h5n1

H5N1 Found in Oregon Backyard Hog Farm

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) confirms there are no food safety concerns about the nation’s pork supply after H5N1 was detected this week in an Oregon backyard farm. NPPC continues to work closely with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services and pork industry stakeholders on disease surveillance programs. Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack had a quick update on …

Avian Influenza

Two Developments on the Avian Influenza Front

 Avian Influenza is in the news once again. Gary Crawford reports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funding Crucial For Forage DevelopmentMay 22, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding to Enhance Brahman GeneticsMay 15, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026

cdc

Dairy Farmers Remain Resilient in the Face of H5N1 Outbreaks

The chair of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says dairy farmers are remaining “resilient” in the face of H5N1 outbreaks. Rusty Halvorson has the story. At the organization’s recent annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, Randy Mooney said dairy persists in its best practices in biosecurity and works with government officials, veterinarians and scientists to understand, contain and prevent highly pathogenic avian …

fsis

U.S. Egg Production Down Two Percent, Milk Production Slightly Higher

U.S. egg production totaled 8.92 billion during September 2024, down two percent from the same time last year. Production included 7.65 billion table eggs and 1.27 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.18 billion were broiler-type and 91.3 million were egg-type. The average number of layers in the U.S. during September totaled 375 million, down three percent from last year. September …

UF/IFAS

New Study Busts Myth About Cattle and Cheatgrass Spread

A new study shows that cattle are not spreading cheatgrass seeds through grazing. According to a story from Rusty Halvorson, that is contrary to what many believed. A recent study from the University of Nevada-Reno reveals that cattle aren’t spreading cheatgrass seeds through grazing, contrary to what many believed. The study shows that cattle digestion makes cheatgrass seeds inert, meaning …

pork

Chef Competition in Vietnam Highlights Taste and Quality of U.S. Pork

Chefs from across Vietnam recently competed in Porkstars, a cooking competition now in its third year, designed to promote creative uses of U.S. pork. The live streamed event is a collaboration between the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the National Pork Board, the Indiana Soybean Alliance, and the Indiana Corn Marketing Board. Indiana soybean grower Chris Eck traveled to Vietnam for …

American Agriculture History

American Agriculture History Minute: First National Western Stock Show

I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The National Western Stock Show in Denver began in 1906. The horse show now among the largest in the world, more than 18,000 entries. National Western Rodeo, considered one of the largest indoor rodeos and has won honors from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. And additionally, Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame …

avma

AVMA Anticipates No Dire Shortage of Veterinarians

A recent analysis of the drivers of supply and demand for veterinary services shows that the number of graduates from existing veterinary colleges is likely enough to meet demand through 2035. The conclusion comes after a study commissioned by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA). The projections in this analysis do not justify a conclusion of overall excess capacity or a capacity …

exports

August Pork Exports Above Year-Ago; Beef Exports Lower

Fueled by another outstanding performance from Mexico, August exports of U.S. pork increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports were below year-ago levels in August. Rusty Halvorson has more details. August pork exports totaled 238,989 metric tons (mt), up 6% from a year ago but the second …

animal

Animal Disease Traceability Rule Coming in November

The U.S. cattle industry will have a new level of disease protection next month when USDA’s enhanced Animal Disease Traceability rule takes effect. Rapid response to an animal disease outbreak is the aim of the new USDA traceability rule, with its visual checks and electronic tags to track most breeding cattle crossing state lines. Former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president …