Weekly Livestock-Equine News: March 17, 2025
Meat Institute asks US Trade Representative to remove non-tariff barriers
The Meat Institute is calling for the removal of non-tariff barriers to trade and for access to new markets for meat and poultry products. The comments were submitted March 11 to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Among the Institute’s concerns are China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. meat exports, persistent regulations that impede U.S. beef and pork exports to Taiwan, and European Union and UK policies that unduly restrict meat and poultry exports.
Farmer input sought for Virginia study on large animal veterinarian services
Farmers in Virginia are being asked to offer recommendations on strategies and financial incentives to address the state’s shortage of large-animal veterinarians. Survey questions were created through consensus from a work group organized by the Board of Veterinary Medicine, large animal veterinarians, the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Virginia Agribusiness Council and Farm Bureau. The survey is being circulated to livestock producers in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension and various trade associations.
Livestock producers should prepare for Foot and Mouth Disease
With the World Health Organization for Animal Health confirming outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease in Germany on Jan. 10 and Hungary on March 6, 2025, U.S. producers should be aware of the risks. “If a case of FMD occurs in the U.S., livestock producers will probably be the first to see it,” Barry Whitworth, DVM, Oklahoma State University Extension Veterinarian, told Drovers. The U.S. has not seen a case of FMD since 1929.
Targeted research to address swine health priorities gets funding
The Swine Health Information Center has released its 2025 Plan of Work Research Program Request for Proposals, allocating $1.5 million to fund targeted research addressing critical swine health priorities. Collaborative projects involving industry, academia and public/private partnerships are encouraged. The Swine Health Information Center, launched in July 2015 with Pork Checkoff funding, maintains a mission to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd.
Farmers Capital Fund to drive agriculture innovation
National Farmers Union announced the launch of the Farmers Capital Fund, a $25 million investment dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage companies that accelerate agricultural productivity while advancing the economic success of family farmers and ranchers. Administered in partnership with agricultural investment firm Open Prairie, the Fund will focus on three core principles: economic sustainability, productivity and profitability.
