ALEXANDRIA, Va. (RFD-TV) — Pest and disease outbreaks remain one of the most pressing threats to U.S. agriculture, and new research is shining a brighter light on the risks producers face. The Farm Journal Foundation (FJF) has released a paper outlining what it calls “The Mean Sixteen,” a list of the most significant biosecurity threats confronting farmers today.
In an interview with RFD-TV News, FJF Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier states that the project began as an effort to clearly define and communicate the diseases and pests that pose the greatest danger to U.S. crops and livestock. The newly published list includes well-known challenges like citrus greening, along with a range of other high-impact threats.
Mercier explains that with limited funding available for prevention and response, identifying priorities is essential. While all sixteen issues present serious challenges, she notes that determining which should be tackled first will require careful consideration from policymakers and the ag sector.
Ultimately, she hopes the paper will lead to stronger policy support — including targeted economic resources — to help farmers improve prevention efforts and strengthen biosecurity on their operations.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
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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.
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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.
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Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
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Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.
January 16, 2026 01:28 PM
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January 16, 2026 09:57 AM
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
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Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
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Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
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