Latest News From Ag Policy

APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations
APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’
Pork and Beef Industries Advocate for Clear Labels for ‘Fake Meat’

A new act aims to boost transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers know what they are buying. Here's what you need to know.

 House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 
House Passes Bill to Preserve Veterinary Use of Xylazine 

 The House of Representatives passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act on Tuesday. It will help fight illicit use of the product in humans while preserving access to the drug for animals.

Veterinarian
Need A Veterinarian In Your Area? Then Support This Legislation Now

Less than 5% of new grads choose rural food animal practice. That needs to change to protect the U.S. food supply and public health. Contacting legislators is one way farmers and ranchers can weigh in and help.

John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners
John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners

John Phipps says there are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S. He thinks it's a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.

New Jersey Law To Impact Housing and Care of Veal Calves, Breeding Pigs
New Jersey Law To Impact Housing and Care of Veal Calves, Breeding Pigs

The state must "adopt rules and regulations concerning the confinement, care and treatment of breeding pigs and calves raised for veal," according to legislation signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Wednesday.

Cattlemen Praise Congressional Resolution Supporting Beef Checkoff
Cattlemen Praise Congressional Resolution Supporting Beef Checkoff

Cattle industry leaders on Thursday (July 13) praised the introduction of a bipartisan congressional resolution recognizing the importance of commodity checkoff programs, including the Beef Checkoff.

Op-Ed: How Fringe Animal Groups Threaten Food Production
Op-Ed: How Fringe Animal Groups Threaten Food Production

The anti-farmer movement now underway by fringe extremist groups is not pro-animal. It is extremism promoting regressive policies that will chip away at America's historically stable -- and affordable -- food supply.

USDA Launches Effort to Strengthen Validity of Animal-Raising Claims
USDA Launches Effort to Strengthen Validity of Animal-Raising Claims

USDA announced on June 14 that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims.

Canada Warns on 'Product of USA' Regulation
Canada Warns on 'Product of USA' Regulation

Currently, foreign meat that is processed in U.S. plants can be labeled “Product of USA.”  Arun Alexander, Canada’s deputy ambassador, isn't convinced this is a good practice.

USDA Awards $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health
USDA Awards $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is awarding $2.29 million through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network Farm Bill program to advance APHIS’ animal health preparedness.

FDA Looks to Consolidate its Food Policy and Regulation Divisions
FDA Looks to Consolidate its Food Policy and Regulation Divisions

The revamped foods program would absorb the functions of Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Office of Food Policy and Response, as well as some of the work of the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

Iowa Governor Announces Funding for ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Iowa Governor Announces Funding for ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced $40 million in funding to help complete Phase 2 of Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Here's why it matters to all of animal agriculture.

DVM Named Undersecretary For Food Safety 
DVM Named Undersecretary For Food Safety 

The U.S. Senate confirmed Jose Emilio Esteban, a veterinarian, as undersecretary for food safety with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in December.

BT_Beef_COOL_Label
Groups Seek Reintroduction of American Beef Labeling Act

Fifty groups and organizations recently sent a letter to Congress members encouraging reintroduction of the American Beef Labeling Act in 2023.

Kevin McCarthy Finally Won the House Speaker Gavel, Now What?
Kevin McCarthy Finally Won the House Speaker Gavel, Now What?

After four days and 15 rounds of voting, McCarthy’s wait to become Speaker of the House has ended. During his first year as Speaker, he will need to raise the debt limit and fund the government.

Senators Propose Eliminating Tax Liability for IRA Assistance for Distressed Farmers
Senators Propose Eliminating Tax Liability for IRA Assistance for Distressed Farmers

The Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act would remove the tax liability for distressed farmers for the assistance provided in Sections 22006 and 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

DOT Denies Hours of Service Exemption for Livestock:  Puts Burden on Cattle Producers
DOT Denies Hours of Service Exemption for Livestock: Puts Burden on Cattle Producers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has denied an exemption for Hours-of-Service rules for truckers transporting livestock, insects and aquatic animals.

