Government and Livestock

Question 1

What is the Clean Air Act - in relation to livestock?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What are the 6 “criteria pollutants” under CAA?

Answer 2

ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, lead

Question 3

What are the primary concerns for worker safety at CAFOs?

Answer 3

ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
OSHA sets permissible exposure levels

Question 4

What is the Clean Water Act - in relation to livestock?

Answer 4

CAFOs - 2003: w/potential to discharge required NPDES permits, 2008: regulation changed to require permits for only CAFOS that intend or propose to discharge

Question 5

What is NPDES Section 402 - in relation to livestock?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What was the 2003 EPA rule for CAFO regulation?

Answer 6

duty to apply - burden on operator

subject to monitoring and reporting

Question 7

What was the 2005 EPA rule for CAFO regulation?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What was the 2008 EPA rule for CAFO regulation?

Answer 8

only those who discharge or propose to discharge must have a permit
permitter/public review of NMP/permit

Question 9

How is CAFO defined for NPDES purposes?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

How are NPDES permits enforced?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What is FSIS?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What is a certified facility under FSIS?

Answer 12

HACCP plan
written standard operating procedures
abide by FSIS regulations

Question 13

What are the steps of HACCP?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What laws give FSIS authority?

Answer 14

Meat Inspection Act
Poultry Products Inspection Act
Egg Products Inspection Act

Question 15

What occurs during pre-slaugher inspection?

Answer 15

live animal pens inspected for sufficient water, room to move
id animals that can’t enter food supply - diseased, downed

Question 16

What occurs during post-slaugher inspection?

Answer 16

ensure humane stunning and bleeding
carcass by carcass inspection - ensure meet is safe for human consumption
separate diseased animals

Question 17

What are concerns with slaughter inspection?

Answer 17

too few inspectors

visual inspection for tiny things

Question 18

How are slaughter rules enforced?

Answer 18

can’t operate without inspector on site
plants can be shut down for violations
fine may be issued
letter of warning

Question 19

How do food recalls work?

Answer 19

conducted by firm

work with FSIS to notify public and ensure all items removed from store shelves

Question 20

How do recalls change under FSMA of 2011?

Answer 20

FDA now has authority to make mandatory recalls

Question 21

What are the different beef grades?

Answer 21

prime, choice, select

Question 22

What are the poultry grades?

Answer 22

A - for stores

B&C - processed foods

Question 23

What are the shell egg grades?

Answer 23

AA, A, B

based on: cleanliness, shape, size of air cells, unbroken, clarity of white, definition of egg yolk

Question 24

What is GIPSA?

Answer 24

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act
enforce PSA of 1921
assures competition
protects consumers for excessively high prices
safeguard farmers and ranchers from monopoly

Question 25

What is GIPSA authorized to investigate?

Answer 25

prompt payments, custodial audits, weighing practices, carcass evaluation accuracy, poultry contracts reviews

Question 26

What programs in the Farm Bill pertain to livestock?

Answer 26

Supplemental Ag Disaster Assistance Programs
Livestock Indemnity Program
Livestock Forage Disaster Program
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish
Dairy Program

Question 27

What is LIP?

Answer 27

Livestock Indemnity Program
reimburse 75% of market value
adverse events, except drought, includes wildlife release

Question 28

What is LFP?

Answer 28

Livestock Forage Disaster Program
focuses on drought impacts or fire
covers 60% of monthly feed costs
administered by FSA

Question 29

What is the new dairy program?

Answer 29

eliminates price support
establishes Margin Protection Program (MPP)
covers increases in feed cost
variable coverage is available
premiums are higher for larger farms