Thanks to Our 2015 MWFPA Convention
Sponosors
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The MWFPA News Bulletin is underwritten in part by Bug Blocker Doors & Screens
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WI's Ryan Elected House Speaker, Budget Agreement Reached, Spending And Transportation Bills Next
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 Lawmakers elected WI Rep. Paul Ryan a
s the 54th Speaker of the House, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty over who would lead the raucous 247-member GOP conference after John Boehner's surprise resignation.
With his election to the nation's third highest Constitutional elected office, Ryan also made history as the first Wisconsin Member of Congress to be elected to the Office of Speaker.
On another historical note, only one other person, James K. Polk (D-Tennessee) who served as Speaker of the House from 1835 to 1839, went on to become President of the United States having been elected to the nation's highest post in 1844.
Meanwhile, White House and Congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle passed a long-term budget deal that was signed by the President lifting the debt ceiling, funding the federal government, and reversing some of the defense and non-defense discretionary cuts made as part of the 2011 sequestration deal. The unusually long-term budget plan sets funding levels for the government for two fiscal years, well beyond the next general election.
The agreed-upon budget numbers represent totals for federal spending. Congress will still need to debate and pass appropriation bills by December 11 to implement spending at those target levels (the twelve individual bills may be combined into one or more omnibus or "minibus" spending package(s)).
The budget deal may allow Congress to focus on passing other key pieces of legislation, including the spending bills mentioned above and a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill. The House and Senate passed a 22-day short-term transportation extension. The President signed it late last Thursday - the same day the fund was set to expire. Federal transportation funding will now expire on Nov. 20, unless Congress passes a longer-term solution before that deadline..
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Senate Set To Take Up WOTUS Rule Rejection
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 The U.S. Senate is expected begin debate and vote
this week on
S.J.Res.22 - a
Congressional Review Act (or "CRA") resolution to block the EPA's new Clean Water Rule (or "WOTUS" - Waters of the United States - rule).
The Congressional Review Act of 1996 established expedited congressional procedures for disapproving a broad range of regulatory rules issued by federal agencies. Using the CRA process allows measures to pass the Senate on only a simple majority vote; however, resolution passage is a steep legislative hill to climb, especially in the face of a likely Presidential veto (a two-thirds majority is still required under CRA procedures to override a veto).
MWFPA has joined with the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of America, pesticide manufacturers, state and local governments, water utilities, and others opposing the rule.
Only one CRA challenge has ever successfully passed Congress to become law.
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 The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has evaluated the carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat.
After reviewing scientific literature the IARC concluded that processed meat should be classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence in humans that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer.
Read the response to the study from the North American Meat Institute and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
Since the initial report from IARC was released the WHO has offered an important follow up and clarification on its recommendations regarding meat consumption saying there are 'shortcomings' with the IARC's classifications which allow the results to be "misinterpreted".
The WHO has also distanced itself from comments made by IARC panel members earlier saying that processed meats should be avoided. Their statement is here.
WHO spokesperson Gregory Härtl added "Eat healthily means eating a balanced diet, too much of anything is not good" and "We do not want to compare tobacco and meat because we know that no level of tobacco is safe."
On twitter, the WHO said "Meat provides a number of essential nutrients and, when consumed in moderation, has a place in a healthy diet"
The WHO said it will further look at the place of processed meat and red meat within the context of an overall healthy diet in 2016.
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The MWFPA News Bulletin is underwritten in part by Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp.
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Senate Committee Holds Biotechnology Hearing
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A hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to address the labeling policies for food with genetically modified ingredients recently took place.
The panel heard testimony from five speakers and the hearing comes after a bill prohibiting the mandatory labeling of biotech foods at the state level was approved in the House of Representatives.The Senate has yet to act.
Several states have passed laws to disclose more about the production of food, and US Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), the agriculture committee's top Democrat, believes this issue "will only continue to build steam in the months and years ahead. I share the concern about the difficulty in doing business across our country if 50 different states have 50 different standards and requirements."
Food industry groups including MWFPA argue that a patchwork of state labeling laws would lead to consumer confusion and higher product costs.
"The Senate Agriculture hearing reaffirmed the broad consensus among scientists and regulators that GMOs are safe and highlighted the real-world negative impacts a patchwork of state-labeling mandates will have on farmers, businesses and consumers," said Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. "Action by Congress is urgently needed this year to pass a national, uniform labeling standard."
Joseph Clayton, interim president of the American Frozen Food Institute, commended the committee for acknowledging scientific evidence that points to the safety of GMO ingredients.
Watch the committee hearing video here.
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Rauner, Legislative Leaders Look To Meet On Budget
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IL is heading into its fifth month without a state budget and the governor and four legislative leaders appear
set for a public meeting on Nov. 18 to discuss the impasse.
Gov. Rauner has invited Senate President John Cullerton, House Speaker Michael Madigan, both Democrats, and state Sen. Christine Radogno and state Rep. Jim Durkin, the leaders of the Republican minority to confer. All but Madigan quickly agreed to the get-together.
Rauner insisted that, as governor, he should host the meeting and set the agenda. Madigan indicated through a spokesman that he wanted to see the governor's agenda before agreeing to the meeting.
Rauner has been downplaying the November meeting, recently telling a crowd in Rock Island that he doesn't expect it to result in a budget agreement.
