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.
Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
September 16, 2025 12:42 PM
·
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across the U.S. for the week of Monday, September 15, 2025.
September 15, 2025 01:52 PM
·
Missouri Cattle RanchHER Alda Owen joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about the all-new episode of FarmHER + RanchHER, which premieres on Thursday, Sept. 19!
September 15, 2025 01:26 PM
·
U.S. trade talks with China resume, but meat industry leaders say dealing with shifting demand and market uncertainty is nothing new in this side of the ag sector.
September 15, 2025 12:57 PM
·
September 11, 2025 10:36 AM
·
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
September 10, 2025 02:45 PM
·
