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H5N1 Avian Flu Detected in South Dakota Birds, Raising Outbreak Total to 8.1 Million

H5N1 Avian Flu Detected in South Dakota Birds, Raising Outbreak Total to 8.1 Million

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, H5N1, has re-emerged in South Dakota, affecting 77,700 birds across two flocks this month. Specifically, a commercial meat turkey flock of 74,900 birds in Beadle County was struck on August 12, followed by a backyard flock of 2,800 birds in Brule County on August 20. This brings South Dakota's total bird count affected by the H5N1 outbreak to 8.1 million since the national outbreak began in 2022, spanning 144 commercial and 31 backyard flocks. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tracks these detections nationwide. Standard practice dictates euthanizing entire affected flocks to prevent further spread. Federal officials also confirmed the virus in two Idaho backyard flocks of 10 and 50 birds on the same day. The South Dakota Department of Health issued an alert on August 21 for potential human infections, advising healthcare providers to inquire about contact with sick or dead animals in patients presenting ...
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USDA's Harvest to Hallways Initiative Adds Up to $25 Million for Farm-to-School Grants

USDA's Harvest to Hallways Initiative Adds Up to $25 Million for Farm-to-School Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled its Harvest to Hallways Initiative, a program designed to improve the nutritional quality of school meals across the nation. A key component of this initiative is the allocation of up to $25 million in new Patrick Leahy Farm to School grants for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants aim to facilitate the integration of locally produced foods into child nutrition programs, simultaneously creating new market opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. The initiative also includes a push for greater state adoption of the Pledge for Healthier School Meals, which encourages updated nutrition practices aligned with the dietary guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. An example of previous success cited is the Pennsylvania Beef Council's collaboration with 175 local schools, providing locally raised beef to nearly 300,000 students.
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USDA Agricultural Research Service Offers Postdoctoral Fellowship in Poultry Meat Quality

USDA Agricultural Research Service Offers Postdoctoral Fellowship in Poultry Meat Quality

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in Poultry Meat Quality at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia. This research opportunity, under the guidance of a mentor, focuses on understanding the biological factors that influence poultry meat quality and the development of breast muscle myopathies in broiler chickens. The program aims to investigate underlying biological mechanisms and develop strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of these myopathies. Participants will receive training in various scientific disciplines including animal and poultry science, molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, food science, poultry nutrition, and poultry processing. The fellowship involves participation in all phases of research, from experimental design and conducting trials to data analysis and reporting results. The ARS is the USDA's chief scientific in-house research agency, dedicated to finding solutions to ...
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CHS and OCP North America Partner to Build First U.S. Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Over 40 Years

CHS and OCP North America Partner to Build First U.S. Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Over 40 Years

CHS and OCP North America Partner to Build First U.S. Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Over 40 Years
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Peanut Butter Jelly Chia Pudding Offers Nostalgic Flavor with High-Protein Twist

Peanut Butter Jelly Chia Pudding Offers Nostalgic Flavor with High-Protein Twist

Peanut Butter Jelly Chia Pudding Offers Nostalgic Flavor with High-Protein Twist
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USDA Implements Enhanced Surveillance and Authorizes New Treatments for New World Screwworm Amidst Border Reopening

USDA Implements Enhanced Surveillance and Authorizes New Treatments for New World Screwworm Amidst Border Reopening

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has intensified its efforts to combat the New World screwworm following the confirmation of nine new cases in Sonora, Mexico. This development coincides with the reopening of the Douglas port of entry to cattle trade, which had been closed for 14 months. To safeguard American agriculture, the USDA has implemented enhanced surveillance measures, rapid diagnostic capabilities, and layered inspections at border crossings. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for several new animal products. These include Elanco's CLiK Extra wound spray and Zoetis' SimparicaTrio for prevention and treatment, and Elanco's Credelio Quattro, which received the first FDA conditional approval for New World screwworm treatment in dogs. These additions build upon earlier authorizations for Elanco's Negasunt Powder and Tanidil, and Bimeda's Bimectin. The reopening of cattle crossings at Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, So...
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Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Strategies Offered for Time-Conscious Individuals

Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Strategies Offered for Time-Conscious Individuals

Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Strategies Offered for Time-Conscious Individuals
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CHS and OCP North America Propose $450 Million U.S. Fertilizer Plant in Louisiana to Boost Domestic Supply

CHS and OCP North America Propose $450 Million U.S. Fertilizer Plant in Louisiana to Boost Domestic Supply

CHS and OCP North America Propose $450 Million U.S. Fertilizer Plant in Louisiana to Boost Domestic Supply
Arizona Republic Arizona Republic
Mexico detects 9 screwworm cases in cattle as Arizona imports resume

Mexico detects 9 screwworm cases in cattle as Arizona imports resume

Mexico has confirmed nine cases of cattle infected by the flesh-eating New World screwworm, the same week cattle exports resumed in Arizona.
USA Today USA Today
Trump vows to break meat processing 'monopoly' after push from Glenn Beck

Trump vows to break meat processing 'monopoly' after push from Glenn Beck

Facing a backlash from ranchers, Trump said he will take action to allow them to process their own meat ‒ a proposal pushed by Glenn Beck.
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CHS Inc. and OCP North America Propose Joint Venture to Boost U.S. Fertilizer Production

CHS Inc. and OCP North America Propose Joint Venture to Boost U.S. Fertilizer Production

CHS Inc. and OCP North America Propose Joint Venture to Boost U.S. Fertilizer Production
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USDA Organic Certification Sets Standards for Food Production, Prohibiting Synthetic Inputs

USDA Organic Certification Sets Standards for Food Production, Prohibiting Synthetic Inputs

Organic practices and products in the U.S. adhere to standards established by the USDA, which strictly prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and sewage sludge. This certification provides a credible baseline for how food is grown and processed, focusing on natural methods and environmental stewardship. While the USDA Organic certification ensures that these prohibited substances are not used in the production process, it does not include routine residue testing on every product to guarantee it is entirely pesticide-free. This distinction is important for consumers who prioritize minimizing chemical exposure in their food choices. The organic label signifies a commitment to specific farming and production methods rather than a guarantee of zero pesticide presence due to potential environmental drift or other factors.