The 2023 Alabama Legislative Session continues this week, and a bill to protect livestock owners from overly restrictive municipal ordinances and a bill to exempt livestock fencing materials from Alabama’s sales and use tax are closely being tracked by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA). Erin Beasley, ACA executive vice president, explains where things stand with these bills. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production …
NPPC Urges Quick Passage of the Beagle Brigade Act
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging quick passage of the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023. The Act, H.R. 1480 and S.759, was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The legislation would provide permanent authorization for the USDA’s National Detector Dog Training Center. NPPC notes this is important as safe and reliable food production is critical to …
Study Shows Livestock Auctions Are Growing in Importance
A new economic impact study shows that livestock auction markets continue to be important for the growth and vitality of rural communities. The study, which updates a study from 2017, of an average fixed-facility livestock auction market revealed the market provides approximately $2 million in total value-added dollars to its local community. This result is up from $1 million identified in the …
Efforts to Restrict Drone Surveillance of Livestock Facilities
In the state of Iowa, the House of Representatives passed a bill last week that restricts drone surveillance of livestock facilities without permission from the property owner. If Iowa House File 572 becomes law, remotely piloted aircraft couldn’t fly within 400 feet of homesteads or other areas where animals are kept. People caught in violation would face a simple misdemeanor …
USDA Investing in Control and Prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making grants available to groups who have projects that will help control or prevent Chronic Wasting Disease. Gary Crawford has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding …
Watching the Meat Trade
Many are watching the meat trade right now. Mark Oppold reports boxed beef prices are the highest since early 2022. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between …
USDA Committed to Research, Development of Vaccines
While recently speaking before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said his department is committed to research and development of vaccines against current and future livestock diseases. Many livestock groups have indicated concerns about vaccines for various disease, but Vilsack noted USDA’s intent to develop what is needed. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, …
Livestock Birthing and Weather Concerns in Northern Plains
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 Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida …
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 Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …