Bird flu found in dairy herds in five states
Bird flu, which killed more than 82 million birds in U.S. domestic flocks in the past two years, has appeared in dairy herds in Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, and Texas, said federal officials. The outbreaks, affecting a relatively small number of cattle, are not expected to affect milk supply or prices at the grocery store.
EPA calls for lower-polluting buses and heavy trucks
Manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks and buses will be required to produce vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 60 percent by model year 2032 under a new EPA regulation. The agency said a variety of technologies can be used by truck makers to meet the tailpipe emissions target, from cleaner-burning internal combustion engines to hybrids, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Easter egg fight: Conservative outlets accused President Biden of banning religious symbols from an egg decorating contest that is part of the annual Easter Egg roll, although the rules have not changed in 45 years, including the Trump era. (NBC News)
Barriers to ag trade: U.S. food and ag exports face an array of trade barriers around the world, including in China, Mexico, the European Union, India, and Turkey, said U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai in an annual report. (USTR)
REAP grants: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $120 million in Rural Energy for America Program grants and loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 44 states. (USDA)
New China panel leader: House Speaker Mike Johnson appointed Michigan Rep. John Moolenaar to succeed Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher as chairman of the House select committee on China; Gallagher resigned effective April 19. (Johnson)
Senate opposes Paraguayan beef: On a 70-25 roll call, senators voted to overturn a USDA rule allowing import of beef from Paraguay and sent it to the House despite administration opposition. (Roll Call)
ON THE CALENDAR
Monday
April Fool’s Day, by tradition, is a day to celebrate “practical pleasantries,” pranks, and hoaxes. “Although the day, also called All Fools’ Day, has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery,” says History.com. One of the best hoaxes is the BBC spoof about the spaghetti harvest in Switzerland. Closer to home, there’s a story about rain ruining the North Carolina marshmallow crop.
White House holds the annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition since 1878, with “EGGucation” as this year’s theme.
USDA releases the first Crop Progress report of the year, 4 p.m. ET. The report will be issued weekly through Nov. 25.
Tuesday
The Consumer Federation of America holds the 47th annual National Food Policy Conference, through Wednesday, Washington.
Purdue University releases a monthly Ag Economy Barometer, a gauge of the agricultural economy’s health.
USDA releases Hatchery Production-Annual report, 3 p.m. ET.
Wednesday
FAPRI think tank at the University of Missouri holds annual Missouri Agriculture Outlook Conference, 9:30 a.m. ET, Columbia, Missouri.
Thursday
Farmdoc daily hosts webinar, “Managing risks with cover crops: A case study of the most profitable Illinois farms using cover crops,” noon ET.
Friday
Farm Journal holds 27th annual Top Producer Summit, through Sunday, Kansas City.
