The USDA Encouraging Dairy Farmers to Enroll in Voluntary Program
The USDA expects to identify more cases of bird flu in dairy cows as the outbreak continues. So far, the virus has been confirmed in 121 herds.
Crop Insurance Coverage Reaches New Record
Last year, 539.5 million acres were enrolled in federal crop insurance. This was an increase from 439.8 million acres.
Excessive Rainfall Creates Challenges in Upper Midwest
Rainfall over 150 to 200% of normal since April resulted in flooding as rivers and streams overflowed their banks in the Upper Midwest.
Few Dairy Farms Apply for Bird Flu Assistance
As of June 24, only 18 dairy farms with infected HPAI cattle have applied for USDA funds to help fight the bird flu outbreak. There is $28,000 available over three months for farms with outbreaks.
Farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota Face Extreme Flooding
Torrential rains across the Upper Midwest caused rivers across the region to overflow. Several counties in northwest Iowa, southwestern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota experienced rainfall from 5 to 8 inches, with select areas getting as much as 15 inches.
Drought Relief Funding Becomes Latest Farm Bill Debate
The Senate Ag subcommittee on conservation, climate, forestry and natural resources will solicit feedback from western producers on problems with current federal drought programs.
Ohio Takes Action on Feral Swine
There was unanimous support in the Ohio House of Representatives for legislation to stop the transport of feral swine into the state. The legislation would also prohibit the ownership of feral swine for hunting.
Could EU-China Trade Tensions Increase U.S. Pork Exports?
China is both the world's leading producer and importer of pork. Worldwide imports total $6 billion annually. The U.S., Argentina and Russia could end up competing for a larger share of the market.
The USDA Updates Climate Adaptation Plans
The USDA and more than 20 federal agencies released updated Climate Adaptation Plans to ensure federal operations are increasingly resilient to climate change impacts.
USDA Grants Address Farm Labor Shortage
The USDA awarded $50 million to help farms address labor shortages. The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program will assist 177 unique agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers.