(USDA/ARS) — Marek’s disease—a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpesvirus—is a constant threat to poultry worldwide. It is also one of the most preventable diseases with vaccination. However, while vaccines prevent poultry from becoming sick with symptoms of the virus, they do not prevent virus spread and mutation—considered the main reason for increased virus virulence, or severity, in …
Study Shows Decrease in Poultry Antibiotics Use
(NAFB) — A new report on antimicrobial use in broiler chicken and turkey farms shows antibiotics use has decreased from 93 to 17 percent since 2013. The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association announced the findings as part of its commitment to transparency and sustainability. The report represents a five-year data set, collected between 2013 and 2017. The report shows that …
Grassley, Tester Urge USDA to Defend Small Livestock Producers
(NAFB) — A letter from ag-state senators urges the Department of Agriculture to provide protections for livestock and poultry farmers against unfair and deceptive practices by meatpackers. Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and John Tester of Montana, calling themselves the only farmers in the Senate, outlined key to help farmers compete with large corporations. The comments come as USDA begins …
Record Number of Poultry Facilities Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance
Destin, FL (USPOULTRY) – During the 2019 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, Florida, a record 230 chicken and turkey facilities received safety awards by the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs. “We received the …
Plan to Use Farm Bill Funding to Support Animal Disease Prevention and Management
(USDA/APHIS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing initial plans to carry out new animal health activities using resources provided by the 2018 Farm Bill. Section 12101 of the 2018 Farm Bill established a three-part program to comprehensively support animal disease prevention and management. The bill included funding to create two …
Poultry Outlook is Bullish
(NAFB) — Despite a recent increase in the cost of feed and softness in the price of breast meat, chicken producers are expected to prosper over the rest of 2019. An industry analyst who spoke with the website Meating Place Dot Com, said turkey prospects are progressing, albeit at a slower pace. Poultry supplies are remaining manageable in 2019, with …
Showier Turkey Variety Perfect for the Homestead
Cathy Isom finishes out the week on raising turkeys for meat or profit by giving you a bit of information about an older and showier turkey variety that’s perfect for the homestead. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Narragansett Turkeys are a beautiful meat producer that would make a good pick for a sustainable homesteader. Such a lovely …
Slowly Disappearing Unique Turkey Variety
For this, the fourth of her series on raising turkeys, Cathy Isom tells you about the unique turkey variety that is slowly disappearing. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. White Hollands turkeys are a unique variety that is slowly disappearing and bred insufficiently to maintain the original standard of the variety. This is a large turkey, good for …
Raising Royal Palm Turkeys for Meat or for Show?
Cathy Isom continues her series about raising turkeys for meat or profit. Today Cathy tells you about what you need to know about Royal Palm turkeys. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Royal Palm Turkey is arguably one of the prettiest birds out there, and for a good reason. Unlike most turkeys, the Royal Palm is primarily …
Perfect Turkey for Small Scale Farming
If you may be considering getting into farming turkeys, Cathy Isom gives some pointers about the perfect turkey for the small scale farmer. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Many people don’t have space or money to keep up with a 30-45 pound turkey until processing time. That’s what makes the Beltsville Small White Turkey perfect for a …