Beef Processing Investigation and Chinese Scientist Admits Smuggling
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The Meat Institute reacts after President Trump called on the Department of Justice to investigate the beef processing sector.
President Julie Anna Potts says despite high consumer prices for beef, beef packers have been losing money because the price of cattle is at record highs.
She points out that the beef industry is heavily regulated, and the government’s own data from USDA confirms that the beef packing sector is experiencing catastrophic losses.
**A Chinese scientist charged with smuggling biological materials has pleaded guilty.
Yunqing Jian, a researcher at the University of Michigan, will be released and quickly deported.
She was accused of conspiring to study and nurse a toxic fungus that attacks wheat, barley, maize and rice.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Martin says I don't have evidence she had evil intent, but I don't have evidence she was doing this for the betterment of mankind either.
www.agrimarketing.com/s/155466
**American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the House vote to end the government shutdown.
Duvall says Farm Bureau applauds the House for its vote to end the shutdown, swiftly following the Senate's vote.
Farmers and ranchers rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief programs during these tough economic times, as do Americans who need access to food assistance programs and other services.
