FMD

Organizations that use government funds to promote U.S. commodity purchases in foreign countries could face some funding challenges in the near future.  The Hagstrom Report says that will likely happen if Congress doesn’t pass a farm bill by September 30th.   “In th...

To help producers negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs from China, the USDA has rolled out $200 million to help boost exports through the Agriculture Trade Program.  Greg Hanes, U.S. Meat Export Federation vice president for international marketing, said this will help make consumers on the international stage more aware of the products offered by the United States.  ...

With the Senate and House poised to negotiate a 2018 Farm Bill, many ag groups are hopeful to have certainty in the coming month.  Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers says they want lawmakers to work out a bipartisan Farm Bill that can be approved by both parties before the current Farm Bill expires in late September.  ...

The Senate farm bill released last week includes language establishing a vaccine bank to deal with an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, a priority for livestock groups. The House version of the bill includes FMD language, as well. National Pork Producers Council President Jim Heimerl called the language “encouraging,” adding that: “With a vaccine bank, we’ll finally be able to adequately prepare

You may not know this about the virus known as "Foot and Mouth Disease". There are 24 different strains that can possibly infect cattle and sheep, goats and swine," said USDA Chief Veterinarian Jack Shere.   In fact, the live FMD virus was only allowed in the U-S at the Agriculture Department's Plum Island Animal Disease Center, where it was studied and worked with to develop possib

A new study suggests the United States may be falling behind its competitors, especially the European Union when it comes to promoting agricultural products, especially internationally.  Greg Hanes with the USMEF said they use two government programs when it comes to product promotion; Market Assess Program, which makes available $200 million per year, and the Foreign Market Development Program, w

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking vaccine manufacturers that can supply needed Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines if an outbreak of FMD should occur.   USDA published a “sources sought” notice this week, meaning the federal agency is seeking out potential suppliers who can supply the types of FMD vaccine we need, in the amounts we need, in the timeframe we need, according t