Weekly Livestock-Equine News: October 7, 2024

‘World Without Cows’ documentary released

The official theatrical trailer has been released for “World Without Cows,” a documentary that explores the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate. Visit worldwithoutcows.com to find out when the documentary is coming to a screen near you or request a screening.

Rural veterinarian shortage reaching crisis level

Veterinarian shortages are not new. What is new is the realization that it is about to get worse, according to experts. According to Jody Kull, professor from Penn State University, about 50% of rural veterinarians currently in practice are within five years of retirement, and only 5% are food animal veterinarians working on food, fiber or /milk-producing animals.

Farmers call for vaccine option to fight bird flu

U.S. farmers are increasing pressure on the Biden administration to allow vaccinations for chickens, turkeys and cows to protect them from bird flu, which has eliminated more than 100 million chickens and turkeys since 2022 in the biggest U.S. outbreak ever. This autumn, flocks in the $67 billion U.S. poultry industry for the first time face a double risk from dairies and migrating birds that can spread the disease.

Poultry facilities, dairies affected by Helene

Poultry barns and processing plants along with field crops were damaged from Florida to North Carolina and Tennessee by Hurricane Helene. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said 107 poultry facilities were damaged or destroyed and 15 dairies were affected. Georgia, North Carolina and Arkansas are the largest chicken-producing states.

USDA conservation programs expire along with farm bill

New enrollments for some USDA conservation programs – including the Conservation Reserve Program, livestock projects under the EQIP program and the Grassland Conservation Incentive – expired along with the farm bill Sept. 30. Two years have now passed since the 2018 farm bill expired, but Congressional leaders have signaled that they are looking to consider the more than $1 trillion bill later this year, after the election and during the lame duck session.

Zoetis and Danone plan dairy-farm genetics program

Zoetis and Danone announced a joint plan to drive sustainable practices on today’s dairy farms. Zoetis’ genetic testing solutions and expertise will provide the ability to predict an animal’s susceptibility to costly diseases and potential to remain healthy and productive over its lifetime, while Danone intends to support dairy production that prioritizes environmental resiliency.