Monday December 09 Ag News

 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course Resumes January 2025 in Nebraska

Nebraska Extension is offering the Part 107 Remote Exam Prep Course across Nebraska for a second year. This course will be offered at various locations across the state from January through April 2025.

In 2024, this course was offered across the state at 14 locations, reaching 130-plus students representing more than 30 Nebraska counties and six states.

This course is a valuable educational opportunity for anyone interested in flying drones for commercial or public application, including emergency management, law enforcement, real estate and land management, photography and agriculture.

“The course is geared toward professional pilots who intend to make drone flying an aspect of their career or work duties,” said Dr. Dirk Charlson, Nebraska Extension educator and course instructor, who has 10 years of experience flying drones and teaching drone courses. “If you are just curious about drones, this course might not be for you.”

If you are or planning to be an agricultural spray drone pilot, Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is an important step towards that goal. Although this course does not specifically address spray drone regulations, you will still gain all the knowledge needed to successfully pass the Part 107 drone exam.

This one-day (eight-hour) course prepares students to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Exam required to receive a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (aka drone license). Study materials, presentation notes and lunch will be provided.

Online pre-registration is required https://cvent.me/1e15L9. The course registration fee is $275. Discounts are available to eligible students and educators by completing an online application https://forms.office.com/r/9xQpwuvEdk.

For further details or questions, please reach out to Dr. Dirk Charlson at (cell) (402) 460-0742.

Winter-Spring 2025 Locations
    Jan. 9 — UNL Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center, 4502 Ave. I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
    Jan. 10 — UNL West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Rd., North Platte, NE 69101
    Jan. 13 — Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St. Fremont, NE 68025
    Jan. 16 — Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W. Scott St., Beatrice, NE 68310
    Jan. 23 — Hall County Extension Office, 3180 US-34, Grand Island, NE 68801
    Jan. 29 — Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E 34th St., Kearney, NE 68847
    Feb. 12 — Buffalo County Extension Office, 1400 E 34th St., Kearney, NE 68847
    Feb. 27 — Adams County Extension Office, 2975 S. Baltimore Ave., Hastings, NE 68901
    March 7 — Nemaha County 4H Building, 816 I St., Auburn, NE 68305
    March 14 — Dawson County Extension Office, 1002 Plum Creek Pkwy, Lexington, NE 68850
    April 4 — Platte County Extension Office, 2715 13th St., Columbus, NE 68601
    April 11 — Lancaster County Extension Office, 44 Cherrycreek Rd. Suite A, Lincoln, NE 68528
    April 18 — Nebraska City High School, 141 Steinhart Park Rd., Nebraska City, NE 68410
    April 25 — UNL Panhandle Research, Extension, and Education Center, 4502 Ave. I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361

If you are unable to attend one of the 14 courses offered this winter and spring, no worries — planning is already started for offering this same course at 10 locations during the summer and early fall.



Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors earn scholarships

Through application and successful participation in the Midwest Dairy Ambassador Program, the following 2024 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors earned a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy.
·       Jenna Albers of Randolph, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
·       Clara Bates of Racine, Wisconsin, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
·       Allison Engelman of Diller, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
·       Tessa Haahr of Wynot, Nebraska, and attends Mitchell Technical College
·       Joslyn Hochstein of Wynot, Nebraska, and attends Wynot High School
·       Brianna Klabenes of Chambers, Nebraska, and attends University of Nebraska-Lincoln
·       Jenna Muntz of Louisville, Nebraska, and attends Concordia University
·       Ava Noecker of Hartington, Nebraska, and attends Cedar Catholic High School
·       Emily Rempel of Beatrice, Nebraska, and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

At the beginning of the year, Nebraska high school juniors, seniors, and college students were selected to serve as the 2024 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors for Midwest Dairy. Throughout the year, the Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors promoted the dairy community and supported Midwest Dairy’s mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience at a variety of dairy industry and consumer events in Nebraska.

