HPAI? Wisconsin Has A Unique System In Place

Executive Director Julie Sweney met with Farm Broadcaster Stephanie Hoff to discuss WLIC’s role in disease traceability for the state of Wisconsin. Listen to the interview by clicking the button below.

O’Rourke:

Know Before You Show

As families start preparing for spring cattle exhibitions and county fair projects, there are some things to know before you show.

Extension Livestock Specialist Bernie O’Rourke wears a few hats during fair season. With Extension, she works with families involved in youth animal projects. At home, she’s a sheep producer and a mom to avid showmen.

She walks us through a few reminders ahead of the fair season from proper identification to meeting auction requirements:

O’Rourke says no matter the species you bring into the ring, having a relationship with a veterinarian is a must. The VCPR – Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship – is critical and required. It means the vet has checked over the farm, especially if you’re raising animals for the first time, and giving advice for preventing any health issues.

If you need a vet prescription, they won’t write one unless they know you. Swine projects require Certificates of Veterinary Inspection or CVIs. 

Guidance from a veterinarian also teaches you new skills. O’Rourke’s son had learned how to do a C-section with the vet when their ewe had trouble lambing.

Farmers, Backyard Poultry Owners Must Tighten and Heighten Biosecurity Measures

As highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to impact poultry and dairy cattle across the U.S., Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Dr. Tim Boring is strongly urging producers to tighten up all biosecurity measures to reduce the risks that could introduce the disease and cause it to spread, which is critical to protecting animal health.

In addition, MDARD is also asking any company, business, or organization traveling to multiple farms each day as part of their work to make sure they are implementing biosecurity measures to protect Michigan farms.

“This is a virus that can easily be moved unknowingly on everything from farm equipment to shoes to delivery or service vehicles – and the list goes on,” said Boring. “Our farmers and those who deliver services to farm operations must act now to heighten and tighten biosecurity measures to contain the spread of HPAI in Michigan. As wild birds continue their spring migration, it’s going to take a team effort to protect the health of our domestic animals.”

Port of Baltimore Moves 0.3% of US Ag Exports, 2.1% Imports

On March 26, a container ship rammed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge resulting in the structure’s collapse and the tragic loss of six construction workers. Aside from the everlasting impacts to the families that lost loved ones, the destroyed bridge has physically cut off key coal, container and automobile terminals at the Port of Baltimore from the outside world.

In 2021, the port’s terminals processed over 37 million short tons of combined import and export product. This ranks the Port of Baltimore 17th in terms of cargo throughput in the United States. According to the government of Maryland, the port generates over $3.3 billion in personal income, 15,330 direct jobs and 139,190 related jobs.

As the wreckage of the bridge continues to prevent the movement of ships to and from port terminals, negative economic impacts compound. This article provides an overview of the potential implication of the blockage on agriculture.

Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association

WLIC | Toll-Free: 88Like8-808-1910 | Fax: 608-848-4702 | jlegge@wiid.org | www.wiid.org