USDA announces assistance for dairy producers with HPAI-infected operations

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the USDA will help dairy producers dealing with High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks in their herds.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Friday that the USDA will begin helping dairy producers affected by recent outbreaks of High-Path Avian Flu (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle.

USDA will allow APHIS to spend $98 million for several relief efforts aimed at increasing biosecurity, testing, and compensation for lost milk production. Some of the measures include helping producers cover shipping costs for the required tests.

The Department will also offer financial support for protective gear for affected herds but only if those operations agree to participate in a CDC workplace study.

The full list of actions:

FACT SHEET: USDA, HHS Announce New Actions to Reduce Impact and Spread of H5N1
Related Stories
Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.
Wind repowering offers a rare opportunity to renegotiate outdated leases and improve long-term land income for landowners who act early.
Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana discusses how the Affordable Homes Act will benefit rural communities, and her broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
From “right to repair” to investigations into the “Big Four” meatpackers, antitrust issues were a major legal topic in 2025 and promise to have a long-term impact on the agriculture industry in the future.
Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
A disciplined, breakeven-based marketing plan helps protect margins and reduce risk, even when markets remain unpredictable.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
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.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.