Agribusiness Update for Thursday 2/7/13

This is the Agribusiness Update...I’m Greg Martin...

The American biodiesel industry is working toward its new 10-year vision - which is having 10-percent of the on-road diesel market by 2022. The National Biodiesel Board says it’s not about replacing every drop of petroleum - but continuing to diversify transportation energy to meet the nation’s needs affordably and sustainably.

Brazilian animal scientists reported in the latest issue of Journal of Animal Science that a small dose of ractopamine increased muscle mass and feed efficiency in pork - yet had no noticeable effect on marbling, fat content, toughness or color. Pork is the most common animal protein consumed in the world - and it’s important to know the quality of meat offered to the world.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has been collecting surveys from farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The deadline was on the 4th but they are still collecting data.

That’s today’s Agribusiness Update from the Ag Information Network.