Latest News From HOGS

South Dakota Confirms First Case of HPAI in a Dairy Herd
South Dakota Confirms First Case of HPAI in a Dairy Herd

South Dakota Dairy Producers encourages all dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their herd veterinarian immediately if cattle appear symptomatic.

North Carolina Reports First Case of HPAI in Dairy Herd
North Carolina Reports First Case of HPAI in Dairy Herd

Steve Troxle, state commissioner of agriculture, said he is waiting for more diagnostic information from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and will work collaboratively with North Carolina dairy farmers.

AABP Decides to Reference Cattle Disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)
AABP Decides to Reference Cattle Disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is making the name change, as it more accurately reflects the issue.

Six Questions One Industry Veterinarian Says She Is Asked Most Often About HPAI
Six Questions One Industry Veterinarian Says She Is Asked Most Often About HPAI

Kay Russo, DVM, Novonesis technical services manager for dairy and poultry, emphasized the situation is rapidly evolving and more clarity will come with time as researchers learn more.

Texas-Sized Problems Hit the Lone Star State, but Ag Commissioner says ‘Things are Getting Better’ 
Texas-Sized Problems Hit the Lone Star State, but Ag Commissioner says ‘Things are Getting Better’ 

Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, says the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza impacting beef cattle in the state's panhandle – where dairy cows have been infected – is minimal.

Brazilian Cattle Industry Forges Unique Relationship with U.S. Experts
Brazilian Cattle Industry Forges Unique Relationship with U.S. Experts

Some say he’s single-handedly changed the Brazilian beef industry. Others say he’s changed their life. No matter how you look at it, Professor Zequinha is a game-changer.

Start Talking about the Succession of Your Family Farm Today
Start Talking about the Succession of Your Family Farm Today

The conversation about how the farming business is going to be transitioned from an established generation to the next generation is a conversation these families cannot afford to put off for another day.

HPAI Now Detected on Ohio Dairy: Strange Bird Flu Concerns See Growth
HPAI Now Detected on Ohio Dairy: Strange Bird Flu Concerns See Growth

Ohio has become the sixth state where dairy cattle have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.

Rare Human Case of Bird Flu Confirmed. Officials Believe it Began on Texas Dairy
Rare Human Case of Bird Flu Confirmed. Officials Believe it Began on Texas Dairy

The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that a human case of bird flu has been confirmed in Texas and identified in a person who had direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with the disease.

Think Inside The Box To Solve Problems On The Farm
Think Inside The Box To Solve Problems On The Farm

Kyle Scheele shares six ways constraints can be a good thing to your operation.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

BREAKING: Mystery Illness Impacting Texas, Kansas Dairy Cattle is Confirmed as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strain
BREAKING: Mystery Illness Impacting Texas, Kansas Dairy Cattle is Confirmed as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strain

USDA says genetic sequencing revealed the mystery illness impacting Texas dairies is the same strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that's been in the U.S. The virus is carried by wild waterfowl.

The Pros and Cons of Visa Worker Programs
The Pros and Cons of Visa Worker Programs

H-2A. J1. TN. Don’t be intimidated by this short list of visa worker programs, Dianne Bettin says. They connect U.S. farms with access to “amazing people with great work ethic.” Why should you consider them?

APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations
APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs
Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production
Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production

Denmark's farmers on Wednesday voiced concerns that plans to levy a carbon emission tax on farming as part of efforts to meet Denmark's ambitious climate goals would force them to reduce production and close farms.

Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies
Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies

In recent years, agricultural employers consistently emphasized talent acquisition, but there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing retention as the primary focus in 2024.

NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies
NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies

NASDA supports farmers and ranchers’ ability to safeguard animal health through the responsible use of vaccines.

Whose Team Are They On? Improving Hiring Practices in 2024
Whose Team Are They On? Improving Hiring Practices in 2024

One of the common ways farms are targeted is by unknowingly giving an animal rights extremist access via employment. Don’t wait for a crisis to arise before you act. Here’s what should be on your 2024 hiring checklist.

John Deere Introduces 326 P-Tier Compact Wheel Loader
John Deere Introduces 326 P-Tier Compact Wheel Loader

John Deere announces the release of its new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader. The new telescopic loader offers 16-plus feet of reach while still being compact enough to work in barns or other tight spaces. 

Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year
Climate and Tech Expected to Affect Ag Most This Year

Steve Cubbage provides insights on the five areas expected to have the biggest impact on agriculture this year.

4 Ways To Take Control Of Your Succession Plan: Top Producer Summit Pre-Conference Workshop
4 Ways To Take Control Of Your Succession Plan: Top Producer Summit Pre-Conference Workshop

Use the topics and tools included in The DIRTT Project to jump-start the succession planning process for your operation whether you are just beginning or need to get on track.

2024 Ag Economy: What's Causing Rural Bankers To Be Pessimistic
2024 Ag Economy: What's Causing Rural Bankers To Be Pessimistic

This month’s Rural Mainstreet Index marks the fifth-straight month where the index has been below the growth neutral mark.

U.S. Harvest Analysis Reveals Variable Mycotoxin Risk, Alltech Reports 
U.S. Harvest Analysis Reveals Variable Mycotoxin Risk, Alltech Reports 

Droughts, high rainfall and other weather events affecting the corn harvest have made it even more critical than ever to analyze mycotoxin risks across the nation. Here's the latest report from Alltech's analysis.

Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois
Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois

Despite nearly 24 inches of snow, below-zero temperatures and raging winds that some people are affectionately calling “Death Storm #2,” Illinois livestock producers are finding ways to overcome the horrific conditions.

