Grains of Knowledge

Food News & You

It seems to be as rampant as weeds in the yard this time of year...news of food recalls and safety scares. You heard about it in the news, on the radio, and on-line..meat recall, spinach scare, salmonella and many many others.

So how can you and your customers be safe, secure and learn more about the truth versus the media "hype" around food safety?  Here are some tips, resources and advice to consider with regards to food safety.  While this is not to be a full and complete list, this is a smart start to get to the facts and take necessary action or precaution, with the foods we eat.

For starters, there are some excellent newsletters and websites that share information daily with weekly updates, depending on your interest and location:

1. Food safety news - http://www.foodsafetynews.com/
2. Federal Food Safety information - http://www.foodsafety.gov/news/
3. Bloomberg has a topical section - http://topics.bloomberg.com/food-safety/
4. FDA - http://www.fdanews.com/
5. State extension offices - these vary based on your location.  Some good ones include:

   Iowa State -  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/news/;  Ohio State -  http://oardc.osu.edu/

 

In addition, updates to the Food Safety Modernization Act are important to watch and monitor.  Here is a site to watch for news, events and updates to this legislation:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm247546.htm

While the regular media may highlight food safety news and recalls, it is important to do your own research and come up with personal choices for you and others.

 

What sites do you visit for updates on food safety items?  We would love to hear from you and please share your comments below.

It's All About the Beef

The 26^th Annual Ohio Beef Expo was held March 15-17^th in Columbus, Ohio, which is an event produced by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. This event features trade show exhibitors, a genetics exhibit, breed shows and displays, seedstock sales, seminars, a junior show, and various youth events. One of the best things about this event is that it is FREE!

 

 

Trade Show

The trade show portion of the expo utilizes both indoor and outdoor space where participants can set up booths promoting their businesses.  This allows business owners to meet and interact with existing customers as well as engage in conversations with potential customers. At this year’s expo, over 100 businesses participated in the trade show, and booths ranged from agricultural supply companies to farm-related organizations. The genetics exhibit called “Genetic Pathway” features exhibitors who specialize in the genetics aspect of beef cattle.

Shows and Sales

Breed shows and displays give visitors the chance to check out different breeds of cattle. Breeds that were shown or displayed included Gelbvieh, Limousin, Angus, Murray, Miniature, Lowline, Beefalo, Charolais, and Piedmontese. One of the biggest events of the weekend was the seedstock sales. This event features purebred cattle from breeds including Angus, Chianina, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Shorthorn, and Simmental. The Ohio Beef Expo Junior Show is one of the largest of its kind in Ohio, and last year junior participants showed over 600 steers and heifers.

Overall, the 26^th Ohio Beef Expo was a success with something for everyone ranging from those in the industry to families who are just curious about the beef industry. For more information visit Ohio Beef Expo’s website

 

Have you ever been to the Ohio State Beef Expo? Share your experience. We would love to hear from you!

 

Written by guest author, Amber Hockman, who is a senior at Muskingum University studying business and economics.

 *Photo courtesy of Dawn Breagel

Dog Food Recall Calls Attention to Toxic Substance Caused by 2012 Drought

The aftermath of the notorious 2012 drought continues to impact the shelves of U.S. grocery stores.

As February came to a close, an Iowa pet store, Hy-Vee Inc., was forced to recall several lines of its privately produced dog food upon discovering a toxic substance within the product. The substance found, aflatoxin, is a product of last season’s drought.

Aflatoxin is created by mold that typically grows in a dry climate. Farmers and storeowners were aware of the possible crop effects that could occur following a drought, and many were “on high alert” reported Reuters.

The affected dog food was tested prior to hitting the grocery store shelf; however, the aflatoxin was not originally detected. An Iowa inspector from the Department of Agriculture found the toxic substance during a random testing.

The issue lies specifically with the 2012 corn crop, which continues to be closely monitored. Unfortunately, a main component used to make pet food and cattle feed is corn. With this knowledge, pet stores should conduct product testing on an ongoing basis. Many contaminated products have been detected and trashed.

The CEO of Pro-Pet, Michael Wright, said that his organization tests each delivered corn load, reported Reuters.

Crop insurance data from this year revealed that $75 million worth of insurance payouts were associated with mycotoxin claims (a substance closely related to aflatoxin). This figure tripled within one year, said Reuters.

Will it Affect Human Food Products? 

Unlike pets, people are usually not vulnerable to this dangerous toxin. According to a report from the University of Missouri, “Aflatoxin poses a low level threat to the human food supply in the United States because existing regulations and testing by federal agencies and industry exclude contaminated products from the food chain.”

