Lancaster Farming, Saturday. Jan. 17, 1976 24 Poultry processors Ily DIKTER KRIEG CAMP mix - Poultry processors from all over the slate met here at Sch.-'dlcr's Restaurant last Tuesday to discuss some of the issue lying before them in 1976. The primary subject matters presented Involved govern ment regulations and USDA’s involvement in the industry. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is reportedly experiencing some changes at the top level which are “working out pretty well for the moment but we’re not sure how long it will last,” said Lee Camp bell The poultry official noted, however, that “in the next few years we may see some radical changes. USDA is beginning to think that there might be better (at least alternative) ways to do things. This is the first time during my 12 years in this position that I’ve seen this condition. To me that’s encouraging.’’ Specific topics of discussion included hnespeeds, the AQL in spection program, union negotiations and OSHA regulations. The conclusion ® ne °* th® Questions being in all cases was that there considered is sample in was too much regulation on s Potion, as opposed to a the part of the government. P r °gram where every bird is But there was one item on inspected. A technicality processed poultry meat, was brought up at that point Four new John Deere tility ctors perform at Farming Frontiers ’76 Family styling that’s inherited .. family reputation that’s earned that’s the keynote theme of four new John Deere under-80-hp tractors You’ll see them in operation on a wide variety of field assignments at our Farming Frontiers ’76 program just one part of an exciting new filmed lineup of tractors and equipment Make your plans now to join your friends at Farming Frontiers 76 DATE: TUES., JAN. 20 TIME: 10:00 A.M. PLACE: AT OUR STORE {Lunch will be Served) SHOTZBERGER’S EQUIPMENT ELM. PA according to some of the which many of the 25 people present though they could move a step ahead of USDA. Present regulations arc not stringent enough about keeping feathers out of processors, and a recom mendation was made that the industry take it upon itself to tighten their stan dards. “After all, sooner or later the government is going to make us do it anyway," one member of the group said. Keeping processed poultry meat 100 percent feather - free is a problem, according to discussions which took place, but it should be a goal to be kept in mind Some issues confronting poultry processors ail over the country are being hammered out now. Meetings have been held at various intervals, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Earl Butz, recently recommended that the in dustry come up with a task force to determine what kind of policies should be developed. fu: U*"'- l"H m \JOHN DEERE/ gjgM Phone 717 665 2141 os to what Inspection really is. Some inspectors arc reportedly only looking at poultry - never toughing or feeling the bird. Inspection criteria and methods arc being questioned, as well as labeling standards. The task force is also looking into work being done by APHIS, OSHA, and other federal agencies which guide the industry. Noting the scope of the market, especially since world trade is involved, the poultry processors were in agreement that inspections are necessary and beneficial. Foreign in spections are being questioned, however. Union negotiations are progressing, Campbell told the group, but nothing definite had been set up thus far. Clothes - changing time and overtime schedules are being scrutinized. Poultry sausage is getting to be a pretty good com mercial item, Campbell revealed, and he thinks it’s 10% Off Augering systems meet lime that a few ground rules be set up for it. Recom mendations have been made, but nothing has gelled yet The present limit on fat content for poultry sausage is 26 percent. Some dissatisfaction was ex pressed with present stan dards which limit the amount of regular meat allowed in poultry sausage. They’d like to see the figure raised from its present 15 percent to a limit of 35 percent. The Talmadge - Aiken inspection program seems to have come to a stand-still, according to Campbell. The program was initiated when states wanted to retain their inspection rights but could not afford the funds to keep them going. As a result, the federal government took over the responsibilities and is paying half the costs. When complying with OSHA regulations, poultry porcessors are reminded to tell and agency not just what has been done, but how much wns spent, since OSHA • seems to be Impressed by figures In concluding remarks, the processors voted to send literature to high school home cc. teachers, county homes, and extension home economists to promote the -//WHY WORRY ABOUT Mf YOUR GRAIN? // You owe it to yourself to try one of // these amazing Aerators, complete // with Motor 4 Fan if UST PRICE $62.98 saijs price *45.95 UREA 46% N. Per Ton, Bulk, F.O 8., Easton, PA *141.65 SULPHATE OF AMMONiA Per Ton, Bulk, F. 0.8., Bethlehem, PA *52.00 R.F.D. No. 2, Van Buren Road, Easton, PA 18042 Phone 215-285-7146 Industry. A variety of pamphlets are being con sidered and interested processors arc asked to contact Ed lawless, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, for further Information Deadline for this program is Feb. 1.