RFID reader

Press Release from Syscan RS

2014-10-15T11:33:00.000-04:00

Press Release

For immediate release

Reference Systems acquire Syscan-ID

QUEBEC, Quebec, October 15, 2014 ---Reference Systems, a leader in animal traceability in Canada, has just completed the acquisition of Syscan-ID, a company that produces electronic identification systems for livestock. Therefore, all Syscan ID operations are now under the control of Syscan RS, a division of Reference Systems. With the acquisition Reference Systems Group becomes one of the country’s most important players with regards to animal traceability and being a service provider for organizations using RFID technologies.

The objective pursued by Reference Systems has always been to be an industry leader in the development of RFID solutions. This acquisition allows us to continue our expansion in the identification and animal traceability industry which brings us one step closer to achieve this objective.

The integration of Syscan ID activities to those of Reference Systems follows a natural progression that allows the organization to enhance its activities in western Canada and internationally while maintaining a strong presence in existing markets. Our company is proud to provide its products to over 400 customers amongst which are livestock producers, transport companies, slaughterhouses, Agri Food professional, food transformation companies as well as auction marts.

Syscan RS customers can not only expect a flawless transition but will also benefit from expertise and advantages that Syscan RS can offer, notably because of an important range of modern technologies for real time identification of livestock.

About Reference Systems

Founded in 1996, Reference Systems a company specialized in providing information technology services, has consistently grown by putting an emphasis on innovation within the high-tech industry. Its mission is to support customers in their technology choices, whether it be for infrastructure or applications as well as assisting them during use and implementation of their systems.

Throughout the years, with higher expectations from customers, Reference Systems has constantly invested in infrastructure and the development of know-how to always provide the best solutions according to customer needs. Furthermore, we can boast about offering all necessary IT business services that a company could need.

Today, we are proud to count on a solid team of seasoned professionals working for a prestigious and stable customer base.

For more information, please visit http://www.reference.ca and http://www.syscanrs.com.

SOURCE :

Yves Gervais

Reference Systems

(418) 650-0997

yves.gervais@reference.ca

Livestock Identification and Traceability

2013-11-12T10:48:00.000-05:00

Traceability is the ability to follow an item or a group of items - be it animal, plant, food product or ingredient - from one point in the supply chain to another, either backwards or forwards. Livestock traceability systems are based upon three basic elements: animal identification; premises identification; and animal movement.

Traceability systems are important, effective tools that can be used for many things, including the protection of animal health, public health and food safety. They can help reduce response time, thereby limiting economic, environmental and social impacts of emergency situations such as disease outbreaks.

To read more about* Source :Inspections Canada

http://www.SyscanRS.COM

USDA Issues Final Rule for Animal Disease Traceability

2013-02-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, December 20, 2012—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a final rule establishing general regulations for improving the traceability of U.S. livestock moving interstate.

"With the final rule announced today, the United States now has a flexible, effective animal disease traceability system for livestock moving interstate, without undue burdens for ranchers and U.S. livestock businesses," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The final rule meets the diverse needs of the countryside where states and tribes can develop systems for tracking animals that work best for them and their producers, while addressing any gaps in our overall disease response efforts. Over the past several years, USDA has listened carefully to America's farmers and ranchers, working collaboratively to establish a system of tools and safeguards that will help us target when and where animal diseases occur, and help us respond quickly."

Under the final rule, unless specifically exempted, livestock moved interstate would have to be officially identified and accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection or other documentation, such as owner-shipper statements or brand certificates.

After considering the public comments received, the final rule has several differences from the proposed rule issued in August 2011. These include:

Accepting the use of brands, tattoos and brand registration as official identification when accepted by the shipping and receiving States or Tribes
Permanently maintaining the use of backtags as an alternative to official eartags for cattle and bison moved directly to slaughter
Accepting movement documentation other than an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) for all ages and classes of cattle when accepted by the shipping and receiving States or Tribes
Clarifying that all livestock moved interstate to a custom slaughter facility are exempt from the regulations
Exempting chicks moved interstate from a hatchery from the official identification requirements

Beef cattle under 18 months of age, unless they are moved interstate for shows, exhibitions, rodeos, or recreational events, are exempt from the official identification requirement in this rule. These specific traceability requirements for this group will be addressed in separate rulemaking, allowing APHIS to work closely with industry to ensure the effective implementation of the identification requirements.

For more specific details about the regulation and how it will affect producers, visitwww.aphis.usda.gov/traceability.

Animal disease traceability, or knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they've been, and when, is very important to ensure a rapid response when animal disease events take place. An efficient and accurate animal disease traceability system helps reduce the number of animals involved in an investigation, reduces the time needed to respond, and decreases the cost to producers and the government.

This notice is expected to be published in the December 28 Federal Register.

