Animal Ag News 5/20

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding more than $22.2 million to enhance prevention, preparedness, early detection, and rapid response to the most damaging diseases that threaten U.S. livestock. These 81 new projects led by 48 states, universities, industry organizations, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories will increase our nation’s ability to rapidly respond to and control animal disease outbreaks. USDA is awarding this funding through the 2018 Farm Bill’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). APHIS is also announcing an investment of an additional $900,000 in Farm Bill funds to replenish the national stockpile of classical swine fever vaccine.
  • New research from Michigan State University will study the effects of a recent highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1) outbreak on dairy cattle reproduction and milk production, as well as transmission of the disease and ways to mitigate it.
  • America’s Cultivation Corridor will host a 10-year anniversary reception at World Pork Expo. Visit the Iowa Pork Producers Association Hospitality Tent on the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 6 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. and celebrate 10 years of the Corridor.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) honored Calvin Ross Hamilton, Ph.D., with its 2024 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions and leadership in the animal food industry. Sarah Novak, AFIA’s chief operating officer, presented the award to Hamilton at AFIA’s Board of Directors reception.
  • Leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) signed a joint statement to continue advocating for greater oversight of emerging lab-grown proteins, protecting cattle from animal diseases, and promoting the sustainability of the cattle industry. This action builds on the recent statement signing with Cattle Australia and furthers the international partnerships between cattle producers. Following the joint statement signing, NCBA, CNOG, and CCA also signed a letter addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Secretaria de Economía Raquel Buenrostro Sanchez, and Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng urging the U.S., Mexican, and Canadian governments to re-engage in opening markets for beef exports and provide stronger science-based oversight of beef imports.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Farm Bill crafted and released by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA)—the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. The bill includes numerous priorities for America’s cattle producers, strengthens essential USDA programs, and protects farmers and ranchers from emerging threats.
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), the largest and oldest livestock association in the Southwest, announced the distribution of $900,000 in financial assistance through the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund. This signifies the first of ongoing financial assistance going directly to cattle raisers impacted by the largest wildfire in Texas history.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will celebrate its 40th year in June as Washington’s most popular warm weather celebration. The party on the National Mall just outside the U.S. Capitol Building is one of Washington’s most anticipated for professionals working in food and agriculture, bringing together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats. This year’s Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will be held on June 12, 2024.
  • Many Americans recognize dairy as a cornerstone of a healthy diet but continue to fall short of recommended daily intake as endorsed by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. An in-depth consumer survey released by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and supported by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), explores barriers to dairy nutrition among Americans and how to remove them.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) supporting two projects advancing dairy cattle disease preparedness.
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