The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. This action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy. “Consumers should be able to trust …
USDA Developing New Ways to Track COVID in Wild and Domestic Animals
Scientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are developing new tests to identify and track the COVID virus in wild and domestic animals. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is implementing $300 million to conduct monitoring and surveillance of susceptible animals for the COVID virus. Through the initiative, ARS, in partnership with …
U. S. Needs More Veterinarians
There’s a shortage of veterinarians in the United States. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A new report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation found that there is a shortfall of veterinarians to treat livestock and poultry in rural areas. The report says that shortfall is threatening public health, food safety, and economic growth in communities that depend on agriculture. More than 500 …
Florida Commissioner Nikki Fried Shares USDA Disaster Assistance Programs for Agricultural Producers, Urges Early Reporting of Losses
(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sep 30, 2022) — In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is sharing important resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist Florida agricultural producers who suffered losses due to the storm. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by Hurricane Ian that USDA has multiple programs to provide assistance in the wake of …
Florida on Alert as Hurricane Ian Threatens
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 26, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to be aware of local evacuation orders as Hurricane Ian is expected to strengthen into a “major” storm in the eastern Gulf of Mexico as early as Tuesday. DeSantis said during a media briefing just before noon Monday that Ian will bring heavy rain, strong winds, flash flooding, storm surges …
Protecting Horses Against West Nile Virus
Protecting Horses Against West Nile Virus. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Since 1999, more than 25,000 cases of West Nile Virus encephalitis have been reported in horses, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Department Head for Entomology and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Justin Talley, says West Nile Virus is spread by the …
West Nile Virus Still a Threat to Horses Despite Drought
Many parts of the nation are in drought, but that doesn’t mean the end of mosquitos. Find out what that means for your horses, in today’s This Land of Ours. While much of the western U.S. endures widespread drought, people may think mosquito season won’t be as intense. However, just because there’s no rain doesn’t mean there are no mosquitoes. …
Things that Humans Do that Horses Dislike
Some of the things that humans do that horses dislike. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Horses are hypervigilant. Any unfamiliar sound or object can spook them enough to throw someone, or rear up and flail around. Horses especially don’t like it when people approach from behind. Even the friendliest horses have been known to cause serious bodily …
Poisonous Plants Harmful to Horses on the Farm
The plants that can be harmful, or poisonous, to horses on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. With so many plants out in the wild, it’s hard for horses to tell which ones are friendly and which ones to stay away from. Farmers and ranchers will need to be extra vigilant and keep horses away from …
Florida Lawmakers Discuss Veterinary Telemedicine
Week five of the Florida Legislative Session saw various issues discussed once again, but there is a bill that has been of interest to some in agriculture across the state. Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, explains what the bill is about and where it currently stands. The 60 day Florida Legislative session will run until March 11th. Sponsored ContentCIR …