Note to Reporters: USDA news releases, program announcements and media advisories are available on the Internet and through Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds. Go to the APHIS news release page atwww.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom and click on the RSS feed link.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Maintaining and growing Canadian beef demand – the value of trade

2012-12-17T13:23:00.002-05:00

Canadian beef consumption is flat at around 950,000 tonnes. In order to grow the Canadian beef industry or even to maintain its present size, stabilization and growth of exports is needed. Canada is a deficit producer of middle meats, particularly loins. This means we actually import loins, particularly from the U.S. into Eastern Canada. Reducing dependence on U.S. loin imports means we must produce more beef. But if domestic consumption is stable that means that more end meats (shoulders, chucks, briskets) must go elsewhere.

North Americans like their steak and ground beef but they do not value all parts of the carcass. In order to maximize the cutout value the goal is to put each cut into the highest value market around the world (adjusting for transportation and transaction costs). Offals in particular see higher values in Asian markets. Thin meats (skirts, flapmeat) are valued higher in Hispanic markets that have a higher per capita consumption of beef and have a higher cooking skill level in the kitchen. Tongues go to Japan and Mexico; chucks to Mexico and Russia. Chucks in the Canadian market tend to be discounted versus a U.S. equivalent price. In order to maximize the value from this part of the carcass international sales into the Hispanic market of southern California and Mexico are important.

Having access to one market for a particular product is crucial, but having multiple international markets bidding for the same product brings the best return to the producer. Market access is key to achieving this; more open markets mean importers must compete for the cuts they prefer, particularly when a single cut is demanded by multiple markets.

The value of trade by gaining access to some of these markets is important. However, economically viable access is a prerequisite to have volumes move in order to see these benefits occur. Non-Tariff Trade Barriers like zero tolerance for ractopamine can virtually remove a market even if Canada has technical access. At the same time it provides opportunities for niche hormone-free programs to maximize their cutout by accessing these markets.

Having full, direct access is the preferred option where market development (Canada Beef Inc.) can occur in order to command a premium price for Canadian product. The markets Canadian product moves into are large, market development helps distinguish Canadian from the commodity beef. Even in the U.S. where Canada exports around 30 per cent of production; we are actually a small, niche player there representing just 2.4 per cent of U.S. supply.

To understand the implications of limited trade access, one can look to the recent situation at the XL Foods Inc. facility in Brooks, AB., when the facility did not have access to the U.S. In addition to being unable to maximize the cutout value on items that typically go to the U.S., the facility could not slaughter as many cattle – limiting demand for cattle locally. Consequently live exports increased and the basis widened, reducing the price of all fed cattle sold in Canada. Lower fed cattle prices meant feedlots were unwilling to pay more for calves. This makes exports important regardless of whether a feedlot has the ability to export live cattle or not. Therefore the solution is not to export more live cattle, as that does not add value to the Canadian industry. It only deals with the short term supply issues.

The beef industry as a whole focuses on representing beef producers through two avenues:

To increase demand for Canadian beef through trade, by expanding market access (CCA) and commanding premium pricing through market development (Canada Beef Inc.), to ultimately increase the value of beef at all levels of the supply chain from boxed beef to fed and feeder cattle.
Increasing competitiveness by reducing cost of production through production research (BCRC) and regulatory competitiveness (CCA).

The value of beef trade, through investment in market access and market development, comes from the maintenance and expansion of demand for Canadian beef that keep producers in the industry.

*Source CCA website

Russia Bans US Beef

2012-12-13T12:23:00.002-05:00

CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. pork and beef exports to Russia could halt on Saturday following Moscow's requirement that the meat be tested and certified free of the feed additive ractopamine, a move analysts said smacked of political retaliation.

The measure by Russia - the sixth-largest market for U.S. beef and pork - comes on the heels of U.S. Senate approval of a trade bill to punish Russian human rights violators as part of a broader objective to expand bilateral commerce.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation told its members by email that since the U.S. Department of Agriculture had no testing and certification program in place for ractopamine, the Russian requirement could effectively halt U.S. pork and beef exports to the country by Saturday.

USMEF, a non-profit trade association, said more than 210 shipping containers of U.S. pork and beef valued at about $20 million were on their way to Russia.

Ractopamine is employed as a feed additive to make meat leaner, but countries such as China have banned its use. The United Nations has agreed on acceptable levels of the drug.

Canada moved swiftly to meet Russia's requirement, starting the testing process on Friday.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has provided meat processors with testing guidelines and is responsible for signing certificates to make sure the products meet Russian standards, said Jacques Pomerleau, executive director of Canada Pork International, an industry body.

The USDA called on Russia to suspend the requirement immediately and offered to have further technical discussions with Moscow on the safety of ractopamine.

"We will continue to reach out to Russia to resolve our differences, as well as to encourage Russia to implement the (U.N.) Codex Alimentarius Commission's standards for imported meat products to help provide greater certainty, in keeping with their obligation as a World Trade Organization member," USDA spokesman Matt Herrick said.

