A California farmers’ alliance is asking for help from farmers around the nation in battling animal rights activists. “They are not wrong to be concerned, depending on what happens here. We feel very confidently that this is a steppingstone, that they are seeking out to throw something against the wall and see what sticks. Because if they can make it …
Vilsack: Farm Bill Beneficial to Farmers Raises Financing Questions
The U.S House of Representatives and U.S. Senate have both put forth their proposed versions of the Farm Bill with markups happening to finalize those drafts. Many agriculture groups have expressed support for the House version of the bill, yet it is this version that has drawn the ire of Senate Democrats. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack held a …
Report Gives a Snapshot of 2023’s U.S. Lamb Market
Last year saw the smallest lamb crop on record with just 3.03 million head, but there were also some bright spots related to lamb imports and pricing. That’s according to the 2023 Sheep Industry Review, a checkoff-funded report commissioned by the American Lamb Board and compiled by the American Sheep Industry Association. “Last year saw a decline in inventory at …
Lamb Lovers Month is Back
Lamb Lovers Month is back. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The American Lamb Board (ALB) kicked off Lamb Lover’s Month in February with an exciting campaign titled “Show Us Your Chops.” It invites consumers to enjoy savory lamb chops at their favorite restaurants or cook their favorite recipes at home. The promotion features rack and loin chop …
January 1 Sheep and Lambs Inventory Down 2%
USDA’s Sheep and Goat’s report released last week shows all sheep and lambs inventory in the U.S. on January 1, 2024 totaled 5.03 million head, down two percent from last year. Breeding sheep inventory at 3.67 million head on January 1, 2024, decreased two percent from 3.74 million head in 2023. Ewes one-year-old and older, at 2.87 million head, were …
AVMA Plans Annual Legislative Fly-in
Veterinarians will visit Capitol Hill next Tuesday to discuss legislative priorities with lawmakers. As part of the American Veterinary Medical Association‘s (AMVA) annual legislative fly-in, advocates will urge congressional offices to support and cosponsor the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson says, “We need to do more to attract and retain veterinarians in rural and underserved areas, …
Southern Pasture Conditions Have Been Very Dry
Much needed precipitation has fallen in some areas of the Southeast this week. But as USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey notes, many of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic states have been experiencing very dry pasture conditions.
Nominations Open for Animal Agriculture Water Quality Committee
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Federal Register Notice on November 16 establishing the Animal Agriculture Water Quality Subcommittee. It’s under the umbrella of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. Nominations are open for members who want to serve on the subcommittee. The primary subcommittee goal will be to develop recommendations that will inform the Agency’s …
USMEF Held Strategic Planning Conference in New Orleans
Last week, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) held its Strategic Planning Conference in New Orleans, where a range of topics impacting global demand for U.S. pork, beef and lamb were covered. USMEF Chair Dean Meyer, a livestock and grain producer from Rock Rapids, Iowa, welcomed attendees with a reminder of how the organization brings together diverse sectors of agriculture to work …
September Pork Exports Fairly Steady; Beef Exports Trend Lower
According to new data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), September exports of U.S. pork were down slightly from a year ago but did maintain a robust pace. On the other hand, beef exports continued to struggle compared to last year’s record totals but showed increasing strength in the Western Hemisphere markets. Pork exports totaled 221,140 metric …