Mark Kennedy: “as a representative from Minnesota's largest dairy-producing region, I have been a strong advocate for working with the…”

“as a representative from Minnesota's largest dairy-producing region, I have been a strong advocate for working with the Federal Government to protect my State's dairy producers and ranchers. With 30,000 cattle producers representing a $2 billion industry in the State of Minnesota, I take very seriously any potential threat to the viability of the livestock sector in my State. The continued spread of bovine tuberculosis in cattle throughout Minnesota and other States poses a major risk of devastation to herds across the country. So far this year, five beef cattle herds have tested positive for bovine tuberculosis in Minnesota. During the same period, seven beef and dairy herds in Michigan, and one dairy heard in Arizona have contracted the disease. While some may believe that these outbreaks are the exception rather than the rule, it should be noted that several other States, including California, New Mexico and Texas have seen outbreaks in their herds. In fact, back in 2000, the USDA Secretary Glickman authorized over $44 million in emergency funds to expand TB eradication in Texas, Michigan and elsewhere. States are responsible for the lion's share of the cost of dealing with these outbreaks. Not only must they combat the spread of bovine TB in livestock, but they must also make do with the shortage of limited Federal funds for indemnity payments to the ranchers and dairy producers.…”