"This is an important opportunity for Russia to demonstrate that it takes these commitments seriously," he said.

Russia joined the WTO in August after a 19-year wait.

Analysts said the Russian move was linked to the Senate's passage of the trade bill and noted that prices for hogs and cattle in the United States were under pressure.

"This seems to be in retaliation to the Senate's passage of the trade bill with Russia ... there is certainly no doubt about it," Rich Nelson, chief strategist at research and brokerage company Allendale Inc, said.

He said Russia purchased 1.4 percent of U.S. pork production and 0.6 percent of beef production, adding that any suspension of imports from the United States would weigh on cattle and hog futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Kazakhstan - American cattle can handle the cold

2012-11-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Transplanted North Dakota cattle are thriving in Kazakhstan's cold climate, but many of the former Soviet republic's cowboys are still greenhorns, so it has hired Great Plains ranch hands to help out and is sending some of its own to the U.S. for training, a state trade official said.

Dean Gorder, executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office, said about a dozen Kazakh cowboys will visit North Dakota ranches next month for an intensive, two-week crash-course in tending cattle.

"There is no classroom work," Gorder said. "It's hands-on working with cows."
About 5,000 Angus and Hereford cows bred to withstand North Dakota's brutal-cold winters have been airfreighted to Kazakhstan over the past two years as part of a decade-long effort to rebuild the former Soviet republic's cattle industry.

Most of Kazakhstan's cattle were sold or slaughtered after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and its herd had been reduced from about 35 million animals in the early 1990s to about 2 million.
Gorder, who is returning from Kazakhstan this week, said the country's new cattle herd appears to be thriving thanks largely to North Dakota's cattle genetics and help from North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas cowboys hired by the oil-rich country that stretches from Central Asia into Eastern Europe.
"The percentage of successful calving is very high and they're very happy with the cattle," Gorder said Tuesday by telephone from Bucharest, Romania.Cattle from North Dakota typically have thicker coats, more marbling and fatty tissue, agriculture officials say.

The cattle in Kazakhstan, however, aren't fattening at the rate they would be on North Dakota ranches, he said.

"They are not gaining as much weight there but we are reminding (Kazakhstan officials) that cattle are what they eat," Gorder said. "The food that they have in Kazakhstan does not have the nutritional value a typical rancher in North Dakota will feed his cattle."

A Bismarck-based company plans to fly about 3,000 more North Dakota-bred cows to Kazakhstan this fall on jumbo jets, said Dan Price, co-owner of Global Beef Consultants LLC. Price said his brother, Bill Price, has been in Kazakhstan over the past two weeks negotiating the deal.
"They're building up their herd and they seem to be pleased with our cows," Price said.
Most of the cattle come from North Dakota ranches, but some come from surrounding states, Price said.

Kazakhstan also has been importing cattle from Canada and Australia, Price and Gorder said.
"A lot of the Canadian cattle came from North Dakota genetics," Gorder said.
Kazakhstan's cold climate mirrors North Dakota's, he said.
"That's where the U.S. and Canada cattle have an advantage over Australian genetics," Price said.

Source:bloomberg

Would You Recommend Your Job to Your Children?

2012-11-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

67% of people in agriculture and ranching say they'd recommend their jobs to their offspring—by far the highest percentage of any industry, according to an online survey of nearly 3,000 respondents by Salary.com. The next highest are professional services (44%), IT (43%), health care (42%), energy and utilities (41%), engineering and design (36%), education (36%), and arts and media (36%). The workers least likely to recommend their jobs to their kids are in hospitality and tourism (25%), finance and banking (24%), and retail (18%). Overall, just 36% say they'd recommend their line of work to the next generation.
*Source HBR

Eurotier 2012 - Distributors wanted

2012-11-06T09:31:00.002-05:00

For all those attending Eurotier 2012 in Hanover Germany, that are seekin new products to add to their portfolio, we welcome all inquiries regarding our Livetrack RFID reader used with all tags and species.

I will be available for meeting November 15th and 16th.

