Government and Livestock Flashcards
What is the Clean Air Act - in relation to livestock?
EPA
National Ambient Air Quality standards - set for 6 contaminants known as “criteria pollutants”
particulate matter is concern for livestock industry (CAFOs especially)
exposure limits set to protect communities
What are the 6 “criteria pollutants” under CAA?
ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, lead
What are the primary concerns for worker safety at CAFOs?
ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
OSHA sets permissible exposure levels
What is the Clean Water Act - in relation to livestock?
CAFOs - 2003: w/potential to discharge required NPDES permits, 2008: regulation changed to require permits for only CAFOS that intend or propose to discharge
What is NPDES Section 402 - in relation to livestock?
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
classifies CAFOs as point source
illegal to discharge w/o permit (point source) into surface waters
pertains to CAFOs - defined by confinement and scale
ag exemptions for - return flows from irrigation; smaller feedlots and aquaculture
What was the 2003 EPA rule for CAFO regulation?
duty to apply - burden on operator
subject to monitoring and reporting
What was the 2005 EPA rule for CAFO regulation?
water keeper decision
restricted the NPDES requirement - no longer “actual or potential”
includes lagoon overflow - CAFO liable, even in event of extreme weather, only allowed with permit
What was the 2008 EPA rule for CAFO regulation?
only those who discharge or propose to discharge must have a permit
permitter/public review of NMP/permit
How is CAFO defined for NPDES purposes?
confine animals for 45 days per year
grass isn’t available in confinement area during growing season
large number of animals OR medium number of animals with certain surface water conditions
How are NPDES permits enforced?
facilities required to test discharge - notify EPA when permitted levels are exceeded
EPA can send inspectors to determine compliance
EPA can issue admin. orders requiring action
EPA can pursue civil and criminal actions
What is FSIS?
Food Safety Inspection Service
USDA public health agency
responsible for - meat, poultry, egg products
requires certified slaughter and processing facilities for interstate commerce
too few employees, high turnover, low pay, poor conditions
What is a certified facility under FSIS?
HACCP plan
written standard operating procedures
abide by FSIS regulations
What are the steps of HACCP?
hazard analysis and critical control points identify food safety hazards identify critical control points set limits for each control point develop control point monitoring procedures perform corrective actions establish record keeping system verify that system is working
What laws give FSIS authority?
Meat Inspection Act
Poultry Products Inspection Act
Egg Products Inspection Act
What occurs during pre-slaugher inspection?
live animal pens inspected for sufficient water, room to move
id animals that can’t enter food supply - diseased, downed
What occurs during post-slaugher inspection?
ensure humane stunning and bleeding
carcass by carcass inspection - ensure meet is safe for human consumption
separate diseased animals
What are concerns with slaughter inspection?
too few inspectors
visual inspection for tiny things
How are slaughter rules enforced?
can’t operate without inspector on site
plants can be shut down for violations
fine may be issued
letter of warning
How do food recalls work?
conducted by firm
work with FSIS to notify public and ensure all items removed from store shelves
How do recalls change under FSMA of 2011?
FDA now has authority to make mandatory recalls
What are the different beef grades?
prime, choice, select
What are the poultry grades?
A - for stores
B&C - processed foods
What are the shell egg grades?
AA, A, B
based on: cleanliness, shape, size of air cells, unbroken, clarity of white, definition of egg yolk
What is GIPSA?
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act
enforce PSA of 1921
assures competition
protects consumers for excessively high prices
safeguard farmers and ranchers from monopoly
What is GIPSA authorized to investigate?
prompt payments, custodial audits, weighing practices, carcass evaluation accuracy, poultry contracts reviews
What programs in the Farm Bill pertain to livestock?
Supplemental Ag Disaster Assistance Programs
Livestock Indemnity Program
Livestock Forage Disaster Program
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish
Dairy Program
What is LIP?
Livestock Indemnity Program
reimburse 75% of market value
adverse events, except drought, includes wildlife release
What is LFP?
Livestock Forage Disaster Program
focuses on drought impacts or fire
covers 60% of monthly feed costs
administered by FSA
What is the new dairy program?
eliminates price support establishes Margin Protection Program (MPP) covers increases in feed cost variable coverage is available premiums are higher for larger farms
