BILLINGS — Agriculture groups are applauding a bill introduced Monday that would address deceptive labeling practices in alternative protein products, such as plant-based imitators of meat.
The Real Marketing Edible Artificial Truthfully, or Real MEAT Act was introduced by Republican Representative Roger Marshall of Kansas, along with New York Democrat Anthony Brindisi.
The legislation would codify the definition of beef for labeling purposes, reinforce existing misbranding provisions to eliminate consumer confusion, and enhance enforcement measures available to the Department of Agriculture if the Food and Drug Administration fails to take appropriate action.
Marshall said alternative protein products “have confused many consumers with misleading packaging and creative names for products.”
Looking now to the crop progress report, this year’s weather still is have a big impact on crops and livestock.
Thousands of acres remain unharvested and many producers feel those crops may not be put up.
An issue many are facing is the lack of a buyer market for calves in 2019 due to low prices.
Sugarbeet harvest made progress last week with 36 percent of the crop harvested, significantly behind the five-year average of 74 percent.
Winter wheat planted for the 2020 crop season was estimated at 87 percent complete, behind the five-year average of 95 percent. It could be the lowest winter wheat plating in 110 years.
This week 70,000 FFA members and guests are heading to the 92nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
There they will compete in Career Development events, take in leadership workshops and grow as ag leaders.
Montana’s very own Mamie Hertel is running to become a National FFA office. She has advanced to the finals, and the six new national officer will be announced this coming Saturday
According to Cattle Fax, the fed cattle slaughter pace over the last four weeks has been below expectations.
Continued shortfalls could put the frontend fed cattle supply at risk of becoming uncurrent.
The cumulative six-day USDA estimated fedslaughter is around 515,000 head, outside of holidays, compared to the CattleFax forecast of 504,000 and last years pace of 496,512 head.
NRCS is seeking public comments on 13 conservation practice standards.
Per direction from the 2018 Farm Bill, NRCS will gather feedback on 94 practices over the coming months through posting on the Federal Register.
Comments on these current 13 practice standards are due by Thursday, November 21.
These standards provide guidelines for planning, designing, installing, operating and maintaining conservation practices. Visit NRCS to find a full list of conservation practices under review.
