AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 01-16-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer dive into significant updates impacting agriculture:

• USDA's New Rule for Poultry Industry:
  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack sheds light on a newly finalized rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The discussion explores the revamped poultry tournament system aimed at fostering fairness, tackling payment variability, mandatory capital improvements, and enhancing transparency for growers.

• Bird Flu with Dr. Jim Keen:
  Dr. Jim Keen, veterinarian and Director of Veterinary Services at the Center for a Humane Economy, discusses the ongoing H5N1 outbreak. With its origins in China and global spread, this deadly virus persists despite the USDA's $2 billion effort and euthanization of 130 million birds. Dr. Keen examines potential policy shifts, illegal cockfighting's role in spreading the disease, and the looming risk of a human-transmissible strain.

• Almond Update – Focus on Pollinators:
  Josette Lewis of the Almond Board of California discusses pollinator health and sustainability. Topics include the benefits of blooming cover crops, support for native pollinators like monarch butterflies, and available grower programs such as Project Apis M's Seeds for Bees and Monarch Joint Venture.

Key Links & Resources:

• USDA Packers and Stockyards Act Updates: Learn More
• Center for a Humane Economy: Website
• Almond Board of California: Environmental Stewardship