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Strange Bird Flu Outbreak, HPAI, Now Detected at Idaho Dairy
Strange Bird Flu Outbreak, HPAI, Now Detected at Idaho Dairy

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced that HPAI, known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, has been found in dairy cattle in Idaho.

Jay Bryant to retire as MDVA CEO, Jon Cowell Named Successor
Jay Bryant to retire as MDVA CEO, Jon Cowell Named Successor

Jay Bryant, CEO of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA) announced he will retire from his position at the end of this year. Jon Cowell, current CFO of MDVA, has been named as his replacement.

February Milk Production Report Shows Lackluster Numbers
February Milk Production Report Shows Lackluster Numbers

Comparing a leap year versus a non-leap year in 2023, February milk production was up 2.4%. However, on a per-day basis, production was down 1.1%. Milk cows totaled 9.3 million head, down 89,000 compared to a year ago.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Success is All in the Details at Kansas Dairy Development
Success is All in the Details at Kansas Dairy Development

Kansas Dairy Development provides temporary housing for up to 80,000 head of cattle — from a few days old to springers nearly ready to calve. Their formula for success is all in the details.

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.

Opinions

Nevil Speer
Speer: Day-Old Calves Cost How Much…?

Prices for day-old beef-X-dairy (BXD) calves are often surprisingly high. But what used to be a highly discounted after-thought (straight dairy calves) is rapidly transforming into a meaningful source of production.

Jennifer Shike
Animal Activists Are Waging War in Your Backyard

As I approached the site of my first animal activist rally, I kept my distance. I watched two people beside a small megaphone and a bag, checking their phones constantly. I leaned in anticipating what would happen next.

Guest Commentary
Extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is Good for American Farmers

On Jan. 1, 2023, the percentage immediately deductible through bonus depreciation (a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) went from 100% to 80%. It will continue dropping by 20% each year until it reaches zero.

Greg Henderson
A Girl, a Goat and the Law: The Shasta County, CA, Boondoggle

How fair officials and the local sheriff, both unencumbered by intelligence, tarnished your image as a livestock producer and created a public relations disaster.