Cow-Calf News

How Will U.S. Producers Maintain Business when New World Screwworm Invades?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:59:33 GMT

With animal disease, prevention and preparation beat panic. Since New World screwworm (NWS) was last eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s, the tools and infrastructure to deal with foreign animal disease have dramatically changed.

Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas animal health commissioner and state veterinarian, during the recent Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day gave an update on how Kansas and other states are preparing for NWS. The approach is designed to keep producers in business, keep cattle and products moving, and manage NWS in a way that protects both herds and markets.

He says the U.S. animal health officials along with USDA are planning a multistate, coordinated response that aims for consistency across state borders.

Smith summarizes the industry’s preparation to tackle NWS is like a three-legged stool. U.S. producers will be able to maintain business when NWS invades through surveillance, treatment and movement controls.

Surveillance: Eyes on Animals

The first leg of the stool is surveillance. He stresses early detection depends heavily on producers and veterinarians watching animals closely and reporting anything suspicious.

Smith emphasizes they would rather over investigate than miss a case.

“We want to make sure that we err on the side of having to say no on many occasions, versus saying, ‘Yep, this is what we got.’ Eyes on animals is going to be key.”

He was clear this should feel like partnership, not policing.

“They don’t want it to look like Big Brother coming over your shoulder,” he explains. “I hope we want to get this thing quickly.”

Smith explains that once a positive premises is identified, surveillance becomes structured around zones. The infested premises sit at the center, surrounded by an infested zone, an adjacent surveillance zone and a broader fly surveillance area.

The infested zone is 12.4 miles in radius from the infested premises. In this zone, there will be frequent on‑animal checks for wounds and larvae, plus enhanced monitoring in surrounding zones using fly traps and animal observation. The adjacent surveillance zone is another 12.4 miles radius and then there will be a fly surveillance area — an 124-mile radius from the infested premises.

Smith says movements out of the infested zone will require visual inspection for wounds and systemic treatment, including a treatment window of three to 14 days before movement plus a documented certificate of veterinary inspection.

He says the current Kansas response plan aligns with USDA’s playbook and neighboring states’ plans while taking into account specific needs of the Kansas livestock industry.

He stresses the playbook will continue to evolve, and state-by-state implementation may vary, but he says the “zone approach” will be utilized by all states.

Treatment: Limited Tools, Use Strategically

The second leg is treatment. Smith says that after decades without large domestic outbreaks, labeled options are limited.

From the fact that we haven’t had this new tool in our nation, in a large-spread outbreak since the 60s, we don’t have a lot of treatments out there that are labeled for this organism.”

To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four products for large animals:

He cautions, “The goal is not to go out there and just habitually treat your animals just in case. We want to make sure that we’re utilizing these [products] responsibly. There’s not an unlimited supply out there, and so we want to make sure that it’s available for us when we do need it.”

On a positive premises, Smith says treatment will be mandatory and systematic.

“There will be a quarantine placed on that premises. We’re also going to require a certain level of treatment on that premises,” he explains.

There will be protocols for daily mortality disposal, so carcasses don’t become breeding sites.

“The last thing you want to do is bury an animal that has larvae and has the ability to advance.”

He says treatment is also tied to movement out of infested zones, with most animals needing prophylactic treatment before leaving.

Movement Controls: Targeted, Not Statewide Shutdowns

The third leg is movement control, designed to be precise rather than broad-brush. Smith stresses NWS is an infestation, not an infection , emphasizing it is not a systemic disease problem, but an infestation that still demands strong controls.

He says there will be movement restrictions if a premises falls into an infested region. To move animals out of that zone, there will be steps to follow but movement will not be completely shut down.

He explains some exceptions exist:

Animals moving directly to slaughter can go without pre‑movement treatment, but those animals have to be hanging on the rail within 72 hours.
Baby dairy calves must be treated but can move right away if treatment and navel care are documented.

He says Kansas is also coordinating with neighboring states to create “synergistic” rules, especially for cattle from higher‑risk states such as Texas. Cattle entering Kansas from recognized infested zones will face inspection, treatment requirements and at least 14 days in drylot containment on arrival.

NWS is Not a Food Safety Issue

Smith reassures producers and consumers that NWS is not a meat safety threat.

“This is not a food safety issue,” he says. “If an animal is presented to slaughter, it has a screwworm wound then it has the ability to be trimmed. That carcass will not be condemned. There are no restrictions on any inspected product for food safety reasons.”

Smith summarizes underpinning all three legs is a commitment to dynamic planning and continuity. He notes a revised USDA playbook is forthcoming and that “plans will be a little bit dynamic” as they learn more.

The core message for producers is clear: watch your cattle, report early, use treatments wisely and expect targeted movement controls — not blanket shutdowns — if NWS crosses the border.

USDA Announces Sterile Fly Production Facility Construction Contract

USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced March 9 a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas.

This facility is a key component in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ sweeping 5-prong strategy to fight NWS. USACE is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering and construction of the facility.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is an essential partner in bringing this facility to life and further highlights the Trump Administration’s government-wide effort to fight the New World Screwworm threat in Mexico,” Rollins says. “The Army Corps is the best in the business and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come. This first-of-its-kind facility on U.S. soil will ensure we are not reliant on other countries for sterile flies.”

A sterile fly production facility is a specialized biosecure complex where NWS flies are raised and sterilized using irradiation and then released into targeted areas.

USDA currently produces about 100 million sterile flies per week at the COPEG facility in Panama and disperses them within and just north of affected areas in Mexico. In addition to the COPEG facility in Panama, USDA invested $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa , which will double NWS production capacity once complete.

With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates sterile fly production will begin at this facility in summer 2026. The new facility at Moore Air Base will be the only U.S.-based sterile fly production facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture.

USDA and USACE will break ground on this new facility later this spring, after initial planning and development meetings with the new contractor. By November 2027, the production facility at Moore Air Base is expected to reach its initial goal of producing 100 million sterile flies per week. After that, construction will continue at the facility to increase production with the long-term goal of producing 300 million sterile flies per week.

Second Screwworm Detection 120 Miles from U.S. Border

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:54:06 GMT

There was a new detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico, approximately 120 miles south of the Texas border.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the case in a 22-month-old bovine transported from Veracruz to a feedlot in Nuevo León.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in a press release emphasized that Texas remains free from detection, but that state officials and agriculture leaders cannot be complacent.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today issued the following statement after being notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of a new detection of the New World screwworm (NWS) in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico, approximately 120 miles south of the Texas… pic.twitter.com/Wb3uIwW3gf
— Texas Agriculture (@TexasDeptofAg) December 3, 2025

“We will keep working shoulder to shoulder with USDA, Mexican animal health authorities, and our own state agency partners to defend our border and Texans from this dangerous threat. We will protect our livestock, safeguard our economy, and do everything possible to keep the New World screwworm at bay,” Miller says.

He also encourages Texas producers to remain watchful for suspicious wounds, unhealed tissue, or maggot activity in livestock, wildlife, and pets, particularly in locations near the border.

Producers who suspect NWS should immediately contact their local veterinarian and state authorities. Early detection, strict livestock movement controls, screwworm fly suppression and rapid response are the best tools to combat this serious threat.

This detection marks the northernmost active case currently found in Mexico. It is also the second detection at the same Nuevo León feedlot since October. No additional cases were linked to the October detection, and both events appear tied to livestock movements from southern Mexico.

For more on NWS, including a current list of NWS detections within 400 miles of the U.S. visit Screwworm.gov .

Your Next Reads:
Next Step in the Screwworm Fight: USDA Announces Opening of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Tampico, Mexico
The Smell You’ll Never Forget: A Calf Infested with New World Screwworm

Wisconsin Ag Regulators Propose Massive Livestock Fee Increases

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 19:16:40 GMT

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is proposing changes to rules, ATCP 10 and 12 , regulating animal disease and movement and animal markets, dealers and truckers.

According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) , these changes include massive fee increases that will be a substantial financial burden to markets, dealers and truckers that will unavoidably be passed down to farmers.

The license fee for what the DATCP calls “Animal Market Class A” would change from $420 to $7,430. A late fee for those markets would also increase by nearly 1,700% by shifting from the current price of $84 to $1,486. The registration fee paid by about 1,000 truckers transporting livestock in the state would increase 517%, from the current price of $60 to $370.

(Wisconsin Farm Bureau)

WFBF Government Relations Director Jason Mugnaini says it is important to clarify that Wisconsin’s program had historically received state funding support through DATCP, but this proposal shifts that onto industry fees.

The WFBF also reports the inspections and public health activity costs of these programs have previously been partially funded by state funding in Wisconsin, as they are in neighboring states. DATCP’s proposal shifts the full cost of these programs onto industry fees.

DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski explains the fees have not been adjusted since 2009 and the increases are needed to maintain critical animal health and transportation services.

“This program is currently in deficit because these have not been adjusted for so long,” Romanski explains. “Costs have increased during that time.”