7 Tips You Need to Know to Keep Employees Warm
7 Tips You Need to Know to Keep Employees Warm

To create a safe and comfortable work environment for your farm employees, it’s important to address the specific challenges posed by cold weather on the farm.

New Ways To Address Healthcare Issues Are Needed For Rural Americans
New Ways To Address Healthcare Issues Are Needed For Rural Americans

From improved telehealth services to reimagined small-town hospitals, the National Rural Health Association is working to help folks in farm country tap into more and better medical care options.

USDA Awards Funds to Help Expand Export Markets for U.S. Food and Ag Products
USDA Awards Funds to Help Expand Export Markets for U.S. Food and Ag Products

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service announces more than $203 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets via the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program. 

3 Leadership Trends You Need to Adopt in 2024
3 Leadership Trends You Need to Adopt in 2024

For long-term success, farm leaders should regularly assess the landscape of their operation and adjust their strategies accordingly.

USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.
USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.

USDA has granted Mr. Claus and his reindeer a special permit to enter the U.S., ensuring a seamless journey for the joy they bring each holiday season.

The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning
The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning

One of the things I love most about Christmas trees is the power they evoke to simply remember. Here are some special livestock-themed Christmas trees filled with memories to last a lifetime. 

Prepare for Animal Activism in 2024
Prepare for Animal Activism in 2024

Animal Agriculture Alliance releases reports from 2023 animal rights conferences. Food chain urged to prepare for activism in 2024 including "open rescue," legislative campaigns and pressure to drop meat from menus.

Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024
Prevent Quitting: Keep Employees Top of Mind in 2024

These 10 steps can help keep your employees from walking away.

 House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 
House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 

 The House of Representatives passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act on Tuesday. It will help fight illicit use of the product in humans while preserving access to the drug for animals.

Activist Sentenced to Jail for Conspiracy and Trespassing
Activist Sentenced to Jail for Conspiracy and Trespassing

A California jury deliberated for six days before returning guilty verdicts of conspiracy and trespassing for DxE co-founder Wayne Hsiung. The jury deadlocked on a second conspiracy charge.

Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows
Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows

Analysts say an initial cut could be made as early as first quarter 2024. One of the key factors the central banking system will consider is whether its inflation rate target of 2% has been achieved.

Ten Holiday Gift Ideas for the Livestock Lover in Your Life
Ten Holiday Gift Ideas for the Livestock Lover in Your Life

If your Christmas shopping list contains people who work daily with animals, you’ll want to get them something meaningful that speaks to the things they enjoy, and might make their workday a little more pleasant, too.

4 Tips to Grow as a Leader
4 Tips to Grow as a Leader

Sarah Beth Aubrey shares tips for effective communication and building influence before stepping into a leadership role.

American Royal Hosts Barn Raising at New Site
American Royal Hosts Barn Raising at New Site

The future home of the American Royal moves forward on facility to “create a food and agriculture innovation district that will be unlike any other in the world,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

Researchers Look to Transform Manure into Protein
Researchers Look to Transform Manure into Protein

Can you turn manure into a cow, chicken or fish? Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are looking to do just that, in a roundabout, circular economy, kind of way.

Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb Appointed Chair-Elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance Board
Dairy Management Inc.'s Lisa McComb Appointed Chair-Elect of Animal Agriculture Alliance Board

The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced new upcoming board leadership, along with several board seats have renewed through 2026, following its fall board meeting, held Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C.

Congress Can't Ignore the Mental Health Crisis Anymore, Costa Says
Congress Can't Ignore the Mental Health Crisis Anymore, Costa Says

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) says Congress cannot ignore the mental health crisis in America anymore. 

Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension
Senate and House Leaders Call for Farm Bill Extension

Rep. Thompson, chairman of the House Ag Committee, continues to express optimism about passing a new farm bill in December in the House of Representatives. But he says an extension of the current farm bill is needed.

Overcome Family Dysfunction with the 3 C’s
Overcome Family Dysfunction with the 3 C’s

Succession planning can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Achieving consensus among family members, committing to the plan and understanding potential consequences are vital to secure the future of the farm.

BT_Vaccination_Syringe_Needle
Where Do The Sharps Go?

Animals receive shots for various reasons throughout their life, just like people. Regardless of why the animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.

Animal Rights Activist Found Guilty of Felony and Two Misdemeanors
Animal Rights Activist Found Guilty of Felony and Two Misdemeanors

Animal activist Wayne Hsiung was found guilty of one felony and two misdemeanor charges after nearly a week of deliberations before a Sonoma County jury for his role in "open rescues" on two farms.

U.S. Feed Your Future Virtual Career Fairs Fill Critical Workforce Needs  
U.S. Feed Your Future Virtual Career Fairs Fill Critical Workforce Needs  

Filling essential roles in the agriculture and food workforce is a top focus for employers. AgCareers.com is continuing Feed Your Future virtual career fairs to connect agriculture and food employers and job seekers.

In Their Own Words:  Animal Activists Speak Out at 2023 Conferences
In Their Own Words: Animal Activists Speak Out at 2023 Conferences

“We most abolish animal ag to prevent the next pandemic.” While animal rights supporters make up a small percentage, they are loud and can mislead consumers with messages like this. Here's the 2023 activist roundup.

Winter Weather: Find Out What's in Store for Agriculture
Winter Weather: Find Out What's in Store for Agriculture

The shift to El Nino brings several changes to the upcoming winter.

Veterinarian
Need A Veterinarian In Your Area? Then Support This Legislation Now

Less than 5% of new grads choose rural food animal practice. That needs to change to protect the U.S. food supply and public health. Contacting legislators is one way farmers and ranchers can weigh in and help.