Here’s a reminder from the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority that it is accepting loan applications under the Alabama Meat Processing Program. This program is a result of a $15 million award from the USDA through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. Applications for Phase I will close Thursday, September 14, 2023. The low interest loans are intended to support …
Idalia Kills at Least Five Million Chickens in Florida
Almost a week after Hurricane Idalia hit Florida, the livestock body count is climbing higher, especially in poultry operations. The Messenger says estimates say as many as five million chickens died from the Category Three storm. Winds were around 125 mph when the storm hit land, and the hurricane tore apart barns and fence lines and killed livestock from cattle …
USDA Network Protects Livestock
How the agriculture department works to keep animals healthy. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA has a multi-layered approach to protecting our livestock industry from high-consequence foreign animal diseases. Dr. Julie Wallin with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), says that’s the key role the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). “That’s a network of …
Updated USDA Milk and Meat Production Forecasts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the August numbers for milk and meat production along with new price forecasts. Rod Bain runs through the latest numbers. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski discusses some of the adjustments to livestock price projections made by USDA this month. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and …
Tyson Foods to Close Four Chicken Facilities
Tyson Foods Monday announced the planned closure of four chicken processing facilities in the U.S. They will close facilities in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Corydon, Indiana, Dexter, Missouri and Noel, Missouri. The company will shift production to other facilities and cease operations at the impacted locations in the first half of fiscal year 2024. Donnie King, Tyson Foods President and …
Concentration and Competition in Meat Packing Industry
A recent USDA study looks at trends of concentration in agribusiness and what that means regarding competition within certain industries, like the meat packing industry. Rod Bain has more details. 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, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Manure Recycling on the Farm
It’s another type of recycling on the farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Farmers who utilize manure as a fertilizer mostly get the aromatic livestock byproduct from their own operations. New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows most manure applied to U.S. cropland, 78 percent, comes from animals raised on the same operation. Meanwhile, 14 percent …
Turkey Production Up, Prices Down
Instead of Christmas in July, how about Thanksgiving in July? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Forecasts for turkey production are up. Price forecasts are down. Gary Crawford reports. I noticed a number of radio stations and TV channels are doing Christmas in July programming so I decided to try Thanksgiving in July taking a look at that …
New Resources in HPAI Prevention and Response Efforts
Prevention and response of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild and commercial bird populations is the focus of recent funding received by USDA from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Rod Bain has the story. Chief Veterinarian Rosemary Sifford talks about informational resources to help poultry producers protect their flocks from High Path Avian Influenza, such as recent funding for …
Soybean Meal Opportunities in Animal Nutrition
Collaboration between animal nutritionists and the soy checkoff could bring additional value opportunities for U.S. soybeans, ultimately benefiting both animal agriculture and American farmers. The impact spans the poultry, pig, dairy, and aquaculture sectors. The checkoff brings together industry leaders as a part of its Animal Nutrition Working Group. The group advises checkoff leaders on research investments with the highest …