I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. Horses and oxen provided a lot of the power on American farms until the mid -1800s. Oxen were too slow to pull some of the new machinery. Producers were using in the 1850s and 1860s. Most of the horses were fast enough, but they tired quickly. Powerful animals like the draft …
Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm Helene
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/Sept. 24, 2024) — In response to Tropical Storm Helene, forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with our partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock including horses and cattle. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Helene will be exempt from a certificate of …
USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers, and Communities Affected by Hurricane Debby
(USDA/WASHINGTON, August 7, 2024) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by Hurricane Debby, which continues its track up the East Coast. USDA staff in offices across the country are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to producers and …
ADAI Confirms Two Positive Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Horses in Alabama
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirms two positive cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) detected in horses in Covington and Mobile counties. EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30 percent, while the rate for EEE is …
Nation Watches Anti-Ag Activists in CA
A California farmers’ alliance is asking for help from farmers around the nation in battling animal rights activists. “They are not wrong to be concerned, depending on what happens here. We feel very confidently that this is a steppingstone, that they are seeking out to throw something against the wall and see what sticks. Because if they can make it …
Georgians Recognized at AQHA Convention
Georgians were well represented at the American Quarter Horse Association Convention last week in Las Vegas. The Windy Hill Ranch from Waynesboro received the 50-Year Legacy Breeder Recognition for their commitment to raising and registering “America’s Horse” for over five decades. Focusing on raising high-quality all-around horses, Windy Hill Ranch was led by J.W. “Squat” and Betty Bailey. Highlighted during …
AVMA Plans Annual Legislative Fly-in
Veterinarians will visit Capitol Hill next Tuesday to discuss legislative priorities with lawmakers. As part of the American Veterinary Medical Association‘s (AMVA) annual legislative fly-in, advocates will urge congressional offices to support and cosponsor the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson says, “We need to do more to attract and retain veterinarians in rural and underserved areas, …
Southern Pasture Conditions Have Been Very Dry
Much needed precipitation has fallen in some areas of the Southeast this week. But as USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey notes, many of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states have been experiencing very dry pasture conditions. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
Nominations Open for Animal Agriculture Water Quality Committee
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Federal Register Notice on November 16 establishing the Animal Agriculture Water Quality Subcommittee. It’s under the umbrella of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. Nominations are open for members who want to serve on the subcommittee. The primary subcommittee goal will be to develop recommendations that will inform the Agency’s …
Improvements in U.S. Pasture and Rangeland Conditions
Both ends of the nation’s pasture and rangeland condition ratings reveal year over year improvements within the final condition report for 2023. Rod Bain has the story. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at states with notable good to excellent pasture and rangeland conditions for the period ending this past week. Rippey also discusses regions of the country where there are …