However, if consumed, aflatoxin is hazardous to human health.

Would you like to know more about Aflatoxins? The USDA provides a variety of resources regarding health risks, preventative strategies and more.

The Office of the Ohio Treasurer Offers Financial Program to Local Farmers

Farmland encompasses 14.3 million acres across 75,700 individual farms in the state of Ohio, according to the Ohio Farm Bureau.

The Office of the Ohio Treasurer also reported that Ohio agriculture contributes $98 million to the economy annually. Agriculture is a pivotal asset in the Buckeye state; such an asset must be protected.

However, each year, a farmer’s output and return are dependent on uncontrollable risks, such as the cost of fuel and seed, weather, and changing market prices. Farmers often finance these costs in anticipation of an oncoming season. The state treasurer of Ohio, Josh Mandel, upholds a program to alleviate such expenses, entitled Agricultural Linked Deposit or Ag-LINK.

Ag-LINK is structured to decrease the current interest rate on a loan or reduce the interest rate on a line of credit. According to the Office of the Ohio Treasurer, Ag-LINK has saved farmers more than $2.8 billion in interest rate reductions since its founding.

Do You Qualify?

A farmer must meet certain qualifications in order to be deemed eligible. An eligible farmer must:

• Utilize the money for agricultural use only
• Be borrowing from an eligible financial institution
• Have a majority of land and operations within the state
• Be a for-profit business and must also agree with all program requirements.

If you, or a farmer you know, meet these requirements, then you may be fit to qualify for Ag-LINK. But, the deadline to apply is quickly approaching.

So how do you apply?

Ohio farmers can apply online to receive the benefits associated with Ag-LINK. Farmers may apply for a maximum savings of $150,000. The Ohio Treasurers office will review the application. If approved, the Treasurer’s office invests in the farmer’s bank; subsequently, the eligible farmer receives a reduced interest rate for one year. Ag-LINK has already contributed to the savings of more than 40,000 Ohio farmers.

In order to qualify, farmers must act according to schedule. Below is a look at the Ag-LINK schedule, according to the State Treasurer of Ohio.

• March 13, 2013 at 5 p.m.: Application deadline
• April 5, 2013: Lender notification
• April 12, 2013: Lender’s Deadline
• April 15, 2013: Funding Begins
• June 28, 2013: Funding Ends
• April 16, 2014: Ag-LINK ends

The full schedule includes details regarding each step of the process.

Visit the Ag-LINK questionnaire to see if you qualify. 

Westfield Insurance at the Indiana Horticultural Congress!

The 2013 Indiana Horticultural Congress attracted farmers and growers from local and surrounding regions from January 22 – 24 at The Wyndham Indianapolis West. The event was tailored to those who cultivate fruit, wine, vegetables and organics, among other unique crops.

Carrie Busic, the leader for the Central Region of Westfield's AgriBusiness Division, delivered a special presentation at the event focused on farm insurance and industry risk management. Westfield Insurance has represented the farming industry for 165 years, so as Carrie says, “Our commitment to agriculture is strong!”

Carrie put emphasis on the importance of risk management. Comparatively, farming is a risky business. 

Common Risks to Recognize

Because of the nature of the job, farmers should take additional preventative measures to best position their business for success.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) lists five prevalent risks associated with farming:

1. Production risk
2. Price or market risk
3. Institutional risk
4. Human or personal risk
5. Financial risk

There are many types of insurance coverages to consider for a farming or commercial agribusiness. Because each business is unique, it is important to consult with an independent insurance agent who has knowledge of the various coverages and needs for your business (farmowners, workers compensation, pollution, business interruption, etc.).

While there are many uncontrollable factors in this industry, there are some that can be controlled. Farmers must take safety precautions while on the job. Farming equipment and machinery can be dangerous if not handled properly and with care.  Safety always must come first.

While running a business, farmers should strategically manage risk to advance their ongoing growth and earnings. That’s where insurance comes in.

The Insured Solution

To alleviate common problems and risk, Carrie presented several options to insure farmers and growers. Depending on individual situations and business structures, farmers can choose from the following options.

Farmowners Coverage

Farmowners coverage is relatively comprehensive. Carrie noted that farmowners insurance can “vary from insurer to insurer;” however, this package will offer property, liability and personal coverage.

Commercial Package Coverage

This product can either be used to supplement of replace Farmowners Coverage.  Instead of being inclusive, farmers and growers choose the coverage that best meet their individual needs.  In some cases that may be to add auto or umbrella coverage that isn’t included in the Farmowners Coverage  You can also build a custom product from the ground up to include your farm property, liability, auto and umbrella.

