As he announced his resignation from the president's cabinet, he expressed surprise that terrorists hadn't attacked the nation's food supply "because it's so easy to do. And while most of us have probably given little thought to terrorism happening in rural America, scientists and law enforcement officials view America's food supply at risk. Experts worry the deliberate introduction of animal and plant diseases could disrupt the nation's food supply and wreak havoc on a $1...

For 2007, a decline in Canadian hog numbers and prospects for increased live hog exports to the United States point to lower pork exports, possibly in the neighborhood of 2-3% lower than the 2006 level. The CFIA said it has directed the necessary resources toward the tracing of cattle that may have been exposed to the same feed as the affected animal during the early part of their lives. The CFIA investigation also includes a thorough examination of the formulation, production,...

In 2005, he signed deals to export $30 million worth of agricultural products to Cuba, and Nebraska officials agreed to a similar deal a year ago, with about a third of those contracts executed since, the governor said. Dave Heineman was meeting with top Cuban trade officials Monday, putting the finishing touches on another round of contracts to export his state's food to the communist-run island. He said Nebraska officials are beginning to explore shipping medical supplies to Cuba, but...

Our diligence in pursuing an export relationship with Cuba, our efforts to fulfill the agreements we've signed with Alimport, and the work of Nebraska producers to provide high quality agricultural products has been rewarded. The contracts signed by the Nebraskans fulfill trade promises made by Cuba representatives on previous missions and, with the most recent agreement for $16. Nebraska's fourth trade mission to Cuba since 2005 resulted in an agreement by the island nation to buy $16....

The agency, which is still in the midst of an initial 60-day review period of the acquisition, will now have until May 7. Smithfield would also assume $117 million in debt. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press Feds Reviewing Smithfield Acquisition Associated Press 03. The Justice Department's antitrust division will take another 30 days to review pork producer Smithfield Foods inc.'s pending acquisition of rival Premium Standard Farms...

Our diligence in pursuing an export relationship with Cuba, our efforts to fulfill the agreements we ve signed with Alimport, and the work of Nebraska producers to provide high quality agricultural products has been rewarded. Dave Heineman today announced that Nebraska agricultural representatives signed contracts during the state s latest trade mission to Cuba to fulfill the $30 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) secured last spring. Contracts totaling approximately $16 million...

Swine exhibitors that need the training will be able to sign up and register for the training session of their choice at the swine weigh-in on March 31. Swine exhibitors who need to be certified or recertified must attend one of the two certification sessions that will be conducted in Green County. To help eliminate the threat of disease transmission, exhibitors will be responsible for handling and holding their own pigs during the weigh-in. The maximum weight for barrows to be identified...

Last week plans for a trade mission might have been preliminary, Hanian said, but since then Idaho has received an export license from the federal government. Idaho has received a license to export agricultural goods, wood products and medical supplies to Cuba, according to Jon Hanian, spokesman for Gov. The license allows Idaho to export only agricultural, wood and medical products; all other products are restricted. Idaho could gain trade partnerships for producers of seed, beef, pork,...

The total number of hogs under contract, owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 39 percent of the total U. All inventory and pig crop estimates for March 2006 through December 2006 were reviewed using final pig crop, official slaughter, death loss, and updated import and export data. The balance sheet begins with the previous inventory estimate, adds the estimates of births and imports, and subtracts the estimates of slaughter, exports, and...