He is transparent about the financial realities driving these increases. While the percentage increase might seem large, it reflects 17 years of accumulated cost pressures. He summarizes the goal is not to burden the industry, but to ensure the continued provision of critical animal health and movement services.

According to Sam GO, DATCP communications director, the DATCP Division of Animal Health receives federal funding through cooperative agreements for specific goals and objectives, such as animal disease surveillance and animal traceability. The cooperative agreements are separate from the programs in the proposed fee rules and do not fund the programs in the proposed fee rules.

She explains as federal funding for the cooperative agreements has decreased, those activities that are partially federally funded (such as animal disease surveillance and animal traceability) need to have a larger portion of their costs covered by the state animal health general program revenue. That means there is less state GPR remaining to cover the deficit in program revenue for the ATCP 10 and ATCP 12 programs.

The ATCP 10 fees support the following animal health programs: Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) Forms, Intermediate Handling Facilities, Disease Certifications (Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Pseudorabies), Equine Infectious Anemia Retests, Equine Quarantine Stations, Feed Lots, Medical Separation, National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), Farm-Raised Deer, and Fish Farms.

The Process

Romanski explains the administrative rule process is collaborative and takes about two and a half years. He says the process is designed to be collaborative with multiple opportunities for public input and engagement. He encourages stakeholders to not just critique the increases, but to offer constructive feedback and potential alternative solutions.

The current stage is specifically about public comment and engagement. He says the department wants to hear from industry members, producers and other stakeholders. They are actively seeking input that can help shape the final rule package.

The public can participate and provide feedback that can be considered by the department’s staff through several channels:

Attending public hearings
Submitting written comments by Oct. 15

The remaining hearings will be hosted virtually and at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building, Room 106, 2811 Agriculture Dr., Madison, WI 53708. For more information, dial-in instructions and to register for online access click on the ATCP 10 or 12.

ATCP 10:
• Monday, Sept. 15 – 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 – 9 a.m.

ATCP 12 :
• Tuesday, Sept. 16 – 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 17 – 1 p.m.

Individuals can submit written comments by Oct. 15 to: Angela.fisher1@wisconsin.gov or Angela Fisher, DATCP, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708

Romanski explains after the public comment period, DATCP staff will review all submissions, consider suggested changes, and then present any revisions to their policy-making board. This ensures multiple layers of review and public involvement.

Neighboring State Comparisons

According to the proposal document , programs in adjacent states (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois) are similar to Wisconsin, as all are based on federal standards. Neighboring states primarily fund these types of programs through general program revenue; therefore, they have lower fees than Wisconsin’s current fees. While Wisconsin’s program fees are collected from a small number of licensees, these critical programs have impacts and benefits across animal health, animal industries and public health.

In Iowa, a livestock market permit is $50 per year. The livestock dealer and livestock market agent permits are $10 per year. A bull breeder license is $20 every two years. A livestock dealer or order buyer permit is $50 per year. A feeder pig dealer agent permit is $6 every two years. A pig dealer’s agent permit is $3 per year.

In Michigan, an action Class I is $400 per year. A buying station (Class II) is $250 per year. The remaining fees are waived for veterans: A dealer (Class III) is $50 per year. An agent broker (Class III) is $50 per year. A collection point (Class III) is $50 per year. A trucker (Class IV) is $25 per year.

In Minnesota, a livestock market agency and public stockyard is $300 per year. A livestock dealer is $100 per year. A livestock dealer agent is $50 per year.

In Illinois, a livestock auction market license is $200 per year. The livestock dealer license is $25 for a new license, $10 for the annual renewal, as well as $10 for each location in addition to the first location, and $5 for each employee. A feeder swine dealer license is $25, the renewal is $10, and there is a fee of $5 for each employee. There is no fee for a slaughter livestock buyer’s license, just a requirement to submit an annual report.

Industry Feedback

Both the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association (WCA) and WFBF have come out opposed to the fee increases.

Tressa Lacy, WCA president from Rio, Wis., voiced her concern at the first hearing on Sept. 11.

“The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association is in opposition to the proposed fee increases inspections and registrations related to a variety of activities by Wisconsin animal dealers, truckers and markets in ATCP 10 and 12,” she says. “I raise beef cattle with my husband and our 8-month-old in Columbia County. We both work off the farm in agriculture to financially afford our beef and hay farm operation, and I know the cost of these fees will be passed directly on to producers like us.

“The result of such significant increases will be fewer livestock marketing options, the potential for reduced disease traceability and fewer opportunities to sell livestock in the state of Wisconsin. Fewer options inevitably mean lower prices and thinner margins in an industry that is already being pushed on thin profit lines.”

She explains the inspections and animal health protections funded by these programs serve a broad public purpose — protecting animal health and consumer confidence in the meat raised in Wisconsin.

“It is fundamentally unfair to shift the entire cost onto the users as this is certainly a public food safety conversation,” Lacy adds. “I share the industry concern that these initial proposals are just the start of all programs in Wisconsin shifting to being user funded. Other states fund these programs with state support as the benefits are shared by everyone. DATCP should restore and continue the approach for these outlined programs.”

She concluded her comments saying: “WCA respectfully ask that DATCP reconsider these unreasonable fee increases and maintain a funding structure with state support that is fair, practical and supportive of both public health and Wisconsin agriculture.”

Mitch Giebel a WFBF member from Lyndon Station, Wis., also shared his thoughts on the proposed fee increases.

“I’m very concerned about the massive increases of fees being proposed,” he says. “As a young farmer, every dollar really does matter on our operation. We work hard to raise our livestock, and we already face high input costs, tight margins and unpredictability when it comes to marketing. Adding thousands of dollars in new fees, especially increases as massive as what is proposed doesn’t seem realistic. It’ll undoubtedly make it harder and tighter for the sale barns and livestock markets to survive, and unavoidably, it is probably going to be passed to us as the producers and farmers.”

He also explains programs such as animal health, disease control and traceability benefit everybody in the state, not just farmers.

“Healthy animals and safe food are the best interest for our state; other states recognize that and utilize state funding to maintain these programs and cover these costs,” he says. “Wisconsin needs to restore and maintain its state funding that has historically existed for these programs, rather than shifting a substantial burden on a small number of farmers and marketers. I am asking you to please reject these fee increases as they are written. They are too steep, too fast and out of line with our neighboring states.”

WFBF is calling on producers to share their concerns: “These unprecedented fee increases cannot move forward without your voice being heard. Share how these proposals would impact your farm, your business and Wisconsin agriculture.”

Where Animals, Data and Decisions Meet

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:38:33 GMT

One of the country’s leading authorities on diseases that can jump from animals to humans will be the 12th speaker in the Henry C. Gardiner Global Food Systems lecture series at Kansas State University.

Dr. Megin Nichols, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases , will speak on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in McCain Auditorium. Farm Journal is the exclusive media partner of the lecture series.

Her talk, titled “Where Animals, Data and Decisions Meet: A One Health Journey,” will explore the often-invisible thread that connects human health, animal populations and the environment. Admission is free and organizers say the lecture will be streamed live online.

One Health is CDC’s collaborative, multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach aimed at achieving optimal health outcomes for Americans by recognizing the connection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.

“If you were to scan the newspaper on any given day,” Nichols says, “you’re likely to see something related to zoonotic diseases — diseases that can jump from animals to humans. These affect our health, our food supply, and even our economy.”

It’s a subject Nichols has studied for decades, and one she says touches every person, whether they know it or not.

She points to recent examples like highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), which disrupted both poultry and dairy industries while raising public health alarms; and the northward spread of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that threatens livestock.

“These are everyday issues,” Nichols says. “And by understanding how these outbreaks happen, we can prevent future ones. That’s the heart of One Health.”

Understanding zoonotic diseases

The term ‘zoonotic’ may be unfamiliar to some, but the concept is ancient — and personal, says Nichols, who grew up in rural New Mexico.

“My parents used to tell me, ‘Don’t go near that animal burrow; there might be fleas,’” she recalls. “They were teaching me basic zoonotic prevention before I even knew the word.”

Zoonotic diseases are caused by germs that can spread between animals and people through viruses, bacteria, parasites and even fungi. Nichols says about 60% of all known infectious diseases in humans come from animals, and three out of four emerging diseases originate in animals.

“That includes everything from E. coli to plague,” she says. “We still have plague in New Mexico, transmitted by fleas on rodents. These aren’t just things of the past.”

Risks to health and economy

Zoonotic diseases don’t just threaten human health; they can upend economies.

“We saw egg prices spike during avian influenza outbreaks,” Nichols says. “Milk production dropped when H5N1 hit dairy herds. These impacts ripple through supply chains, affecting consumers and producers alike.”

More concerning, she adds, is the potential for some of these pathogens to jump to people and cause outbreaks of their own — a sobering reminder that protecting animal health is often the first step to protecting human health.

