A survey of Kansas beef producers and consumers who participate in business-to-consumer marketing of beef

Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, producer and consumer interest in business-to-consumer (B2C) beef sales increased. The objective of the current study was to assess current B2C beef producer and consumer attitudes and understandings of the B2C beef marketing process in order to identify knowledge gaps and strategies to improve producer/consumer interactions. Both producers and customers of local beef were recruited using a large online platform (https://shopkansasfarms.com), and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. In total, 41 B2C beef producers and 174 consumers who had either previously participated in B2C marketing or intended to participate were surveyed. Most producers (69.8%) only produced beef and produced only a small number (1 to 20 head) of animals per year. Many (43.9%) reported selling 100% of beef directly to consumers, while 29.3% reported selling less than 20% through this channel. Almost all (97.3%) of the producers indicated that increased sales directly to consumers would be desirable, with most (87.1%) considering this marketing channel as the most profitable. Marketing beef in smaller portions, including portioned cuts, was popular, reported by more than 62% of producers, while whole carcass sales were lower. Word-of-mouth (91.3%) and social media (65.8%) were the most popular forms of advertisement used by producers and more than one-third of producers (38.9%) reported having trouble with customers regarding a sale. Over 60% of consumers indicated they had purchased B2C beef less than 5 times, with more than 73% indicating that more than 75% of their beef purchased was local. Low take-home weights, portion sizes, and quality were among consumers' most cited troubles. Lack of freezer space (25%), price (24.9%), and quantity of product (41.7%) were reported as the largest barriers to consumer participation in B2C marketing. Both consumers and producers indicated that consumer testimonials would be the most beneficial in improving producer/consumer interactions, with educational materials from government sources viewed as the least beneficial. These results provide a baseline for B2C beef marketing and provide insight into impactful strategies to use to assist in this process.

Farmers' and millers' experiences and attitudes towards the production and processing of zinc biofortified wheat in Pakistan: a mixed methods study

Background

Zinc biofortified wheat may be a sustainable strategy to increase zinc intake in areas where fortification and dietary diversification are not feasible or are limited by household purchasing power. This convergent mixed methods study aimed to explore the farmers' and millers' experiences and attitudes towards the production and processing of zinc biofortified wheat in Pakistan.

Methods

A telephone survey was conducted with farmers (n = 418) who were provided with Zincol-2016 biofortified wheat seed for the 2019-2020 growing season, as part of a wheat grain micronutrient mapping study across Punjab Province. The survey explored the farmers' experiences of growing Zincol-2016 and whether they opted to grow it again in the subsequent season. Semi-structured focus group discussions were undertaken in a separate group of farmers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province (n = 12) who grew Zincol-2016 for the BiZiFED2 RCT. Millers were also interviewed in KP, both those who had processed Zincol-2016 for the trial (n = 12) and those who had no experience of processing biofortified wheat (n = 12). Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and transcripts of focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Nearly half of farmers who responded to the survey (47%) re-cultivated Zincol-2016 in the following season. The drivers for Zincol-2016 re-cultivation were seed availability (100%), grain yield and growth resistance (98%), quality of the flour from the previous harvest (97%) and nutritional benefit (94.5%). Discussions with farmers suggested that the main motivators for potential scale-up of biofortified wheat were the perceived quality of the grain, wheat, and flour. Millers saw it as an opportunity to expand their business. Farmers and millers valued the health benefits of the wheat. Challenges for scale-up include the need of additional support to produce it, unfamiliarity with the biofortification process, production costs, and external threats to the supply chain.

Conclusion

Farmers and millers showed a strong implicit preference for Zincol-2016 over alternative varieties. Crop performance and product yield were the most cited motivators for growing Zincol-2016. Farmers and millers are willing to produce and process biofortified wheat if financial and educational support is provided.

Aflatoxin contamination in red pepper from producers in Addis Ababa

This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and levels of aflatoxins in powder red pepper. Thirty powder red pepper samples commercially available in Addis Ababa market were collected and the level of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) was determined. Aflatoxins were detected in almost all of the samples at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 52.3 µg/kg. AFB1 was detected in all of the red pepper samples, with levels ranging from 1.8 to 33.3 µg/kg. Out of all the AFB1 positive samples, 25 (83%) contained AFB1 above the EU limit of 5 µg/kg, while 29 (97%) of the samples exceeded the maximum limit of 10 µg/kg for total aflatoxins. Further, all the red pepper samples were contaminated by AFG1 with levels ranging from 0.7 to 52.3 µg/kg. Overall, the majority of the red pepper collected in Addis Ababa market was contaminated by aflatoxins above the EU limit.