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation may be legally required for some farm workers. Even in states where farm workers are exempt, there may be question of if the work they were doing at the time of the injury nullifies the exemption.

Add-On Coverage

Carrie used Pollution Coverage as an exemplary add-on to an existing policy. However, farmers may also want to add loss of income coverage as well.

Protect Your Best Assets

Each farm is specialized; each farm differs from the next. Therefore, it is crucial to have the ability to analyze and choose coverage that is tailored to individual needs. As Carrie says, an insurance agent should serve as a “trusted advisor and protector of your assets.”

Consult Westfield’s Farm Insurance policies to explore the possibilities.

 

What risks has your farm run into? What types of coverage seem to best suit common risks associated with the trade? Feel free to share comments below. 

Winter Safety on the Farm, Part II

In part I of Winter Safety on the Farm, we discussed steps to take to protect you and your equipment. This time, we will provide you with tips to protect your animals during the winter months.

To make sure animals are protected, provide them with more food than usual. During the winter, and times of prolonged cold, animals need extra energy for body heat. Likewise ensure animals have a consistent and adequate supply of water. If possible, use plastic bowls for metal and food to protect their tongues in freezing weather. Check often to ensure the water is not frozen, especially if the main source is outdoors.

Water is not the only thing that can be effected by the weather. Moisture can get into feed and grain, making it a solid mass. Especially in the case of grain bins and hoppers, do not enter unless you follow the safety precautions. (Check out our grain bin safety blog for more information!)

If animals spend long periods of time in a field or pasture, consider providing a windbreak. The windbreak can consist of almost anything including a large portion of brush, a heavy board, a piece of canvas secured over a fence or even a man-made shelter. Whatever you choose, the windbreak will provide a relief from the cold air and precipitation.

Although it is important to keep buildings secure, it is also important to make sure they are well ventilated. Keeping animals warm is a must, but restricting the flow of natural air could potentially lead to suffocation.  Opening a few vents can help to get air moving through the building. Monitor vents in order to clear ice and snow from the exterior.

Animals are just like people, added precipitation and wind chill can add to stress. Take all the precautions you can to protect the health and well being of your animals.

Lastly, be aware of how  you intend to remove snow and ice. During the winter, you need to ensure that milk haulers, feed, mills, and people have access to buildings. Additionally, if animals need to be exercised and you don’t have an enclosed facility, snow removal will need to be done for this as well. Before it snows, determine a plan for removing snow, or look into contracting this to another company.

These tips are helpful, but may not be applicable in all situations. For more information and advice on how to protect animals throughout the winter, contact your local veterinarian.

How do you protect your animals in the winter? We would enjoy hearing some of your tips!

 

This post was written by Katie Hozan, an intern working in our Claims Department. Katie is a senior majoring in communications and public relations at Ohio Northern University. 

Brower Recalls Top Hatch Egg Incubators Due to Fire Hazard

The following is a copy of a recent product recall announcement released by the Consumer Product Safety Council on January 2, 2013.  We are sharing this recall announcement with our readers since we provide coverage and risk management services to many commercial farm and egg operations throughout the U.S.  If you suspect that you have one of these recalled egg incubators be sure to stop using it and contact the manufacturer immediately.

via losscontrol.westfieldinsurance.com

The FDA Opens Registration Under The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Foodborne illness is a serious condition that affects 48 million Americans each year, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration(FDA). On January 4, 2011, the structure of the American food industry was forever altered with the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which placed a strategic focus on the prevention of foodborne illness. 

Under the FSMA, all food venues are required to register with the FDA. This includes both foreign and domestic food operations. The Bioterrorism Act passed in 2003also made registration a legal food obligation; however, the FSMA added additional requirements to aid in food safety nationwide. 

According to FoodSafety.gov, the FSMA granted the FDA the right to activate changes in the following areas:

• “Issuing recalls,” conducting inspections,” “importing food,” “preventing problems,” “focusing on science and risk,” “respecting the role of small business and farms.”

And, one of the most notable mandates demands that all food venues complete registration biannually — outlined in Section 102.

Next Steps

Since January 2011, the food industry has awaited further direction regarding compliance to the FSMA. According to Association of Corporate Council, on Oct. 22 of this year, the FDA officially began registration, and also published a guidance document on Oct. 20 entitled: Guidance for Industry: Necessity of the Use of Food Product Categories in Food Facility Registrations and Updates to Food Product Categories.

Within the guidance document, the FDA extended the list of food categories, under which vendors must make a distinction “of any food manufactured, processed, packed, or held at such facility.” Newly added food categories include food for both humans and animals.