Prevention: From barnyard to boardroom

When it comes to prevention, Nichols says there are simple steps every person can take — like washing hands after being around animals, cooking meat thoroughly, and using bug repellent to avoid bites from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes that can carry disease.

“Today, we have a real opportunity to translate science into public health communication, strategy, education and innovations that help us be better prepared to manage these diseases,” Nichols says. “We’re at a really exciting time in our history where we have laboratory techniques like whole genome sequencing to look at the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other organisms that infect us, and learn more about them.”

She adds that new technology can help to reduce the risk of transmission, such as a real-time traceability system that can help monitor disease in livestock. Innovations in facility design can also reduce risk — especially in places like petting zoos.

“You can still let kids interact with animals, but we can design safer spaces where they aren’t putting their hands and mouths on contaminated railings,” she says. “It’s about smart interaction.”

The Role of NBAF and K-State

Nichols says she’s particularly excited to speak in Manhattan, a hub of animal health research that includes the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) — the first U.S. facility with Biosafety Level 4 containment for livestock.

“NBAF is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and plays a critical role in diagnosing emerging diseases, developing vaccines, and protecting food and public health,” she explains.

K-State, while not managing NBAF, is deeply involved through education and research, training students and professionals to be on the front lines of disease detection.

“We rely on that first line of defense — the veterinarian, the family physician — to say, ‘Wait a second, I’ve seen this before,’” Nichols says. “That early detection can save lives.”

Looking to the Future

Though the Oct. 6 lecture will include students, researchers, and community members, Nichols says her message is meant for everyone.

“One Health is about understanding that our health is deeply connected to the animals and the environment around us,” she says. “And the more perspectives we bring — whether from agriculture, medicine, or public communication — the stronger we are when we face new threats.”

She adds: “Mentorship is key. We need to prepare the next generation of scientists, veterinarians, doctors, and communicators to face diseases we haven’t even imagined yet. And that starts by having conversations like the one we’ll have in Manhattan.”

K-State established the Henry C. Gardiner Global Food Systems lecture series to provide science-based education about world food issues. The series allows students, faculty, staff and Kansas citizens to interact with U.S. and international food industry leaders on topics of current interest.

The lecture series is funded by the Gardiner family of Ashland, Kan. Henry C. Gardiner, who passed away just days before the first lecture in 2015, was known as a visionary leader who dedicated his career to improving the beef industry through science and technology.

More information on this year’s lecture, as well as videos of past speakers, is available online .

A Repeating Cycle: Sell Off, Recovery and Volatility in the Livestock Markets

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:08:49 GMT

Every cattle cycle looks a little bit different, but they all have peaks and troughs related to inventories and prices — and all the volatility that goes along with it, according to Lee Schulz, ag economist with Ever.Ag.

Schulz recently joined “AgriTalk” to discuss current trends in the cattle and hog markets with host Chip Flory. He says the supply side of the cattle equation is essentially unchanged.

“We’ve continued to put off expansion and to really continue to contract,” says Schulz, who thinks some supply reductions have been mitigated by higher carcass weights.

He also argues profitability drives, and the level of risk producers have faced over the last several years has pushed off that expansion.

“We’ve needed higher profitability levels to incentivize that expansion,” Schulz explains. “That is on the short-term horizon here. But if you would have asked me a couple of years ago what this expansion cycle would have looked like, I would have said it would have been a little bit smoother.”

One factor contributing to contraction in the market is that heifers are still worth more in the feedlot than on pasture. Record wholesale cattle values continue to incentivize the industry to market more beef.

“It’s really the short-term versus the long-term play here,” says Schulz, who is starting to see a transition.

Analyzing USDA’s long-term forecast from October 2024, Schulz notes the prediction for an increase in the beef cow herd Jan. 1, 2027.

“That would give us our highs in prices in 2026 with beef production finally increasing in 2028,” he says. “So far, that’s how it’s playing out. As we look at some of the fundamentals, obviously things could change. But that gives you a bit of a timeline for where things are at.”

With previous forecasts, there was the expectation to start expansion in 2024. The industry has continued to push that off.

“With cattle, you have the biologics of the industry,” Schulz says. “It takes a very long time to turn this ship. I think we can make some adjustments, but ultimately, once that expansion is dictated, it’s going to take a while.”

Demand has remained high in 2025 as consumers continue to eat more beef at higher prices. But is there a limit?

“As supplies are going to tighten, we’re going to eat less beef — but it’s at what price that beef is going to be at,” Schulz says. “Will you continue to see higher prices offset some of that reduction in quantity? So far, consumers have been willing and able to pay those higher prices. But that’s why we monitor things like consumer income and consumer sentiment. That’s going to drive beef demand here going forward.”

When it comes to the futures market and feeder cattle, Schulz thinks tight supplies are still in front of us and demand has to hold — so we may not have seen the highs yet. While he’s confident we’re not going at an increasing rate, he thinks the markets will plateau.

“As we get into summer and fall, that’s really going to dictate if have we put in the highs,” he says.

With cattle prices where they are, every animal in a feedlot, in transit or on pasture is at risk. Schulz recommends cattle producers go on the offense and look at ways to manage risk.

“You have to look at how do we manage the downside to this market potentially just due to the sheer cost of those placements,” he says. “Interest costs are three times as high as they used to be if you look back at the last decade. It’s not just feed costs either. It’s a lot of those costs we need to look at how to manage.”

Pork Markets Remain Steady
When it comes to the pork industry, Schulz sees the hog market dialed in. Supplies are similar to a year ago.

“When you look at it from a production standpoint, yes, slaughter’s down a little bit. But as we adjust for weights, we’re seeing a bit higher production,” Schulz explains. “Historically, we’re still pretty strong for demand, but I think we need to see further strength in demand if we continue to push these higher prices. The export situation remains critical for the hog market as we think about the ability to send our products to the highest valued market — and that continues to be a real crux for this industry.”

Listen to the entire conversation:

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Emergency USDA Funding Available to Protect U.S. Livestock and Animals from New World Screwworm

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:09:22 GMT

On Dec. 13, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced $165 million in emergency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation to protect U.S. livestock and other animals from New World screwworm (NWS) and to increase USDA’s ongoing efforts to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and Central America. NWS are fly larvae that infest living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing infection, according to an agency release.

NWS has spreadout throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala during the last two years. With the finding of a NWS-positive cow found in Mexico on Nov. 22, APHIS and Mexican authorities have taken additional measures to prevent further spread through surveillance, animal health checkpoints and domestic preparedness. In addition, USDA is working with partners in Mexico and Central America to establish a barrier on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, eradicate NWS from the affected areas, and reestablish the biological barrier in Panama.

“The current outbreaks in Central America demonstrate the need for USDA to increase its investment in NWS eradication and prevention,” says Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “If NWS were to spread to the United States, it would result in significant economic losses and threats to animal health and welfare. This funding will allow for a coordinated emergency response to control the outbreak and prevent NWS from spreading to the United States.”

APHIS asks all producers along the southern border to watch their livestock and pets for signs of NWS and immediately report potential cases to their local veterinarian, State Veterinarian’s Office, or APHIS Veterinary Services.

According to APHIS, eradicating NWS is only possible through sterile insect technique. With this method, sterile flies are released into an area where a known population has become established. The sterile male screwworm fly mates with fertile female screwworm fly, causing the population of screwworm flies to decrease until it eventually dies out.

To learn more about NWS, visit the APHIS website .

Read more: Texas Tech Veterinarian Weighs In On New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm: Latest Update from USDA-APHIS

APHIS Increases Import Restrictions on Animal Products from Mexico on Confirmed Case of New World Screwworm

Nebraska Rancher Steve Hanson Elected Chair of USMEF

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:53:00 GMT

Steve Hanson, a rancher from Elsie, Neb., was elected chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation at the organization’s Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 8. Hanson says a priority for him will be the partnerships with the various checkoffs that support the work of USMEF around the globe.

“The checkoffs are one of the ways we invest in ourselves, because if we don’t tell our story, somebody else will, and it probably won’t be in the way we want them to,” Hanson says. “The checkoffs have done great things on research for nutrition. We have become great environmentalists because of it. Our stewardship of our cattle - we learned how to handle our cattle better, and this is because the checkoff dollar invests its money back into the farming community and the ranching community so that we can do a better job.”

Hanson says the strength of USMEF comes from the involvement of all of the diverse sectors of the red meat industry, including livestock producers, grain producers, exporters, packers.

“Everybody performs a part in this and it takes all of us, and we all have to be healthy to have a good economy in the meat business,” he adds. “One thing I like to say is, I’ve never gotten a bad check from a packer. They take a lot of bad raps, but I guarantee you, their money is always good, and they take really good care of our cattle once they get them there. For us to get them there in the right kind of shape and do it with the right genetics, it’s been a learning process, but it’s something we all do, and it takes all sectors.”

