Accepting Entries for Southeastern Hay Contest

Producers from around the Southeast are encouraged to compete in the 2019 Southeastern Hay Contest. The grand prize winner, or person with the overall highest RFQ, will receive the choice of the use of a new Massey Ferguson RK Series rotary rake or a new Massey Ferguson DM Series Professional disc mower for the 2020 hay production season and $1,000 cash. There are 7 different categories, …

Elanco to Acquire Bayer Animal Health

(NAFB) — Elanco Animal Health has entered into a $7.6 billion agreement with Bayer to acquire its animal health business in a transaction valued at $7.6 billion. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, will double Elanco’s companion animal business. Bayer CEO Werner Baumann says the acquisition by Elanco will “give rise to a leading competitor in the animal …

Study Shows Decrease in Poultry Antibiotics Use

(NAFB) — A new report on antimicrobial use in broiler chicken and turkey farms shows antibiotics use has decreased from 93 to 17 percent since 2013. The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association announced the findings as part of its commitment to transparency and sustainability. The report represents a five-year data set, collected between 2013 and 2017. The report shows that …

China Makes August U.S. Pork Purchase

(NAFB) — The world’s biggest pork consumer bought just over 10,000 tons of U.S. pork sometime between August 2-8. Reuters says that was the biggest purchase of American pork in almost two months. The pork purchase is due for shipment this year as African Swine Fever continues to ravage the world’s biggest pork herd. The Chinese Commerce Ministry had said …

Insect Alert for Forages

According to a note from University of Georgia Professor and State Forage Extension Specialist, Dennis Hancock, forage producers need to be on the lookout as Fall Armyworms and Bermudagrass Stem Maggot have been spotted at treatable levels in the Southern 2/3rds of Georgia. While certain insects can cause damage to forage crops, the potential for damage may not always justify …

U.S. Beef Exports to South Korea Continue to Soar

U.S. Beef exports to South Korea Continue to soar. Joe Schuele has more details. A detailed summary of U.S. beef, pork and lamb exports through the first half of the year is available on the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) website. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher …

Grassley, Tester Urge USDA to Defend Small Livestock Producers

(NAFB) — A letter from ag-state senators urges the Department of Agriculture to provide protections for livestock and poultry farmers against unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers. Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and John Tester of Montana, calling themselves the only farmers in the Senate, outlined key to help farmers compete with large corporations. The comments come as USDA begins …

Record Number of Poultry Facilities Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance

Destin, FL (USPOULTRY) – During the 2019 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, Florida, a record 230 chicken and turkey facilities received safety awards by the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs. “We received the …

Feral Swine Eradication Signup Ends Monday

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind potential project applicants that the call for proposals for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP) ends Monday, August 19. The first round of pilot projects are being offered in 10 states, those with the with the highest feral swine populations. This does include Alabama, Florida and Georgia. FSCP is implemented jointly by NRCS …

Perilla Mint: Continue to Scout Through the Fall

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. (ACES) – In some areas of the state, the hot, dry weather may have limited the availability of some forages. These conditions often tempt livestock to consume anything that is green. Some poisonous plants have become masters at surviving these conditions. Perilla mint is one of the most dangerous. Characteristics An escaped ornamental, the leaves of perilla …