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.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
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USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
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Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
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Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
January 22, 2026 06:34 PM
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Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
January 22, 2026 06:25 PM
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While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
January 22, 2026 11:05 AM
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