Industry News from Last Year

Animal Disease Awareness: While COVID-19 raged havoc on the human populations, livestock faced their own major illnesses as well. African Swine Fever and avian influenza continued to spread, and BSE (both classical and atypical cases) popped up in Europe as well as South America. These outbreaks should raise awareness to producers and processer about what steps they can take to be prepared in case of a disease outbreak in their country. [12/29/21] Read More
Employee Retention Credit (ERC): Now that the Form 943 is due by January 31, 2022, it is extremely important for you to review your quarterly revenues to determine if you qualify for the ERC.
We have discussed several times the opportunity for farmers to claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for wages paid during the first three quarters of 2021. In brief, you will qualify for the credit if your total gross receipts on a quarter-by-quarter basis in 2021 compared to the same quarter in 2019 are at least 20% lower. If you qualify for that quarter, you automatically qualify for the next quarter....The credit is equal to 70% of wages paid up to a maximum of $10,000 of wages per employee per quarter including health insurance costs. Paul Neiffer [12/27/21]. Read More
New Gene-editing Technique Created All-Male or All-Female Litters of Mice with 100% Efficiency An Israeli startup company, called Egg XYt, has developed a method of genetically modifying mice to produce only litters of male or female pups. This has the potential to improve livestock production systems in which a particular sex of offspring is not as valuable as another. This method works by genetically modifying both the dam and sire with their 2 part system. One element is put onto the mother’s genetic code, in which all her offspring inherit. The other part of the system is completed by inserting the other segment of the code into the male’s DNA, either on the X (female) or Y (male) chromosome. At fertilization, the two parts of the system come together. Embryos that inherit the fathers code (inserted on either the X or Y chromosome, depending on the preferred sex) will stop developing soon after fertilization. This ensures that only embryos of the selected sex develop. [12/21/21]Read More
APHIS Shares Import Regulation Updates for Sheep and Goats Current rules from the USDA and APHIS prohibit importantion of sheep and goats from countries with confirmed BSE or that are at risk for BSE outbreaks. The new ruling would take away BSE importation restrictions of sheep, goats, and their byproducts and implement new TSE regulations on wild, zoological, and other non-bovine ruminants (including sheep and goats.) This regulation will go into effect January 3^rd, 2022. [12/11/2021] Read More
The Berlin Charite kills more than 1000 small laboratory animals because of a bacterial contamination. The clinic association announced that so-called _Coxiella_ were detected "within a narrowly limited area" of the animal testing laboratory. The area will now be disinfected. ... According to the information, _Coxiella_ can trigger the disease coxiellosis, also called Q fever, which can lead to flu-like symptoms in people, among other symptoms. "Animals and people in the immediate vicinity of an infected animal can become infected by inhaling dust and droplets," explained the Charite. [12/9//21] Read More
American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control has updated deworming charts for goats, sheep, and camelids The charts provide recommended dosages of dewormers needed for each species as well as withdrawal times for the dewormers when used in an extra-label manner. It is important to keep in mind most of the recommended dosages on these charts are extra-label use and require a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship to use in this manner. A link is provided for the updated chart for goats. This chart as well as the chart for sheep and camelids can be found on the consortium's website. [10/15/21/] Read More
This Widely Used Farm Conservation Practice May be the Key to Reducing Antibiotic Resistance in People Decades worth of previous research on antimicrobial resistance at Iowa State University has lead to the current research being done on manure used as fertilizer for crops. This research is being done to determine if antibiotics being given to animals is leading to antimicrobial resistance in our waterways via their manure. [9/22/21]Read More
FMCSA extends livestock hours-of-service exemptions -- Livestock haulers provided continued flexibilities under HOS regulations. In light of continued disruptions due to COVID-19, the FMCSA has ruled to extend livestock hours-of-service exemptions. [9/20/21] Read More
DSM talks about antimicrobial resistance and what farmers can do to reduce it antimicrobial resistance is one of the most rapidly emerging health threats. Some data suggests by 2050 antimicrobial resistant bacterial will be the leading cause of death in humans. What can farmers do to fight microbial resistance while still maintaining the health of their animals? [9/13/21] Read More
