Livestock Articles
Positive Returns in the Cattle Business
Published July 9, 2022
The U.S. cow herd is shrinking in size for the fourth straight year. University of Missouri Extension Economist Scott Brown expects cattle prices to stay high for the next few years. "The most important thing about higher prices is the…Closing a Swine Disease Gap
Published July 8, 2022
In response to a growing disease threat, the Swine Health Information Center has reallocated $1 million in its 2022 budget to identify industry opportunities to improve. According to Associate Director Megan Niederwerder, there has been an uptick in disease issues…Animal Health Officials Review Avian Flu Response
Published July 7, 2022
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza killed more than four million birds in the Dakotas and Minnesota this spring. North Dakota had 15 flocks effected by the virus; South Dakota reported 40 cases and Minnesota had 80 HPAI cases. "This is an…Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Hits U.S. Turkey Population Hard
Published July 6, 2022
According to the USDA, 5.4 million turkeys were depopulated because of exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. That’s enough to affect USDA’s turkey production forecast. Second-quarter production is now estimated at 1.29 billion pounds, eight percent below the same quarter…Poultry Shows Back on the Schedule
Published July 4, 2022
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has released its temporary poultry exhibition ban. The ban was put in place in April to reduce the risk of spreading Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.AMPI Announces Leadership Transition
Published July 1, 2022
After 38 years with the co-op, Associated Milk Producers Inc. Co-President/CEO Donn DeVelder plans to step down at the end of the year. Sheryl Meshke, who has been co-president/CEO since January 2015, will continue leading AMPI. “We are excited for…Little Change in Swine Numbers
Published June 30, 2022
In the USDA Hogs and Pigs Report, all three major categories were very close to pre-report expectations. The total swine inventory was down one percent from one year ago. The breeding herd supply is down one percent from one year…Cattle Groups Differ on Court Decision
Published June 29, 2022
R-CALF USA has issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s denial of its lawsuit challenging the mandatory beef checkoff. R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard said the organization is disappointed, but grateful for the reforms made to the program. Meanwhile, National Cattlemen’s…Minnesota Drought Relief Applications Open Up
Published June 27, 2022
With applications for drought relief now open, information is available to help farmers with the process. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson says, "The information is right on the front page of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website," said Minnesota Ag…