Contact us for more information.. info@syscan-id.com

North American cattle and beef production down in 2013

2012-10-22T19:10:00.000-04:00

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) forecasts global beef production to increase again in 2013, following an increase in 2012 from the 2011 low. In contrast, North American beef production is expected to decrease in 2013 with lower production in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Total cattle inventories are forecast to be lower in the U.S. and Mexico while Canadian cattle inventories may show modest growth after stabilizing in 2012.
Total beef exports among major world exporting countries are expected to increase in 2013. Several major beef exporting countries are to see increased exports including India, now the largest beef (mostly water buffalo) exporting country, Brazil, Australia, and Canada. Mexico, which has increased beef exports dramatically in the last three years is also expected to see continued growth in beef exports.
U.S. beef exports for the year to date are down 12 percent from the 2011 record levels. Exports are down to most of the major U.S. export customers including Mexico, down 21 percent; Canada, down 17 percent and South Korea, down 26 percent. Only Japan is up year over year by a modest 3 percent. However, U.S. beef exports are up to Hong Kong, Russia and Vietnam. . U.S. beef exports are expected to decline again in 2013, following decreased exports in 2012. Lower total beef production and high U.S. beef prices will continue to challenge U.S. beef exports. With lower beef production in the U.S., exports as a percent of production will likely hold constant.
Beef imports in North America are expected to increase in 2013 with larger imports in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Total beef imports among major importing countries are also expected to increase in 2013 with larger imports in Russia, Japan, and South Korea along with the North American countries. U.S. beef imports are up 13 percent so far in 2012. Year to date beef imports are larger from Australia, Brazil, Uruguay and Mexico, but are partially offset by decreased imports from Canada. U.S. beef imports are supported by a strong hamburger market, reduced cow slaughter and increased lean demand as a result of the product deficit left by not using lean finely textured beef.
Live cattle trade in North America is also expected to decrease in 2013 with reduced cattle exports for both Mexico and Canada. So far in 2012, U.S. cattle imports are up 16 percent, mostly from increased imports of Mexican cattle. However, much of the increased Mexican cattle imports in 2011 and 2012 were the result of drought liquidation in Mexico. Mexican cattle inventories, exportable cattle supplies and total production are all expected to be reduced in 2013. Reduced cattle imports will further squeeze feeder cattle supplies in the U.S. in 2013.
Source: Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate - Canada

2012-10-01T06:46:00.000-04:00

DEADLINE: Applications must be received or postmarked on or before January 31, 2013.

On October 27, 2009, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced a $5 million Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate.
The Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate will provide rebates of up to 70 per cent of eligible costs for the purchase and/or lease of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) handheld and panel readers. Funding is also available for training, software, installation, ultra-rugged computers with an IP 67 rating, and facility modifications relating to the use of RFID readers.
Cattle, bison, sheep, goat, hog and cervid producers, feedlots, backgrounders, veterinary clinics, meat processors, assembly yards, privately managed community pastures, fairs and exhibitions are eligible for a 70 per cent rebate, to a maximum rebate of $50,000 per facility for all eligible items combined.
Auction marts can apply for a 70 per cent rebate to a maximum of $100,000 per facility.
Saskatchewan's overall traceability initiative also includes awareness and education through information and workshops; development of pilot projects at auction marts and/or feedlots; and financial support for the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency to establish a presence in Saskatchewan to assist producers and to create awareness of traceability initiatives in the province.
For more information on the Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate, please call 1-877-874-5365. General inquiries and questions regarding this program can be emailed to fpbinfo@gov.sk.ca.
For information on Saskatchewan Agriculture's overall traceability initiative, contact Paul Marciniak (306) 933-6888.
Further funding is available from the federal government for traceability activities. For information on the federal government's Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative (LATI), go to www.agr.gc.ca/lati or call 613-773-1931. Please note that this program is open to more than just auction marts.

		Saskatchewan Voluntary Livestock Traceability Rebate - Questions and Answers What is RFID? Who is eligible to apply?

		FORM A - Rebate Application - General Applicants

		FORM A - Rebate Application - Auction Markets Only

		FORM B – Facility Modification Claim - General Applicants

		FORM B – Facility Modification Claim - Auction Markets Only

		Frequently Asked Traceability Questions A fully functioning traceability system has three pillars; animal identification, premise identification and movement reporting. Together these three pillars can provide assurances to Canada's trading partners that will allow an earlier resumption of trade or avoid an interruption of trade following discovery of certain animal diseases.

Australia -New Livestock Traceability Rules Bolster Biosecurity

2012-07-25T12:41:00.000-04:00

AUSTRALIA - The expansion of property identification codes (PICs) to cover additional livestock species will strengthen biosecurity and improve the state’s capacity to respond to animal disease and food safety incidents, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) says.

“From 1 September this year anyone who keeps livestock including sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, deer, bison, buffalo, camels, horses, donkeys, llama, alpaca or 100 or more poultry birds will be required to obtain a PIC regardless of whether they are trading or moving animals,” the DPI’s executive director, Bruce Christie.

“In New South Wales it is already a requirement for owners of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs to have a PIC when trading or moving livestock.

“It is estimated that up to 33,000 new PICs will be required over the next three years.

“By establishing clear traceability back to specific properties we are well placed to quickly and effectively respond to animal disease outbreaks or other food safety issues.

“The expansion of PICs to cover the additional livestock species completes the picture in our livestock tracing system and follows requests from the horse industry to expand the scheme to properties carrying horses.

“In the event of an exotic animal disease outbreak, DPI and Livestock Health and Pest Authorities can draw on PICs to identify the location of a property and its associated livestock, as well as contact details for the owner or occupier.”

