Animal Ag News 6/22

The U.S. Department of Agriculture welcomed new guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S.</li Department of Labor clarifying that dairy operations may use the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program when they can demonstrate a qualifying temporary or seasonal labor need under existing law. The policy memorandum provides additional clarity regarding how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will evaluate H-2A petitions for dairy-related work. Under the guidance, dairy operations will be subject to the same statutory and regulatory standards applied to all H-2A employers, with petitions evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on the employer’s demonstrated temporary or seasonal need.

Following the announcement that New World Screwworm (NWS) has been found in the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging producers to be vigilant and prepared. To ensure producers have access to the resources needed, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Checkoff-funded Issues Management and Public Relations team has developed a suite of resources to prepare producers for prevention, identification and treatment, should it be needed. Producers are encouraged to visit BQA.org/Screwworm/Producer to access and download identification resources and on-farm posters in both English and Spanish. This webpage also provides links to treatment information and additional information resources from the USDA.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced President Donald J. Trump has appointed John Bellinger as the new Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness. In this role, Bellinger will integrate into USDA’s team to help further drive its robust effort to explore all available technologies to combat the New World Screwworm.

With the recent New World screwworm (NWS) incursion in Texas, Zoetis is reminding livestock producers to be aware of your herd’s risk level and be vigilant in checking your livestock for signs of an infestation. Producers are encouraged to diligently observe livestock daily, if possible, for signs of NWS infestation. An intense smell of decay is often the first indication, so you will want to investigate to find the source of the odor. Be prepared to report a New World screwworm infestation to your veterinarian or state veterinary authority as quickly as possible. Now is a good time to review and bookmark the U.S. Department of Agriculture response playbook for quick, practical guidance.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the distribution of a comprehensive directive to all U.S. Forest Service employees from the Office of the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). These actions advance implementation of the Advancing Grazing on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the USDA–Department of the Interior Grazing Action Plan, delivering on the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthen American ranching, restore multiple-use management on federal lands, and combat regulatory lawfare against producers.

The 2026 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), completed a fast-paced two days of networking, free seminars and the world’s largest pork-specific trade show, June 3-4 in Des Moines. An abundance of pork barbeque and hospitality rounded out the 38th annual event, with more than 10,000 producers and industry professionals from 33 countries in attendance.

As part of National Dairy Month, the American Biogas Council (ABC) released new data showing continued growth in the number of dairy farms that recycle their manure into renewable energy using biogas capture systems. Currently, 496 American dairies capture energy from their manure, using anaerobic digestion to recycle it into renewable natural gas (RNG) or renewable electricity. Since the end of 2020, biogas capture from dairy manure has nearly tripled, reflecting growing investment in technologies that support farmers and help meet America’s growing energy demands.

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire TARGAN, a privately held innovator in developing and commercializing biodevice solutions to improve performance outcomes for the poultry industry, for an undisclosed purchase price. Merck Animal Health has invested in TARGAN since 2017 and has been one of the company’s largest shareholders.

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, one tried-and-true American tradition continues to bring people together on Capitol Hill: ice cream.
Thousands of lawmakers, staff and federal officials gathered for the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 42nd Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, celebrating America’s favorite frozen treat and the dairy industry’s continued leadership in delivering products families know, trust and enjoy. Nearly all Americans (97 percent) say they like or love ice cream, underscoring its status as one of the nation’s most beloved treats. Held at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill, this year’s celebration featured ice cream and frozen dairy desserts made with real milk and without certified artificial colors, consistent with the IDFA Ice Cream Commitment.

Joe Goggins, a lifelong livestock marketer and rancher, will soon take the helm as president of the Livestock Marketing Association. He will assume the role during the association’s annual convention in June.

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