Five Tips For Keeping Livestock Vaccines Viable Onfarm Keeping vaccines within the temperature range recommended on their label ensures that vaccines remain viable. Not keeping vaccines past their expiration date or leaving them out in direct sunlight can also improve effectiveness. [9/10/21]Read More
USDA Expands Assistance to Cover Feed Transportation Costs for Drought-Impacted Ranchers In response to the severe drought conditions occurring in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plants to help cover the cost of feed transportation for livestock that rely on grazing. More details will be provided later this month to guide farmers on how to apply for aid. [9/8/21] Read More
Beef Giant Brazil Halts China Exports After Confirming Two Mad Cow Disease Cases After confirming two “atypical” cases of BSE in domestic meat plants, Brazil (the world’s largest beef exporter) has halted exports to its number one customer, China. This suspension should give Brazil time to take stock of their situation. According to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) there is no risk health risk to animals or humans presented by these atypical cases of BSE. [ 9/4/21]Read More
Establishment of a Dairy Donation Program In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, significant amounts of milk were dumped or fed to animals due to disrupted supply chains. This ruling establishes a dairy donation program were dairies that incur a qualified expense related to certain dairy product donations may apply for and receive reimbursements for those donations. [9/1/21] Read More
Several states waiving animal health certificate requirement Several states are waiving their health certificate requirement for livestock coming into their state due to Hurricane Ida. [8/29/21] Read More
State’s Head Veterinarian Issues Statewide Recall of Raw Goat Milk California has issued a recall on half gallon jugs of goat milk labeled with AUG 28 2021 after the milk was determined to be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni bacteria. [8/24/21] Read More
APHIS receives $300M for emerging virus surveillance as part of One Health focus between human and animal diseases. The United States USDA is dedicating $300M to conduct surveillance for emerging and zoonotic disease in susceptible animals. [8/24/21] Read More
38 whitetailed Deer have Died due to Hemorrhagic Disease in Washington 36 deer have died from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and 2 have died from Bluetongue Virus. Bluetongue virus is more commonly diagnosed in livestock than EHD. [8/20/21] Read More
Test Results Confirm Hemorrhagic Disease as Cause of up to 300 Dead Whitetail Deer in Kamiah Area 250-300 whitetailed deer have died in Idaho due to an unspecified hemorrhagic disease. Hemorrhagic diseases (Epizootic hemorrhagic disease or bluetongue virus) in deer can be transmissible to livestock if a biting midge feeds on an infected deer and then to the domestic animal. [8/18/21] Read More
US$ 1738.3 million is Expected from Global Goat Milk Infant Formula Market by 2026 I="The market for Goat Milk Infant Formula is expected to reach US $1738.8 million by 2026 compaired to a value of US $854.1 million in 2019. The comound annual growth rate of goat milk infant formula is estimated to be around 10.7% during 2021-2026. [8/16/21] Read More
Anthrax Confirmed in a Hardeman County Cow On August 6thm a cow in Hardeman County Texas tested positive for anthrax. This is the second county in Texas to have a cow test positive this year. While anthrax has been found recently in other parts of Texas, this is the first report of Anthrax in this county in decades, which sparks some concern. Anthrax can be seen in many domestic species including cattle, sheep, and goats. [8/11/21] Read More
Goat Fest in Jefferson Aug. 14th At rotary Waterfront Park, Jefferson’s 3rd annual Goat Fest occurred. This is a celebratory communal festival that supports the city’s weed-eating goats. The goats have been employed for the past few summers to eat undesirable growth in small, interal islands which have become known as “Goat Island.” [9/20/21] Read More
Global Goat Meat Market 2021 Leading Vendors This report has been generated to predict the goat market in North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa from 2020-2027 [8/4/21]. Read More
Premier 1 Supplies has partnered with HIPRA to help bring VIMICO Mastitis vaccine to goat producers in the USA, and USDA has approved this vaccine for use in goats. Read More
