As of Sept.1, there were 76.5 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up slightly from September 2023 and up 2 percent from June 1, 2024, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
In a victory for America’s pork producers and swine veterinarians, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) celebrated the United Nations’ (UN) decision to reject proposed on-farm target reductions of antimicrobials. Instead, the UN declaration on antimicrobial resistance invests in stewardship programs and strengthens veterinarians’ roles on the farm, which NPPC strongly supports. Without NPPC’s leadership and science-based voice in these discussions, by 2030, the UN could have implemented a 30 percent global on-farm reduction in antimicrobials, as well as limits on the use of certain antibiotics in animal agriculture. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, domestic sales of all medically important antimicrobials intended for use in food-producing animals decreased by 33 percent between 2016 and 2017.
During their 56th Annual Meeting, the Public Lands Council (PLC) honored two individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the public lands ranching community. PLC selected Nevada Agriculture Director and federal grazing permittee Dr. J.J. Goicoechea as the 2024 President’s Award recipient and longtime advisor and friend of ranching, Dick Loper, as the 2024 Friend of PLC.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) sends thoughts and prayers to the farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Helene and the floods following her path. This Category 4 hurricane affects producers across the Southeast from Florida northward into the Appalachians. Producers in Florida can find resources from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association here. Contact Georgia Cattlemen’s Association at (478)-474-6560 or gca@gabeef.org. As more information becomes available, please visit the NCBA website for more resources and ways to assist at ncba.org/producers/disaster-relief-resources.
Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) has launched www.dairycheckoff.com to more effectively communicate the full national and local impact of the dairy checkoff to farmers and importers. Content focused toward these audiences previously was housed at www.USDairy.com, which will continue to serve as a go-to resource to reach consumer and thought leader audiences with information and research-backed information on dairy and its benefit on health and wellness and the environment.
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Dairy Business Association and Minnesota Milk Producers Association announced a new umbrella brand, the Voice of Milk, bringing together three dairy organizations working on federal policy as well as state policy throughout the Midwest.
Smart, practical solutions that deliver results – that’s the theme for GEA’s innovations unveiled at World Dairy Expo, Oct. 1-4. From the latest in teat dip and parlor wash controls to high-tech milk monitoring and AI detection of lameness and body condition scoring, GEA’s new products offer something for every dairy farm.
Since its debut in April 2024, Dairy MAX’s Fortnite Farm Tycoon map has successfully sold over 400,000 pounds of milk through its innovative blend of ecommerce and gaming. As youth gaming reaches unprecedented levels, this virtual environment allows players to immerse themselves in the world of dairy farming, giving them hands-on experiences in managing a farm, making agricultural decisions and learning about the importance of dairy farming in a fun, interactive setting.
The leader in intelligent nutrition, Novus International, Inc., and Ginkgo Bioworks, which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, announced a partnership to develop advanced feed additives designed to meet the evolving needs of the animal agriculture industry. NOVUS will utilize Ginkgo Enzyme Services to build more efficient enzymes that can be produced cost-effectively.
The average broiler chicken lives 6–8 weeks and spends much of that time indoors, but researchers at Auburn University are investigating the use of natural light in broiler houses and its effects on bird performance and welfare. A team of agricultural engineers, animal scientists and extension specialists at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was awarded $300,000 by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study the impact natural light will have on commercial broiler flocks’ growth and welfare. The team will also develop a method for measuring the environmental impact of using more natural light, as well as prepare light-focused presentations for Alabama poultry producers.