Want To End Hunger? Animal Protein May Be the Answer
Want To End Hunger? Animal Protein May Be the Answer

The White House announced several steps to increase access of fruits and vegetables as a food source, but some say animal protein is also an answer to the need for healthy and nutritious food for all Americans.  

Cattlemen Raise Concerns with Executive Order on Biotechnology
Cattlemen Raise Concerns with Executive Order on Biotechnology

Last week the White House announced an Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy.

John Phipps: Are Tariffs Part Of The Problem With Inflation?
John Phipps: Are Tariffs Part Of The Problem With Inflation?

Do tariffs fuel inflation? John Phipps's Customer Support segment explains why economists have struggled to come up with estimates of economic effects due to lingering COVID influence on world business.

Groups Urge EPA To Target CAFOs
Groups Urge EPA To Target CAFOs

Environmental and advocacy groups are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use its authority to conduct more oversight of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO).

The ‘Beagle Brigade’ Receives Industry-Wide Support in Protection of U.S. Agriculture
The ‘Beagle Brigade’ Receives Industry-Wide Support in Protection of U.S. Agriculture

Canines serve as a valuable asset in protecting the U.S. agriculture industry, helping detect foreign animal diseases and other invasive species and pests from entering the border.

John Phipps: Why Can't the U.S. Figure Out a Way to Move Water From the Great Lakes to the West?
John Phipps: Why Can't the U.S. Figure Out a Way to Move Water From the Great Lakes to the West?

As the Western U.S. faces a megadrought, why can't the U.S. move water around the country like it's done with energy? John Phipps explores the physical and political hurdles potential water infrastructure would face.

elevator-railroad-tracks-sign
Could Rail Workers Now Strike Starting Monday As Concerns Of a Feed Shortage Continue In the West?

As labor negotiations continue between the railroads and unions, laborers voted to go on strike Monday unless President Biden intervenes. A potential strike would put additional strain on the fragile U.S. rail system.

John Phipps: Questionable Environmental Decisions On Nuclear Power Now Creates New Geopolitical Threat
John Phipps: Questionable Environmental Decisions On Nuclear Power Now Creates New Geopolitical Threat

As countries close down operating nuclear power plants, John Phipps says it's clear the decision to overstate the minuscule risks- and assume greener power sources would be there to replace them -was wildly inaccurate.

Diesel Prices Jump 37% in 10 Weeks, Gas Prices Projected to Hit $6.20 by August
Diesel Prices Jump 37% in 10 Weeks, Gas Prices Projected to Hit $6.20 by August

The White House is considering waiving U.S. gasoline environmental rules aimed at reducing summertime smog, hoping the waiver will combat rising pump prices, Reuters reported.

Industry Needs Action, Despite ‘No Nothing Burger’ Hearings
Industry Needs Action, Despite ‘No Nothing Burger’ Hearings

Despite a “no nothing burger” Cattle Market Price Discovery and Transparency Act hearing, NCBA’s Don Schiefelbein joins “AgriTalk” to highlight his thoughts on where the industry needs to see action.

What You Need To Know About USDA Announcing Payments To Livestock Producers Hammered By Drought, Soaring Feed Costs
What You Need To Know About USDA Announcing Payments To Livestock Producers Hammered By Drought, Soaring Feed Costs

USDA says the launch of the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) will address increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021. Phase 1 of the payments is expected to total $577 million.

President Biden likely to address War, Food and Fuel Costs, Ocean Shipping Reform
President Biden likely to address War, Food and Fuel Costs, Ocean Shipping Reform

Expect Russia's invasion of Ukraine to dominate the State of the Union address tonight. As for issues affecting agriculture, there may be few details offered, says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Biden Administration Will Outline Steps to Boost Competition in the Meat Sector in Monday Announcement
Biden Administration Will Outline Steps to Boost Competition in the Meat Sector in Monday Announcement

The Biden Administration will announce "Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain" Monday. The White House says it will help boost competition and reduce prices.