Helping to grow trust in dairy during their year-long experience, the 2024 Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors took part in more than 80 event activations and leadership opportunities and were skillful and committed to promoting dairy through media interviews and social media posts to the Nebraska’s Dairy Ambassador and Midwest Dairy Facebook pages.

The ambassadors gained insight on the dairy industry and developed their leadership skills by attending industry events and dairy industry tours as well as participating in virtual trainings. Beyond the various industry events and opportunities, ambassadors actively engaged with consumers and dairy advocates at Midwest Dairy approved events. This year’s involvement included Husker Athletics Partnership such as UNL Husker Mania, UNL Volleyball game night and fan fest, UNL student football tailgate; UNL CASNR appreciation day and ice cream social; Good Life Halfsy Expo; Nebraska State Fair largest classroom and dairy exhibitor reception; and many more opportunities where the ambassadors shared dairy’s story in Nebraska communities.

Midwest Dairy’s Ambassador Program is an educational and leadership opportunity for high school and college students interested in promoting dairy. Dairy Ambassadors have the opportunity to connect with consumers and share dairy’s story while networking with their peers and industry professionals. To learn more about the Midwest Dairy Ambassador Program, visit www.midwestdairy.com (Ambassador Program found on the Young Dairy Leaders tab). Applications for the 2025 Midwest Dairy Ambassador Program are due December 15.



Nebraska Ag Expo Sets the Stage for 2024 Career Exploration Event, Paving the Way for Agriculture Industry Success

The Nebraska Ag Expo is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated third annual Career Exploration Event, set to take place amid the Nebraska Ag Expo on December 10-12, 2024. This event invites students from middle school, high school, and college to delve into a world of career opportunities in agriculture and the equipment dealer industry. Approximately 500 students from across Nebraska are expected to attend.

The equipment dealer industry is a thriving sector offering incentives like generous pay, competitive benefits, tuition reimbursement, scholarships, apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, and access to state-of-the-art technology. The Career Exploration Event aims to educate students about these incredible prospects, inspiring them to consider a future in this industry.

“We believe in fostering a passion for agriculture and empowering the next generation of professionals,” said Mark Hennessey, president/CEO of the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA), which owns and manages the Nebraska Ag Expo. “Our Career Exploration Event provides a unique platform for students to learn directly from industry experts, meet representatives from their local dealerships, and witness firsthand the exciting advancements in agricultural equipment.”

Accompanied by employees from equipment dealerships in Nebraska, students will have the unique opportunity to connect with dealers from their own local communities at the event, facilitating conversations that directly relate to their specific regions and fostering a sense of community engagement.

At the event, students will experience a guided tour of the Nebraska Ag Expo, explore major manufacturer booths showcasing cutting-edge agriculture technology, discover the value of a two-year education at Nebraska’s community colleges (plus tuition reimbursement!), and find out how to receive up to $3,000 toward their training.

The lack of available workers is having a profound impact on the equipment industry, with an estimated 350-400 job openings at equipment dealerships in Nebraska alone. That number is expected to more than double over the next five years as current employees retire.

As a dedicated advocate for the equipment dealer industry, INEDA remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating workforce development solutions. Through outreach like the Career Exploration Event and the Andrew Goodman Scholarship Program, INEDA actively nurtures the next generation of professionals. This year, INEDA awarded $88,500 in scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year to 66 students in Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming pursuing careers in Iowa and Nebraska equipment dealerships.

Do you know any students who want to learn more about career opportunities in agriculture and the equipment dealer industry? Reach out to Phil Erdman at phile@ineda.com or 402.429.5726. We’ll connect you with equipment dealers in your area to get you started!

The Nebraska Ag Expo is December 10-12, 2024 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, NE. Hours are 9:00-4:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 9:00am-3:00pm Thursday. Regular admission is $10 at the door, and visitors can purchase tickets online in advance to save $5 per ticket. Student tickets are free with a valid student ID (high school or college).

