Weekly livestock news: February 1, 2021

JBS offers $100 to employees who get COVID-19 vaccine

JBS USA and Pilgrim’s Pride said they’ll pay $100 to U.S. employees who voluntarily receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The bonus is intended to encourage employees to get inoculations after thousands of U.S. meatpacking workers became infected with the coronavirus last year. JBS and Pilgrim’s Pride said internal surveys showed 60% to 90% of employees at individual facilities were willing to be vaccinated. The companies have launched educational campaigns to promote the vaccine to their workforce, which includes many immigrants. Reuters reports. This comes as companies across the industry try to figure out how to get their workers vaccinated.

USDA temporarily relieves debt for some farmers

The federal government announced a temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures of farmers who borrowed money from USDA and are in financial distress. More than 12,000 borrowers, approximately 10% of all of its agricultural borrowers, were eligible for the relief, the agency said Wednesday. “The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place,” USDA said. Successful Farming reports.

Pork Industry Forum moves online for 2021

The National Pork Board announced its 2021 Pork Industry Forum will be held virtually, Meat + Poultry reports. “After much consideration and guidance from health officials, the board of directors for the National Pork Board has decided the Pork Act portion of the 2021 Pork Industry Forum, scheduled for March 3-5, 2021, will be virtual,” the association said. The Pork Board plans to hold the 2022 forum in person in Louisville, Kentucky.

Why poultry water line purity is imperative

Since more than half of the end products sold by egg and poultry producers consist of water, it’s vital for the birds themselves to drink pure water, according to a Neogen specialist. Disinfectants are necessary to eliminate pathogens and, in turn, improve feed conversion and reduce disease, said Jesse McCoy, supervisor for Neogen’s water treatment business unit, speaking during an event at the International Production & Processing Expo. Proper disinfection is also important because it reduces staffing and maintenance costs, McCoy said. He offered guidance to help producers effectively disinfect their water. WattAgNet reports.

BVA says more evidence is needed on U.K. bovine TB control plans

The British Veterinary Association said it supports the government’s plans to eradicate bovine tuberculosis in England by 2038 but cautioned that any new proposals “must be underpinned by robust scientific evidence.” This comes after the government asked for comments on several proposals including plans to phase out intensive badger culling. Among other things, the government proposes supporting badger vaccination in areas that have completed culls, as an alternative to supplementary culling. “While the vaccination of badgers reduces the severity and progression of bTB in badgers, its effect on cattle bTB incidence remains uncertain,” said BVA President James Russell. “We would like to see prioritization of research to evaluate the impact of badger vaccination on cattle as part of any ‘exit strategy’ from intensive badger culling.”

Why India’s farmers are revolting against the prime minister

Tens of thousands of farmers riding tractors and horses stormed India’s historic Red Fort last week, an escalation of protests against farming rules passed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The farmers are demanding the repeal of the laws, passed by Parliament in September. They say the rules will favor large corporate farms, devastate the earnings of many farmers and leave those who hold small plots behind as big corporations win out, the Associated Press reports. Modi has said the laws are necessary to modernize Indian farming.