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The sheep, beef and swine commodity advisory committees recently met to discuss key issues in their industries and make recommendations to the OFBF policy development committee for further consideration.

Sheep – Among the priority issues identified were the animal identification system, scrapie issues, support of a migrant worker program and lack of large animal veterinarians.

The committees recommended removing the Black Vulture from the endangered species list and that implementation of a national animal identification system not be duplicative of the Nation Scrapie Eradication Program.

Beef – The committee listed priority issues including animal identification, market access, water quality and local reaction to livestock expansion. The group encouraged the Division of Wildlife to establish control measures for the Black Vulture and recommended American Farm Bureau resources be focused on reopening the Japanese market to U.S. beef. The committee said livestock conservation cost share dollars should be a major component of farm program spending.

Swine – Industry image, environmental regulations, neighbor relations and scientific based regulations were all included on the list of priority issues. The committee encouraged OFBF to "support efforts that promote a positive image of agriculture, with high priority given towards creating a positive image of the livestock industry."