He added that it takes all segments producing quality food from the grain the livestock eat, to the livestock themselves, then the processing of those animals and finally to the exporters.

“They play a crucial role in getting our product overseas and in a good shape,” Hanson says.

Hanson succeeds Randy Spronk, a hog producer and grain farmer from Minnesota.

Other officers elected to leadership roles at USMEF include:

Jay Theiler, USMEF chair-elect, is executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Co., a diversified business with operations in every step of the beef supply chain including ranching, cattle feeding, cattle nutrition and beef processing. He is a past director of the Idaho Beef Council and has served on the Beef Industry Long Range Plan Task Force.

Dave Bruntz, USMEF’s secretary-treasurer is president of Bruntz Farming & Feeding in southeastern Nebraska, where he raises irrigated corn and soybeans and feeds cattle. Dave served on Nebraska Corn Board for nine years, with three of those years as chairman. He is also a past president of Nebraska Cattlemen and served as the regional vice president of NCBA.

The newest USMEF officer is Secretary-Treasurer Darin Parker, director of Salt Lake City-based exporter/distributor PMI Foods.

Livestock Innovation Center In Kentucky Breaks Ground

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:52:11 GMT

The groundbreaking of the Livestock Innovation Center in Kentucky brings together the state’s livestock producers, and their legislature to build a new facility to serve the needs of the industry, which was announced in a release . The goal of the center is to engage both learning and teaching opportunities for producers, food and retail partners, and others to support and communicate continuous improvement of livestock production, economic vitality, and sustainability.

“This facility will be designed to benefit our producers by using and communicating new technology and research from the farm to help them become more profitable and their operations more sustainable, not just in the immediate future but for future generations,” says Dr. David Williams, chairman of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation and the center’s construction oversight committee.

The center was made possible through a two-year, $22 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation in April. This appropriation was passed in House Bill 1, which funded several one-time infrastructure products form the state’s budget reserve trust fund.

Located on 15 acres at the University of Kentucky’s C. Oran Little Research Center in Versailles, the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center is a unique public-private partnership between the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The two organizations have had a wonderful working relationship for many years.

“We are excited for them not only to be our partners, but also our neighbors,” says Nancy Cox, dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “The Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center will complement our new Meat and Food Workforce Development Center that will also soon be built on the farm. Both centers will work to advance livestock production and develop value-added products for the industry. It’s one of most wonderful public-private partnerships I’ve experienced during my time at UK.”

The center will serve as the central coordinating location for advancing livestock and agricultural production within Kentucky and around the eastern United States. To accomplish this, center staff will work with industry and university partners to find innovative answers to industry challenges, increase producer marketing opportunities and net farm income, support the next generation of producers and improve the sustainability of the industry.

The center will also be home to a Culinary Training Center, which will help increase consumer demand for value-added products and provide education and workforce development opportunities for employees in food processing, manufacturing, restaurant and retail industries.

“It’s really unbelievable to be at this point and imagine all the partnerships and possibilities that are in front of us,” says Jeff Pettit, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association president and vice chair of the center’s construction oversight committee. “I really think this center will impact producers all over the eastern U.S. and make us a hub for protein production across the region.”

The idea for the center began five years ago with the completion of a long-range plan conducted by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association.

The project has strong support from the Kentucky Livestock Coalition which includes members from the Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Board, Kentucky Poultry Federation, Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, Kentucky House Council, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Farm Bureau and others.

More information about the center is available at https://www.livestockinnovationcenter.org .

Your Next Read: Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance Reduces Stress, Cortisol Levels In Cattle, Research Shows

Profit Tracker: Feedlot Margins Rebound, Pork Margins Steady

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:20:49 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle traded an average of $1.45 per cwt. higher the fourth week in July and profit margins improved by $24 per head to an industry average of $350 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. Meanwhile, beef packers saw losses increase $6 per head to a loss of $107 per head. That puts the packer/feeder margin spread at $457 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $197.03 per cwt. the week ending July 27, while composite wholesale beef prices posted a $1.93 per cwt. loss to close at $315.37 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle marketed last week carried a total feed cost of $335.65 per head, down $8.28 per head from the previous week, and about $243 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $171.99 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $182.99 per cwt., which is about $0.18 per cwt. lower than the previous week and $2.68 per cwt. lower than the same week a year ago. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $260 per cwt., or $5.54 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 4% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,408 per head, up 10% from last year’s estimate of $2,157 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 487,800, up 3,763 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 83.3% compared to 82.7% last year.

View the full Sterling Beef Profit Tracker for the week ending July 27.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins of $37 per head last week, down $1 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $86.99 per cwt., down $0.18 per cwt. from the previous week.

Pork packers saw average profits of $26 per head, up $10 from the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were $5. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.436 million head, up 64,000 head from the same week last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 90.2% compared to 88.8% last year.

View the full Sterling Pork Profit Tracker for the week ending July 27.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Investments Made to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Increase Competition, and Lower Food Costs

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 17:59:31 GMT

“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are advancing a sustainable vision of agriculture that prioritizes the needs of hardworking producers and small businesses and keeps rural communities strong,” announced Secretary Vilsack in a USDA release. “Thanks to historic resources from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, USDA is working to give farmers and ranchers a fairer chance to compete in the marketplace, which will increase local food options and lower costs for American families.”

The investments are part of USDA’s efforts to create a more competitive agricultural system, advance President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, and support the Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, which dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. Together these actions help to lower food costs by spurring competition and strengthening supply chains.

Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program

USDA is partnering with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund to provide more than $83 million in grants to 24 independent processors in 15 states under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The funding, made available through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, will help build new processing plants, create hundreds of jobs, give local producers and entrepreneurs better business opportunities, and give consumers more options at the grocery store. For example:

Simla Frozen Food Locker Co. LLC is receiving a $450,000 grant to build a new facility across the street from their existing facility in rural Colorado to expand their processing capacity. The company processes, beef, hogs, chicken, turkeys, lamb, goats, and wild game. This project will allow the family-run business to receive USDA inspection and sell locally-produced proteins into wholesale markets such as restaurants and grocery stores. The company expects to serve 160 additional producers and create four full-time jobs through this project.

McRez Packing International LLC is receiving a $390,000 grant to refurbish a previously mothballed industrial facility in New York to expand processing capacity. The company is a new small processor of cattle, hogs, chicken, turkey, sheep, and goats. Their target customers are local, underserved farmers and dairy and beef producers. The project is expected to serve up to 2,500 new producers and create 110 full-time jobs.

North State Processing LLC is receiving a $10 million grant to build a new facility in Hamlet, N.C., to process cattle, ostrich, emu, water buffalo and alpaca. A new processing company created by local and experienced North Carolina producers, the company anticipates serving 37 producers and creating 54 full-time jobs through this project.

NF Packing Inc. is receiving a $1.4 million grant to build and equip a new processing facility for its start-up business in Walworth County, Wis. The company anticipates serving 75 producers and creating 20 full-time jobs as a result of this project.

USDA’s Rural Development has provided 59 awards totaling over $291.4 million through MPPEP to expand processing capacity and strengthen the food supply chain. MPPEP is funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

Local Meat Capacity Grant Program

USDA is awarding $26.9 million to 33 projects in 23 states through the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) grant program to expand processing within the meat and poultry industry. This announcement builds on the first round of $9.5 million awarded to 42 projects announced in March 2024.

This second set of awards through Local MCap is for both Equipment Only and Processing Expansion project types. Simplified equipment only projects fund projects from $10,000 to $250,000 to purchase processing equipment such as meat grinders, stuffers, and smokers. Processing expansion projects are eligible to receive between $100,000 and $5 million to increase processing or rendering capacity through activities such as facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and training.

White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Ga., is a family-owned meat company that will use a Local Meat Capacity grant to support the cost of converting its poultry processing facility into a dual use facility that can also process lambs, goats, and hogs. It is anticipated this will expand their livestock processing capacity by 30%.

Nordik Meats is a small, independently owned meat processing facility in Southwest Wisconsin. The business will use a Local Meat Capacity grant to purchase a grinder, a meatball maker, and packaging equipment to expand processing capacity and serve an additional 50 local producers. The equipment will provide local producers with the ability to create new value-added products for local consumers, maximize the value of their animals, utilize byproducts, and increase animal harvest. Nordik Meats will increase the number of livestock processed annually by 100% over two years, implement new processing technologies, train 12 existing staff, hire four new employees, and benefit 350 local small family farms.

Seven Hills Food Co. in Lynchburg, Va., is a full-service meat packaging company and a wholesaler of premium meat products sourced from small local family farms. The company will use a Local Meat Capacity grant to make plant enhancements to address bottlenecks currently hindering plant capacity while adding rendering capacity, new value-added products, and a farmer liaison for coordinating expanded production. This will support producers and meat companies in achieving the necessary scale, product quality, and efficiencies to access institutional and wholesale accounts.

