Tag: Cattle

New World Screwworm Threat

Posted on by Weicks-Webmaster

New World Screwworm Threat

WASHINGTON — The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) expressed its sincere appreciation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decisive action to close live animal imports at the southern border, in response to the surge of New World Screwworm (NWS) cases across Mexico. This is an issue USCA members share widely in Washington, DC last week across USDA agencies and congressional offices. This coordinated measure, grounded in scientific expertise and decades of cross-border collaboration, is critical to preserving the health of America’s cattle herd and the future of the U.S. beef supply.

“We are grateful to Secretary Rollins and the USDA for recognizing the urgent threat posed by the New World Screwworm and making the hard decision to halt animal movement across the southern border,” USCA President Justin Tupper said, following an in-depth USDA-APHIS stakeholder briefing that included USCA policy staff. “Closing the border to Mexico will protect the U.S. beef supply and U.S. producers from the New World Screwworm. This is an issue that was resolved in the 1970s after the parasite caused severe and lasting damage to America’s cattle herd. Its re-emergence is a very serious issue with potentially catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.”

Recent Occurrences

According to recent APHIS data shared with USCA and industry stakeholders, there have been over 1,400 detections of NWS across Mexico as of May 9, with outbreaks progressing steadily northward. Notably, active cases are now present in Chiapas, Tabasco, and as far north as central Oaxaca — just 127 miles from Mexico’s crucial secondary barrier. The ongoing increase in detections includes new cases in Veracruz, a major cattle movement corridor. Quick action is a necessity.

“Generations of ranching families remember the devastation the last NWS outbreak caused. Thanks to USDA’s vigilance and strong partnership with Mexico, we have the tools, surveillance, and sterile insect technology to respond, but controlling animal movement and closing ports of entry are essential first steps,” Tupper continued.

NWS Efforts

The NWS eradication effort relies on three science-based pillars: animal movement control, rapid identification and education, and the sterile insect technique. Moreover, The USDA’s sterile insect facility in Panama is currently operating at maximum capacity, releasing over 100 million sterile insects weekly in Mexico, with increased aerial dispersal flights and covering 3,000 – 6,000 insects per linear nautical mile — far surpassing historic levels. Also, technical teams are in the field, evaluating surveillance and helping Mexican partners expand monitoring and outreach. It is essential to maintain population of sterile flies for prevention efforts.

USCA also appreciates the regular and transparent communication with USDA and international partners, as well as the swift implementation of animal health safeguards, enhanced tick rider monitoring along the border, and ongoing evaluation of port activities to ensure safety is maintained at every level.

Summary

While understanding the significant impact this temporary closure may have on cross-border commerce and producers, USCA stands firmly behind USDA and APHIS in prioritizing animal health and the long-term viability of the American beef industry. Disease prevention and eradication measures will be more impactful and financially feasible than any emergency management strategy that would result from an outbreak.

“We must remain vigilant. The lessons of the past, combined with today’s cutting-edge surveillance and eradication tools, give us the best possible chance to halt this outbreak,” Tupper concluded. “USCA will continue to work hand-in-hand with USDA, state veterinarians, and our neighbors in Mexico to eradicate the New World Screwworm once again and safeguard America’s cattle ranching heritage.”

Click here for more information: https://www.usda.gov/

Click here for more information: https://americancattlemen.com/

May 12, 2025

Here is an article focusing managing external parasites

Silent Profit Thieves: Managing External Parasites

Here is the Dairy Side of things

Home – American Dairymen

Or if you enjoy the Outdoors. That could be hunting, fishing, or just recreational outdoor activities the Iowa Sportsman is a great option

Home – Iowa Sportsman

NCBA Urges FDA to Toughen Marketing Rules

Posted on by Weicks-Webmaster

NCBA Urges FDA to Toughen Rules for Fake Meat Marketing

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2025) – Yesterday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to toughen up guidance for fake meat companies. In turn that would prevent them from using misleading labels on plant-based products.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers work hard every day to raise wholesome, high-quality, and nutritious real beef. We’ve spent decades building a strong reputation with consumers and we will not give up on that without a fight. Companies selling fake meat should not be allowed to use misleading advertising or trade on beef’s good name,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein. “If you’re manufacturing products to replace beef that contain no real beef, you should not be using terms that are specific to livestock, especially legally defined terms like ‘meat.’

