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$500K project to address suicide in ag

August 27, 2021

Washington’s agriculture department will team with Department of Health, WSU. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has received a $500,000 grant to work in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Washington State University Extension (WSU) on a project addressing stress and suicide prevention in the agriculture community. “Farming and ranching are challenging […]

Does your cow worry about flies? Yes

May 17, 2021

Here is a refresher on identifying and treating horn and face flies in beef herds. By: Mindy Ward If your cattle are stomping, grouping up, twitching tails or licking their backs trying to rid themselves of flies, it is a sign of anxiety. The behavior is actually a syndrome pegged by veterinarians as “fly worry.” […]

Farmers need education, seat at table in climate discussion

February 26, 2021

House Ag Committee begins deeper conversation of role farmers play in mitigating climate change. By: Jacqui Fatka “The question isn’t whether or not climate change is real. The question is not whether or not to reduce emissions. The question is how to best approach it,” House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson shared during […]

Set course for effective spring weed control

February 19, 2021

Looking back on 2020 is the first step for clean crops in 2021. By: Willie Vogt For the last few years, farmers have found that the “easy button” on weed control has been disconnected. The success of a postemergence program that got every weed doesn’t work that way anymore. This drives a growing need to […]

USDA staff to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines

February 19, 2021

APHIS deploys 119 employees in Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington state and Oregon to assist in vaccinations. By: Jacqui Fatka The USDA announced plans to deploy qualified personnel across several states to assist in the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. In a notice to stakeholders, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Acting Administrator Mike Watson says APHIS has […]

Cutting cattle methane emissions through feed studied

February 12, 2021

In a large-scale trial, Royal DSM saw emissions fall by as much as 80%. By: Willie Vogt When discussing greenhouse gases, a critical measure is methane. The gas has greater impact than carbon dioxide on climate science, and often livestock are considered the key culprit. A Dutch company may have found the answer for cattle […]

Antimicrobial stewardship: Vital element of livestock operations

February 12, 2021

Antimicrobial stewardship can help maximize disease-prevention and ensure proper use of antimicrobials. By: Donald Stotts Every livestock producer’s to-do list for February should include an in-depth review of his or her operation’s antimicrobial stewardship program, according to Oklahoma State University Extension recommendations. Since the introduction of antimicrobials in the 1940s, illness and deaths in both […]

Agriculture Makes Gains in Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions

February 12, 2021

New analysis of EPA data highlights agricultural emissions reductions and the importance of developing new research and technologies to capture more carbon in cropland and pastureland. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Market Intel also reviews trends in U.S. carbon sequestration as climate-smart farming practices increase. The report reveals that U.S. carbon sinks offset 12% of U.S. […]

Food Safety Tips for the Holidays

December 23, 2020

Feasting with family is part of many holiday celebrations. Follow these simple tips to help prevent food poisoning, or foodborne illness, during the holidays. Cook food thoroughly. Meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs can carry germs that cause food poisoning. Use a food thermometer to ensure these foods have been cooked to a safe internal […]

USDA Shares Easy At-Home Advice for Handling Food Safely this Thanksgiving

November 26, 2020

This week, Americans will enjoy a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends – either in person or virtually. Taking the necessary steps toward safe food handling and sanitation will help protect you and your loved ones this year. To make sure your Thanksgiving meal is prepared safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture […]