Anyone applying agricultural pesticides (certified applicator or not) needs to be aware of changes coming to pesticide labels across the United States. In an effort to address concerns related to the impact of pesticides on threatened or endangered species and in response to ongoing litigation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency…

Today, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service unveiled a Federal Order introducing measures to protect the livestock industry against highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.  The Federal Order may be viewed here and is effective on Monday, April 29, 2024. Its highlights include: Mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy…

United Parcel Service is known for delivering a myriad of packages, but one Wisconsin driver made a special delivery earlier this month: a Holstein calf.  Cue all the “special delivery” jokes now. Jon Strnad was driving up a hill in the town of Seymour when he saw a cow in…

The Food and Drug Administration confirmed on Tuesday that pasteurization of milk consistent with the federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance destroys harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and other viruses.  HPAI is a highly contagious disease and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly…

Firestone Ag has opened entries for its 2024 Rock the Crop Sweepstakes exclusively to chapters of the National FFA Organization in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Firestone Ag partnership with FFA. In its third year, the Rock the Crop Sweepstakes will bring a private concert with Nashville, Tennessee-based country…

Forget about tumbleweeds; on Monday, the East Bay of Lafayette, California, became the scene of something quite like a classic Western movie.  Three head of cattle hoofing it down eastbound Highway 24 were caught by an eyewitness dashcam just before the Stephens Drive Hidden Valley Road exit.  Hot on their…