The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced on Friday that the suspension of certain poultry and feathered fowl activities that was issued on Feb. 16, 2022, has been lifted. Exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl can resume within the state of Georgia. GDA urges poultry producers attending such events to …
Survey Says Shoppers Want Clearer Meat Labels
The National Chicken Council (NCC) released findings from a recent national survey of Americans regarding consumer attitudes about chicken and plant-based ‘chicken’ alternatives. Survey participants included individuals who consume meat and animal products, along with flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans. The results indicate the majority of Americans want clearer product labeling and separate shopping sections for plant-based products. One in five …
Brewer’s Yeast to Cut Methane
A good use for leftover brewer’s yeast. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Brewer’s yeast used to make beer is typically discarded once it’s no longer needed. Sometimes, though, the leftover yeast is mixed into livestock feed as a source of protein and vitamins. Now, there may be even more reason to continue this practice, according to findings …
Accepting Applications for EQIP Animal Mortality Pilot in Alabama
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Animal Mortality Pilot. Alabama is offering financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address on-farm concentrated nutrient and pathogen leaching losses due to animal mortality. Animal Mortality Facilities, including incinerators and composters, will be the priority conservation practice contracted within this Pilot. …
Forage Producers Invited to Enter World Forage Analysis Superbowl
Forage producers across North America are invited to enter the World Forage Analysis Superbowl. The 2022 contest is set to award over $26,000 in cash prizes. The deadline to submit corn silage samples is July 8, while all other entries must be submitted by August 25. The $35 entry fee provides entry into the contest along with a detailed sample …
USDA to Measure Feral Swine Damage in the Southeast
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting a Feral Swine Damage survey to measure the costs of feral swine damage to crop operations. The survey is conducted in cooperation with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – Wildlife Services. In an effort to obtain the most accurate data, NASS will reach out to more than 11,000 producers …
NPPC Welcomes Biden Administration Siding with Farmers on Prop 12
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) welcomed a Supreme Court brief filed by the Biden administration in favor of ag groups regarding California’s Proposition 12. The state law seeks to ban the sale of pork from pigs that do not meet the state’s arbitrary production standards, including pork from pigs raised on farms outside of California. NPPC assistant vice president and general …
Study Shows Red Meat Exports Deliver Value to Corn, Soybean Producers
Record level red meat exports of $18.7 billion last year, had a major impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study by the Juday Group. The study quantified the returns that red meat exports brought to corn and soybean producers in 2021. Corn and soybean growers support the international promotion of U.S. pork, beef and lamb …
Inflation Prompts Some Trading Partners to Cut Tariffs on Red Meat
South Korea is the latest country to suspend import duties on pork and other food items in an effort to combat inflation. They join Mexico, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Brazil in reducing or eliminating tariffs on certain food items to lower consumer prices. And while these tariff reductions sometimes benefit global competitors more than U.S. red meat, the overall …
Avian Influenza Causing Losses of Egg Laying Hens
While the number of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases across the U.S. have outpaced the 2014-2015 outbreak, experts say the one key to controlling the spread of it is fast reaction to reported detections. Even so, USDA economist Matt Maclachlan notes avian influenza this year has caused the loss of about 2 million laying hens. And when it comes to …