The Nebraska Ag Expo is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA). The show is sponsored by: Diamond Sponsors – Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect; Platinum Sponsors – Bayer CropScience and Nebraska Farm Bureau; Gold Sponsors – Stine Seed Company and Sukup Manufacturing; Silver Sponsor – Spraytec; and Media Sponsors – Midwest Messenger and Rural Radio Network.



Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Palo Alto County Commercial Turkey Flock

On Sunda the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) annunced the detection of a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Palo Alto County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s fifth detection of H5N1 HPAI within poultry in 2024.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Sioux County Commercial Layer Flock
On Friday the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a flock of commercial layer chickens in Sioux County, Iowa. This is Iowa’s fourth detection of H5N1 HPAI within poultry in 2024, and our state’s first detection since June.



October Red Meat Exports Above Year-Ago Levels; Pork on Record Pace

Exports of U.S. beef and pork posted year-over-year increases in October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), with pork exports well-positioned to set annual volume and value records in 2024.

Rebound in China/Hong Kong and Korea fuel October beef exports
October beef exports totaled 105,269 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while value increased 3% to $860.4 million. Shipments to Mexico maintained their impressive 2024 performance in October, while exports rebounded to South Korea and China/Hong Kong and increased year-over-year in Central America, the Caribbean and the ASEAN region. For January through October, beef export value was 4% above last year at $8.68 billion, despite a 2% decline in volume (1.066 million mt).

“It’s encouraging to see an uptick in demand for U.S. beef in China and Korea, where the economic headwinds have been formidable this year,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Our Western Hemisphere markets have been outstanding, and exports have also expanded to the ASEAN region. So if U.S. beef can regain momentum in these larger Asian destinations, this bodes well for 2025.”

Robust October performance keeps pork exports on record pace
Pork exports reached 252,411 mt in October, up 3% from a year ago, while value also climbed 3% to $710.4 million. Although shipments to leading market Mexico declined slightly, this was more than offset by growth in Japan, Central America, the Caribbean, Oceania and the ASEAN region. Through the first 10 months of 2024, pork exports increased 5% from a year ago to 2.49 million mt, valued at $7.07 billion (up 6%). For the year, exports are projected to surpass 3 million mt for the first time, exceeding the 2020 volume record (2.98 million mt) and topping last year’s value record ($8.16 billion).

“While shipments to Mexico eased just a bit in October, $217 million in exports is still a tremendous number,” Halstrom said. “This just highlights the remarkable growth U.S. pork has achieved in the Mexican market, which is enabled by the duty-free access delivered through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This access is critical and something we can never take for granted. At the same time, the fact that global exports still achieved an increase in October really underscores the importance of market diversification.”

October lamb exports fairly steady, led by Caribbean demand
October exports of U.S. lamb totaled 185 mt, up 2% from a year ago, though value fell about 8% to just over $1 million. Exports to the Caribbean trended higher in October, led by strong demand in the Bahamas, but shipments were lower to Mexico and Canada.

January-October lamb exports were 12% above last year at 2,298 mt, while value climbed 14% to $12.1 million.



NCBA Endorsed Disaster Tax Relief Bill Passes Senate

Friday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the U.S. Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 5863). In addition to providing much needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation would provide tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Previously, these payments counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed.

“It is heart breaking to see your farm or ranch destroyed by a disaster and it only adds to the pain when the payments meant to help you recover come with a tax bill,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “With the devastating hurricanes and wildfires the cattle industry has suffered over the past several years, helping producers recover and stay in business is a top priority for NCBA. The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act will prevent recovery payments from being taxed and be another tool for producers rebuilding their livelihood.”

The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act addresses limitations in casualty losses and allows producers to take greater deductions for disaster related losses. Additionally, the bill excludes any payments received due to a “qualified wildfire disaster” from being counted as income for federal tax purposes. The bill also retroactively applies to any wildfire payments received in tax years 2020 through 2025. Producers will have the opportunity to file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for relief payments received in these previous years.
 
