Meat Industry and a Pandemic

Lately there has been great discussion in the agriculture world revolving around meat packing plants, COVID-19, and the food supply chain. This is such a complicated web that deals with the food supply chain, worker health, and animal health. Below we have shared several articles and releases to view regarding our current situation in the United States. Please look through the links provided and utilize the discussion points to guide conversations with others.

USDA Press Release

Pig Farmers Continue Life's Work

Food Supply Chain is Breaking

Discussion Points

• Over the past weeks what has happened in the meat packing and processing industry?
• Why is this such a complex issue? Why does it impact so many different individuals and groups?
• What does the executive order issued by President Trump mean for the meat industry? Do challenges still exist?
• While we are facing tough times in the meat industry this is an opportunity to learn and make improvements. What can we learn and how can we improve (food supply chain, worker safety and health, animal safety and health, etc.)?
• Further research: Are all countries around the world facing these same challenges? If yes, how are they handling things? If no, what did they do differently?

Danish Dairy Insight

This June we were planning on traveling with a group of students to learn more about agriculture in Denmark as we did in June of 2019. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 this, along with other study abroad courses, has been cancelled. If you have been following our social media platforms you have noticed we have virtually been exploring the globe over the past couple of days. In response to our virtual travels Karolina Sikala from the Green Academy in Aarhus, Denmark shared several videos with us. Our post this week will highlight one of the videos she shared from the Danish Agriculture and Food group. Utilize the discussion points below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Dairy Barn Equipment and Welfare

Discussion Points

• What are your main takeaways from the video and why?
• How would you compare practices showcased in this video from Denmark compared to how things are done in your home region? Compare and contrast to other parts of the world as well.
• Why is it important (or not important) in agriculture to explore how agriculture and farming practices differ and/or are similar around the world? Can this practice of learning how things are done differently or similarly around the globe be carried over to areas outside of agriculture?

Developing a Market in Oldonyiro

You can produce an abundance of an agriculture commodity, but if there is no market for your product there can be major problems. This week we take a look at a project by USAID in Oldonyiro, Kenya to empower others through the development of a market. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to engage with others in conversation around the globe via Zoom, Skype, phone calls, email, etc.

A Place to Trade

Discussion Points

• What do you notice from the video? How do you purchase food and livestock in your home area? What are the similarities and differences?
• Explain the benefits that have followed the development of this market. Of the benefits which do you feel has had the biggest impact and why?
• In regards to the Sustainable Development Goals which goals are or have been addressed due to this project?
• How might the current situation with COVID-19 be impacting this market? 

American Leadership, Agriculture, and a Global Pandemic

This week's blog comes in the form of a vlog! The video below is a recap of a webinar that Brad Kinsinger, director of the Global Agriculture Learning Center, attended organized by the United States Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC). The USGLC is a bipartisan group that promotes international development and diplomacy as part of the international affairs budget. Below the video link I will summarize some of the areas to further analyze as suggested in the video.

American Leadership and a Global Pandemic

Discussion Points

• "The economic crisis is just starting." What does this look like to the agriculture world? How has the agriculture economy been impacted or will it be impacted by COVID-19?
• "As long as there are cases in the world this is a United States issue." Why is this?
• "This global pandemic will magnify the global food crisis as well as regional and domestic food challenges. Long term investment in food security is so important." Why is long-term investment in food security so important? Explain.
• "When America leads, others follow. There is no substitution for American leadership. Science based and data driven global leadership is needed from the United States." Do you agree with this? Why or Why not? Does your view of this statement change if you are from different parts of the world?

COVID-19 and Food Safety

We are in unprecedented times fighting an ongoing global pandemic. Recently a group of academic professionals shared input on the risk of COVID-19 transmission through food and food packaging. We encourage you to read the linked article from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the globe.

No Evidence COVID-19 Is Transmitted Through Food and Food Packaging

Discussion Points

• What is the overall consensus from the article? What are your initial thoughts/reactions?
• It shares that the information provided is gathered from many agencies and organizations from different parts of the world. Do you feel the message is more valid coming from diverse groups from diverse locations? Why or why not?
• There is so much information out there regarding COVID-19 (and many topics for that matter). How do you decipher reliable and valid sources versus those that are not?

*This is an educational blog for educational purposes. Any information shared in this blog is not meant as medical or legal advice from the Global Agriculture Learning Center, Hawkeye Community College, or any employees or volunteers of the fore mentioned.*