In April 2023, USDA announced up to $75 million available for Local MCap to fund innovative projects designed to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by providing producers with more local processing options and strengthening their market potential. This grant program is targeted to support meat and poultry processors with smaller-scale projects, with a goal to increase processing availability and variety for local and regional livestock producers. The program is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and is authorized by the American Rescue Plan.

To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested a total of over $700 million in 48 states and Puerto Rico for projects that help to expand the nation’s independent meat and poultry processing capacity.

USDA Proposes New Rule to Clarify Unfair Practices in Livestock and Meat Industries

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:35:45 GMT

On June 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new action to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan for a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain. USDA’s Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule would tackle longstanding challenges around interpretations of unfairness and competitive injury for the livestock, meat, and poultry sectors. This will support farmers and growers, and continues President Biden’s work to lower food costs for consumers.

Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during an event at the Center for American Progress showcasing the Administration’s agenda to create more affordable and competitive agricultural markets. The event highlighted USDA’s wide-ranging progress to enhance the Department’s ability to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act, including previous rulemaking and an enforcement partnership with the Department of Justice. The event also provided a look back at USDA’s successful Investing in America Agenda efforts to enhance independent meat and poultry and other diversified food processing capacity; expand domestic, innovative fertilizer production; create a fairer market for seeds and other agricultural inputs; and support more robust and resilient supply chains. USDA also released a fact sheet highlighting its actions under the Biden-Harris Administration to spur competition in the agriculture sector.

“Entrenched market power and the abuses that flow from it remain an obstacle to achieving lower prices for consumers and fairer practices for producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Today’s proposed rule stands for clear, transparent standards so that markets function fairly and competitively for consumers and producers alike. With our whole-of-government approach to competition and resiliency, the Biden-Harris Administration is fighting every day to lower costs for American families and give farmers a fairer shake.”

The proposed rule will better protect farmers, ranchers, and other covered market participants by making clearer how prohibitions on unfair practices will be enforced under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Specifically, the rule provides clearer tests and frameworks around unfair practices that harm market participants individually and unfair practices that harm markets overall. If finalized, this rule would better enable USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to carry out its legal obligation to ensure fair and competitive national livestock, meat, and poultry markets and ensure livestock producers and poultry growers can secure the full value for their products and services.

“Farmers, ranchers, consumers, and smaller processors all depend upon the Packers & Stockyards Act to protect them from bad actors in the marketplace,” said USDA’s Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green. “It’s time to provide the regulatory clarity and simplicity needed to put an end to unfair conduct that harms the market or that harms market participants.”

The proposal is based on USDA’s extensive administrative case law and builds off of precedent established under other unfair practices laws. The proposal follows well-understood approaches to unfair practices and unfair methods of competition.

The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register for public comment. Upon publication, the public can submit comments at Regulations.gov for 60 days. All comments submitted will be considered as USDA develops a final rule. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register.

The publication of this proposed rule is part of a suite of USDA regulatory actions under the Packers and Stockyards Act to enhance transparency, stop discrimination, and support market fairness in the livestock and poultry industries. Previous actions include the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems proposed rule and the Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act final rules.

Decision Tool Helps Livestock Producers with Disaster Assistance

Wed, 29 May 2024 20:51:20 GMT

When faced with the challenges of losing livestock to a natural disaster, producers have a new resource developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with FarmRaise, to help access available support.

This online Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) guides producers through the process to see if they qualify for assistance. This decision tool launched on May 28 as part of a broader disaster assistance program educational module. It expands the library of online FSA disaster and farm loan program resources and decision aids available to agricultural producers on the FarmRaise FSA educational hub. The Decision Tool is a resource only and is not an application for benefits or a determination of eligibility.

“The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program is our most flexible tool for dealing with natural disasters and other qualifying losses. As we continue to enhance this critical program, having the right tool to streamline application processes can expedite assistance,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says. “FarmRaise uses feedback from cooperators and producers to develop the tools they request to more easily navigate our programs, allowing them to maximize assistance available through FSA’s extensive program portfolio. This tool is the next iteration of this important work.” 

ELAP Fact Sheet

The FarmRaise educational hub provides videos, tools and interactive resources that enable USDA cooperators and agricultural producers to learn about and access major FSA programs.   

The ELAP Decision Tool helps with the following:
• Explains qualified natural disasters including drought, blizzards, disease, water shortages and wildfires, and more.
• Offers tips for record-keeping, loss documentation requirements and tracking steps needed before applying for program benefits.
• Creates a document generated by the ELAP Decision Tool to be used to support the ELAP application process. Producers will need to complete and submit the ELAP Application to their local FSA county office.

These categories of livestock losses are covered by ELAP.
• Grazing losses that are not due to drought or wildfires on federally managed lands
• Livestock feed losses caused by eligible loss condition that result in purchased or mechanically harvested feed being destroyed, additional feed purchased above normal, and additional cost of feed delivery
• Losses resulting from the additional cost of transporting water to livestock due to an eligible drought
• Losses resulting from above normal costs of hauling feed to livestock due to an eligible drought
• Losses resulting from above normal costs of hauling livestock to forage or other feeding location and back due to an eligible drought
• Losses resulting from the additional cost associated with gathering livestock for treatment and inspection related to cattle tick fever

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather or by attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government.

LIP Fact Sheet

(Farm Journal)

Livestock that may qualify for compensation through Livestock Indemnity Program

Profit Tracker: Growing Packer/Feeder Margin Spread

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:15:50 GMT

The widening spread between feedlot and packer margins underscores the leverage the large packing companies wield. Beef packer margins jumped $83 per head (20%) last week to $387. The gains were mainly due to rapidly increasing wholesale beef prices, little of which translated into higher fed cattle prices.

Average prices for fed steers was $112.28 per cwt. the week ended Jan. 29, which produced average feeding margins of $47 per head. That resulted in a $340 spread between packer and feedlot profits, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

The beef cutout average was $229 per cwt, or $11 per cwt. higher than the previous week. The cutout was also $16 per cwt. higher than the same week a year ago, while fed cattle prices were $10 per cwt. lower than a year ago. A year ago packers saw profits of $73 per head, some $314 less than this year.

The total cost for finishing a steer marketed last week was $1,479, about $5 more than the same week a year ago. Last year cattle feeders saw profits of about $185 per head the final week of January. This year feeder cattle represent 65% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 72% a year ago. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins improve from a $2 per head loss to breakeven last week. Lean carcass prices traded at $58.76 per cwt., $1.63 higher than the previous week, and $2.27 higher than a month ago. A year ago pork producers lost an average of $5 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a profit of $42 per head last week, about $3 per head higher than the previous week.

Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2021 will average $123 per cow. For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $43 per head in 2021, and packer margins are projected to average $251 per head.

For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects 2021 will produces losses of $13 per head. Pork packers are projected to earn $37 per head in 2021.

If You ‘Doctor’ Livestock, a New Rule Will Determine How or If You Can Buy Antibiotics

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:24:27 GMT

A move by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will soon change the status of “medically important” antimicrobial drugs currently available over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription (Rx) use only.

The FDA guidance for industry #263 goes into effect on June 12, 2023.

If you have a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR), you will be able to get a prescription from your veterinarian to purchase antimicrobials from them or a distributor and use them, according to the FDA. Antibiotics are one category of antimicrobials.

If you don’t have a relationship with a licensed veterinarian, you won’t be able to purchase such products, many of which have long been available over-the-counter at your local co-op and farm supply store.

What Animals, Which Products?

The guidance applies to all food animals, including cattle, hogs, ruminants (goats/sheep) and poultry. In addition, it also applies to animals not intended for food, such as horses, pet rabbits and backyard chickens.

Products affected by the guidance include injectables such as penicillin, sulfa-based drugs, boluses, intramammary mastitis tubes and some topical products. Common brand names for some of the products include LA-200, Bio-Mycin and Terramycin, among others.

All such products will be available for your use on the farm through purchase from your veterinarian or with a veterinary prescription.

Why The Guidance Is Going Into Effect

Veterinarians are working to get the word out to farmers now to help them prepare and make a smooth transition next summer, says Sandra Stuttgen, a veterinarian and associate professor at the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension.

She says FDA’s ultimate goal is to keep antimicrobials effective for both human and animal health -- termed the One Health Initiative by the World Health Organization -- and prevent resistant bacteria from making such products ineffective.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States alone, at least 2 million people become infected annually with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. At least 23,000 people die each year as a result of these infections. The non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial drugs in animals that enter the food supply contributes to this problem, the CDC says.

The FDA supports judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in all settings. “Labeling changes as a result of GFI #263 are one example of how we can assist farmers and ranchers to strengthen their stewardship efforts when using these drugs,” FDA notes. (Learn more here: GFI #263: Frequently Asked Questions for Farmers and ... - FDA )

Some products will remain available for purchase over-the-counter, according to University of Nebraska’s Becky Funk, DVM, and Jesse Fulton.

