Livestock Articles
National Leader Offers Words of Encouragement on COVID-19
Published April 13, 2020
When in uncertain times and continue market volatility, some positives can come from a negative situation. That’s according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Marty Smith, who shares this piece of advice. "I hope everyone would focus back on their…“Business as Usual” for Seedstock Producers
Published April 13, 2020
The coronavirus has caused a decline in live and feeder cattle prices, but how has it impacted the seed stock business? Since the beginning of winter, Western Ag Reporter field editor Will Bollum has been traveling across North Dakota, South…USDA Adjustments for Dumped Milk
Published April 13, 2020
The Risk Management Agency will not penalize dairy farmers if their milk is dumped due to recent market disruptions. The milk will count as actual marketings for the Dairy Revenue Production program or the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy program.…Sioux Falls Pork Plant Closes Due to COVID-19
Published April 13, 2020
The Smithfield Foods’ Sioux Falls pork processing plant has been shut down indefinitely. The company announced a three-day closure last week to sanitize and implement barriers for social distancing, but that was changed to an indefinite closure over the weekend.…Dairy Management Inc. Adjusts Business Plan
Published April 10, 2020
Dairy Management Incorporated is shifting its business plan. The dairy checkoff’s leadership sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue outlining changes including a focus on four areas: schools, hunger and food service, industry partnerships and retail. "The checkoff's mission…NMPF Submits H-2A Visa Request to USDA
Published April 10, 2020
The National Milk Producers Federation is asking the USDA and Labor Department to accept and approve H-2A visa applications from dairy farmers, offering temporary immigrant farm worker employment up to 364 days. In a letter, NMPF President and CEO Jim…Avian Influenza Identified in SC
Published April 10, 2020
High Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed on a South Carolina turkey farm. This is the first case in a commercial poultry flock since 2017. An avian influenza outbreak resulted in the loss of 50 million chickens and turkeys in…ND Stockmen’s Association is Compiling Changes/Cancellations List
Published April 9, 2020
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is compiling a list of industry event and cattle sale changes and cancellations. The list, along with other coronavirus resources, are available on the association’s website. If you have a change or cancellation to report,…Sioux Falls Smithfield Employees Test COVID-19 Positive
Published April 9, 2020
More than 80 employees at Smithfield Foods are confirmed to have the coronavirus, according to health officials on Wednesday. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based pork processing plant is taking necessary measures to protect workers. That includes temporary closure, expanding rigorous…