Mr Christie says the new measure is a critical component of the NSW biosecurity strategy and helps to shore up our ongoing access to international markets.

“Australia is recognised globally for producing clean and safe quality meat products,” he says.

“To maintain this enviable reputation it is important that we continue to enhance our biosecurity measures and ensure we are on the front foot when it comes to disease outbreaks.”

* Source - TheCattleSite News Desk

Low Frequency Reader - 125khz and 134.2khz

2012-07-25T12:35:00.003-04:00

Simply worth exploring.

Livetrack Version 4, the most reliable, dependable reader with all the bells and whistles.....

call or email us:

www.syscan-id.com

USDA stands with farmers, ranchers affected by weather, disasters

2012-07-17T10:24:00.000-04:00

As serious drought conditions continue to creep across nearly two-thirds of the lower 48 states, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials are fanning out to rural communities across the country to show support to farmers and ranchers affected by a string of extreme weather in 2012.

Today, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse begins a tour of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana—three states affected by severe frost and freezes in the spring, with Indiana now experiencing increasing levels of drought.

In the weeks ahead, additional USDA subcabinet leaders will travel to Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and others to augment ongoing assistance from state-level USDA staff. USDA officials will also provide guidance on the department’s existing disaster resources and remind producers to keep thorough records of losses as the department’s authority to operate the five disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill expired on Sept. 30, 2011, and Congress has not yet acted to restore these vital forms of assistance.

“Our hearts go out to all of those affected by this year’s disasters, from frost and freezes to fires and drought,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release. “Without a robust package of disaster assistance programs available to struggling farmers and ranchers, it is important that USDA officials visit rural communities and talk with producers not only about their current options but also about the need for proper planning through these difficult times. And we remind Congress that as agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy, it is crucial that producers have a safety net in times of need, and that USDA has the tools to act quickly and deliver assistance when producers need it most.” USDA agencies have been working for weeks with state and local officials, as well as individuals, businesses, farmers and ranchers, as they begin the process of helping to get people back on their feet. USDA offers a variety of resources for states and individuals affected by the recent disasters. Individuals can also apply for other types of federal disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov.

In rural communities, USDA’s Rural Development works with existing individual and community borrowers that have been affected by a natural disaster to help them with their loans. With respect to loans guaranteed by Rural Development, borrowers should initially contact their lender for assistance.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency provides emergency loans through the Emergency Loan Program to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to natural disasters. Producers will be eligible for these loans as soon as their county is declared a Presidential or Secretarial disaster county.

Last week, Vilsack announced three significant improvements to USDA programs and processes related to Secretarial disaster designations: a final rule that simplifies the process for Secretarial disaster designations and will result in a 40 percent reduction in processing time for most counties affected by disasters; a reduced interest rate for emergency loans that effectively lowers the current rate from 3.75 percent to 2.25 percent; and a payment reduction on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands qualified for emergency haying and grazing in 2012, from 25 to 10 percent.

Hot, dry and drought conditions across states from California to Delaware have damaged some crops and slowed development of others. USDA’s Risk Management Agency reminds producers faced with questions on crop losses to contact their crop insurance companies and local USDA Farm Service Agency Service Centers, as applicable, to report damages to crops or livestock loss, and not to destroy or discontinue care for your crops. Farmers and ranchers who participate in the federal crop insurance program are reminded to please contact your agent or company as soon as you experience any failing crops. USDA assures producers that indemnity payments will be made to producers who submit claims for crops and livestock. In addition, USDA reminds livestock producers to keep thorough records of losses, including additional expenses for such things as food purchased due to lost supplies.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Emergency Watershed Protection program, which provides assistance to areas that have been damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, windstorms, drought, and wildfires. In partnership and through local government sponsors, NRCS helps local communities recover from natural disasters.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service provides food assistance to those in need in areas affected by a disaster. This Federal assistance is in addition to that provided by State and local governments. USDA provides disaster food assistance in three ways: provides foods to State agencies for distribution to shelters and other mass feeding sites; provides food to State agencies for distribution directly to households in need in certain limited situations; and authorizes State agencies to issue Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.

For additional information and updates about USDA’s efforts, please visit www.usda.gov/disaster.

The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers. A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture. USDA’s crop insurance program currently insures 264 million acres, 1.14 million policies, and $110 billion worth of liability on about 500,000 farms. In response to tighter financial markets, USDA has expanded the availability of farm credit, helping struggling farmers refinance loans. In the past 3 years, USDA provided 103,000 loans to family farmers totaling $14.6 billion. Over 50 percent of the loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

* Source : Drovers

Drought forcing ranchers to Plan B

2012-07-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

The hottest year on record and the worst drought in a generation has ranchers across America switching to Plan B – early weaning, culling, feeding hay or shipping cattle early. Some ranchers in areas hardest hit by drought are forced to sell their entire herds.
The increase in cattle receipts at auction markets has also driven prices lower, compounding the losses from Mother Nature’s wrath.

