Get the latest agriculture news in today’s AgNet News Hour.
In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer dive into these issues 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:
- Almond Board of California: Environmental Stewardship
- USDA Packers and Stockyards Act Updates: Learn More
- Center for a Humane Economy: Website
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Sabrina Halvorson
National Correspondent / AgNet Media, Inc.
Sabrina Halvorson is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker who specializes in agriculture. She primarily reports on legislative issues and hosts The AgNet News Hour. She was recently named the 2024 Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and serves as a Council Member on the World Agriculture Forum. Sabrina is a native of California’s agriculture-rich Central Valley and now divides her time between California and North Dakota.