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WI Gov Calls For More Highway Improvement Funds
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WI Gov. Scott Walker has requested the legislature to provide $125 million to help get five delayed transportation projects back on track and to provide $75 million in additional funding for the State Highway Improvement Program.
For the money to be released, which was requested by DOT on October 19, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee (JFC) would have to approve the request with no member objections. MWFPA sent a memorandum to JFC members urging adoption of the request.
In a letter to WI Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Mark Gottlieb, JFC Chair Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) stating multiple objections have been raised, requiring JFC to meet and vote on the request. Only a majority vote in favor from the committee will allow DOT the request, and Republican members of the committee are split on approving the request.
A vote has not been scheduled, though capitol insiders think the committee may meet in early November.
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WI Legislature Heads Toward Adjournment
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It is expected that both the WI State Assembly and State Senate will be in full session this week to conclude their fall legislative session.
Reports are that lawmakers may consider issues related to transportation, government reform and several minor issues related to state government.
After the legislature adjourn its fall session, both houses are not expected to be in again until mid-January.
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Ag's Professional Funny Man, Damian Mason, To Address MWFPA Convention in December
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Damian Mason, Ag's Professional Funnyman
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Damian Mason, who will be one of the keynote speakers at MWFPA's 111th Annual Convention, was raised on a dairy farm, has a degree from Purdue University in Agricultural Economics, and currently owns and manages a farm in Indiana.
He stays up-to-date on issues impacting the industry of food, fuel, and fiber and fuses that knowledge with over two decades of global travel talking to agricultural audiences while mixing in comedy that makes people think and laugh.
His insightful and humorous presentation will provide you practical steps for staying relevant in an ever-changing, competitive marketplace.
Damian studied comedy writing and improvisation at Second City Chicago. He's a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation with the National Speakers Association.
We hope you will join us at the MWFPA annual convention for his funny, relevant, and uplifting presentation that we trust will resonate with today's agricultural and food professional.
This keynote speaker is being sponsored by this Associate Member:
4 Easy Ways to Register
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Convention's Second Forklift Rodeo Set For Dec. 2
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 On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., this year's MWFPA annual convention will once again provide attendees with an exciting and interesting event -- the convention's second ever forklift rodeo!
 A forklift rodeo is an event wherein drivers use their forklift operating skills to navigate a fun and challenging driving course that includes various tasks (moving forward and backward, fast and slow, picking up, moving and dropping loads) in addition to hazards. All the while they are racing against the clock for the best time and avoiding penalties for any unsafe maneuvers.
Operators with the fastest times and fewest penalties are awarded prizes (champion belt buckle, company trophy, cash and other goodies), not to mention bragging rights in the warehouse!
Forklift rodeos celebrate operator excellence, showcasing the importance of operator skills, while raising awareness of forklift safety. They're fun to watch and fun to take part in.
Should your facility wish to enter a contestant, please contact Brian Elliott at:
[email protected], or phone (608) 255-9946.
The Forklift Rodeo is being sponsored by these members:
There are still a few exhibitor booths available. Don't wait, get your booth now! Take a look at the convention floor map
here
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MWFPA Events You Won't Want To Miss
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November 5, 2015 - MWFPA Environmental Committee. Joint meeting and plant tour with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) in Richland Center, WI from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on November 5, 2015.
November 19, 2015 - Industrial Energy Efficiency Workshop. Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Environmental Center, 2900 19th Street NW, Rochester, Minnesota. Organized by the Institute for Industrial Productivity (IIP) in partnership with the Midwest Food Processors Association and the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council, this workshop is intended to help improve Minnesota's existing energy efficiency programs and policies. To register, click here. There is no cost to attend this event.
December 1-3, 2015 -
MWFPA 111th Annual Convention and 88th Processing Crops Conference. KI Convention Center, Green Bay, WI.
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Other Educational Opportunities
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November 4, 2015: Export Education Seminar- "Meeting Buyers' Expectations." Northcentral Technical College, 1000 W. Campus Drive, Wausau, WI. Join Food Export-Midwest and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for a day of education topics on how to meet international buyers' expectations. Don't miss this opportunity to increase your knowledge of becoming a successful exporter. Contact Lisa Stout at: [email protected] , or phone: 608-224-5126
November 10-11, 2015:
Evaporators: Designing, Evaluating and Operating Course.
Madison Concourse Hotel, One West Dayton Street, Madison, Wisconsin. Evaporation is an important process
used in many industries. The efficient operation of evaporators requires a working knowledge of the basics of evaporation, heat transfer, and moisture removal. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of evaporator fundamentals and learn howto apply proven methods to solve practical problems. For more information, click
here.
November 15, 2015:
Private Label Buyers Mission at the PLMA Show. Rosemont, IL. Held in conjunction with the Private Label
Manufacturers Association Show, this mission provides an opportunity to maximize your opportunities at a show where retailers and wholesalers go to source their private label products. You'll meet with pre-qualified buyers from around the world in pre-arranged, one-on-one meetings right here in the U.S., generate new sales leads, and build relationships with key industry players. For more information, click here.
February 15-19, 2016: Industrial Refrigeration Workshop, Charlotte, North Carolina.
This one-week course is intended for those who make decisions such as the purchase of new components, and the enlargement or modification of the plant. Manufacturers of components learn how their products fit into the entire system
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A thread running through the course is the design of a refrigerated distribution center utilizing an ammonia refrigeration system. New technologies available in ammonia refrigeration reducing the ammonia charge will be explored over the course of the workshop. For more information, click here.
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