Weekly livestock news: July 10, 2023

Farmers are skeptical new legislation will take on Proposition 12: Ag Barometer

While large-scale farmers and ranchers are slightly more optimistic than they were last month that Congress will pass a farm bill this year, they’re doubtful it will be a vehicle for overturning California’s Proposition 12, according to the latest Ag Economy Barometer. The pork industry wants a legislative override of the ballot measure after losing a Supreme Court challenge in May. Thirty-six percent of farmers surveyed said it was unlikely Congress would overturn Proposition 12 in the new farm bill, while 40% said they were uncertain. Twenty-five percent said it’s at least somewhat likely Congress will take on the law in new farm bill legislation, said Purdue agricultural economists James Mintert and Michael Langemeier, who oversee the report. Successful Farming has more.

Tyson Foods to replace ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ tagline with ‘No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine’

Tyson Foods is reintroducing certain antibiotics to its chicken supply chain and will replace its “No Antibiotics Ever” tagline on its chicken products with a “No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine” tagline by the end of the calendar year, Reuters reports. The antibiotics that Tyson plans to add to some of its chickens’ diets are known as ionophores, which are mainly used to control the poultry disease coccidiosis, maintain intestinal integrity and help deliver good bird health. The World Health Organization notes in a report that it doesn’t consider ionophores medically important for treating human illnesses.

Widespread drought creates winners and losers in U.S. agriculture

As of June 27, 65% of the Midwest was in a moderate drought or worse, the broadest area in a decade, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Higher grain costs from drought make it more expensive to feed cattle, hogs and chickens. Many hog farmers are struggling to make a profit, and cattle ranchers have been shrinking their herds over the past year as their feed bills go up. At the same time, farmers outside drought territory could get another year of solid income just as corn prices were on the decline, Scott Irwin, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, told The Wall Street Journal. Higher crop prices also bode well for global crop shippers like Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland and Bunge as concerns over supplies prompt grain buyers to make advance purchases.

Economists expect financial health of U.S. agriculture to drop in the coming year: survey

The perceived financial health of U.S. agriculture is expected to continue declining over the next 12 months, according to the June Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, a new survey of nearly 50 agricultural economists from across the country. Production costs, global competition, geopolitical risks, drought and demand headwinds are among the main drivers. Other takeaways from the survey: 1) Farm income may drift lower, with some economists expecting levels in 2024 to land closer to the five-year average; 2) High production expenses are the biggest obstacle in 2023; 3) Crop prices will drift lower in 2023 and 2024; and 4) Beef cow supplies are forecast to continue declining this year. Dairy Herd Management reports.

Bluetongue virus, deadly for cattle and sheep, is still a risk in the winter: study

Bluetongue virus, an incurable cattle- and sheep-killing disease, is spread by tiny flies (midges) once thought to disappear in winter. New research demonstrates that while they’re harder to find when it’s cold, they remain active. Given there’s no specific treatment for Bluetongue and no natural enemy of the midges, the findings support improved methods for managing virus transmission such as application of insect repellants to ruminant animals during winter when biting midge activity is at its lowest point during the year, according to Alec Gerry, University of California–Riverside entomology professor and study co-author. Bluetongue virus is common in cattle throughout most of the United States, particularly in the Southwest, with nearly 20% of some California cattle herds infected, according to UC Riverside.

For interstate movement of animals, veterinary consultation is vital

Interstate movement of animals, particularly livestock, varies according to the destination state. These requirements have existed for years to facilitate trade and prevent the spread of disease, and they may change if a disease occurs. Experts advise animal owners to confirm these requirements and coordinate with their veterinarian well in advance of shipment, since inspection, testing, vaccination and identification of the animals may be required. Generally, a certificate of veterinary inspection must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian documenting animals meet entry requirements. CVIs must be accurately completed and issued by the veterinarian within the appropriate timeframe. Any animal affected, exposed or quarantined for an infectious, contagious or communicable disease may not be issued a CVI for movement, Oklahoma State University beef cattle extension specialist Dr. Rosslyn Biggs writes in Farm Progress.