United States
Zimmerman moves to new Iowa facility
Zimmerman Manufacturing, which specializes in manure equipment and other farm accessories, has officially moved to a brand-new facility (pictured) in Cantril, Iowa.
Texas A&M awarded grant to study avian influenza in dairy workers
After 70 human cases – one being fatal – the U.S. is still struggling to get a handle on the complex outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has been ripping through the country’s wild and farmed birds – and dairy cows – for several years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes approximately four of the 70 human cases have been linked to exposure to sick dairy cows. Now, the Texas A&M University (TAMU) School pf Public Health has been awarded a $3M grant to assess the presence of HPAI among dairy farm workers in Texas. The project will be led by David Douphrate, who says the institution is “uniquely positioned to address agricultural health and safety issues, especially given our long track record of working within the dairy industry.” The team’s goals are to first identify the scope of worker exposure and understand workplace factors involved, in order to reduce transmission. According to CDC, current risk to the human population remains low, and no human-to-human transmission has been identified.
Canada
New board members, executives for Ontario Pork Council
Huron County pork producer Tara Terpstra has been acclaimed as board chair for the Ontario Pork Council for the second consecutive year. Newly elected is vice chair T.J. Murray of Oxford County. Terpstra said she is looking forward to strengthening collaborations developed last year. “This is crucial for making our voices heard,” she said in a statement announcing her acclamation. Also newly elected are directors Cassandra Van Engelen (member at large) and Charlie Illick, both representing Zone 3. Returning board members include: Bruce Hudson, Karen Sanders, Tanya Terpstra, Philip Van Raay, and Jolanda Vandenbroek. Eric Schwindt and Arno Schober have retired from the board.
CFA applauds party agriculture leaders for commitment to sector
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) said the April 17 Agriculture Leaders’ Debate on April 17, which it hosted in anticipation of the upcoming Canadian Federal Election, shows the parties’ priorities in the agricultural sector. Participants for the debate included Heather Ray (NDP), Yves Perron (Bloc Québecois), John Barlow (Conservative Party), current agriculture minister Kody Blois (Liberal party) and Maria Rodriguez (Green Party of Canada). Questions focused on agricultural issues including regulatory modernization, risk management, trade, sustainability, infrastructure, labour and more. Describing the discussion as “animated and lively,” CFA stated all five parties were supportive of the sector but differed in their visions. Some parties agreed on key issues; both the Conservatives and Greens, for example, called for a full review of the current Business Risk Management program. Others agreed that the CFIA and Pest Management Regulatory Agency need to more closely examine decisions impacting agriculture from an economic perspective. All agreed that Canada needed to “be strong” in negotiations (including a likely upcoming review of CUSMA) to protect agriculture. The CFA, however, did not endorse any particular party or candidate. To view a recording of the debate, click here.
Global
Unconventional Gas Solutions launches European offering
UGS Group is the newest player in the growing European biogas market. The broader group includes Houston-based Unconventional Gas Solutions LLC, based in Houston, and Dortmund-based H-Iron GmbH. Managing director Oliver Jende says the launch of the offering is timed with the rapid growth and evolution of the European biogas sector, which has resulted in unique and major challenges for customers, such as protecting membranes from impurities in the biogas stream and complying with strict grid specifications on the biomethane production side if the gas has elevated nitrogen or oxygen levels. UGS Europe GmbH’s market entry and product has been aligned with this specific need, marketing both its BUS 250 and BUS 500 biomethane systems. UGS has long expertise in developing gas separation membranes and customized solutions.
Alltech releases global feed production survey results
Despite challenges from HPAI, climate fluctuations and economic uncertainty, it was a bounce-back year for global feed production in 2024, with nearly 1.4 billion metric tons produced following a stagnant 2023. That’s according to the results of the 14th annual global feed production survey from animal nutrition specialists Alltech. The annual survey contains data from 142 countries and more than 28,000 feed mills. China remains the top feed-producing country, but is down 2.03 percent from 2023, whereas the U.S., in second place, climbed by 0.68 percent. Poultry feed experienced an increase in production, both for broilers and layers, although layers had a slightly slower growth rate at 1.4 percent. Pig feed production experienced a loss of 0.6 percent; however, the survey indicated that the European, LatAm and North American markets grew, with Africa, the Middle East, APAC and Oceania experiencing downturns. Dairy and beef both rose, by 3.2 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively. Aquaculture declined slightly, by 1.1 percent; pet (4.5 percent) and equine (2.3 percent) feed tonnage also increased.
