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April Freeze Devastates Colorado North Fork Valley Orchards, Forcing Farms to Rebuild
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Screwworm comeback tests U.S. livestock defenses
An outbreak of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that infests warm-blooded animals, has returned to the United States with 15 confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico, mainly affecting cattle. Officials are deploying sterile flies, expanding surveillance, and tightening border and movement controls to contain it, warning the outbreak could cost billions if it spreads, even as human risk remains low. The situation echoes the historic success of the sterile-insect technique used to eradicate the pest decades ago.
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Texas ag chief and USDA clash over screwworm response as outbreak looms
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins publicly clashes with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller over the federal response to the New World Screwworm outbreak in Texas, with Rollins calling Miller’s criticisms unserious and Miller accusing USDA of slow action and urging immediate deployment of the Screwworm Adult Suppression System. The feud highlights tensions between federal and state leaders as the parasite threatens cattle herds and beef prices, while the USDA presses ahead with its screwworm playbook—sterile flies, quarantine zones, increased surveillance—and ramps up production to contain the outbreak, amid calls for stronger federal intervention.
Texas Faces New Screwworm Threat Near the Border
The USDA confirmed the New World screwworm fly has reached south Texas for the first time in decades, detected in a 3-week-old calf near La Pryor. A 12-mile quarantine zones restricts movement of warm-blooded animals while authorities deploy sterile flies and expand surveillance. Officials say there is no evidence of a mass infestation and the fly’s flesh-eating larvae can be treated; the case follows decades of eradication and ongoing investments to rebuild sterile-fly production facilities in Mexico and Texas to prevent further spread. The incident highlights continued biosecurity vigilance at the U.S.-Mexico border.
South Texas Faces First New World Screwworm Case, Sparking Broad Response
Texas has confirmed the first U.S. case of New World screwworm in a 3‑week‑old calf from Zavala County, prompting federal and state actions. While meat isn’t at immediate risk, the outbreak could cost up to $1.8 billion to Texas’ cattle economy and push beef prices higher. Officials are using sterile-fly release programs, quarantines, and enhanced border surveillance with Mexico and Panama to eradicate the pest, building on a historic eradication effort from the 1960s. Hunters and pet owners should monitor wounds on animals and report suspected screwworms to a veterinarian; FDA-approved treatments exist, though medicated feed is not yet approved.
Texas detects New World screwworm in calf, triggers containment response
A New World screwworm was detected in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, with larvae found in the umbilical area; there are no additional detections at this time. USDA APHIS and Texas officials have launched containment and eradication efforts, including a 20-kilometer infested zone, quarantines, movement controls, and enhanced surveillance to protect livestock and prevent economic losses.
Diesel Price Surge Tests US Farmers’ Margins Amid Tariffs and Drought
Diesel costs, spiking due to tariffs and war-related shortages, are squeezing US farmers who were already financially stressed by tariff losses and drought, risking higher production costs and tighter margins—especially for small and Black-owned farms—while advocates press for tariff relief and stronger USDA support.
USDA Announces Aid Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
The USDA announced the Farmer Bridge Assistance program rates for 2025, with rice and cotton receiving the highest per-acre payments, as part of an $11 billion effort to support farmers affected by trade disruptions. The payments aim to bridge the economic gap for farmers, but critics view them as insufficient and temporary solutions amidst ongoing agricultural challenges.
USDA Reveals Aid Details for Farmers Under Bridge Assistance Program
The USDA announced the next phase of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, providing $12 billion in payments to American farmers in 2026, with $11 billion as one-time payments based on 2025 crop data, to support farmers amid economic challenges. Payments vary by commodity, and the program aims to offer relief and stability for farmers planning for the upcoming planting season.
Turkey Farmers Use Lasers to Combat Bird Flu Amid Rising Risks
Turkey growers in Minnesota are using infrared laser projectors to deter waterfowl and prevent the spread of bird flu, with early reports suggesting they are effective in protecting flocks and reducing the risk of outbreaks.
EU Plans Major Budget Overhaul, Merging Funds and Shifting Resources
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, plans to overhaul the EU's farm subsidy system by shifting responsibility and funding decisions from Brussels to national governments, aiming to reduce costs and simplify the policy, but risking increased domestic political conflicts and potential cuts to farm support.
The Mystery of 597 Million Missing Chickens in the U.S. Food Chain
A report by Animal Equality reveals that 597 million chickens in the US die before reaching the food supply annually, highlighting significant food waste and animal welfare issues. These deaths occur due to diseases, rough handling, and breeding practices that prioritize rapid growth, leading to health problems. The reduction in antibiotic use, aimed at combating antibiotic resistance, has also contributed to rising mortality rates. The poultry industry faces challenges in balancing animal welfare, public health, and production efficiency, with some companies like Perdue Farms adopting measures to reduce mortality without antibiotics.