Even though we are in April, winter weather has not lost its grip in some areas of the country. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says an early April blizzard in the Northern Plains has added to concerns of livestock producers in the middle of calving and lambing season in that region. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by …
Slightly Higher U.S. Hog Inventory
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reported last Friday that as of March 1st, the U.S. Hog Inventory was slightly higher than a year ago. The Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report indicates as of March 1, 2023 there were 72.9 million hogs and pigs. And while that is slightly higher than March 1, 2022 it is down two percent from December 1, 2022. …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In our weekly “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner, I understand vultures have had an impact on Alabama’s livestock. Can you tell us a little about the issues they are causing? Learn more about these new permits on the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida …
Breakdown of HPAI Cases over the Past Year
Over the past year, we’ve talked about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases that have popped up across the country. Today, Rod Bain looks at some of the numbers associated with HPAI. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Kevin Shea discusses cases of HPAI over a one-year period and trends connected to transmission to poultry via migratory and wild …
Groups Call for Checkoff Reform in the 2023 Farm Bill
This week, a coalition of 131 groups representing farmers, the food system, the environment, animal welfare, and antimonopoly advocacy called on Congress to restore accountability and transparency to commodity checkoff programs by supporting inclusion of the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming (OFF) Act (S.557 and H.R.1249) in the 2023 Farm Bill. Checkoff programs are funded through mandatory fees on farmers and ranchers producing …
Nomination Open for American Lamb Board Members
Nominations for new members of the American Lamb Board must be submitted by certified nominating organizations and are due to the USDA’s Ag Marketing Service by May 5. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints the board members from the nominations. USDA is looking for a producer with 100 or fewer lambs, a producer with more than 500 lambs, a feeder with …
African Swine Fever Surging Again in China
African Swine Fever (ASF) is making a resurgence in China and will potentially push prices higher for the most popular protein in that country. Bloomberg says multiple outbreaks have shown up in different parts of the country throughout the winter. Rabobank expects the most recent wave of ASF to significantly lower production capacity and push prices higher during the second …
2023 Power of Meat Research Released at Annual Meat Conference
During the recent Annual Meat Conference, research from the latest Power of Meat Study showed consumers’ meat usage, attitudes, and trends was released. The report says 2022 meat sales rose 5.7 percent versus 2021, and almost 87 percent of all home-prepared dinners featured meat or poultry. Also, more than 98 percent of shoppers make meat purchases. Inflation is becoming an …
Grant Awarded to the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority for Meat and Poultry Processing
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/March 17, 2023)Â — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $15 million to the lender Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) to support meat and poultry slaughter and processing businesses in Alabama. The USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) is awarded to the lender, AADA, in the form of a grant. Businesses engaged in the processing of …
FFA Members Prepare for Careers in Animal Systems Pathways
Students prepare for careers with animals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Future Farmers of America (FFA) members from across the country this spring traveled to Denver, Colorado, to explore careers in the animal systems industry. The 73 FFA members attended the Next Gen Conference, which began in 2020 and focuses on specific pathways, from animal systems to …