The results from a six-year research study conducted by The Cornucopia Institute, a non-profit watchdog group that focuses on farm policy research, have revealed that many facilities currently producing eggs with “organic” labels are doing so on an industrial scale, seemingly misrepresenting the “organic” production method to consumers while mirroring conventional-style practices. The study profiles management practices employed by organic … Read More
Final Avian Flu Quarantines Lifted in Minnesota
The last of the quarantines placed on 108 Minnesota farms infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) this year have officially been lifted by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. All sites have completed the cleaning and disinfection process for their facilities, and environmental samples taken in and around the infected barns have all received negative influenza test results. Only … Read More
Avian Influenza Discussion Planned for IPPE
This year, attendees of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), to be held in Atlanta from January 26 – 28, 2016, will have the opportunity to attend “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Lessons Learned,” a program on avian influenza sponsored by the United Egg Producers (UEP) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). The program will act as a … Read More
VT Chickens Help Hatch Evolutionary Discovery
The genetic lines of chickens raised at Virginia Tech University were a critical component in a remarkable research study which has proven that evolution happens 15 times faster than has been previously believed. The study was published recently in Biology Letters, a journal of Royal Society Publishing, and involved Virginia Tech researchers, as well as researchers from the University of … Read More
AHPharma & USDA Introduce High-intensity Egg Candler
AHPharma, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) have teamed up for the release of the new AviLighting Egg Candler, a high-intensity, cost-effective egg candler that has been specifically-designed to meet USDA regulations. The candler provides an effective, eco-friendly tool for identifying cracks, abnormal sacks and blood yolk spots, allowing producers numerous benefits, such as its ease of use and … Read More
Two New Books for Chicken and Bee Keepers
Quarto Publishing Group has announced the addition of two new books to help those who raise chickens or are beekeepers. Both books are recently off the press so they’re timely, current and good resources. The Chicken Keeper’s Problem Solver is written by longtime chicken keeper and poultry expert Chris Graham guides you through 100 common problems faced by chicken keepers. … Read More
Farm Bureau Asks Congress to Repeal COOL
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced support for efforts in Congress to repeal Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), which forces food distributors to label beef, chicken and pork products as to their country of origin. The request comes on the heels of a World Trade Organization ruling that grants Canada and Mexico the right to retaliate against the United States … Read More
Iowa Joins Growing List of States Banning Bird Exhibits
As the avian flu crisis continues throughout the poultry raising community, Iowa is the latest in a growing number of states to ban birds at fairs, livestock auctions, swap meets and exotic sales. The state joins several others, including North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and New York, to cancel all live bird exhibitions. This news release from the Iowa Department … Read More
Avian Flu Hits Keep Coming
Actual confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) now stand at 133 nationwide, impacting nearly 26 million birds in 13 states according to the latest update from USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Another 11 cases were added to the growing list on Wednesday, most in the hardest hit states of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, but also a … Read More
Iowa Finds Four More Probably HPAI Cases
The number of farms in Iowa with confirmed or probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) rose to 25 on Monday with another four announced. Three of the new cases are turkey farms and one is a 2.8 million bird laying operation. State officials have quarantined the premises and once the presence of the disease is confirmed, all birds … Read More