When the Next Animal Plague Hits, Can This Lab Stop It? A new federal facility in Kansas will house the deadliest agricultural pathogens in the world—and researchers working tirelessly to contain them. There were 16 pathogens on the terrorist’s list, written in tall, spiky scribbles that slanted across the page. Next to each one was the incubation period, route of transmission, and expected mortality. ... For a would-be bioterrorist, Myers says, farms and feedlots are a “soft target.” They aren’t well secured, and effective pathogens are not particularly difficult to manufacture and deploy. Foot-and-mouth disease, a virus named after the large, swollen blisters it causes on the tongues, mouths, and feet of cloven-hoofed animals, is so contagious that the discovery of one case in a herd usually triggers mass culls. By Geoff Manaugh Nicola Twilley: Wired Magazine [7/7/21] Read More
NIFA Invests $14M in Animal Health and Disease Research The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of $14 million in research to protect agricultural animals from disease. The grants are part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Diseases of Agricultural Animals program area priority.----Funded projects will focus on developing new and improved vaccines, diagnostics and antimicrobial alternatives; breeding disease resistant animals; and understanding better ways to manage animals to minimize disease outbreaks.---- NIFA News [7/7/21] Read More
USDA to review ‘Product of USA’ label following FTC vote Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA will review the “Product of the USA” label for meat managed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service after the Federal Trade Commission voted to strengthen its enforcement of products labeled Made in the USA. U.S. cattle and farm groups have long been at odds over proper labeling. Under current “Product of the USA” rules, beef that comes from many countries, but particularly from Canada and Mexico, is considered a product of the United States if it has been processed within the country.---- Tri-State Livestock News [7/2/21] Read More
Lawmakers Address Shortfall of Veterinarians in Rural Areas Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced bipartisan legislation on June 24 to address the shortfall of veterinarians in rural areas. The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) Enhancement Act is designed to meet the growing demand for veterinarians nationwide by eliminating taxes on programs that encourage veterinarians to practice in underserved areas.---- By Jennifer Shike, Drovers [7/28/21] Read More
OIE data suggest decline in on-farm antimicrobial use Data from 69 countries in report published this spring by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) indicates the volumes of antimicrobials administered to food-producing animals, measured in milligrams per kilogram of body weight, declined one-third from 2015 to 2017. An announcement from the organization states that the change suggests “a positive trend over time in more prudent and responsible use of antimicrobials in the animal health sector.”---- Read More
USDA Invests $55.2 million in Grants to Increase Capacity and Expand Access in Meat and Poultry Inspection Operations The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $55.2 million in competitive grant funding available through the new Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program. USDA encourages grant applications that focus on improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency; developing new and expanding existing markets; increasing capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand; maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards; obtaining a larger commercial presence; and increasing access to slaughter or processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, and veteran producers. Eligible meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities include commercial businesses, cooperatives, and tribal enterprises.lease [6/21/21] Read More
NCBA Delivers Progress on Backend 150 Air-Mile Exemption for Livestock Haulers The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) delivered progress on much-needed regulatory flexibility for livestock haulers. The addition of the backend 150 air-mile exemption from hours-of-service (HOS), crucial language pulled from the HAULS Act, was agreed to by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) in the Senate Commerce Committee and adopted into the larger Surface Transportation Investment Act of 2021 by a bipartisan vote. [6/6/21] Read More
Livestock Checkpoints planned in brand states [WY/CO] Wyoming and Colorado will likely be coordinating livestock check points this summer. Both states are brand inspection states and Colorado Brand Commissioner Chris Whitney said they’re hoping to remind people of the requirements for everyone’s protection. Whitney said Highway 85 is a likely checkpoint location in the coming months.----
Crossing state lines without brand inspection papers is, he said, a violation of both states’ laws. Brand inspections serve as titles, of sorts, and are good for as long as an owner owns the animal. Transportation inspections are good for the duration of the trip.---- By Rachel Gabel, The Fence Post [6/4/21] Read More