“Likewise, you should not be permitted to utilize pictures of cattle, real beef, or farmers and ranchers in your labeling,” said Wehrbein. “The federal government’s draft guidance for the fake meat industry has not gone far enough to prevent companies from attempting to trick the public into buying fake meat products.”

NCBA’s comments urge FDA to address misleading advertising on plant-based fake meat foods. Plant-based fake meat has been on the market for several years, but sales have tumbled as consumers balk at ultra-processed food. Although the final guidance for industry is nonbinding, closing loopholes that allow plant-based companies to use terms like “beef” and imagery like the outline of a cow are important first steps that benefit real farmers and ranchers. Additional guidance or rulemaking actions may follow in the coming months.

“If you have to hide behind the work of America’s livestock producers to sell your product. That says all you need to know about these inferior imitations,” Wehrbein added.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.
CONTACT:
Hunter Imailto:membership@beef.orghrman, hihrman@beef.org
Steve Johnson, srjohnson@beef.org

Click here for more information https://www.ncba.org/

Home – American Cattlemen

Another Article is below:

Do Telehandlers Have a Place on the Farm?

Here is the Dairy Side of things

Home – American Dairymen

Or if you enjoy the Outdoors. Including hunting, fishing, or just recreational outdoor activities the Iowa Sportsman is a great option

Home – Iowa Sportsman

 

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Distillery Launches Initiative

Posted on by Dustin Hector

Distillery Launches Initiative

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 6, 2025) – Heaven Hill Distillery, America’s largest family-owned and operated distillery launches initiative call Family Farm First.  Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is committing to celebrating and supporting the hardworking and passionate farm families who provide the high-quality ingredients essential to both America’s food supply and its finest whiskeys.

This milestone moment coincides with the release of the highly anticipated Second Edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This small-batch bourbon represents the next chapter in a story that begins with the seed and ends in the glass, highlighting Heaven Hill’s deep-rooted commitment to family, quality and craft.

Each annual edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass features a unique corn seed varietal, chosen in collaboration with Beck’s Hybrids to grow well in the soils of Central Kentucky. The 2025 release features corn seed varietal Beck’s 6225, and was grown by family Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, Kentucky. Made up of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malt, this unique mashbill, with a higher secondary grain content than Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional bourbon recipe, was aged for six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse site. Non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel strength, the result is a 105 proof, richly layered spirit that showcases the integrity of family-farm-grown ingredients and the craftsmanship of Heaven Hill Distillery.

Over the Years

“In 2017, we embarked on a journey to create a one-of-a-kind Grain to Glass Whiskey by partnering with family-owned seed companies and farms,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “These innovative mash bills feature hand-selected, unique grain varieties grown locally by Kentucky family farms. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is a testament to the important legacy of family farmers, who are the lifeblood of our country.”

As Heaven Hill approaches its 90th anniversary in December 2025, the Family Farms First initiative underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting fellow family businesses—especially those within the agricultural community. The initiative is launching with a partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome major hardships, injuries or natural disasters. Since 2005, Farm Rescue has provided free planting, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to over 1,000 farm families across eight states.

The Purpose

“Farm Rescue’s mission is to keep family farms intact during times of crises,” said Bill Gross, Founder and President of Farm Rescue. “Family farms, which make up 97% of U.S. farms, are vital to sustaining our communities and our future. Our collaboration with Heaven Hill Grain to Glass will bolster our ability to provide essential support to more farm families, ensuring they can continue their operations and sustain their livelihoods.”

Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue, added, “Support from companies like Heaven Hill profoundly impacts our capacity to assist family farms in need. Their commitment to quality and community resonates deeply with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership.” A portion of every sale of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass – up to $100,000 annually – will go to donations for Farm Rescue.

“We are honored to partner with Farm Rescue as part of our Family Farms First initiative,” continued Shapira. “Their efforts align perfectly with our values at Heaven Hill, where we understand the dedication and resilience needed to keep a family business thriving for generations. This investment will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who sustain our communities and our way of life.”

Conclusion

With every bottle of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, consumers are not only enjoying a world-class whiskey but also directly supporting the families who cultivate the land it comes from—a bold spirit with a bold mission. Heaven Hill and Farm Rescue are working to ensure that American farm families don’t just survive, but thrive, for generations to come.

For more information about Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, visit: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass/

For more information about Farm Rescue, the distillery launches initiative, visit: https://farmrescue.org/

 

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