“We’re seeing larger runs of cattle than normal, and a lot of small calves,” says Mark Harmon, Joplin Regional Stockyards, Joplin, Mo. “The price of calves is about $20 (per hundredweight) cheaper than it was in mid-June.” Heavier runs of cull cows are also occurring, but Harmon says cow prices are off only a few dollars per hundredweight.
Cattle runs are also significantly higher in Wyoming this year. Michael Schmitt, one of the owners of the Torrington Livestock Market, Torrington, Wyo., told the Associated Press his market normally sells about 3,500 head of cattle in May and 1,800 in June. This year the market sold 18,000 in May and more than 17,000 in June.

Ranchers are also forced to ship stockers and yearlings off pastures early this year due to the dry weather and lack of forage. Cattle grazing the native grass pastures in the Kansas Flint Hills are moving about two weeks early to feedyards, and lighter weigh-ups are the norm.
Harmon said several of his customers who have cattle in Flint Hills are shipping cattle this week. “We expect those yearlings will be 50 to 120 pounds light,” he said. “Normally those cattle would ship from July 20 to August 1.”

Feeding hay to cows in an effort to hang on until it rains is an option for some ranchers, but not all. Hay production in Western Nebraska and Wyoming has been short this year which removes that option from a rancher’s Plan B. Buying hay is an option, but hay supplies are scarce this year, and the higher prices for hay make that strategy unworkable for most.
Arkansas is another area hit especially hard by drought, and hay production was nearly non-existent. Many ranchers are forced to sell their entire herds.

Southwest Missouri has been a little more fortunate than their neighbors to the south. “We had great early hay production in this area,” Harmon said. “And we had more rain north of Interstate 44 than they have had south of the Interstate. South of here the ranchers are weaning everything early and trying to salvage their best cows. The situation is critical.”
Harmon also noted that much the corn in the area has already been cut as silage. “If it doesn’t have a pivot (irrigation) it’s becoming silage.”

* Source Drovers- Greg Henderson

Canada- Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework- Location Identification

2012-07-04T08:47:00.000-04:00

Identification of locations where animals can be found is critical for any traceability system. The identification and validation of premises (at a land-parcel level) is a provincial responsibility. Provinces are taking various approaches for implementing premises identification. To help ensure consistency, the federal framework would require that locations be identified so that key movements can be reported. This requirement would permit the use of existing provincial and territorial premises registries (mandatory or voluntary), as long as they are built on national standards adopted by federal, provincial and territorial governments. When there is an agreement with industry on key locations that should report traceability information, the development of specific regulatory requirements could include:

Ability to require the identification of locations where animals are kept, assembled or disposed of;
Ability to require that locations be identified prior to animals being moved to and from those locations;
Ability to maintain and link the identity of an animal with its location of birth/origin and other key locations where the animal has been during its life within Canada; and
Ability to know the locations that are registered as linked, i.e. premises which are considered as a single (animal health) unit because of the regular movements of animals/products between them.

* source Inspections Canada website

Canada- Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework- Movement Reporting

2012-06-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

Movement reporting is essential for an effective traceability system. The scope of movement information requirements, by species, would be developed through extensive and transparent consultations between the CFIA and industry. Once the technology permits and the industry infrastructure is in place, the proposed framework would require reporting of animal movements and other events critical for disease management and food safety to an industry-led administrator (e.g. CCIA). This authority would permit development of specific regulatory requirements, which may include the following:

Ability to relate the identity of an animal with important movements along the life-cycle continuum;
Ability to require custodians of animals to report key animal movements during their lives, including the identification (e.g. license plate) of means used to move animals;
Ability to establish which animals came in contact with others during movement from one location to another;
Ability to require the reporting of certain movement information at designated geographical check-points or zones (e.g. West Hawk Lake);
Ability to require reporting of events (e.g. allocation, manufacture, distribution, sale, application, activation, replacement, retirement) related to approved means of identification (e.g. ear tags); and
Ability to require custodians to report other events (e.g. animal importation and exportation).

For more information on RFID wand readers please visit www.syscan-id.com
*Source Inspection Canada

Canada - Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework- Compliance

2012-06-04T13:55:00.000-04:00

The legislative framework would include provisions to promote compliance by regulated parties. To achieve compliance, the CFIA would take a progressive approach beginning with education, advice and awareness building; followed by inspections and enforcement actions, where necessary. More specifically, the framework would permit:

Ability to create offences and penalties for unauthorized uses and disclosures of personal information collected under the framework.
Ability to create prohibitions, e.g. failure to identify an animal prior to its sale; and
Ability to develop and employ a compliance and enforcement program prescribing responsibilities for all stakeholders and defining contraventions of those provisions.