Breaking the Cycle: Getting Ahead of Internal Parasite Problems Whether you raise sheep, goats, cattle, swine or a combination of livestock, you will likely face the challenge of managing internal parasites. ---The first step in getting ahead is to figure out the specific internal parasite that may be vexing your operation, and then learn the life cycle of that parasite. Some of these practices include good sanitation, pasture rotation, or removing intermediate hosts.---The most common and effective way to identify the parasites you are dealing with is to work with a diagnostic lab or your veterinarian on a fecal egg count. By Chelsea Hill, Penn State Extension, LancasterFarming.com [6/7/21] Read More
WSU’s new WADDL facility advances animal and human health Washington State University will celebrate the opening of the new Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL), marking the next era in diagnostic testing and disease surveillance. The new facility will be virtually dedicated via the College of Veterinary Medicine YouTube channel at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 13 ---The opening of this three-story, 61,000-square-foot facility supports Washington’s testing for early disease detection, protecting public health, food security, and Washington’s $1.5 billion animal agriculture industry. The diagnostic laboratory was previously housed in the 15,000-square-foot southwest wing of Bustad Hall, built in 1978. The new $61.9 million facility provides four times the research capacity and laboratory space. It’s the product of three years of construction on the WSU Pullman campus following funding approval by the Washington state Legislature in 2018.---- Washington State Univ. WSU Insider [5/13/21] Read More
Montana cattle ranchers eager for new veterinary diagnostic lab Livestock producers around Montana are thrilled with the recent signing of House Bills (HB) 14 and 632 by Governor Greg Gianforte. Both bills included $26 million in funding for infrastructure investments to build a new Montana Department of Livestock’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. ---The current veterinary diagnostic lab is located in Bozeman on the Montana State University campus and was built in the early 1960’s. Due to the building’s age and increased maintenance, a need for a new facility has been growing in recent years. One of the primary functions of the lab includes surveillance of statewide animal samples and potential disease outbreaks. Without a state facility, samples would have to be sent out of state leading to difficulty in tracking potential issues.---- By Carrie Stadheim, Tri-State Livestock News [5/10/21] Read More
FARM Program publishes 2021 Drug Residue Prevention Manual Publication promotes best management practices for administering treatment to dairy cattle. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program published its 2021 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual and accompanying pocket guide, an on-farm educational tool that promotes best management practices for administering treatment to dairy cattle. The annual publication also provides a comprehensive list of FDA-approved drugs for use in cattle with their associated milk and meat withdrawal times, along with milk and urine screening test information. The pocket guide offers a quick reference to these informational charts in a small, laminated, ring-bound booklet.---- Feedstuffs [5/7/21] Read More
Legislation seeks to prevent regulation of livestock emissions The "Livestock Regulatory Protection Act," introduced by Senators John Thune (R, S.D.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D, Ariz.), would prohibit the EPA from issuing permits for carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions from livestock production. "Livestock producers are working to improve efficiency and reduce emissions from their operations,” said Senator Thune. “They should not be subject to onerous regulations and costly permit fees for their animals’ emissions, which could ultimately lead to higher food costs for consumers." ---Twenty-five environmental and consumer organizations have petitioned the EPA to set restrictions on operations of at least 500 cows or more than 1,000 hogs without pasture access. The petition asks the EPA to begin rulemaking to implement standards of performance and emission guidelines to reduce methane emissions. ----By P. Scott Shearer, National Hog Farmer [5/7/21] Read More
Routine veterinary care can save costs for livestock producers with a shortage of rural veterinarians, routine care can benefit herd health and help maintain a veterinary practice. Many rural areas around the Midwest are experiencing a shortage of veterinarians. --- Dr. Jennifer Roberts, a dairy professional services veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, shares --- “There isn’t necessarily a shortage of total veterinarians, the shortage of veterinarians is in specific geographical areas in the rural U.S.”