Perceptions of prescription opioid use among rural farming and ranching communities: Preliminary implications for outreach and treatment

Background: In 2017, 45% of rural adults reported being directly impacted by the opioid epidemic. While research on the experiences of those using prescription opioids in rural communities is increasing, less is known about a unique sub-population who may have high rates of exposure: rural agricultural workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and perceptions related to prescription opioids among rural producers and farmworkers. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed in spring 2019 and spring 2020 to rural residents living in one of two agricultural-based states in the Upper Midwest. Individuals were eligible to participate if any member of their family was involved in the agricultural industry. A total of 1116 questionnaires were returned for a 27.9% response rate. Results: Participants were 68.1 years old on average. The majority identified as white, male, and married. Prescription opioid use was found in 8.2% of households currently, and 15.7% in the past year. There were no gender differences in prevalence of use, but women and older individuals reported significantly more perceived risk than men and younger individuals. Nearly half used alternative pain management, and received most information about prescription opioids from the radio (65.5%) and newsletters (13.5%). Conclusions. Despite their elevated age and working in an occupation at high risk of injury and chronic pain, study participants reported few opioid prescriptions and moderate use of alternative pain management. Perceived risk of prescription opioids may explain low prevalence. Outreach efforts that increase access to healthcare services and alternative pain management treatments for agricultural workers may mitigate the experience of chronic pain that can interfere with their overall quality of life.

Bacteriological Quality and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns Among Raw Milk Producers and Vendors in Gomole District, Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Background and Aim

Milk consumption plays a great role in the nutrition of consumers and the income of producers as well as vendors, but their bacteriological quality causes loss of those benefits. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among raw milk of producers and vendors in Gomole district, Borena zone, South Ethiopia, from March 1 to April 30, 2019.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 purposively selected study participants. Pretested structured questionnaires and observation checklists were used to collect data. Then, 15 to 20 mL of milk samples were collected from producers and vendors for laboratory analysis. Standard plate count agar and eosin methylene blue agar were used for total bacterial count and total coliform count, respectively. Bacterial isolation from poor-quality milk was performed with biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests using Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method. After completeness checking, the data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Chi-square (χ²) was used to analyze association factors, and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall means ± standard deviation of the total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) were 7.75 ± 0.882 and 6.69 ± 1.545 log10 CFU/mL, respectively. The mean TBC was significantly different between producers’ and vendors’ milks t = 2.1 (P < 0.001). The proportions of raw milk TBC and TCC of poor quality were 90% and 80%, respectively. Poor hand washing practices before milking, water source and cleanliness of milk containers were associated with poor milk quality. The isolated bacteria were E. coli (30.8%), S. aureus (17.9%) and Salmonella spp. Out of the bacterial isolates, 80.4% were extensive drug resistant, 14.3% were multidrug resistant, and 5.4% were resistant against all antimicrobials used in this study.

Conclusion

Ensuring proper hygienic practices during milking, storage and transportation to reduce milk contamination.

A Preliminary Report for the Design of MoS (Micro-Olive-Spreadsheet), a User-Friendly Spreadsheet for the Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Spanish-Style Bella di Cerignola Olives from Apulia (Southern Italy)

A user friendly spreadsheet (Excel interface), designated MoS (Micro-Olive-Spreadsheet), is proposed in this paper as a tool to point out spoiling phenomena in Bella di Cerignola olive brines. The spreadsheet was designed as a protected Excel worksheet, where users input values for the microbiological criteria and pH of brines, and the output is a visual code, much like a traffic light: three red cells indicate a spoiling event, while two red cells indicate the possibility of a spoiling event. The input values are: (a) Total Aerobic Count (TAC); (b) Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB); (c) yeasts; (d) staphylococci; (e) pH. TAC, LAB, yeasts, and pH are the input values for the first section (quality), while staphylococci count is the input for the second section (technological history). The worksheet can be modified by adding other indices or by setting different breakpoints; however, it is a simple tool for an effective application of hazard analysis and predictive microbiology in table olive production.