They say some antiparasiticides, injectable and oral nutritional supplements, oral pro/prebiotics and topical non-antibiotic treatments will not be affected and will remain available through OTC marketing channels just as before.

Next Steps To Take

If you have an existing relationship with a veterinarian, you’re unlikely to notice much of an impact on your livestock management practices.

If you don’t have a veterinarian start talking with local practitioners and establish a relationship with one now, Stuttgen encourages.

“The veterinarian gets to know you and your (animals), and you can sit down with them to write standard operating procedures and routine drug orders so you can have an inventory on your farm,” she says. “So when Sunday afternoon happens and the (animal) gets sick, you don’t have to call the vet to come out, because you already have the relationship in place.”

‘Moo’ Intelligence: Google’s New Sustainability Initiative Misrepresents U.S. Beef

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 22:09:37 GMT

Among America’s great success stories, Google is up there with the best of them: Henry Ford’s cars, Sam Walton’s general stores, Steve Jobs’ minicomputer/phone/flashlights.

Google’s search engine technology, e-commerce and artificial intelligence have fueled the company’s rapid ascent – it’s not yet 25 years old – to annual revenues that top $250 billion. Some even call Google the “most powerful company in the world” and certainly one of the most valuable brands.

The company hires engineers and computer scientists by the busload. Yet, despite all of those nerds on the payroll Google is short-handed on “moo” intelligence and it just insulted America’s cowboys with its new sustainability feature.

Unveiled this week, Google now offers the ability to view information about the environmental impact of certain choices – “from buying a new car or pre-owned clothing to planning a driving route or weekday meal.” That includes information about how Google evaluates beef, which is to say, Google’s metrics are heavily slanted against beef.

That quickly drew the ire of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, which denounced Google’s initiative as an attempt to bias consumers against beef through their new sustainability search feature that provides inaccurate climate information on cattle production.

“Google is using its billions of dollars of resources to target cattle producers and ignore the science that demonstrates beef’s sustainability and value to the environment,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer. “Cattle producers have a demonstrated record of continuous improvement, which has led to the United States recording the lowest global greenhouse gas emissions from beef while contributing to food security for the world. Additionally, cattle production protects green space, upcycles grass and forages, and provides consumers with a lean protein source packed with essential nutrients. Google should seriously reconsider this feature.”

Google apparently relied on some U.N. emissions data on beef globally, which doesn’t take into account how much more sustainably American beef is produced.

Hmmm…. You would think the company could have Googled that information!

NCBA says livestock play an important role in protecting open spaces and account for only a very small portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating all livestock in the U.S. and removing beef from the diet would only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.36% globally. NCBA is urging Google to consider the science of beef production before making this new feature widely available.

California Loosens Feral Hog Hunting Rules

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 17:56:14 GMT

California governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law designed to help reduce the state’s estimated 400,000 feral hogs.

Senate Bill 856 passed with unanimous support in both the state Senate and Assembly and will allow licensed hunters to kill an unlimited number of the wild pigs. The new law also lowers the tag prices for hog hunting and seeks to legalize the hunting of wild pigs at night. The law also prohibits the intentional release of a pig to live in the wild.

“I commend the governor for bringing us a step closer to controlling our destructive wild pig population, which is exploding across California,” said State Senator Bill Dodd of Napa in a press release. “These non-native, feral animals are endangering sensitive habitats, farms, and wildlife. By increasing opportunities to hunt them, we can reduce the threat to our state.” According to Dodd, invasive wild pig populations have taken root in 56 of California’s 58 counties. He says that the removal of all remaining pig hunting restrictions will allow for better population control and habitat management.

While the bill gained unanimous support from state legislators, significant opposition came from the hunting community. Rick Travis, legislative director for the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), said the new law would reduce money for conservation since it reduces pig hunting license feeds. He also worries about a rise in poaching that may come with unregulated night hunting.

Nationwide, states are aggressively seeking ways to control the rapidly expanding feral pig population. The pigs were found in 544 counties 40 years ago but were present in 1,915 counties in 2020.

The Farm CPA: These States May Keep an Estate Tax

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 06:23:32 GMT

Even if upcoming tax reform eliminates the federal estate tax, many states will continue to keep an estate tax as part of their tax regime. I happen to live in Washington state which has the highest tax rate in the country at 20% and if you are worth slightly more than $2 million, you will be hit with the estate tax. Now, there is good news for farmers in Washington state since actively farmed property is usually exempt from the Washington State estate tax.

The following states currently have an estate tax:

•Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC
•Tennessee, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii

Additionally, some states have an inheritance tax for heirs receiving property. These states are:

•New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Iowa and Nebraska

Generally, if you are a resident of one of these states you are usually only taxed on real property held in that state and all of your personal property. Real estate held in other states will be subject to their estate tax, if any. If you move to a state without an estate tax (such as Florida, Texas or Arizona), you will still be subject to estate tax in any state where you continue to hold real property.

Some states allow you to convert real property to personal property (LLC, etc.) and this will now be exempt from estate tax in that state. However, these rules are complex and each state varies on what is and is not allowed.

Let’s look at some examples:

Farmer Jane lives in Oregon. She is worth $4 million when she passes away. There is no federal estate tax due since her estate is less than $5.6 million (2018 amounts) federal lifetime exemption amount. The Oregon exemption is $1 million, therefore her heirs will owe Oregon estate tax on $3 million or about $350,000.

Same example, except during her lifetime she gives away $3 million. There is no gift tax in Oregon, therefore, her heirs will owe no Oregon estate tax when she passes.

Same example, except she moves to Arizona and then passes away. In this case, she will owe no Oregon estate tax unless she owned real property in Oregon. For example, let’s assume she owned $2 million of real property in Oregon. In this case, Oregon would require her heirs to calculate the Oregon estate tax based on a $4 million value and then pay 50% of that to Oregon. Most state’s estate tax is based on the gross estate tax times the percentage held in that state.

Finally, let’s assume that when she moved to Arizona that she put her farmland into an LLC. In some cases, this will remove the value of the Oregon land from being subject to Oregon estate tax (this is an example, Oregon may not allow this).

As you can see, if you live in an state with an estate tax, it can get very complicated very quickly. Much of the estate tax planning I deal with is for state estate taxes not federal estate taxes. This is primarily due to the very low exemption amounts for states versus federal.

Cattle Outlook Optimistic for 2022

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 16:00:54 GMT

Optimism is building in cattle country that 2022 will finally deliver a long-anticipated bull market for cattle. Ranchers and cattle feeders saw markets turn higher in the final weeks of 2021, and while many of the challenges facing the industry last year will continue, most analysts suggest improving prices are a trend that will continue beyond this year.

“Demand for beef, both domestically and in our exports markets, was strong throughout 2021 and will continue,” says John Nalivka, Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. “With declining cattle numbers, we’re seeing things fall into place for better cattle markets the next couple of years.”

Market-ready supplies of fed cattle have tightened and packers are actively chasing cattle for the first time in many months. In general, cattle prices are higher now compared to a year ago and are expected to continue improving in 2022.

(Farm Journal)

Such sentiment is shared by industry analysts across the country who see robust demand continuing as the industry has worked through many of the pandemic-related challenges. CattleFax CEO Randy Blach said the cattle cycle should have seen a peak in 2020, but it was pushed back by pandemic-related slaughter bottlenecks.

“This has been a long, hard-fought battle,” Blach said. “Retail beef prices have gone up substantially and demand has been out of this world. Cattle prices just haven’t shared in that move up until now.”

Demand has been very strong for all proteins, including pork and poultry, he said.

“All the proteins have benefitted from this demand push that we’ve experienced.”

Demand may be good, but tightening supplies are the primary factor influencing analyst’s optimism.

“Cattle numbers are declining as low prices and drought have both led to herd liquidation over the past two years,” Nalivka says.

In fact, U.S. beef cow slaughter was 10% higher in 2021, and that followed a 3% increase from 2020.

“We saw the highest beef cow slaughter last year since the drought year of 2011,” Nalivka says. “From 2011 to 2013 the drought, beginning in the Southwest and moving to the Midwest, pushed the beef cow herd numbers in 2014 to its lowest point since 1952.”

With dairy cow slaughter up roughly 3% in 2021, total cow slaughter posted a 6% increase and the highest since 1996. With those slaughter numbers, Sterling Marketing projects the 2022 beef cow inventory to be 30.2 million, a reduction of roughly 1 million cows, or 3%.

Additionally, heifer slaughter in 2021 was the highest since 2011. Nalivka projects 2022 heifer slaughter to be 4% lower than 2021 and just marginally higher than during 2012.

“The higher beef cow and heifer slaughter numbers that we saw in 2021 mean reduced cattle numbers for 2022 and likely through 2024 are evident,” Nalivka says. My forecast for the January 1 total cattle inventory is 91.25 million, down 2% from the beginning of 2021, the lowest since 2015, and 475,000 more than the beginning 2012 cattle herd.”

