Weekly Livestock-Equine News: November 11, 2024

Farm bill by New Year’s Day is possible

House Republican Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson wants to pass a farm bill this year and following the election of Trump, he holds more leverage, knowing such a bill next year would go through Trump and a Republican Senate. That means House Democrats could be more willing to negotiate with their Republican counterparts, as their negotiation position will be weaker next year.

Ballot proposal to ban large farms loses big in California

California voters in the major agricultural region of Sonoma County overwhelmingly voted down a ballot proposal to phase out large farms in a win for the meat industry. About 85% of the voters opposed Measure J, which would have banned concentrated animal feeding operations. Proponents said the measure would protect animal welfare and move food systems away from large-scale agriculture.

Milk-over-feed margins at historical highs

If robust milk-over-feed margins continue into the foreseeable future, producers will continue to increase output despite a host of challenges, including low levels of heifer inventory. September margins hit an all-time high in September of $15.57/cwt., $2 higher than the previous record hit just a month earlier, per the USDA.

Calcium propionate confirmed as an alkalizing agent in horses

A study in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science confirms what some horsemen already believed — that calcium propionate is a successful alkalizing agent in horses. Alkalizing agents are designed to reduce acid build-up in the blood of exercising horses and are believed, therefore, to reduce or eliminate the feeling of tired or exhausted muscles. The substance has been given in liquid form to harness horses in an attempt to enhance performance.

Pork producers cautious about rebuilding the herd

Pork producers across the globe are taking a cautious approach to herd expansion, despite improved profitability in some regions. Disease pressure, slaughter constraints and regulatory headwinds, as well as uncertainty surrounding trade and consumer demand, are top of mind, according to the latest RaboResearch report.

Horseracing authority to limit provisional suspensions for now

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has requested that the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) limit the circumstances under which they impose a Provisional Suspension on Covered Persons as part of the anti-doping and medication control program. HISA said further analysis and review is necessary to determine whether any modifications to the current rules are appropriate.