Forest Service Jobs & Russia Suspends Meat Exports

Forest Service Jobs & Russia Suspends Meat Exports plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

The U.S. Forest Service is looking for a few good men...and women, too for seasonal summer jobs. The Idaho Department of Labor will be holding job fairs in the next week to recruit for the positions. Jobs include fire management, recreation such as trail building or campground maintenance, biologist technician in wildlife and fisheries and engineering technician. These seasonal jobs are often stepping stones to permanent jobs.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and Trade Representative Ron Kirk are expressing disappointment that Russia has suspended U.S. meat exports. The joint statement said quote: “Russia has disregarded the extensive and expert scientific studies conducted by the international food safety standards body which has repeatedly concluded that animal feed containing the additive ractopamine is completely safe for livestock and for humans that consume their meat.” Chief Ag Negotiator, Issi Siddiqui is confused by Russia’s actions.

SIDDIQUI: We are still at a lose to understand why they will put this new requirement after becoming members of WTO.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

I come from a long line of animal lovers, so don’t assume after hearing what I am about to say that I don’t like animals, I do. But there is a place and a time for pets, and it isn’t in restaurants, carried around in the front of grocery carts, or brought as uninvited weekend house guests. You have a pet because “you” want one. Do not assume everyone else is going to love your dog, cat, or other furry, feathered, or scaled friend. We have a neighbor who insists on letting their large brown lab wander the neighborhood, untethered and unaccompanied. Needless to say this dog gets into all kinds of mischief. Perhaps what should really be addressed here then is “pet etiquette”, and the responsibility of pet owners for their pets’ behavior. If your dog likes to wander, take it for a walk on a leash. If your cat needs an outdoor litter box, provide one. If your dog barks incessantly for no apparent reason, be responsible and quiet it. And if you are going grocery shopping, or out to eat leave fido at home. He doesn’t enjoy it nearly as much as you do and would probably be much happier chewing on a bone at home, or chasing a squirrel up a tree.

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.