A reduction of the breeding herd will translate into a reduction in cattle slaughter. Nalivka expects total slaughter to be down 2% in 2022 after the 3% increase found in 2021.

“I also expect carcass weights to decline this year as fed cattle numbers decline and feedlots are increasingly current with showlists and marketing cattle into a stronger market,” Nalivka said. “Assuming a 1% year-over-year drop in carcass weights, beef production in 2022 will be down 3%.”

Overall, Nalivka projects the total red meat and poultry supply, per capita, to decline about 0.5% to 220.7 pounds in 2022.

“Even if demand weakens somewhat, prices across the beef complex – including fed cattle, feeders and calves – will post notable gains during 2022,” Nalivka says. “That is further supported by global beef demand.”

In fact, beef export values soared last year and were expected to exceed $10 billion, according to USDA.

Beef exports reached 115,709 metric tons in October, up 7.5% from a year ago, while export value climbed 48% to $956.9 million – the second-highest total on record, behind August 2021. Through the first 10 months of the year, beef exports totaled 1.19 million metric tons, up 17% from a year ago. Export value increased 38% to $8.53 billion, surpassing the 2018 record ($8.33 billion) with two months to spare.

U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO Dan Halstrom acknowledged red meat exports face transportation challenges and rising input costs, yet he expected red meat exports would reach about $18 billion in 2021.

“While global demand is tremendous and we are cautiously optimistic about further growth in 2022, supply chain pressures are not easy to overcome and are a growing concern for exporters and their international customers,” Halstrom said.

New Beef and Pork Facility Planned for So. Illinois

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:46:22 GMT

Saline River Farms, LLC, has announced plans to build an 83,000-square-foot beef and pork processing facility in southern Illinois. The project is part of USDA’s efforts to increase capacity and diversify processing facilities across the U.S.

The facility is planned for Williamson County, which is located about 120 miles southeast of St. Louis.

Saline River Farms said it will use the latest processing technology and innovation, and forecasts production of 40,320,000 pounds of beef and 19,152,000 pounds of pork annually. The company will invest over $87 million into local agriculture over the next year.

“We have received tremendous support from the cities of Marion, Herrin, and Creal Springs and have worked tirelessly with congressman Mike Bost, Sen. Dale Fowler, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, Williamson County Board Chairman Jim Marlo, and other elected officials to bring these career jobs to Southern Illinois,” stated Ted Hampson, an attorney spokesperson for Saline River Farms, LLC.

Saline River Farms, LLC will provide wholesale beef and pork processing services, consumer beef and pork processing services, direct to consumer mail order meat distribution, and will have an on-premises retail store. The Company will distribute product under several different labels.

Booker’s Farm System Reform Act ‘Misguided’, NCBA Says

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 17:33:24 GMT

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker re-introduced his Farm System Reform Act , a bill he says would “transform a broken system.” Similar legislation was introduced in the House by Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA). The lawmakers claim the legislation will “create a level playing field” for independent family farms.

“Economic concentration in agriculture has been hurting our country, especially rural America, for decades,” Booker said. “The top four beef packing companies control nearly 85% of the market. The top four pork packers control 71% of the market. These companies have too much market power, and it comes at the expense of independent family farmers, who earn just 14.3 cents of every dollar spent on food.”

The Farm System Reform Act, however, targets more than just big meat packers. It would place an immediate moratorium on new and expanding concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and force the largest ones to close by 2040. To make that possible, the Farm System Reform Act would authorize $100 billion over 10 years for voluntary buyouts of CAFOs.

Those funds could be used to partially or fully pay off outstanding debt on those CAFOs, or to cover transition costs to alternative agriculture activities – raising pasture-based livestock, growing specialty crops or organic commodity production.

The Farm System Reform Act would:

Force cattle feedlots of more than 1,000 head to close by Jan. 1, 2040
Hold corporate integrators responsible for pollution and other harm caused by CAFOs
Provide a voluntary buyout for farmers who want to transition out of operating a CAFO
Strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect family farmers and ranchers
Restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and pork and expand to dairy products
Prohibit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from labeling foreign imported meat products as “Product of USA”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was quick to label the Farm System Reform Act “misguided.”

NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane said, “In the past week, Democrats in Washington have put forward two starkly different proposals for strengthening the future of American cattle farmers and ranchers. One of these paths, namely the recent announcement from Secretary Vilsack, offers practical, long-term progress for our producers. The alternative, introduced today in Congress, is the kind of broad, jumbled mess you get when you’re more focused on Twitter and talking points than the sound legislating rural Americans need.

“Ninety-five percent of cattle raised in the United States visit a feedyard. Feeding operations aren’t antithetical to small, family-owned farms and ranches — they’re part and parcel of the same, symbiotic supply chain that produces the most nutritious, sustainable beef in the world. Cattle feeders respond efficiently to meet a wide range of consumer demands, and that efficiency is one of the main reasons why the United States has had the lowest beef GHG emissions intensity in the world for 25 years. As our food supply chain is taxed by a growing number of mouths to feed at home and abroad, this efficient production system will be more vital than ever,” Lane continued.

“NCBA has long been on the forefront of issues like accurate ‘Product of the USA’ labeling, competitive and transparent markets, and a more resilient supply chain. While it is positive to see some of these key producer concerns receiving attention from two new members of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, we’re also frustrated to see them buried in such a sprawling, misguided package.”

Farm System Reform Act title-by-title summary .

Farm System Reform Act endorsements .

President’s Recent Executive Order Impacts Agriculture

How to Respond to TIME’s Person of the Year

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:53:42 GMT

TIME magazine announced Greta Thunberg, 16, as its person of the year on Wednesday. Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who gained international attention this year with scathing criticism of world leaders for their inaction on the climate crisis.

“Thunberg has become the biggest voice on the biggest issue facing the planet—and the avatar of a broader generational shift in our culture that is playing out everywhere from the campuses of Hong Kong to the halls of Congress in Washington,” Time editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal wrote.

Since 1927 when Charles Lindbergh was named TIME’s first person of the year, the magazine has featured the most influential person, group, movement or idea of the previous 12 months. Last year, it was “The Guardians,” a group of journalists who have been targeted or assaulted for their work. In 2017, it was “The Silence Breakers,” the group of people who came forward to report sexual misconduct. President Donald Trump was selected in 2016 and Germany’s Angela Merkel in 2015.

Thunberg becomes the youngest person to be recognized, blossoming on the world stage when she began organizing school strikes and protest marches to call attention to a climate crisis that she says older generations are not taking seriously enough. She has famously called out world leaders for debating scientific facts and failing to stop a global warming trend that will affect the world’s children more than it affects anyone who’s currently in power.

Greta Thunberg (Photo: Bloomberg)

Thunberg’s recognition is a watershed event and if you are involved in agriculture you should take notice. And let’s be clear, whether you believe in climate change or think it’s a hoax is irrelevant. What matters is that climate is an issue gathering world-wide attention and is rapidly becoming the motivational force behind how a generation of people are living their lives.

I recognize many of you harbor some strong opinions about climate change, but please, don’t send them to me. There is no argument – pro or con – that I haven’t already heard, and such arguments are pointless because this movement is not about what you or I believe but about your customers.

Indeed, over the past decade we have witnessed a seismic shift in the way consumers buy all goods and services. Modern Americans have always demanded quality, only now quality means much more to younger consumers. For many quality means products must meet certain criteria for sustainability and environmental impact. Repeatedly, we’ve seen studies that show consumers believe our food system is broken – or at least in need of change. One criticism is that American diets are the most resource-intensive on the planet.

American farmers and ranchers can argue their production systems are the most efficient on the planet. True enough, but that doesn’t always resonate with younger consumers – especially those trained to believe cows are the root cause of climate change. To those young consumers – many of whom are becoming vegan – arguing that climate change is a hoax or sustainability is hogwash is simply irrational.

If you’re wary of how new environmental regulations or land use restrictions may impact your farm or ranch you must become more involved in the process. That doesn’t mean making the hoax argument at every opportunity because that ship is dead in the water with millennials. No, arguing with your customers about what they want is not a winning strategy.

Ultimately, the global movement on climate change will require that you make some changes to your operation, to quality control and resources management. It’s likely that future farmers and ranchers will be required to submit to a third-party audit of their operation to verify compliance with certain environmental and animal welfare standards.

I’m not campaigning for those changes. But the world is rapidly shifting to views similar to Greta Thunberg’s.

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Dan Murphy: How Not To Eat Meat

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:50:22 GMT

Here’s a case study demonstrating everything one shouldn’t do to promote the nutritional value and the culinary enjoyment of eating meat. Read it and weep (as one little kid actually did).

At first glance, the headline on this news item reads like any other click-bait story: “Two British protestors were hauled into court in the UK and fined for causing some kids to start crying.”

But let’s back up just a bit.

