ethanol.Animal Feed ManufacturingHighlights from the 2011 International Feed ExpoA number of new and improved products and services from U.S. and international suppliers were displayed at the 2011 International Feed Exposition in Atlanta. Readers are urged to review company websites for additional information.HomeUS agricultural subsidies questionedThe New York Times published an editorial on January 15, 2011, questioning the continued value of agriculture subsidies. Given the need to reduce the Federal deficient, the commentator suggested that the 112th Congress should seriously question the $10 to $30 billion annually to support aspects of agriculture.HomeCautious optimism at USPOULTRY conferenceEconomic experts at the Grains Forecast and Economic Outlook Conference, organized by the U. S. Poultry and Egg Association, were cautiously optimistic in their assessment of grain prices and the economy. Dr. Don Ratacjczak presented an economic forecast for 2011. Acknowledging that the financial sector is still weak, Ratacjczak forecast a 2% growth for the U.S. economy in the first half of 2011 rising to 4% in the last two quarters of the year.Livestock & Poultry DiseasesAnnual guide serves as resource for feed industryFeed represents a significant vehicle to transmit toxins, pathogens and adulterants to livestock with undesirable effects. A further complication is that introduction of specific compounds or disease-causing organisms into the food chain can result in expensive and infrequently serious health outcomes for consumers.HomeMisinformation through social mediaAnimal agriculture needs to monitor networks and develop appropriate countermeasures to present valid facts to our consumers.Page 1 of 2Next Page
