Ag Briefs: Avian flu outbreak spreads to Cal-Maine egg operation
FARWELL, TX
Avian flu outbreak spreads to Cal-Maine egg operation
The nation’s largest egg producer, Cal-Maine Foods Inc., announced Tuesday that a large layer operation in Farwell, near the Texas-New Mexico border, accounts for 3.6% of the company’s production tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. As a result, 1.6 million hens and 337,000 pullets (young hens) were slaughtered, the Amarillo-Globe News reported.
Headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, Cal-Maine Foods is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the nation and said it sells most of its eggs in states across the Southwest, Southeast, Midwest and MidAtlantic.
BRATTLEBORO, VT
7 Wisconsin youth among Holstein Association USA Outstanding Junior Members
Seven Wisconsin youth are selected for Holstein Association USA's 2024 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Semifinalists and 2024 Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) Finalists.
State youth ages 17-20 competing for six finalist spots for the Distinguished Junior Member award, the highest achievement for National Junior Holstein Association members, are Courtney Glenna, Amery; Jacob Harbaugh, Marion; Samuel Mess, Rosendale; and Clarissa Ulness, Valders.
Eight finalists will also be recognized with Holstein Association USA’s Young Distinguished Junior Member award. The YDJM recognition honors youth ages 9 to 16. Wisconsin finalists are: Katie Brandel, Lake Mills; Ella Raatz, Colby; and Cameron Ryan, Fond du Lac.
WASHINGTON
Ag stakeholders met to discuss Francis Scott Key bridge collapse
Representatives from White House, USDA, and DOT met with food industry stakeholders to discuss how to mitigate current and future supply chain disruptions stemming from the suspension of vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge.
Officials underscored the federal government’s continued close monitoring of impacts on local, regional, and national supply chains, particularly given the Port’s importance to agricultural commodities and machinery.
PERRY, IA
Tyson plant closure to cost nearly 1,400 jobs
People in Perry, Iowa are reeling from another hit to employment. A notice on Iowa’s WARN website says the company Packers Sanitation Services Incorporated, or PSSI, will layoff 76 employees by the end of June. PSSI provides learning services to the Tyson food plant, Perry's largest employer, KCRG reported.
This latest layoff comes on the heels of the announcement that Tyson will close its pork planting plant amid financial struggles for the pork industry, leaving nearly 1,300 workers out of a job.
WASHINGTON
US House OKs Johnson’s bill to lessen China’s control of supply chains
The U.S. House voted 393-24 Thursday to approve South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson’s bill targeting China’s control of international supply chains. The bill would allow the Federal Maritime Commission to investigate foreign shipping business practices and allow for data standardization in supply chains, South Dakota Searchlight reported.
It also cracks down on LOGINK, a logistics management platform operated by China, by banning its use in the U.S. by port operators and marine terminals that use federal grant money, according to news outlet Freight Waves.
ST. LOUIS, MO
CoverCress Inc. among America’s Top GreenTech Companies
CoverCress Inc., a leader in climate-smart seed technology, has been recognized as one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies by TIME magazine. In collaboration with Statista, TIME magazine evaluated and ranked 250 companies based on their environmental impact, financial health, and innovation. CoverCress Inc. secured the 34th position overall and ranked 5th among agtech companies.
Mike DeCamp, CEO of CoverCress Inc., expressed his gratitude for this recognition and stated, “This milestone reflects our commitment to sustainability and the potential of our CoverCress® crop to redefine agricultural practices.”
CoverCress is a new crop stands out for its low carbon intensity score and its ecosystem benefits derived from cultivation during winter months, a period traditionally marked by land idleness. The versatile crop can also be processed into renewable fuel and animal feed.
MADISON, WI
Nominations open for WFBF’s Heroes of Hope campaign
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Wisconsin Farm Bureau is recognizing rural neighbors through its Heroes of Hope campaign.
Heroes of Hope aims to identify five individuals who have helped bring hope to farmers or businesses, either in large or small ways. Members of the agricultural community are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made an impact on the way they conduct business, both ordinarily and extraordinarily.
Nominations are now open through May 20 and winners will be announced May 31. To submit a nomination visit wfbf.com/farm-neighbors-care-campaign/heroes-of-hope/.