We need choice in the food chain

Jeff Simmons, president of Elanco Animal Health, was on hand at the Northeast Dairy Producers Association annual meeting in Liverpool, N.Y., to discuss, "Choice in the food chain and dairy's opportunity in feeding the world. Simmons' presentation had three key components involving: technology, choice, and leadership.

Citing United Nations data, Simmons noted, 50-100-70 would be the key numbers driving food production. "Specifically, in the next 50 years the world will need 100 percent more food, and 70 percent of that additional food will come from improved technology," said Simmons, noting there was little arable land not already in agricultural production.

Countries like China and India, with one-third of the world's population, want to grow more food for their citizens. At the same time, they want to devote less of each citizen’s personal income to food. "India spends 50 percent of personal income on food," said Simmons. "That compares to 26 percent in Japan, 22 percent in the United Kingdom, and 10 percent in the U.S. Technology can lower food costs," he went on to say. "Look at the U.S., for example. In 1908, the American consumer spent 50 percent of personal income on food. Today, he or she spends only 10 percent."

The second key component is choice. Simmons pointed out that Elanco reviewed consumer surveys conducted in the past two years that asked unaided questions to consumers which means that questions were not of a leading nature. After that review, they found that 95 percent of consumers are really looking at: availability, affordability, and nutrition when buying food.

"That means only 5 percent of consumers purchased food on luxury choices and personal wants such as organic or vegan lifestyles," Simmons stated. "This finding is holding true today," Simmons pointed out. "The recession has put some economic logic back into the system."

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Simmons pointed out dairy producers need to share this message with others and provide leadership on food. "We don't all have to agree on every issue," he said. "However, we need to align ourselves and move in the same direction," he said when talking about moving agriculture and food-related issues forward. "If we wait for total agreement, we will never move forward," he told the 550 people attending the Northeast Dairy Producers Association meeting just outside Syracuse, N.Y.

NEDPA approves best management practices

Over 550 dairy producers and allied industry professionals gathered in Liverpool, N.Y., for the biannual conference of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA). Sustainable agricultural production, carbon footprints, markets, and animal welfare were key discussion topics for the two-day conference held on March 3 and 4 just outside of Syracuse, N.Y.

During the second day of the conference, animal welfare was a major focus as Candace Croney from Ohio State and Nina von Keyserlingk from the University of British Columbia discussed animal welfare initiatives across the country and around the world. Nina then turned the discussion to specific issues on dairy farms and Nigel Cook, D.V.M., from the University of Wisconsin detailed cattle housing.

After those presentations, Daryl Nydam, a Cornell D.V.M., began the Best Management Practices recently adapted by NEDPA. Three specific issues addressed were dehorning, tail docking, and nonambulatory cows. In their position statement, NEDPA supports the right of farmers to choose to dehorn and dock tails as appropriate management practices when these practices are conducted humanely, with best management practices, and under the supervision of a veterinarian.

When it comes to dehorning, NEDPA is recommending that it take place before 8 weeks of age through dehorning paste, thermal cautery, or by gouging technique. Cornual nerve block with lidocaine should be used with all dehorning procedures. In addition, a single-dose of a long-term analgestic, such flunixin, is recommended for pain control and inflammation reduction

For tail docking, NEDPA suggests using an elastrator or cautery tail docker in calves less then 30 days old. They recommend tail docking at a young age. If animals are docked over 1 month of age, cutting requires use of anesthesia with lidocaine. The tail docking issue may be the most controversial as Nydam went on to discuss the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) position statement on the subject: "The AABP is not aware of sufficient scientific evidence in the literature to support tail docking in cattle. If it is deemed necessary for proper care and management of production animals in certain conditions, veterinarians should counsel clients on proper procedures, benefits, and risks."

NEDPA's protocol for nonambulatory cows includes a provision for prompt relocation from concrete to a safe, well-bedded area. That area must provide adequate footing, provisions for water and food without competition from other cattle, protection from self-injury, injury from other animals, and protection from environmental elements. If it is determined a cow should be euthanized, it should be done quickly without moving the animal. NEDPA recommends using the AABP's guide on euthanasia found in the pdf below.

Practical Euthanasia of Cattle