Posts in Livestock
USDA Reminds Livestock Producers of Disaster Assistance Application Deadline for 2024 Losses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers, including dairy producers impacted by H5N1, that the deadline to apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) is Jan. 30, 2025, for losses due to specific adverse conditions that occurred in 2024. 

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Livestock, USDAAvery Davidson
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces 15 Additional States Onboard With National Milk Testing Strategy for H5N1, Shares Update on Vaccination Efforts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that 15 additional states have enrolled in the National Milk Testing Strategy, bringing the total number of states to 28 in roughly one month since the program launched. These 28 states represent nearly 65% of the nation’s milk production. In addition, USDA is sharing updates on its expedited work to support vaccine development for use in poultry and bovine species, as part of a multi-faceted effort to fight the spread of H5N1.

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Avian Influenza Detected In Second Louisiana Backyard Flock

On December 13, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) announced the detection of the first presumptive positive human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1, in Louisiana. Following a report of increased mortality in the non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) on the property in southwest Louisiana, testing by Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the flock.

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LDAF, Livestock, Poultrydon molino
Bird Flu Found in SWLA Backyard Flock After Person Hospitalized

Bird flu has been detected in a backyard flock in Southwest Louisiana after a person exposed to the flock tested positive for the illness.

The SWLA resident was the first person in the state diagnosed with H5N1 and became the first person in the U.S. with a severe case of the disease in the current outbreak. They are hospitalized in Louisiana in critical condition, health officials said Wednesday.

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Avian Influenza Found in Louisiana Backyard Flock; Producers Urged to Take Precautions

Testing has confirmed a case of avian influenza in a backyard flock in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. The backyard flock owner alerted the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry of increased mortality in the backyard flock. Following an investigation by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry).

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Cow Country Reporter: December 2024

The year 2024 is coming to a close! This year, like many years in the past, has had its challenges. Weather, price changes, political differences to name a few. One thing that has remained the same this year is prices for our calves, slaughter cows and replacements are higher than last year. As we move into 2025, know that cattle numbers will be lower which should convert to higher prices.

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Union Livestock Exhibitors Shine

Union Livestock exhibitors showcased their exceptional livestock projects at the State Fair of Louisiana, earning top honors in a highly competitive field. The event, held at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds, saw participants from across the state vying for prestigious titles.

The Union Livestock team demonstrated remarkable skill and passion, making their community proud. Their achievements at the State Fair of Louisiana highlight the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and the positive impact of such programs.

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The SU Ag Center is Now Accepting Meat Pre-orders for the 2025 Annual Livestock Show

The Southern University Ag Center will host its 82nd Annual Livestock and Poultry Show from Feb. 27 – March 1, 2025, at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. In preparation for the show, the Livestock Show Office is now accepting pre-orders of non-processed choice meats from various livestock. All proceeds from the meat sales go directly to the participating youth as a reward for their hard work and financial investment. 

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Dairy Max Names Agriculture Industry Veteran as its New CEO

Grand Prairie-based Dairy MAX, a regional dairy council representing more than 900 dairy farmers across eight states, has named Keira Lombardo of Southlake as its new chief executive officer.

Dairy MAX was founded more than 40 years ago and is one of the leading regional dairy councils in the United States, representing more than 900 dairy farmers and serving communities in eight states: Texas, Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and Wyoming.

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Dairy, LivestockAvery Davidson