± Negative Test = Positive Results for Cattle Industry

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NEWS

± Negative Test = Positive Results

± Negative Test = Positive Results - The outbreak of HPAI H5N1 in dairy cattle has caused cattle prices to fluctuate, reacting to both negative and positive news. Initially, USDA's announcement of ground beef testing led to a sharp drop in prices, but subsequent results showing all samples negative caused prices to rise. Ongoing safety studies, including testing of condemned dairy cows and a ground beef cooking study, aim to provide further clarity. Market volatility remains a concern for cattle producers, with potential implications beyond the H5N1 outbreak.

🍔 No Fake Meat in Florida - Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida's SB 1084 into law on May 1, making it the first U.S. state to ban lab-grown meat. The legislation prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of cultivated meat within Florida, with DeSantis emphasizing support for traditional agriculture during a press conference in Hardee County, a major cattle-producing area. The move reflects ongoing debates about cultivated meat, with Italy recently joining the U.S. and Singapore in banning its sales.

🧬 Genomic Alterations - The FDA is advancing its regulatory process for intentional genomic alterations (IGAs) in animals, aiming to modernize evaluation approaches and foster innovation. Updated guidance clarifies the agency's stance and establishes a memorandum of understanding with the USDA to define regulatory roles. IGAs hold promise for various applications in human and animal health. The FDA released two key documents to inform stakeholders about regulatory requirements and the approval process for IGAs, aligning with the Animal and Veterinary Innovation Agenda. Public comments on the draft guidance document are welcomed until July 31.

🐄 Cull Cow, Cash Cow - This year's beef shortage has driven cull cow prices to record highs, prompting strategies for maximizing their value. Patrick Linnell of CattleFax advises capitalizing on peak culling seasons in May, June, and July. Adding weight to cows and improving body condition scores can significantly increase their value, with potential to elevate quality grades. Exploring alternative markets, like direct sales to consumers or selling to other producers, offers additional profit opportunities beyond traditional avenues.

🩺 Preg Testing and Tick Checking- Dr. McMillan discusses advancements in cattle pregnancy testing, from manual methods to modern techniques like ultrasound and biochemical tests, highlighting their respective benefits and considerations. Additionally, he addresses concerns about the Asian longhorned tick (ALT), emphasizing the need for thorough examinations and control measures to mitigate its impact on livestock health.

🧪 FerAppease and Finishing - A Texas A&M University study examined the effects of FerAppease on finishing cattle carcasses. FerAppease, an analogue of Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (MBAS), lowered plasma cortisol levels at slaughter and improved carcass dressing percentage. Administered via self-treatment devices, FerAppease demonstrates potential in stress reduction and enhancing animal welfare pre-slaughter, offering promising benefits for the industry.

🐮 More Avian Adversities - USDA confirms highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds across multiple states, prompting a Federal Order effective April 29 for pre-movement testing of lactating cows. Mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle is mandated, with reimbursement for testing provided. H5N1 symptoms in livestock include decreased milk production and abnormal feces, with transmission traced to wild birds and equipment. The risk to the public remains low, and pasteurization ensures safety in the commercial milk supply. Ongoing studies are investigating the potential transmission of H5N1 through unpasteurized milk and products.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Summer Weather Forecast 2024

The Farmers' Almanac predicts an early and scorching summer for much of North America, with humid and thundery conditions expected in many regions. The East Coast and Midwest should prepare for frequent thunderstorms and soaking showers, while Texas will face sizzling temperatures. The Northwest will see more typical summer weather, while the Southwest and Pacific Northwest can anticipate hot and dry conditions, though not as extreme.

More Than Just Fly Control

Central Life Sciences provides solutions beyond fly control for managing pests in agricultural operations. They offer products like ClariFly® Larvicide and Altosid® IGR to combat flies, Cyanarox® Insecticidal Bait and Exhalt™ WDG Insect Growth Regulator for cockroaches, and Extinguish® Plus for fire ants. Additionally, they offer solutions for tick and lice control. These products help maintain animal health, comfort, and profitability on farms.

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CATTLE COMMUNITY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS

Support It

• “We like the electronic ear tags, they make it easy to record an animal directly into out cattle management tracking system.”

• “We have been using EID tags for 20 years. They are a convenient tool for cattle ID.”

Oppose It

• “I vehemently oppose any government regulations that increase the cost of doing business. Producing beef is a very low net income business and this is making it worse.”

• “This will only hurt the small producer.”

Unsure

• “The potential burden of costs to producers would be a concern. Also, a lot of small producers don't have facilities to tag cattle on their home farms.”

• “I don't like requirements by the government but I would like to see accountability and financial incentive to do it.”

GIVE FEEDBACK & WIN!