Anthrax detected in Wyoming beef herds

Anthrax has been detected in multiple beef herds in Carbon County, Wyoming, the first confirmed cases in Wyoming cattle since the 1970s. Clinical signs of the bacterial disease in livestock include sudden death, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, fever, and bloody diarrhea.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board sets FY25 promo, research budget

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board will invest $38 million in FY 2025 in programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications, subject to USDA approval. The program is funded by a mandatory assessment of $1 per head collected each time cattle are sold. Imported cattle, beef and beef products have a comparable assessment.

Exports of US beef and pork accelerating

Exports of U.S. beef continued to build momentum in July, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were also well above year-ago levels in July, led by a value record for shipments to Mexico.

EPA awards $15M to research PFAS reduction in agriculture

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced over $15 million in research grant funding to measure and reduce per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as “forever chemicals”) in agricultural plants and livestock. Some PFAS bioaccumulate – or build up – in the environment and the human body over time, resulting in potential adverse health impacts. EPA says it is important to understand how they may impact our food system.

Endangered Species Act needs reforming: NCBA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council announced their support for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2024, introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA) and Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR). “For too long, the Endangered Species Act has been weaponized to list species under non-science-based criteria,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. Studies now show that cattle help wildlife and the landscape by building robust habitat and increasing available forage through grazing, according to the organizations.

Healthcare plans offered to TSCRA members

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association announced new association healthcare plans offered in partnership with Cattle Raisers Insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. The member-only offer features four pre-negotiated plans to residents in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Weekly Livestock-Equine News: September 16, 2024