“NCBA has fought to exempt disaster relief payments from being taxed and we are thankful that the House of Representatives and Senate both passed the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to protect these payments from taxation,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “We also thank Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) for leading the effort to get this bill passed. Now, NCBA urges President Biden to swiftly sign this bill into law.” '



Congress Must Not Duck Its Duty

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Friday on the lack of Congressional action in the lame duck session to address the immediate needs of farmers and rural America.

“Now that Congressional leaders signaled plans for yet another extension of the farm bill instead of modernizing it, it is imperative that they address the well-defined and fully substantiated needs of farmers just trying to hold on for another season.

“The recent hurricanes wreaked havoc on farms across the southeast, leaving some farmers with massive losses. They need disaster aid to recover and rebuild. Additionally, the projected two-year drop in net farm income of more than $40 billion dollars demonstrates the seriousness of the overall agricultural downturn. Without a new farm bill to help farmers manage risk, Congress must act to help bridge the gap through economic relief to help farmers cope with inflation, high supply costs and decreasing commodity prices.

“The frightening financial pinch farm families across the country are experiencing is real. There is clear evidence all around us: land auctions are on the rise; equipment purchases have slumped; and lenders are warning that operating loans are in jeopardy without some assurance farmers are going to be able to repay the loans. Today, the books just aren’t balancing.

“We’ve lost 141,000 farms in five years and no one wants to lose more. Americans overwhelmingly want Congress to act: 78 percent say U.S. lawmakers should prioritize legislation that supports farmers and ranchers. The window is narrowing for Congressional action. The time is now. I urge lawmakers to stand with rural America.”



USGC 2024/25 Corn Harvest Quality Report Shows High Yield, Low BCFM

According to the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2024/2025 Corn Harvest Quality Report, the 14th such annual survey published globally today, the 2024 U.S. corn crop is projected to be the third largest on record with the highest 100-kernel weight in the history of the report and lower broken corn and foreign material (BCFM), lower total damage and lower moisture than in the last five years.

Favorable growing season conditions contributed to the highest projected average yield on record and promoted good grain quality. Relatively warm, dry conditions during September and October also permitted an effective dry-down and timely harvest, thus maintaining the overall quality of the 2024 corn crop.

The 2024 growing season was characterized by quick emergence, warm conditions during the growing season, ample moisture and milder temperatures during pollination and warm, dry conditions during dry-down and harvest. Given these generally favorable growing conditions, average yield is projected to be the highest on record. Despite slightly lower harvested hectares compared to last year, total production is projected to be 384.64 million metric tons (15,143 million bushels).

The 2024 crop, on average, is entering the market channel with characteristics that met or exceeded each grade factor’s numerical requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade corn. The report also showed that 89.2% of the samples met all grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade, and 96.2% met the grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade corn.

“The Council takes pride in producing this annual report that proves the quality and abundance of U.S. corn year over year. Because the U.S. is dedicated to transparency and sharing it with potential buyers, it helps them make informed decisions and aligns with the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives,” said Verity Ulibarri, USGC chairwoman. “The information contained in the report provides the foundation for evaluating trends and the factors that impact corn quality. The cumulative reports also enable export buyers to make year-to-year comparisons and assess patterns of corn quality based on crop growing conditions across the years.”

The report is based on 620 yellow corn samples taken from defined areas within 12 of the top corn-producing and exporting states. Inbound samples were collected from local grain elevators to measure and analyze quality at the point of origin and provide representative information about the variability of the quality characteristics across the diverse geographic regions.

Test weight of 58.9 pounds per bushel (lb/bu), or 75.8 kilograms per hectoliter (kg/hl), achieved the highest value observed in the history of the report. Average U.S. aggregate BCFM in 2024 (0.6%) and average U.S. aggregate total damage (1.1%) were both lower than the 5YA. Average U.S. aggregate moisture content in 2024 (15.3%) matched the lowest value observed in the history of the report.

This year’s corn protein concentration registered at 8.5 percent, equaling the five-year average.

