Ag in the News: Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cattle
Avian flu, typically found in birds, spread to dairy cows in 2024, raising concerns about food safety and human health. The H5N1 strain, responsible for outbreaks in poultry and the culling of millions of birds, was detected in cows across 16 states. This led to decreased milk production in infected animals and the presence of the virus in raw milk. Although pasteurization effectively kills bacteria, its impact on the avian flu virus remains uncertain. Several human cases of H5N1 have been reported, mostly in individuals exposed to infected animals. While the risk to the general public is low, this situation emphasizes the importance of hygiene, farm sanitation, and proper milk handling throughout the supply chain to ensure safety.
Ag in the News: Virtual Fencing for Cattle Grazing
Virtual fencing technology, originally used for household pets, is now being utilized in the livestock industry. Cattle wear collars with GPS trackers, speakers, and electric prongs. This allows farmers to monitor their herd's location, set virtual boundaries, and review grazing data remotely. Companies like Gallagher Animal Management™ offer products like the eShepherd™, a solar-powered collar that uses GPS to contain cattle within virtual fences. This technology is expected to evolve with smaller trackers, longer battery life, and more sophisticated software, further revolutionizing cattle management.
Ag in the News: Less Dinner for your Thanksgiving Dollar?
The American Farm Bureau Federation's annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey found that a meal for 10 people will cost $58.08 in 2024, down 5% from 2023. While the overall cost is decreasing, it's still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Ag in the News: Nebraska's Record-Breaking New Feedlot
A proposed 150,000-head feedlot in Haigler, Nebraska, by Canadian-owned Blackshirt Feeders, is generating both excitement and concern. While promising 120 new jobs and a $25 million annual economic boost, the project raises environmental questions. Concrete construction and manure-to-methane contracts aim to minimize waste and odor, but water usage from the Ogallala Aquifer remains a key concern, necessitating the shutdown of irrigation pivots. This project highlights the tensions between large-scale agriculture, environmental protection, and economic development in the region.
Ag in the News: Rancher in Hot Water Over Hybrid Sheep
81-year-old Montana rancher, Arthur Schubarth, was sentenced to six months in prison and fined over $24,000 for violating the Lacey Act. Over eight years, Schubarth illegally imported Marco Polo sheep parts from Kyrgyzstan to create a hybrid sheep species for profit. This involved smuggling animal parts, illegal breeding, and the potential spread of Johne's disease, a fatal animal illness.
Ag in the News: Breyers Lawsuit Over Misleading Labeling
A class action lawsuit was filed by the McKinley law firm against Unilever, the company who owns the popular ice cream brand, Breyers. The lawsuit said that Breyers was not using plant based vanilla in their ice cream.
