The Iowa Congressional Delegation is raising concerns about a virus impacting turkey farms in the state and beyond. It is called Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV), and lawmakers want USDA to help turkey producers already affected.
The respiratory virus affects birds for up to a month, impacting reproduction, and a potential decline in eggs. Lawmakers say it was detected in the fall of 2023 and has spread to all turkey producing states.
Senator Chuck Grassley says without quick help, many farms hit by the virus are in jeopardy of closing. A vaccine has been developed for the virus, but the National Turkey Federation says the process is too long.
“However, when an entire industry is at significant risk, it should take a matter of months, not more than a year, for a widely-used and well-established global vaccine to be imported and available for use. I would encourage the Committee to use your experience in evaluating USDA’s review process to ensure a faster, more efficient response to future animal disease outbreaks,” said John Zimmerman.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
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The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
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Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
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The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
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