The chemical composition of the crop remained in a healthy range, as 98.9 percent of the samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action level for both aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol. Additionally, 98.3 percent tested below the FDA’s strictest guidance level of 5.0 parts per million for fumonisin.

The Council will present its findings to buyers around the world in a series of roll-out events through the first quarter of 2025, offering participants clear expectations regarding the quality of corn for this marketing year. During these initiatives, crop quality information is accompanied by updates on U.S. corn grading and handling, that provides importers and end-users with a better understanding of how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.



USDA Announces New Federal Order, Begins National Milk Testing Strategy to Address H5N1 in Dairy Herds

Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which builds on measures taken by USDA and federal and state partners since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024. Today, USDA is issuing a new Federal Order, as well as accompanying guidance, requiring that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. This new guidance from USDA, which was developed with significant input from state, veterinary and public health stakeholders, will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds.

“Since the first HPAI detection in livestock, USDA has collaborated with our federal, state and industry partners to swiftly and diligently identify affected herds and respond accordingly. This new milk testing strategy will build on those steps to date and will provide a roadmap for states to protect the health of their dairy herds,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide. USDA is grateful to our partners who have provided input to make this strategy effective and actionable, and we look forward to continued collaboration in seeing this through.”

This NMTS is designed to increase USDA’s and public health partners’ understanding of the virus’ spread in the United States through a structured, uniform, and mandatory testing system that will help swiftly identify which states, and specific herds within them, are affected with H5N1; support the rapid implementation of enhanced biosecurity measures to decrease the risk of transmission to other livestock; and importantly, inform critical efforts to protect farmworkers to help lower their risk of exposure. USDA believes this additional step is needed to proactively support effective biosecurity measures, which is key for states and farmers to contain and eliminate H5N1 infections from their livestock and to eliminate HPAI in livestock across the U.S. dairy population.

“This testing strategy is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of individuals and communities nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Our primary responsibility at HHS is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply, and we continue to work closely with USDA and all stakeholders on continued testing for H5N1 in retail milk and dairy samples from across the country to ensure the safety of the commercial pasteurized milk supply. We will continue this work with USDA for as long and as far as necessary.”

The Federal Order released today makes three new requirements. First, it requires the sharing of raw milk samples, upon request, from any entity responsible for a dairy farm, bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station, or dairy processing facility that sends or holds milk intended for pasteurization. Second, the Federal Order requires herd owners with positive cattle to provide epidemiological information that enables activities such as contact tracing and disease surveillance. Finally, like USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, it requires that private laboratories and state veterinarians report positive results to USDA that come from tests done on raw milk samples drawn as part of the NMTS. The first round of silo testing under the Federal Order and the NMTS is scheduled to begin the week of Dec. 16, 2024, although some states are already conducting testing compatible with the NMTS.

This new Federal Order does not override or supersede USDA’s April 24 Federal Order, which still requires the mandatory testing of lactating dairy cows prior to interstate shipment and requires that all privately owned laboratories and state veterinarians report positive test results connected with those tests. The new Federal Order announced today is intended to complement and enhance this existing order.

National Milk Testing Strategy
As part of the National Milk Testing Strategy, APHIS will work with each state in the contiguous United States to execute testing in a way that works for the state and that aligns with the NMTS standards. Once a state begins testing under the NMTS, APHIS will place that state into one of five stages based on the HPAI H5N1 virus prevalence in that state. As states move to another stage, we will have a stronger picture of our progress towards eliminating HPAI H5N1 at state, regional and national levels. These stages include:

Stage 1: Standing Up Mandatory USDA National Plant Silo Monitoring
USDA will immediately begin nationwide testing of milk silos at dairy processing facilities. This national sample will allow USDA to identify where the disease is present, monitor trends, and help states identify potentially affected herds.

Stage 2: Determining a State’s H5N1 Dairy Cattle Status
Building on the results of silo monitoring, in collaboration with states, USDA will also stand up bulk tank sampling programs that will enable us to identify herds in the state that are affected with H5N1.

