Author: staff

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring has confirmed the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy herd in Shiawassee County, raising the total number of affected herds in Michigan to 29. This case, initially identified by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, is pending further confirmation by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. As of September 3, 197 dairy herds across 14 states have confirmed outbreaks of HPAI A (H5N1). The breakdown is as follows: Colorado: 64 herds Idaho: 30 herds Michigan: 28 herds Texas: 24 herds Iowa: 13 herds Minnesota: 9 herds…

For much of the year, the efforts of farmers and agricultural professionals to maintain the connection between the public, farmland, and the food supply often go unnoticed. However, as early fall arrives, the corn maze and agritourism season draws in more visitors than at any other time. These events provide a fun experience while offering a closer look at farm production and livestock. While it may sometimes seem like a “lite” version of farming, for many visitors, the chance to walk among the animals, pick their own pumpkins, or feel hay and corn kernels is a unique and exciting experience.…

Anthrax has been confirmed in multiple beef herds in Carbon County, Wyoming, resulting in the deaths of 50 to 60 cattle. This marks the first confirmed case of anthrax in Wyoming cattle since the 1970s. The diagnosis was confirmed by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory on August 31, following efforts by both WSVL and private veterinarians. In addition to cattle, a case of anthrax in wildlife has been confirmed. On September 3, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, working with WSVL, identified anthrax in a dead moose in Carbon County. This is the first documented anthrax case in Wyoming wildlife…

For the 10th consecutive year, the National Dairy Herd Information Association seeks scholarship applications from third- and fourth-year veterinary medicine students. Applicants must be enrolled at a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship. The National DHIA Scholarship Committee will evaluate candidates based on their interest in dairy medicine, extracurricular activities, and proficiency in using dairy software and records to enhance dairy management and animal health. Applicants are required to submit a letter detailing their academic background, experience with DHIA data, career plans, and proposed solutions for challenges facing…

Texas Tech University terminated long-time rodeo coach Jerrad Hofstetter a couple of days ago, and his sudden departure has caused an outpouring of support on social media, including from the Cook’s Garage and Texas Tech Rodeo Facebook pages. Hofstetter, who had led the Texas Tech Rodeo team for six years, was widely known for recruiting over 100 students for the upcoming semester.  The termination was revealed Sept. 5. “In 2020, Jerrad came to us and asked us to host the Texas Tech Rodeo. Because of COVID they needed an outdoor space and could not have it at the Equestrian Center,”…

Two workers have died after being trapped inside a farm silo on a South Dakota operation.  The incident occurred Saturday on a farm near Volga. The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that the individuals died while repairing the roof of an 80-foot Harvestore silo. The sheriff’s office and local emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 11:25 a.m. Despite rescue efforts, both workers were pronounced dead at the scene after becoming trapped inside the nearly full silo. The individuals, identified as Larry Dalzell, 51, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Randi Vandekieft, 41, of Warner Robins, Georgia,…

Fans of Taylor Swift now have a new way to celebrate their love for the pop star this fall: Swift-themed corn mazes. Farms in Maryland and Ohio are gaining attention after intricate designs inspired by the singer went viral online, sparking excitement among Swifties across the country. Duke Wheeler, owner of Wheeler Farms in Whitehouse, Ohio, has been creating corn mazes for over two decades. This year, he turned to his family for guidance on a new theme, and Swift quickly became the top choice. “She’s real special,” Wheeler told Fox News Digital. The farm, which has been in business…

Carl Ray Polk Jr., Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president, wrote this op-ed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service final rule for an updated traceability program.  Ranching is something to be proud of. It’s a tradition and foundation that roots us in hard work. Time and sweat invested today keeps this way of life alive for tomorrow. This is what I love and what I want to pass to the next generation — but that reality is fragile. A single animal disease outbreak could erase this for not only myself but future generations.…

The U.S. dairy and meat industries secured a win following the passage of a law by Chile’s National Congress that allows U.S. exporters to continue using common food names — such as “parmesan” and “prosciutto” — in the Chilean market. The development follows efforts by the Consortium for Common Food Names, the National Milk Producers Federation, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, which have been working to ensure that U.S. producers are not unfairly restricted in their ability to market their products abroad. The agreement between the U.S. and Chile was formalized through an exchange of letters on June 21,…

Farm Athletes, a new initiative spearheaded by online auction platform Tractor Tuesday, aims to support college athletes with farming and ranching backgrounds by offering NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Organizers said the program seeks to alleviate the financial burden on these student-athletes face, empowering them to succeed both academically and athletically while maintaining a connection to their agricultural roots. Zach Bosle, CEO of Tractor Tuesday, said the Farm Athletes initiative came from a simple but powerful idea: Farming is inherently physical work. Bosle explained in an interview with AGDAILY that farmers often engage in demanding tasks like lifting, pulling, and…