Determination of Dairy Cattle Euthanasia Criteria and Analysis of Barriers to Humane Euthanasia in the United States: Dairy Producer Surveys and Focus Groups

There are currently no clear guidelines in the US and some other countries regarding euthanasia decision making timelines for dairy cattle that become injured or ill to the extent that recovery is unlikely or impossible. Our study aimed to identify decision making criteria and the most common factors considered when making and carrying out euthanasia decisions. Dairy producers were recruited to participate in a mailed survey (Part I, 307 completed surveys were returned) or in one of three focus groups (Part II, 8-10 producers/group, n = 24). Part I (survey): Farm owners were most commonly responsible for on-farm euthanasia and most respondents would treat and monitor compromised cattle for a majority of 15 health conditions. Responses were highly variable; for example, 6.3% and 11.7% of respondents would never euthanize a non-ambulatory cow or calf, respectively. Part II (focus groups): Three main themes (animal, human, and farm operation) were identified from discussion which focused primarily on animal welfare (16% of the discussion) and human psychology (16%). Participants expressed a desire to eliminate animal suffering by euthanizing, alongside a wide range of emotional states. Development of specific standards for euthanasia is a critical next step and more research is needed to understand the human emotions surrounding euthanasia decision making.

Natural Products from Cyanobacteria: Focus on Beneficial Activities

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms that colonize diverse environments worldwide, ranging from ocean to freshwaters, soils, and extreme environments. Their adaptation capacities and the diversity of natural products that they synthesize, support cyanobacterial success in colonization of their respective ecological niches. Although cyanobacteria are well-known for their toxin production and their relative deleterious consequences, they also produce a large variety of molecules that exhibit beneficial properties with high potential in various fields (e.g., a synthetic analog of dolastatin 10 is used against Hodgkin's lymphoma). The present review focuses on the beneficial activities of cyanobacterial molecules described so far. Based on an analysis of 670 papers, it appears that more than 90 genera of cyanobacteria have been observed to produce compounds with potentially beneficial activities in which most of them belong to the orders Oscillatoriales, Nostocales, Chroococcales, and Synechococcales. The rest of the cyanobacterial orders (i.e., Pleurocapsales, Chroococcidiopsales, and Gloeobacterales) remain poorly explored in terms of their molecular diversity and relative bioactivity. The diverse cyanobacterial metabolites possessing beneficial bioactivities belong to 10 different chemical classes (alkaloids, depsipeptides, lipopeptides, macrolides/lactones, peptides, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, polyketides, and others) that exhibit 14 major kinds of bioactivity. However, no direct relationship between the chemical class and the respective bioactivity of these molecules has been demonstrated. We further selected and specifically described 47 molecule families according to their respective bioactivities and their potential uses in pharmacology, cosmetology, agriculture, or other specific fields of interest. With this up-to-date review, we attempt to present new perspectives for the rational discovery of novel cyanobacterial metabolites with beneficial bioactivity.

Assessment of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Producers' Exposure Level to Pesticides, in Kouka and Toussiana (Burkina Faso)

To assess producers' exposure level to pesticides in vegetable production in Burkina Faso, a study was carried out in 2016 and 2017 among 30 tomato producers in the municipalities of Kouka and Toussiana. Eighteen (18) commercial formulations were identified, with more than 50% of pesticides destined for cotton production. Eleven active substances have been identified and the most frequently used are λ-cyhalothrin (35%), acetamiprid (22%) and profenofos (13%). The most commonly used chemical families are pyrethroids (28%) and organophosphates (18%). The study revealed a low level of training for producers, a high use of pesticides according to the Frequency Treatment Indicator, and a very low level of protection used by producers. The Health Risk Index shows that active substances such as methomyl, λ-cyhalothrin and profenofos present very high risk to operators' health. Based on the UK-POEM model, the predictive exposure levels obtained varied from 0.0105 mg/kg body weight/day to 1.7855 mg/kg body weight/day, which is several times higher than the Acceptable Operator Exposure Level. However, the study also shows that exposure can be greatly reduced if the required Personal Protective Equipment is worn. Producers' awareness and training on integrated pest management are necessary to reduce the risks linked to the pesticides use in Burkina Faso.