Stage 3: Detecting and Responding to the Virus in Affected States
For states with H5N1 detections, APHIS will work quickly to identify specific cases and implement rapid response measures, including enhanced biosecurity using USDA’s existing incentives programs, movement controls and contact tracing.

Stage 4: Demonstrating Ongoing Absence of H5 in Dairy Cattle in Unaffected States
Once all dairy herds in a given state are considered to be unaffected, APHIS will continue regular sampling of farms’ bulk tanks to ensure the disease does not re-emerge. Bulk tank sampling frequency will progressively decline as the state demonstrates continual silo negativity (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly if continually negative). If a state becomes affected, USDA will re-engage detection and response activities, and the state will return to Stage 3.

Stage 5: Demonstrating Freedom from H5 in U.S. Dairy Cattle
After all states move through Stage Four, APHIS will work with the states to begin periodic sampling and testing to illustrate long-term absence from the national herd.
As of this announcement, the following six states will be included in the first round of states brought into the program for testing: California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

As states begin testing under the NMTS and as they move through the five stages, their progress will be shared at USDA HPAI in Livestock Testing. While the majority of states will enter the NMTS at Stage 1, we anticipate states with ongoing testing may meet the testing requirements described above in Stages 2-4. USDA will work closely with states to determine each state’s status. While the majority of states will enter the NMTS at Stage 1, we anticipate states with ongoing testing may meet the testing requirements described above in Stages 2-4. USDA will work closely with states to determine each state’s status.

Webinars and Additional Information
USDA will co-host information sessions for all state animal health officials and state dairy regulators the week of Dec. 9 to learn more about the National Plant Silo Monitoring and sampling procedures. These sessions are scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 10 and Wednesday Dec. 11 to allow multiple opportunities for dairy regulators and industry stakeholders to participate.

APHIS has been working diligently to educate and inform key state and animal health partners about this Federal Order and National Milk Testing Strategy, as well as to establish written agreements with states to support how they can work with USDA under the new strategy.
APHIS has also sought and received input from state animal and public health partners about potential needs for the strategy and implementation across their various states, particularly for standardized sampling tools, outreach, and potential personnel and fiscal resources from USDA.

In the coming weeks, APHIS will include additional states in the NMTS. Throughout this process APHIS will continue to support and offer resources to states that develop bulk milk testing plans in a way that meets the needs of each state and the importance of the response. APHIS will work with each of the 48 contiguous states to participate in the program.

USDA’s Multifaceted Effort to Address H5N1
Since confirming the initial H5N1 infections in cattle in March 2024, USDA has taken significant steps to better understand and control the virus’s spread. This response was aided by APHIS’ more than 50 years of experience in research and managing influenzas across other animal species, and by long-standing partnerships with state animal health officials that allow for the swift establishment of all testing and response activities. APHIS and state partners have seen significant success in responding to detections identified through state-level testing programs, and the NMTS builds on these efforts and will better identify the prevalence of the virus and guide response steps nationwide.

USDA has provided all H5 livestock testing through the NAHLN laboratory network, free of charge, regardless of whether it was performed for pre-movement testing under the current Federal Order; through the Dairy Herd Status Program; under testing programs that some states have designed pursuant to their unique authorities; prior to intrastate movement to fairs, exhibitions, or sales as part of state testing programs; or for producers interested in learning the status of their livestock herds. As a result of this testing, USDA has received samples from each of the 48 contiguous states over the course of this outbreak, with all confirmed positive findings being reported through the APHIS website, and whole genome sequences of each detected virus uploaded to public databases.

USDA continues to stress to farmers nationwide that effective biosecurity practices are the best weapon against the spread of disease, and that all farms should review their current biosecurity measures and ensure best practices identified over the past eight months are incorporated, even if H5N1 has not been detected in their state or region.

USDA strongly encourages herd owners to participate in the already available producer support programs, which help to cover the cost such as biosecurity programming, PPE for employees, and veterinary care. Producers can find more information at Financial Assistance | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or at your nearest USDA Farm Service Agency county office.