* Source Inspections Canada

Canada- Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework -Part 1

2012-06-02T16:28:00.001-04:00

Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework

1. Animal Identification

The proposed framework would retain the current animal identification requirements that exist under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations and would permit further development of specific regulatory requirements, which could include:

Ability to confirm the identity of an animal either by determining if a unique identification device has been applied to an animal or by allocating a group (lot or flock) identification number;
Ability to enable the use of alternative methods of identification for certain species (e.g. DNA, retinal scan) with evolution of science and technology;
Ability to require the identification of imported animals in a manner consistent with existing requirements for domestic animals; and
When there is industry support for the collection of the information, ability to require the collection of information related to additional attributes of animals (e.g. breed, genetic enhancements).

* Source Inspections Canada

Canada - Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework - Reporting and Record Keeping

2012-06-02T16:26:00.001-04:00

The current animal identification program in Canada mandates the reporting of information to the appointed industry administrator. At present not-for-profit industry-led organizations, such as CCIA and Agri-Traçabilité Québec (ATQ), collect information from regulated parties. The framework would use the same approach to require the reporting of information to appointed industry administrators. The framework would permit:

The reporting of animal and location identification data, and movement information in a prescribed format, manner and time frame.
Ability to conduct compliance verifications based on on-site records corresponding to the data submitted to industry-led administrators.
Recording and retaining information corresponding to some events that may be excluded from the reporting requirements (e.g. record keeping requirements for movement of sheep 18 months of age or older under section 175.1 of the Health of Animals Regulations).
Establishment of clear guidelines and schedules for the retention and disposition of personal and confidential data collected under the traceability framework.
Expedited requirements for the reporting of traceability information during emergencies.

*Source Inspections Canada

Canada - Elements of the Proposed Traceability Framework -Authorized Uses and Sharing of Information

2012-06-02T16:20:00.002-04:00

The current animal identification program in Canada requires the collection of personal and confidential information. Similarly, some provinces require regulated parties to report personal information under provincial traceability frameworks (e.g. Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba). The proposed traceability framework would require the collection of additional information (e.g. reporting of key movements) that will be managed by industry-led administrators.
To address stakeholders' concerns about appropriate protection of that information, there would be provisions in the legislation outlining authorized access to and intended uses of traceability information. These authorities would add to the protection provided by the federal Privacy Act. The authorities would permit the development of specific regulatory requirements, which could include:

Ability to clearly define authorized and appropriate uses of traceability information. The information collected under this framework would only be used for those purposes;
Ability to enable access to traceability information for use by provincial and federal governments, as well as others (e.g. veterinarians and emergency responders) entrusted to manage animal, human health and food safety issues; and
Ability to allow access to aggregate and non-personal information contained within the traceability databases for purposes other than the management of health issues and emergencies such as: animal demographic studies, analysis of disease trends, simulations of disease outbreaks.

* Source Inspections Canada

NAIT Scheme - NZ

2012-05-02T12:20:00.000-04:00

NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing) is an animal identification and tracing scheme that will link people, property and animals.

NAIT Ltd is the industry-owned company implementing the scheme.
Under the NAIT scheme, cattle and deer will be tagged with an electronic NAIT-approved RFID ear tag.

The NAIT database will store information about each animal’s individual RFID number, its location, and the contact details of the person in charge of the animal. The database will meet animal tracing requirements for New Zealand in a way that is consistent with the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

This information is currently held in a range of databases.
NAIT will:

link people, property and livestock
provide lifetime animal traceability
enhance New Zealand’s biosecurity response
safeguard our New Zealand brand and farmers’ income.

* Source NAIT website.

Turkey Looks to Raise Standards to EU Levels

2012-04-13T09:37:00.000-04:00

TURKEY - The Turkish government is planning to increase the number of livestock markets from 94 to 118, says the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. This aims to help combat price speculation and raise standards to the European level.

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock has started a study to establish modern livestock markets in Turkey, by joining forces with the Union of Chamber and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), reports The Hurriyet Daily.

In a first step, 24 newly licensed markets will be established. The total estimated cost of the new establishments is nearly 34 million liras.

The ministry is also working on arrangements to provide better procedures and environments for the well-being of the animals transported to the markets for sale.

The animals and vehicles that transport the animals will have to be put through a hygiene tunnel, before the animals are disinfected against contagious diseases in separate rooms. The markets will also feature special partitions for animals to rest and be foddered.

Responsible managers, vets and caretakers will be employed at livestock selling places, where there will also be included offices, cafes, utilities. There are currently a total of 94 livestock markets in Turkey. Some 84 of them are licensed livestock bazaars and the rest are bourses.

Such efforts will encourage trade and support the development of higher standards and quality, to maintain healthy livestock markets, he said.

The Turkish government is working on lifting obstacles to the local dairy industry that prevent it from exporting to the European Union, Food, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Mehdi Eker said at an industry-wide meeting.

