The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agricultural economists and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) will jointly hold producer meetings throughout Georgia October 8-11. The meetings will address three major government support programs including disaster assistance, trade assistance and farm safety-net programs. Tyron Spearman has more details. Below are the meeting dates, times and locations: Oct. …
ADAI Works with ALDOT to Issue No-Cost Hay Hauler Permits
MONTGOMERY, AL (ADAI-Oct. 2, 2019) — As a result of the extreme drought conditions in Alabama, state transportation and agriculture officials are working to issue special hay hauler permits. This no-cost process is a combined effort of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to provide emergency relief to livestock producers. Drought …
Agriculture Groups Urge USDA to Quickly Establish Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank
Representatives of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the National Corn Growers Association and Iowa State University called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to move as quickly as possible to establish a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank. At a press conference today, these groups recognized the steps USDA has taken to establish …
USDA Runs National ASF Drill
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted a four-day African swine fever (ASF) exercise with state animal health officials, producers and other industry stakeholders. The drill simulated various outbreak scenarios as those attending worked through response protocols spanning disease investigations, a confirmed outbreak, depopulation and disposal, control zones and permitting processes. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Chief Veterinarian Liz …
Study Confirms ASF Survives in Animal Feed
(NAFB) — Researchers at Kansas State University say African swine fever (ASF) can survive in feed grains, prompting greater concerns of the disease spreading. The research confirms the virus can survive a simulated 30-day transoceanic voyage in contaminated plant-based feed and ingredients. Detailed analysis shows the half-life of African swine fever in feed ranges from 9.6 to 14.2 days after …
Japanese Trade Deal Good for Beef and Pork Producers
The new U.S.-Japanese trade deal announced Wednesday addresses several agricultural and industrial tariffs. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Steve Censky told AgNet Media, that the agreement will have a significant impact on several commodities, most notably the beef and pork industries. Censky said the agreement will allow both the U.S. beef and pork industries to compete more fairly. Japanese officials have indicated …
U.S. Pork Producers Seeking Expanded Export Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC-Sept. 26, 2019) — The U.S. pork industry ships more product to the 20 countries covered by free-trade agreements than we do the rest of the world combined. Therefore, expanding export opportunities through trade agreements remains a top priority for U.S. pork producers, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Director of International Affairs Maria Zieba said today at a …
NPPC Officers Join President Trump for Japan Trade Pact Signing Ceremony
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC-Sept. 25, 2019) — President Trump and Japanese Prime Minster Abe signed a trade agreement that will once again allow U.S. pork producers to compete on a level playing field in Japan. NPPC President David Herring and President-Elect Howard “A.V.” Roth joined President Trump for the signing of the agreement in New York during the United Nations General …
U.S. Pork Industry Facing Headwinds, Iowa Pork Producers President Tells Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPPC-Sept. 25, 2019) — The U.S. pork industry is facing serious headwinds both at home and abroad that need to be addressed to ensure the industry remains competitive, allowing for expanded production, greater job growth and continued contribution to rural communities across the country, Iowa Pork Producers President Trent Thiele testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee. U.S. pork …
Chinese Demand Pushing Meat Prices Higher
(NAFB) — China has recently been buying a lot of meat. The Wall Street Journal says their recent purchases are pushing up the prices of beef, pork, and poultry around the globe. Meat buyers are increasing their activity after African Swine Fever hit the country hard and reduced the size of the world’s largest pig herd by more than a …