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May 8, 2012 Source: National Institute for Animal Agriculture A White Paper that identifies and describes the challenges and opportunities today's farmers and ranchers in animal agriculture face is now available. Developed by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture a nonprofit organization that unites the beef, dairy, equine, goat, poultry, sheep and swine industries, the White Paper synthesizes information 50-plus experts presented at NIAA's recent Annual Conference, five species committees: bovine, equine, poultry, small ruminant and swine and six councils: Animal Care; Animal Health, Emergency Management; Animal Identification and Information Systems; Antibiotics; Emerging Diseases; and Global Animal Health, Food Security and Trade. The White Paper also pinpoints specific needs within animal agriculture that "A recent survey of America's young farmers and ranchers revealed that 97.2 percent planned to farm and ranch for life, and 90 percent said they would like their children to follow in their footsteps. This desire to remain in agriculture provides strong incentive for today's farmers and ranchers to identify challenges and opportunities within animal agriculture, to learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and to gain the skills and knowledge needed to work with the challenges and constraints that they face," states Dr. Annette Whiteford, State Veterinarian & Director, Animal Health and Food Safety Services for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and Chairman of NIAA. "Adding pressure to U.S. farmers and ranchers is the fact that world population continues to grow. Economists estimate that, by the year 2050, global meat production must increase by 73 percent to meet the expected 43 percent boost to the world's population, and many countries will be looking to the United States to help meet that need for additional animal protein. "And this challenge for U. S. farmers and ranchers is occurring simultaneously as agricultural land and resources dwindle and as regulations impacting animal agriculture increase." Specific challenges and opportunities topics addressed in the White Paper include technology, regulatory pressures, antimicrobial use, exports and traceability as well as the value of, and the need for, collaboration and outreach. A copy of the White Paper is available online at www.animalagriculture.org. About The National Institute for Animal Agriculture The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is a non-profit, membership-driven organization that unites and advances animal agriculture the beef, dairy, equine, goats, poultry, sheep and swine industries. NIAA is dedicated to programs that work towards the eradication of diseases that pose risk to the health of animals, wildlife and humans; promote a safe and wholesome food supply for our nation and abroad; and promote best practices in environmental stewardship, animal health and well-being. NIAA's members include animal producers, veterinarians, scientists, state and federal officials, and agribusiness executives. Tweet |
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