AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-13-25

In today’s episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer cover a diverse range of agricultural topics impacting farmers, producers, and public health.

Key Highlights:

• Bird Flu and Illegal Cockfighting Rings: Sabrina and Lorrie discuss the alarming spread of bird flu through illegal cockfighting activities. They explore the risks posed by inadequate biosecurity measures and the broader implications for small flocks, backyard poultry owners, and the agricultural industry. The hosts also examine how this outbreak has driven up egg prices and draw parallels to personal health precautions observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Interview with Ashley Johnson (National Pork Producers Council): Lorrie speaks with Ashley Johnson about managing antibiotic use in swine production. Topics include:
  • The removal of a proposed 30% reduction in antimicrobial use from the UN General Assembly declaration due to its lack of scientific merit.
  • The importance of responsible antimicrobial use to ensure animal health and welfare.
  • Concerns about proposed reductions in red meat consumption in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and their potential impact on vulnerable populations.
• Spotlight on Regev Fungicide: Sabrina interviews Dr. Eric Tedford of Summit Agro USA about Regev, a newly approved hybrid fungicide combining tea tree oil and synthetic chemistry. Tedford explains its benefits for California growers, including:
  • Broad-spectrum disease control.
  • Resistance management properties.
  • Its versatility across a range of crops and diseases.
    Tedford also shares insights into the historical and medicinal uses of tea tree oil and its innovative application in plant disease management.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• National Pork Producers Council: Website
• Summit Agro USA – Regev Fungicide Information: Website

Tune in for expert insights and stay informed on the latest developments in agriculture.