US Soybean Prices Tumble As Chinese Imports Dry Up

The use of antibiotics in livestock is getting at least as much attention from hog and cattle producers this year as taxes and deficits.

Both the Illinois Pork Producers Association and the Illinois Beef Association provided members with talking points Wednesday on the practice and on whether it reduces the long-term effectiveness of antibiotics in animals and humans.

The head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also was quoted Wednesday as saying the FDA continues to look at new restrictions, but that the agency will work with the livestock industry.

“No one wants to use antibiotics on their animals. It’s expensive, but small amounts may be needed to keep them healthy,” IPPA president Brent Scholl said prior to an annual lobby day in Springfield.