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.
What is it like working cattle with an outbreak of New World Screwworm so close to home? Wayne Cockrell, with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, joined us on Wednesday to discuss.
September 24, 2025 12:29 PM
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UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s
Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
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Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
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China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
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Lamb prices have seen a surprising surge driven by a tight supply and increasing demand in non-traditional markets.
September 23, 2025 12:40 PM
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“We believe that it is just a matter of days or weeks... before we see New World screwworm in Texas.”
September 23, 2025 11:08 AM