How To Register

Are you unsure of whether you are included in mandatory registration? FSMA applies to “all facilities that engage in manufacturing or processing of feed or food that are not otherwise exempt…” according to the FDA’s Food Facility Registration: Who, How, and When? For example, restaurants and farms are both exempt from registering.

If your facility is required to register, you can do so by visiting https://www.access.fda.gov/oaa/. Registration began on Oct. 22, and will close on Dec. 31, 2012. 

O Christmas Tree… Farms!

One of my favorite holiday traditions has always been going to a Christmas tree farm with my mom and cutting down our own Christmas tree. I love the experience and the smell of a live tree in our house. 

Artificial vs. Live

Live trees have positive and negative attributes associated with them. Live trees emit a pine smell that some people really like and others do not, there is an experience that goes along with choosing a live tree, and for some it is merely a tradition. Artificial trees are reusable year to year, their needles do not fall off, and they are favorable for those who are allergic to pine trees. An additional benefit of buying a live tree is that it supports local agribusiness.

Tree Farms

Many people may not think of Christmas tree farms as agribusinesses, but they are. Some of these establishments are seasonal and their only operation is to sell Christmas trees during the holiday season. Other operations more closely resemble greenhouses or nurseries, and these businesses are usually open throughout the entire year. As with most agricultural operations, output depends on weather conditions and other environmental conditions; therefore, unfavorable conditions throughout the year can be critically damaging and create large losses for these operations. Because of the risk involved there are few operations that exist in areas that do not have a relatively high demand. For example, there aren't many places in southern Ohio to cut down your own tree; whereas, there are many more of these types of places the more north you are in Ohio.

Be Prepared

If your family decides to get a live Christmas tree from a Christmas tree farm, there are several things that you need to consider. Before visiting the tree farm, you need to decide what size tree to get or at least make sure you know the size of the area where you want the tree to be. It would also be good to research the different varieties that are available because each tree has different characteristics. Usually the people working at the tree farm can point you in the right direction, but doing your own research will help you avoid sections of trees that you know you don't want. While at the farm, do not let your eyes deceive you; the trees may look smaller in the field than they actually are, which is why it is important to have general size guidelines. Live trees require more upkeep compared to artificial trees, so be prepared to water the tree depending on which species you choose.

If you aren't ready to commit to having a live Christmas tree, consider buying a wreath or garland from a local tree farm or greenhouse.

For more information visit

www.realchristmastrees.org

www.ohiochristmastree.com

Do you get a live Christmas tree or an artificial tree? We would love you hear from you!

 Written by guest author, Amber Hockman, who is a senior at Muskingum University studying business and economics. 

Winter Safety on the Farm – Keeping Animals and Equipment Safe

During the winter, it can be tempting to run back into the house to the warmth of the fireplace. As appealing as this may be, it is crucial to take precautionary steps to protect your farm during winter months.

In part I of Winter Safety on the Farm, we will discuss how to protect your farm equipment and buildings during the cold winter months.

Before a storm occurs, it is important to be prepared. Stockpile emergency materials such as sandbags, an electric generator, shovels and road salt. Having these materials before a storm hits will prevent you from traveling in bad weather.

Additionally, take time to winterize any buildings that serve as shelter for your family, animals, or equipment. Winterizing can be small tasks, such as repairing a leaky roof and insulating water lines; to significant activities like checking a roof’s ability to hold weight and adding storm doors. Although these options may not seem vital, even the smallest winterizing precautions will go a long way.

If the power goes out during a storm, unplug or turn off all electronic equipment. Damage can sometimes occur to these objects when the power is restored. Similarly, close the fuel valve on portable space heaters during a power outage. A fire, or even an explosion, can occur when the electricity returns. If your emergency plan includes using a non-electric heater, install carbon monoxide alarms. Often, these machines can emit harmful carbon monoxide fumes.

It is important to protect yourself throughout the storm clean up.  After a storm, check your property for damage. Take photographs of damages for insurance and emergency assistance purposes.

When working outdoors, dress for the weather. Layering clothing, wearing sturdy boots, a hat and gloves is a must in the winter. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. The combination of the cold and hard labor could lead to a heart attack. Take your time and ensure you have good footing. Lastly, learn how to properly shovel snow and lift heavy objects to avoid back injuries.

By taking simple precautions you can protect yourself and your farm during the winter. Stay tuned for part II where we will discuss how to keep farm animals safe.

Do you have any tips for protecting your farm equipment and buildings during the winter? We would love to hear from you!

This post was written by Katie Hozan, an intern working in our Claims Department. Katie is a senior majoring in communications and public relations at Ohio Northern University.