WASHINGTON (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Dorian that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help. In a continuing effort to serve the public, USDA partnered with …
USDA Plans Foreign Animal Disease Exercise in September
(NAFB) — The Department of Agriculture and the pork industry will hold a foreign animal disease exercise next month. The industry is working on a “full function” exercise that will be conducted the week of September 23. The effort will focus on a fictional outbreak of African swine fever and the subsequent response by federal and state authorities, along with …
Conagra Teams with HSUS on Chicken Welfare Standards
(NAFB) — Conagra Brands recently announced steps it will implement when it comes to company treatment of broiler chickens in its supply chain sourcing practices. The company worked with the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) on the new goals, which add higher standards to the company’s existing broiler policy. Conagra says it will work with suppliers, peers, and external …
All Florida Livestock Markets Closed Sept 2-6
Hurricane Dorian Information for the Cattle Industry IMPORTANT NOTICE (FDACS) — ALL livestock markets in Florida will be closed ALL next week (Sept 2-6) due to holiday and forthcoming hurricane. Effective Immediately The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry, has temporarily suspended the intrastate movement requirements for the transportation of animals from the areas expected …
Millions in Agricultural Crops at Risk as Dorian Approaches Florida
GAINESVILLE, FL (UF/IFAS) — If Hurricane Dorian makes landfall mid-way up Florida’s Atlantic Coast – as many models predicted Thursday afternoon – the storm could devastate not only Central Florida tourist destinations, but also the region’s agricultural areas, which include significant acreage devoted to citrus, vegetable, ornamental plant and cattle production. Economists and Extension faculty with the University of Florida …
Pork Industry Receives USDA Grant to Open ASF Dialogue in Asia
WASHINGTON, D.C. AND AMES, IA (NPPC) – The global outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), a disease affecting only pigs with no human health or food safety risks, is growing, with new cases appearing throughout Southeast Asia and China. While there are no reported cases of ASF in the U.S., a grant recently awarded to the Swine Health Information Center …
USMCA Ratification, FMD Vaccine Bank among NPPC Congressional Asks
In a recent Hogs on the Hill blog post, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) highlighted a number of pressing issues that need Congressional attention this fall. Among the priorities is congressional ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement. This would allow the U.S. pork industry to maintain zero-duty market access to two of its largest export markets. According to NPPC, another …
Ways to Keep Chickens Out of Your Garden
If you are having a problem with your fowl fouling up your garden, Cathy Isom has some ways to keep your chickens out of your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Chickens love gardens for 3 main reasons: bugs, plants, and dirt. But if you’re wanting to keep your chicks from feasting on your harvest here a …
Ag Groups Celebrate Trade Agreement With Japan
The United States and Japan have agreed in principle to a trade deal. In a report from Gary Crawford, President Donald Trump talks about the new agreement. Secretary Perdue on Japan Agreement WU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the new trade agreement between the United States and Japan: “Japan is a significant market for United …
NPPC Prevails Against HSUS Attack on Animal Agriculture
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today ruled in favor of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in its appeal to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The court rejected HSUS’s attempt to advance an anti-meat activist agenda through an unwarranted suit designed to hurt …