“We have made Turkey comply with EU standards, which are accepted as a reference in terms of food security,” he said, noting that the ministry was fighting to secure a brighter future for the dairy and other food industries. The minister also said a regulatory body regarding the dairy industry was being established. “[The draft law regarding] the regulatory body is in final stage. Soon it will be sent to the Cabinet.”

Pfizer Invests in Future of Veterinarians

2012-03-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

US - For the third consecutive year, Pfizer Animal Health and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) continue their ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the veterinary profession, announcing the recipients of this year’s student scholarship programme.

Pfizer awarded $2,500 each to 331 second- and third-year veterinary students at accredited universities throughout the United States and the Caribbean, for a total of $827,500.

A total of 1,582 students applied for the scholarship. Students were chosen based on several criteria, including academic excellence, professional interests (small animal, large, mixed, research, academia, etc.), financial need, diversity, leadership and potential for contribution to the veterinary profession. Of the total group of 2012 scholars, 31 per cent are students from diverse backgrounds, 47 per cent are studying to practice food and mixed animal veterinary medicine, 28 per cent will go into small animal practice, eight per cent will enter academia (research and clinical) and the remainder will go into other areas, such as public health, lab animal medicine and poultry. For a list of scholarship recipients, please visit: vets.pfizerah.com.

“Students are the future of the veterinary profession, and Pfizer Animal Health is honored to support them on their path for professional success,” said Vanessa Mariani, Director of Academic and Professional Affairs for the US at Pfizer Animal Health.

“We understand the financial barriers that many students face today and, through a true collaborative effort with AVMF as our partner, and all the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and AVMA in the selection process, the Pfizer Animal Health scholarship programme allows us to help alleviate some of that burden.”

More than 2,600 students will graduate from veterinary schools this year, with an average loan debt of nearly $140,000, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In response to the rising debt load and to help ensure there are enough qualified veterinarians in the years ahead, Pfizer Animal Health has grown the scholarship program by 49 per cent in terms of funding since its inaugural year in 2010.

“With a core strategic objective of veterinary student enhancement, the AVMF is very pleased to partner with Pfizer Animal Health in supporting the education of future veterinarians,” said Michael W. Cathey, Executive Director of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.

“Working together we believe we are making a significant impact on the medical care and well being of the animals we ultimately serve.”

For one aspiring veterinarian, this scholarship is of great assistance.

“As an out-of-state student, my tuition is significant,” said Curtis Plowgian, a third-year student at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.

“The prospect of a large, growing student debt can be pretty intimidating. Every bit truly does help, and the generosity of donors such as Pfizer and AVMF helps get me closer to my goal of becoming a companion animal veterinarian without having to worry as much about the increasing cost of my education. This year, the scholarship helped me purchase textbooks and supplies for my clinical year, in addition to reducing the amount of loans I needed."

The scholarship programme is a component of Pfizer Animal Health’s Commitment to Veterinarians — which offers support through training and education, research and development, investing in the future of veterinarians, and philanthropy.

*source pigsite

Canada Looks to Strengthen Livestock Traceability

2012-03-21T10:50:00.001-04:00

CANADA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has called for feedback on proposed changes to the Health of Animals Act intended to strengthen livestock and poultry traceability in Canada.

The proposed changes would enhance the Government of Canada's ability to:

protect public health and strengthen food safety;
rapidly respond to disease outbreaks and natural disasters (for example floods and ice storms) that affect Canada's animal resource base.

Traceability is the ability to follow an item or a group of items-such as animal, plant, or food products or their ingredients-from one point in the supply chain to another.

The focus of this initiative is farm-to-slaughter traceability of livestock and poultry species. The proposed changes touch on some of the following elements:

animal and location identification
animal movement reporting and recording
information and privacy protection

This initiative supports a commitment made in 2006 by federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture to create a national livestock and poultry traceability system.

A consultation document explaining the proposed changes is available on the CFIA's website and is open for comments until May 3, 2012. The CFIA will use comments from the public and stakeholders to help shape the proposal moving forward.

*source beef site

The ISO 11784-11786 RFID reader with the most........

2012-03-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

I find it comforting that so many clients and competitors are interested in our reader. Over the years of development and contribution by many end user/friends, we now found ourselves with a top quality product at a reasonable price.

Hands down Syscan ID Livetrack V4, ISO wand reader offers the most;

Reliability
Robustness
Innovative firmware upgrades - Free
Data entry using keypad ( for weight, medication,classification, etc....)
New Android application for your smartphones - Free ( available for download on android market)
Improved Livetrack manager Software with customizable forms - Included when purchasing a reader
Class one Bluetooth (100M- 300 feet)
2 year warranty on parts and labor
Vibrating handle, large screen
Long battery life
etc,.....

Stop by and have a look at Syscan-id.com or call me.
Mark Haugwitz, Managing Director Syscan ID