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.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller launches Agricultural Defense Program to combat pests, disease, and predators threatening farmers and ranchers statewide.
March 23, 2026 10:40 AM
·
Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:53 PM
·
Ranchers have a lot going on at the moment, but some ‘friendly’ news could be coming with this month’s Cattle-on-Feed Report from the USDA.
March 20, 2026 12:32 PM
·
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
·
NCBA President Colin Woodall states that misinformation like this is damaging to cattle producers, the beef supply chain, and consumer confidence
March 18, 2026 12:09 PM
·
Vive’s Art Graves shared insights on the new Phobos FC 360 foliar fungicide, its advantages for Canadian growers, early performance results, and the company’s ongoing commitment to advanced crop protection solutions.
March 13, 2026 03:31 PM
·