USDA Research Related to H5N1 in Dairy Cattle
USDA has been working collaboratively with its federal partners at HHS to better understand the origin of the emergence of the virus and its potential impact in both bovines and humans. USDA has leveraged its laboratories, researchers, and regulatory agencies to address this issue and, in partnership with FDA, help ensure the safety of our nation’s food supply. This includes lab and personnel support for FDA-designed studies to test the safety of milk and dairy products and reaffirm the efficacy of pasteurization for the safety of products on retail shelves. USDA FSIS has also completed a series of studies on beef, which demonstrate that safely cooking beef inactivates the H5N1 virus, if present. USDA APHIS has also prepared and shared two separate epidemiological reports on the virus and its spread, which can inform biosecurity practices and next steps.
To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock.



United Soybean Board’s Investments Yield Impressive ROI, Drive Value Back to Farmers and the Broader Economy

In a challenging economic landscape of low commodity prices and tight margins, the United Soybean Board (USB) continues to deliver economic returns to U.S. soybean farmers through strategic investments. This remains critical to ensure farmers receive measurable value on-farm and through expanded market opportunities. A recent study confirms the soy checkoff’s positive return of at least 4.5-to-1* on investment across the categories of export market development, domestic demand-enhancing research, on-farm production research and soybean promotion.

Beyond growing export markets for food and feed, finding new industrial uses domestically, delivering value for animal agriculture, or disseminating production research to grow a more resilient soybean, the real takeaway from this study is economic value. The soy checkoff creates more jobs, supports higher labor income, increases tax revenue, and has a tremendous impact on U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

"We focus on maximizing the impact of every dollar invested by creating new revenue streams for farmers, building premium markets, and establishing partnerships here and abroad where farmers can see tangible returns,” said Philip Good, Mississippi farmer and United Soybean Board's Chair of the Audit & Evaluation Committee. “The soy checkoff is especially important during fluctuating commodity prices to protect our markets that still bring value back to the farm. Like most farmers, we’re feeling the pinch at home. But I’m confident that USB’s priority of strengthening markets and growing demand will help farmers navigate near-term financial challenges. These long-term investments will provide a more sustainable future for their operations."

The study by Dr. Harry M. Kaiser of Cornell University highlights USB and the QSSB’s return on investment in improving the demand for U.S. soybeans and increasing the efficiency of soybean production. It also provides perspective on the soy checkoff’s significant impact on U.S. employment and income. Cumulatively, soy checkoff-funded initiatives at the national and state level supported nearly 31,000 jobs, added $2.6 billion in labor income, contributed $5.9 billion in total value, and increased the U.S. GDP by $9.8 billion.

“USB’s programs add distinct value to the economy, from supporting job growth to providing tax revenue gains,” said Dr. Kaiser. “When it comes to ROI, I’m most encouraged by the staggering growth in domestic demand research as soybeans seem to have no limits when it comes to versatility and performance in new formulations across industrial uses as well as delivering value for animal agriculture. Exports play a crucial role for U.S. soybeans, with over half of the crop reaching 80+ global markets, underscoring their importance to the industry's growth and sustainability.”

These findings emphasize the soy checkoff’s continued success in driving economic benefits and ROI for farmers. Every dollar invested returned $12.30 in net revenue to the soybean industry. In addition to fostering new revenue streams on-farm, USB’s efforts in research and promotion create positive spillover effects. Whether it’s increased demand for soybean products, supporting more jobs in agriculture or opening up new export markets to support a prolific harvest, USB and QSSB investments of the half-million U.S. soybean farmers create a stronger foundation for your farm's future.

“Rest assured, your soy checkoff continues to invest in high-impact opportunities to support U.S. Soy. We’re funding research to fight pests and increase yields, improving waterways, rails and ports, supporting cost share for cover crop adoption, growing demand in emerging, expanding and mature markets abroad, identifying soy uses in petroleum replacement and furthering high oleic utilization across the country,” shared USB’s CEO Lucas Lentsch.