First of all, this is a true story, not one of those supermarket tabloid fan fiction fantasies about alien babies and “real-life” wolf boys. The incident in question took place across The Pond in London, and the defendants, Deonisy Khlenikov, 22, and Gatis Lagzdins, 29, were arrested, convicted and assessed fines of £200 and £400 pounds, respectively — about $250 and $500 — according to the Washington Examiner.

But let’s go to the primary source, London’s The Independent newspaper website for the blow-by-blow, and see if you agree that this tale is j-u-u-u-st a bit out of the ordinary:

“Two men were filmed biting into the squirrels at the food stand on Rupert Street on 30 March this year,” the news report stated. “The men were reportedly asked to stop eating the animals by the parent of a distressed child, but continued eating the raw rodents.

“In [a video the defendants later posted], Lagzdins can be seen tearing open a bedraggled-looking dead squirrel with his bare hands before eating some of the innards. Khlebnikov then attempts to tear into a second dead squirrel’s fur directly with his teeth, which isn’t successful, and he then rips the carcass open with his hands, declaring to a passerby, “It smells good”, who responds: “No, it doesn’t smell good. Surely not!”

In addition to that delightful scenario, the video clip that accompanied the story showed Lagzdins wearing what appeared to be a de-feathered chicken carcass on a string around his neck.

According to The Independent, Natalie Clines, a prosecutor in London’s Magistrate’s Court, said that the men “claimed they were against veganism” and were merely “raising awareness about the dangers of not eating meat” when they publicly tore into — or failed to do so, as the case may be — a pair of dead squirrels.

Clines said she was able to demonstrate that the pair had “intended to cause distress to the public” and that their “premeditated actions caused significant distress” to the public, especially the aforementioned crying child.

Raw is never right

To be fair, causing a little kid to start crying isn’t by itself cause for criminal prosecution. Heck, in one of the iconic scenes in the classic “A Christmas Story” movie, Santa himself turns a five-year-old into a sobbing mess of tears.

The real problem is twofold.

First of all, promoting the consumption of animal foods is a fine and noble cause with which to engage. But one does not advance that cause by wolfing down raw meat OF ANY SPECIES in public, much less gnawing on the carcass of a dead squirrel!

(And by the way, unless you’re spending your time roaming some public park with a shotgun, there’s only one way to acquire a dead squirrel: roadkill!)

Second, and I’ll preface this observation by acknowledging that activists of any social or political stripe never heed this advice, getting in people’s faces, whether promoting or condemning meat-eating, never, ever works.

If you identify as a proud veganista, demanding that the world go veggie only provides haters with clear cause to reject that proposal.

And if you’re two brain-dead Londoners (allegedly) intent on convincing the British public to continue and/or resume eating meat, biting into raw squirrels is absolutely, positively guaranteed to turn people off to whatever benefits you might have in mind by advocating animal foods as a staple of one’s diet.

I’m not sure that getting slapped with some substantial fines triggered any “enlightenment” for Messers. Khlenikov and Lagzdins, but I do know one thing.

They made damn sure that plenty of people who read about their ridiculous stunt, or worse, watched the stomach-turning video they posted, are now officially and likely permanently skeptical of all the rest of us who embrace sound, sensible arguments in favor of including nutritious animal foods in one’s daily diet.

Thanks a lot, idiots.

The opinions in this commentary are those of Dan Murphy, an award-winning journalist and commentator.

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An After-Death Checklist: Tips for Executors

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 03:14:07 GMT

The days following a loved one’s death are emotional and stressful. If you are the executor or trustee for that person, those days are also filled with legal, financial and business responsibilities. Avoid being overwhelmed by knowing exactly who to contact and what steps to take.

“A personal representative or trustee should not go it alone,” says Liza Moore, attorney with Foster Swift Collins & Smith in Lansing, Mich. “An attorney will help you understand and comply with the deadlines and requirements that apply in your state.”

When farmers die, you must take certain steps. Farms are ongoing businesses with many contractual obligations, such as contracts with elevators, land leases and operating loans, Moore says. Address any agreements the farmer had at the time of death.

Lean on trusted professionals to help with this process, suggests Cari Rincker, principal attorney with Rincker Law in Champaign, Ill. “Even if you’re well organized and knowledgeable about probate and estate law, it’s surprisingly hard to anticipate what can go wrong.”

For example, an executor who makes distributions from an estate too soon can get into trouble. Seek professional counsel to avoid even the appearance of impropriety when handling an estate, Rincker says.

While serving as an executor or trustee is stressful and time-consuming (plan on at least a year to settle an estate), it’s also a good catalyst to get your own affairs in order.

“No one wants to talk about or plan for death,” Moore says. “But proper estate and succession planning are really about planning for life—ensuring loved ones are cared for and the farm lives on and thrives in the next generation.”

Dust off your estate planning documents and ensure everything is up-to-date and relevant. Your future executor will thank you.

The Steps To Take

Settling an estate includes many tasks and processes. Some duties require a quick turnaround, so immediately contact your lawyer, says Cari Rincker, principal attorney with Rincker Law. To help work through the crucial steps, she provides this checklist.

Secure the deceased’s personal property (vehicle, home, business, etc.).
Notify the post office.
Request at least 20 copies of the death certificate.
Notify the Social Security office.
Take care of any Medicare details.
Contact landlords or tenants.
Notify your local USDA or Farm Service Agency office to check on government payments and programs.
Stop health insurance and notify relevant insurance companies. Terminate any unneeded policies. You might need to wait until after you’ve “formally” taken over the estate, but you can often start the paperwork.
Cancel the deceased’s driver’s license, passport, voter’s registration and club memberships.
Close out email and social media accounts and any other websites.
Contact your tax preparer.
Schedule a meeting with a qualified probate and trust administration attorney. Here’s what information you need to gather:
- The deceased’s will and trust.
- A list of the deceased’s bills and debts.
- A list of the deceased’s financial advisers, insurance agent, tax professional and other advisers.
- A list of the deceased’s surviving family members, including their contact information. Even if they’re not named in the trust, the attorney will need to know about everyone in the family.

Don’t delay in creating or updating your succession plan. Join leading experts at the Legacy Project Conference, Jan. 14–15 in Chicago. Register at TPSummit.com

Secure Food Supply Resources Available to Livestock Producers

In the event of a foreign disease outbreak, livestock producers need to be prepared. Resources have been created by industry experts for those raising food animals, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Knowledge and preparedness can help livestock producers across the U.S. develop and put contingency plans in place for their individual operations. These guidelines can be found at securefoodsupply.org , as well as additional species-specific websites.

“The Secure Beef Supply plan has been developed for cattle producers to prepare them and help them in efforts to protect their livestock against foreign animal disease outbreaks, specifically Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD),” says Meranda Small, Idaho State BQA Coordinator, who presented this information at the Idaho Cattle Association Annual meeting. “Producers have a role to play in helping be prepared for an outbreak.”

“FMD, while harmless to us as human beings, causes blisters and animals with cloven-hooved, which includes cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,” Small says. “It also has the ability to impact and equally affect wildlife species such as deer, elk and bison, giving them the opportunity to move the disease across state lines and from one location to another.”

Sergio Arispe serves as an Oregon State University Extension livestock and rangeland field faculty and associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences. He also serves as the lead for the Secure Beef Supply project to mitigate risks of a foreign disease outbreak.

“The purpose of traceability is for transparency, not only within the livestock industry, but with our trade partners as well,” Arispe says, who also presented at the ICA meeting. “Movement permits demonstrate that steps have been taken to safely move animals or products.”

Arispe says it’s important for producers to be knowledgeable and prepared if and when an outbreak might occur. Producers can create a five-step contingency document, which addresses cattle inventory and potential movement, financial planning, enhanced biosecurity, communication and cattle health management.

The Secure Food Supply project helps producers, livestock haulers and processors create contingency plans in case of disease outbreak.

(Secure Beef Supply)

“At any given time there are about 3 million animals on our highways, or in our planes or boats,” Arispe says. “There will be at least a 72-hour national standstill declared by the USDA for all cloven-hoofed animals if foot-and-mouth disease is ever found in the U.S. A lot of producers don’t know that, and that’s only the beginning.”

According to Small, stamping out or depopulation is one control method that is used by animal health officials to stop disease spread. This method was used by the UK during their 2001 outbreak. Additional control methods include stopping both domestic movement of animals and animal products for a period of time. Exports of animals with clinical signs would also stop. Emergency vaccination would be considered, but also has export implications.

“The first goal is always to identify disease as fast as possible, put the controls in place to limit the spread, and stop the virus without having to implement vaccination,” explains Idaho State Veterinarian Scott Leibsle, who was on hand to answer audience questions. “You can still achieve the highest level of trade status, which is free from the disease without having to vaccinate for it. If you have to start vaccinating for it, then that lowers the trade status of any nation. There are countries that are free from FMD, but they’re still having to vaccinate for it and we don’t accept trade from any of those countries that vaccinate for foot and mouth disease.”

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