Factual accuracy and the cultural context of science in popular media: Perspectives of media makers, middle school students, and university students on an entertainment television program

Popular media influences ideas about science constructed by the public. To sway media productions, public policy organizations have increasingly promoted use of science consultants. This study contributes to understanding the connection from science consultants to popular media to public outcomes. A science-based television series was examined for intended messages of the creator and consulting scientist, and received messages among middle school and non-science university students. The results suggest the consulting scientist missed an opportunity to influence the portrayal of the cultural contexts of science and that middle school students may be reading these aspects uncritically-a deficiency educators could potentially address. In contrast, all groups discussed the science content and practices of the show, indicating that scientific facts were salient to both media makers and audiences. This suggests popular media may influence the public knowledge of science, supporting concerns of scientists about the accuracy of fictional television and film.

Stakeholder Perceptions of Welfare Issues and Indicators for Extensively Managed Sheep in Australia

Simple Summary

This survey was designed as the first step in the development of a welfare assessment framework with the aim of identifying potential causes of welfare compromise and useful indicators for sheep in extensive Australian production systems. We asked the general public, sheep producers, service providers and sheep industry related scientists to provide their thoughts on the importance of a range of sheep welfare issues and possible key indicators. All respondents thought sheep welfare was adequate but that improvement was desired. Issues perceived to cause the most risk to sheep related to factors influenced by the environment (i.e., nutrition and food supply), heat stress and lameness while key indicators useful to assess welfare were nutrition and food availability, mortality/management issues, pain and fear related indicators, and numbers of illness/injuries. Women and the general public perceived all issues and indicators to be more important than other groups of respondents. These results highlight the need to consult a wide range of stakeholders in order to develop a broadly acceptable assessment system.

Abstract

An online survey was designed to form the basis of a framework for the welfare assessment of extensively managed sheep in Australia. The survey focused on welfare compromise and useful welfare indicators. A total of 952 people completed the survey in its entirety, representing four stakeholder groups: Public (53.6%), Producer (27.4%), Scientist (9.9%), and Service provider (9.1%). Animal welfare was considered to be important by all participating groups in this survey (average score of 3.78/4). Respondents felt the welfare of grazing sheep was generally adequate but improvement was desired (2.98/5), with female members of the public rating sheep welfare significantly worse than other respondents (p < 0.05). Environmental issues were considered to pose the greatest risk to welfare (3.87/5), followed by heat stress (3.79), lameness (3.57) and husbandry practices (3.37). Key indicators recognised by all respondents were those associated with pain and fear (3.98/5), nutrition (4.23), mortality/management (4.27), food on offer (4.41) and number of illness/injures in a flock (4.33). There were gender and stakeholder differences in the perceived importance of both welfare issues and indicators with women and the public consistently rating issues (all p < 0.01) and indicators (all p < 0.05) to be of greater significance than other respondents. These results highlight the importance of including all stakeholders and an even balance of genders when developing a welfare framework that can address both practical and societal concerns.

Producers and important dietary sources of ochratoxin A and citrinin

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a very important mycotoxin, and its research is focused right now on the new findings of OTA, like being a complete carcinogen, information about OTA producers and new exposure sources of OTA. Citrinin (CIT) is another important mycotoxin, too, and its research turns towards nephrotoxicity. Both additive and synergistic effects have been described in combination with OTA. OTA is produced in foodstuffs by Aspergillus Section Circumdati (Aspergillus ochraceus, A. westerdijkiae, A. steynii) and Aspergillus Section Nigri (Aspergillus carbonarius, A. foetidus, A. lacticoffeatus, A. niger, A. sclerotioniger, A. tubingensis), mostly in subtropical and tropical areas. OTA is produced in foodstuffs by Penicillium verrucosum and P. nordicum, notably in temperate and colder zones. CIT is produced in foodstuffs by Monascus species (Monascus purpureus, M. ruber) and Penicillium species (Penicillium citrinum, P. expansum, P. radicicola, P. verrucosum). OTA was frequently found in foodstuffs of both plant origin (e.g., cereal products, coffee, vegetable, liquorice, raisins, wine) and animal origin (e.g., pork/poultry). CIT was also found in foodstuffs of vegetable origin (e.g., cereals, pomaceous fruits, black olive, roasted nuts, spices), food supplements based on rice fermented with red microfungi Monascus purpureus and in foodstuffs of animal origin (e.g., cheese).