PITTSBORO, N.C. (RFD News) — Rare breeds of livestock and poultry continue playing an important role in preserving agricultural biodiversity and protecting genetic diversity within the industry.
As part of International Heritage Breeds Week, Les O’Dell with The Livestock Conservancy joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the importance of heritage breeds and the organization’s efforts to help protect them.
In his conversation with RFD News, O’Dell discussed the work being done through The Livestock Conservancy, along with highlights from the group’s annual Conservation Priority List.
The conversation also focused on how organizations and producers are celebrating International Heritage Breeds Week and raising awareness about the role heritage breeds continue playing in agriculture.
As cattle producers continue to navigate labor constraints and rising production demands, innovation in handling systems will remain a key driver of the industry’s long-term efficiency and safety goals.
Steven McBee Jr. of McBee Farm & Cattle Company joins us to discuss the family farm crisis, producer mental health, cattle industry challenges, farmland preservation, and the role of agriculture in popular media.
Suzanne Fanning with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joined us to discuss the “Born to Dairy” campaign, dairy promotion efforts in Wisconsin, and the economic role of the state’s dairy industry during National Dairy Month.
The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association joins us to share their “Milkshakes on the Moo-ve” campaign and statewide dairy outreach during National Dairy Month.
South Texas ranchers and vets warn that labor pressures will make monitoring for New World screwworm difficult across large cattle operations.
Officials say the FDA-approved generic drug kills most screwworm larvae within hours of administration. The medication is available in two dosage strengths and is administered based on an animal’s weight.