APHIS Awards $16.3 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health
APHIS Awards $16.3 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is awarding more than $16.3 million to 64 projects with states, universities and other partners to strengthen programs to protect animal health.

USDA Announces $700 Million in Grants to Help Ag Workers Impacted by COVID-19
USDA Announces $700 Million in Grants to Help Ag Workers Impacted by COVID-19

USDA Secretary Vilsack announced that $700 million in competitive grant funding will be available through the new Farm and Food Workers Relief grant program to help farm and food workers with pandemic costs. 

Hear It Here First: Vilsack Shares Details on Important ‘First Step’ for Infrastructure Bill
Hear It Here First: Vilsack Shares Details on Important ‘First Step’ for Infrastructure Bill

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack joined AgriTalk host Chip Flory on Tuesday to celebrate what he described as an important first step in the process of improving infrastructure in rural America and across the country.

Feds Issue New Rules for Importing Dogs from ASF-Positive Countries
Feds Issue New Rules for Importing Dogs from ASF-Positive Countries

The number of dogs being imported into the U.S. for resale from countries affected by ASF is growing. Combine that with an increasing risk of foreign animal disease spread, and it’s a formula for potential disaster.

Vilsack to Make Major Announcement in Nebraska, Speculation it Covers Anti-Competitive Practices in Agriculture
Vilsack to Make Major Announcement in Nebraska, Speculation it Covers Anti-Competitive Practices in Agriculture

USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack is scheduled to travel to Nebraska Friday for what the agency is calling a "major announcement." It could include details of the Biden Administration's plan to create more competition within ag.

'We've Struck a Deal': Biden Announces Agreement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Spending Plan
'We've Struck a Deal': Biden Announces Agreement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Spending Plan

After months of negotiations, President Biden and announced Thursday a deal was reached on an infrastructure spending plan. The news came after a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators Thursday.

USDA Hands Responsibility of RFID Traceability Efforts to APHIS
USDA Hands Responsibility of RFID Traceability Efforts to APHIS

The agency announced it will not finalize a plan introduced by the Trump Administration, instead handing control of rulemaking to its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The view of the Nations Capitol as the Democrats and Republicans continue moving forward on the agreement of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) aid package in Washington, D.C., U.S. December 21, 2020. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
Covid Aid Bill Provides Ag Funding for Sectors Left Out of CFAP

The coronavirus aid package approved by Congress overnight Monday provides $13 billion in ag funding, much of it destined for sectors left out of previous aid packages.

Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh
K-State Mourns Loss of Esteemed Agricultural Economics Professor

The charismatic Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh was well known as a leading expert on agricultural policy and agricultural economics. For more than four decades he was a top adviser to politicians of both major political parties.

Signal to Noise: Was USDA Slow to Act?
Signal to Noise: Was USDA Slow to Act?

In this week's DC Signal to Noise Podcast, Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesmeyer takes USDA to task for a slow response to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly when it comes to meat packing plants.

Trump Administration to Unveil $15.5 Bln Coronavirus Farm Aid
Trump Administration to Unveil $15.5 Bln Coronavirus Farm Aid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spend up to $15.5 billion in the initial phase of its plan to bolster the nation's food supply chain against the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

2020 Election
US--Election 2020-Rural Democrats

2020 Democrats try to make inroads in rural America 2020 Democrats try to mak

Democrat's Green New Deal Wants to Eliminate "Farting Cows"
Democrat's Green New Deal Wants to Eliminate "Farting Cows"

The Green New Deal is sending mixed messages to agriculture as it seeks to work with farmers and ranchers, but also mentions getting rid of “farting cows.”

FDA Approves First Animal Drug for Reduction of Manure Gas Emissions

A first-ever drug for reduction of ammonia gas in livestock has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use after being developed by Elanco.

A first-ever drug for reduction of ammonia gas in livestock has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use after being developed by Elanco.
FDA Approves First Animal Drug for Reduction of Manure Gas Emissions

A first-ever drug for reduction of ammonia gas in livestock has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use after being developed by Elanco.