52 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2024 ® BY CONNOR AGRISCIENCE SILAGE BARRIER FILMS The beef industry’s main foreign animal disease concern is foot and mouth disease. Foot and mouth disease was eradicated from the United States in 1929. However, it is still active in other countries and is easily spread. It is considered the most contagious animal disease known. It’s important to note that foot and mouth disease is not a food safety risk or public health concern. Beef products remain safe to eat; however, public perception would be detrimental. Additionally, one case of foot and mouth disease found in the United States would shut down the U.S. beef export market and cut profits for all cattle producers, crippling the U.S. beef industry. To put real financial numbers to that, the United States exported more than $10 billion of beef and beef products in 2023. Exports add about $425 of value per fed steer or heifer (including meat cuts and offal), which is nearly 20 percent of the value for every fed carcass. Because of the financial implications of a foreign animal disease, producers should strongly consider developing an enhanced biosecurity plan or a Secure Beef Supply plan. Developing this plan does not necessarily mean you have to begin implementing it immediately. It only needs to be implemented for the continuity of business in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Some beef packers may also require the implementation of a Secure Beef Supply plan to ensure consumers that they are procuring a supply of safe, wholesome and healthy cattle. Additionally, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will require the implementation of a Secure Beef Supply plan to issue a livestock movement permit during an outbreak of a foreign animal disease. This permit will be required by the state for all operations within a containment zone during a foreign animal disease outbreak. If you would like to know more about developing a Secure Beef Supply plan, visit securebeef.org. You can also contact Nebraska BQA at nebraskabqa@unl.edu or call (308) 633-0158 for help developing a plan. ~NC~ BQA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50 Tough and Dependable Construction Built with features to last, Johnson Waterers withstand punishing weather and prove to be dependable year after year. Johnson Waterers are the best waterers available. – 38 different models to fit any need – 15 to 240 gallons – Complete line of repair parts for all waterers – No. 1 Waterer in the industry! Setting the industry standard since 1957 THE BEST NAME IN CATTLE WATERERS Hastings, NE 68901 Competitive pricing 1-800-752-1670 • www.johnsonconcreteproducts.com JOHNSON CONCRETE CATTLE WATERERS
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