Weekly livestock news: April 3, 2023

Lawmakers ask EPA for more information on potential effects of train derailment for Ohio livestock and residents

A recent letter from U.S. House members to EPA administrator Michael Regan urges more transparency on how livestock and residents in East Palestine, Ohio, may be affected by February’s train derailment. “The EPA is now reporting that while the water supply in East Palestine is not contaminated, the water in nearby Sulfur Run is grossly contaminated,” the letter said. Despite efforts to isolate contaminated water, “residents report a consistent pungent odor as well as concerning symptoms for both the area’s residents and their livestock,” the lawmakers said. “Burning sensations in the mouth, lips and tongue as well as tongue swelling, runny nose and watery eyes have been among the symptoms reported.” RFDTV reports.

Tyson chicken plant closure in Virginia raises antitrust concerns

Tyson Foods gave chicken suppliers two months’ notice of its plan to close a Virginia processing plant this May, raising concerns among farmers and legal experts about the company’s compliance with antitrust regulations requiring it to give 90 days’ notice before ending a contract, Reuters reports. The planned closure of the plant has left dozens of Virginia chicken growers scrambling to find new buyers in a region with few other options and could lead to fines for Tyson under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Tyson told Reuters the company isn’t canceling any farmers’ contracts and has committed to paying growers the full terms of their remaining contracts, keeping in compliance with federal regulations.

U.S. farm supply sector faces new risks in coming years: CoBank

Agricultural retailers face a generally favorable outlook for 2023 following record profits last year, but the sector faces an emerging set of risks that could depress profit margins and challenge traditional business models in the coming years, according to a new report from CoBank. Low levels of industry working capital, higher property insurance costs and changing grower needs are three of the key issues agriculture retailers will need to navigate over the next five years, according to the report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. A downturn in the crop cycle is likely during 2024 or shortly after, the report says. The prospect of lower grain prices and financial pressure at the farm level, along with the newly emerging risks, has business implications ag retailers should begin preparing for now.

Italy moves to ban cell-based meat

Italy’s government last week approved a bill banning the use of laboratory-produced food and animal feed as it aims to safeguard the country’s agri-food heritage, the agriculture minister said. If the proposal is passed by parliament, Italian industry won’t be allowed to produce food or feed “from cell cultures or tissues derived from vertebrate animals,” the bill seen by Reuters said. The initiative angered organizations supporting the development of cell-based agricultural products across Europe, as well as animal rights groups.

New grants aim to improve air quality measurement on swine farms

Two researchers have received a total of about $1 million to develop technology that can measure air quality on swine farms. The grants were awarded through the Improving Swine Production Air Quality Program, launched last year by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research in partnership with the National Pork Board. Jiqin Ni, professor of agriculture and bioengineering at Purdue University, and Xufei Yang, assistant professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at South Dakota State University, received funding.

7 tips for more effective calf vaccination programs

Dairy Herd Management offers seven tips from bovine veterinarians to help producers plan effective vaccination programs in calves. Among other things, producers need to be realistic about what vaccination programs can and can’t do, ensure calves are healthy so they can benefit fully from vaccines, and keep good records to determine whether their vaccine regimens are working. Partnering with a veterinarian can help producers develop calf vaccination protocols, educate employees and ensure products work correctly.