First case of ‘high path’ bird flu west of the Mississippi
The lethal poultry disease highly pathogenic avian influenza has been identified in a backyard flock in Iowa, the No. 1 egg-producing state, said the Agriculture Department on Wednesday. It was the first case of “high path” bird flu west of the Mississippi River and the 17th found in domestic flocks this year.
Economist: To counter Ukraine crisis, allow crops on CRP land
If the Biden administration wants to boost U.S. grain production in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it should open the 22-million-acre Conservation Reserve for crop production this year, said a University of Illinois economist on Wednesday. Grain prices have soared on the possibility of Ukraine and Russia, major exporters of wheat and corn, being knocked out of the world market for months.
Today’s Quick Hits
GMO lawsuit settlement: In the largest campaign finance penalty ever assessed, the Consumer Brands Association will pay $9 million for intentionally violating Washington State campaign finance laws in fighting a referendum to label GMO foods, said Attorney General Bob Ferguson. (Washington AG)
California’s relentless drought: After a dry start to 2022, the statewide snowpack is just 63 percent of normal for this time of year, and water officials “are sounding the alarm for a third year of severe drought” in California. (Los Angeles Times)
Sage-grouse farms: Wyoming legislators are clearing the way for more sage-grouse game farms in the state, intensifying a debate over how to maintain the species’ declining population. (High Country News)
Reduce antibiotic pollution: The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance called on countries to reduce the amount of antibiotic waste entering the environment as a way to prevent the development of bacteria resistant to the medicines. (FAO)
Moffitt in Vermont: On Thursday, agriculture undersecretary Jenny Moffitt and Vermont agriculture secretary Anson Tebbetts will meet dairy farmers and visit a goat dairy and a syrup producer in central Vermont while discussing local and regional food production. (Ag Insider)