One of the reasons farmers or ranchers may recognize a shortage of veterinary services in their area is because they might have a calving problem or other emergency on their farm, and they can’t find a veterinarian within a reasonable distance who can attend to the emergency, Roberts says. However, veterinarians in rural areas are unable to sustain a business on providing emergency services alone. “Veterinarians setting up a new practice in a rural shortage area need farmers to be willing to have them out to the farm for routine preventative health services that would help sustain their practice in-between farm emergencies," she says.---- By Sarah McNaughto, Farm Progress [5/5/21] Read More
Fewer over-the-counter antibiotics for livestock Guidance for Industry No263 has been finalized by the FDA. Drugmakers will have two years to change the sales availability of some medically important livestock antimicrobials to prescription-only.----
The new document follows GFI No. 213, which ended the use of medically important antibiotics to help cattle, hogs, and poultry gain weight. The drugs remain available for disease prevention and treatment. The controls on the use of antimicrobials on food-bearing animals are part of a comprehensive effort by government and the health sector to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics in human medicine.----
[AGF NOTE: There is nothing new in this article - it is mainly a confirmation the removal of availability of over-the-counter antibiotics for livestock will happen.]---- Successful Farming [6/11/21] Read More
New product to battle with feral hogs – Texas Agriculture Commissioner announced a new tool in the war against feral hogs with the release of a new hog contraceptive bait entering the market this week. According to recent reports, the feral hog population in Texas has swelled to over 2.6 million. Feral hogs cause an estimated $52 million in damages, not just to farm and ranch land, but to urban areas, parks, golf courses. Feral hogs were even responsible for at least one human death in the last few years.---- Drovers [6/2/21] Read More
New composting publicaiton offers steps for livestock producers. Composting has long been an option for livestock mortality disposal, though with concerns about odor and leachate. These problems are easily addressed by selecting and managing appropriate co-compost materials.---- National Hog Farmer [5/4/21] Read More
New Zealand will stop livestock exports due to animal welfare concerns New Zealand announced lit will stop the export of livestock by sea following a transition period of up to two years, citing animal welfare concerns for a decision that will affect major trading partners including Australia and China.---- Global Ag Media [4/24/21] Read More
Meedo Station is known for droughts but is now famous for its goat pies For 16 years, the Higham family has run Meedo Station in Gascoyne region of WA (Australia), raising sheep, cattle, and goats on their pastoral lease. After several years with unprecedented prices for goats, and decreased financial impacts of droughts (compared to beef) the Higham’s were able to make a name for themselves by making goat meat pies. Read More
Goat milk peptides show blood pressure lowering, microbe killing properties ---- Nature India [6/15/21] Read More
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $307 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 34 states and Puerto Rico---- [7/7/21] Read More
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is investing $185 million to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas of 32 states. The investments will benefit 3 million rural residents.---- [6/23/21] Read More
Goatscaping has grown in popularity in recent years as an environmentally friendly way to clear overgrown lots. Covid-19 has boosted the demand. Goats can be on the job during lockdowns. Ms. Thompson turned to goats after New York City’s spring restrictions forced the park’s usual group of volunteers to stay home and left it full of weeds. Read More
Kansas State Univesity teams up with Boehringer Ingelheim to invest in the future of veterinary medicine Read More
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has developed a network project to aid rural veterinary practices. The network will provide education and assistance with a goal of making rural veterinary practices sustainable. Read More
USDA-ARS Researchers Introduce Treatment to Prevent Parasites (Barberpole Worm) in Sheep. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has developed a groundbreaking treatment that prevents anemia, weight loss, poor wool and meat production, and even death in sheep. ARS researchers partnered with Virginia Tech and the University of Massachusetts' Medical School to solve H. contortus parasite infection (barberpole worm) [12/9/20].Read More
Bill Introduced to reform USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Read More
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List for the second time in October and the action became effective earlier this month. The wolf was delisted before, but was returned to the list in 2014 by a federal judge as a result of pressure from environmental groups. The action by federal wildlife officials was praised by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Association of Conservation Districts, and the American Farm Bureau.
The California Bureau of Land Management is again using goats to knock down dry weeds, brush and grass in an effort to reduce fire hazards. The goats arrived last October and will be working through Spring, 2021.Read More
Sheep, Goat, and Cervid Medicine, 3rd Edition by Dr. David Pugh N. (Nickie) Baird Misty Edmondson and Thomas Passler
contains practical answers on the care of sheep, goats, and cervids. It covers the latest advances in the field, including diseases and medical treatment, surgery, pain management, theriogenology, and nutrition. Read More
Secretary Perdue Announces Groundbreaking Proposal to Transfer Agricultural Animal Biotechnology Regulatory Framework to USDA Read More
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday that it has received a $250,000 federal grant to help develop a rapid field test for two highly contagious livestock diseases, Senecavirus A and the virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease. Read More
Reproductive Performance in Goats in Australia Read the Study
the 2020 United States Animal Health Association resolutions are now available online. Read More
Case of Scrapie Confirmed in North Iceland Read More

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