Two dozen environmental and consumer groups are asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate large dairy and hog farms under federal air pollution laws. Groups like the Sierra Club and the Government Accountability Project say in their petition that “The EPA has the duty and authority to regulate these methane super-emitters under the Clean Air Act as part of …
Feral Swine Control Program Launches in Alabama
Thanks to funding through the 2018 Farm Bill, the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee (ASWCC) has launched a program to help property owners in certain areas of Alabama control feral swine. The Alabama Feral Swine Control Program, funded by a grant through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), allowed ASWCC to launch a three-year …
NPPC Applauds the Philippines’ Decision to Import More Pork
The Philippine government will provide more market access for pork imports to combat rising pork prices and stabilize supplies. Securing better access to the Philippines market has been a top, long-term priority for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). NPPC President Jen Sorensen says, “While we are saddened by the spread of ASF in the Philippines, we appreciate the opportunity …
Checkoff Dollars Important to USMEF Overseas Programs
The Beef and Pork Checkoff programs are national marketing and research programs designed to increase the demand for beef and pork products not only here in the U.S., but also abroad. One of the contractors to each of the checkoff programs is the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). And USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom recently told Southeast AgNet those dollars …
Deadline Nearing to Enter Animal Ag Alliance Contest
If you are a farmer or rancher who would like a free registration to take part in the Animal Agriculture Alliance 2021 Virtual Stakeholders Summit, then you might be interested in entering their photo/video contest. AgNet Media’s Danielle Leal has more information. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion …
UF Researchers Use AI Datasets to Track Feral Pigs, Minimize Disease Risk
University of Florida scientists are using artificial intelligence (AI) to track feral hogs’ reproduction and how they spread pathogens on Florida’s grazing lands. Feral pigs cost the agriculture industry at least $1.5 billion in damage, disease, and control costs around the United States annually. They run rampant on large swaths of grazing lands. The swine root in the soil and …
Enhancing ASF Preparedness of Hog Slaughter Plants
The USDA is currently working to help prepare the U.S. pork industry to respond if African Swine Fever (ASF) should be discovered in this country. Gary Crawford has the details. Dr. Barbara Porter-Spalding, with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, describes the workshop they held in January to help bring pork packing plants more into the ASF response …
House Agriculture Committee Hears About Food Insecurity in America
Written Testimony for the House of Representatives Committee on AgricultureA Look at Food Insecurity in AmericaMarch 11th, 2021Presented By:Zippy DuvallPresidentAmerican Farm Bureau Federation Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Zippy Duvall. I am a third-generation farmer and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. I am pleased to offer this testimony on behalf of Farm Bureau …
Agriculture Included in New COVID-19 Relief Package
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, known as “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021” is now official as President Biden signed the bill late last week. We’ve all heard how the package will include $1,400 stimulus checks for qualifying individuals, extends unemployment benefits, and more. But it also increases assistance through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). And according …
January U.S. Red Meat Exports Below Year-Ago Levels
According to information released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in January 2021 U.S. beef and pork exports opened the year below the large volumes posted in 2020. The data, compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), shows beef exports totaled 105,047 metric tons (mt) in January, down 2% from a year ago, while value slipped 3% …