USDA ramps-up testing for meat imports after EU horse-meat scandal

Apr 04, 2013

EU horse-meat scandal has the U.S. Department of Agriculture on high alert

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that it will be increasing its testing on meat imports to ensure that meat products don’t contain traces of horse meat. The enhanced testing comes after the recent horse-meat scandal that spread across the EU after some beef products were found to contain traces of horse-meat. The massive horse-meat scandal started in Ireland in mid-January and spread across the EU and touched some other parts of the world.

The agency says that it’s increasing testing after recent events and consumer concerns. The increased species testing will act as a safeguard to prevent mislabelled meat products from entering the U.S. Federal meat inspectors have been ordered to boost species tests of meat products imported from Iceland, Ireland, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.