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.
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Secretary Rollins is signaling a possible reopening of the southern border to Mexican feeder cattle as officials work to manage the threat of the New World Screwworm.
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New partnership focuses on rebuilding habitat for quail across the south
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Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
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Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the USDA, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to ensure more efficient, transparent, and responsive grazing management across federal lands.
Cattle farmer Scott Porter, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farmer of the Year, discusses his commitment to mentorship and the importance of strengthening the future of agriculture.
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