The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack detailing a list of solutions to address critical supply chain issues facing America’s farmers and ranchers. AFBF detailed seven priorities for USDA to consider in response to President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains. Recommendations they ask USDA to consider action on include: Livestock markets …
Protect Against the COVID-19 Delta Variant
If you would have asked us last September if there would still be a need to write a tip about COVID-19 a year later, our answer would have been, “We sure hope not.” So, what’s changed? The simplest explanation is the emergence of the Delta variant. When you hear us talk about food safety, we don’t often talk about variants. …
Red Meat Producers See Great Growth Potential in Latin America
More than 130 red meat buyers from 21 countries across Central and South America and the Caribbean gathered in San Jose, Costa Rica, for the 10th anniversary edition of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Latin American Product Showcase. Joe Schuele has more details. More details on the Latin American Product Showcase are available on the USMEF website. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship …
NASDA Calls on USDA to Protect Diversity of Meat Processing
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) has expressed its recommendations for a resilient, diverse and secure meat processing system. Specifically, NASDA commented that flexible funding for solutions to workforce shortages and processing infrastructure investments for small to mid-sized meat processing facilities is critical to ensuring our food system is built to handle future challenges. Twenty-seven state departments of agriculture …
Hours-of-Service Exemption for Livestock Haulers Extended
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced Tuesday they’ve extended the exemption from hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers. This extension comes after consistent advocacy by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), who says livestock haulers continue to need the flexibility for the well-being of livestock during hauls, and to keep grocery stores stocked with beef during the continued disruption of …
John Deere Hay and Forage Equipment Delivers
When it comes to hay and forage equipment, John Deere has years of field experience to create equipment that delivers what you need. Chase Millam, marketing manager for hay and forage at John Deere, talked with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman during the recent Cattle Industry Convention. They discussed a couple of pieces of equipment, including something brand new, the W235R Windrower (W235R …
Better Disease Surveillance of Animals May Help Prevent Future Pandemics
USDA has announced a proposed framework for a project that could help prevent future human pandemics stemming from diseases in animals. Gary Crawford has the story. Dr. Mike Watson, Associate Administrator of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, saying that setting up an early warning system to detect diseases in animals that might threaten humans is a long term …
Safety Tips for Flying Drones Offered by UF/IFAS Researchers
Some people view drones as toys, but they can be dangerous. In fact, about 1,000 people per year are injured from using drones incorrectly. To address the potential peril, two University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are offering ways to keep people from getting hurt while using drones. For legal advice on personal injury related to …
Sustainability of Growing Importance to International Customers
Sustainability is a growing importance to international customers, and that includes those of the U.S. red meat industry. Joe Schuele with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has more details. Learn more on the USMEF website. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, …
Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers Updated by USDA
USDA Sets October 12 Deadline for CFAP 2 (WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2021) —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part …