Iowa secretary of ag lobbies for more support in event of disease outbreaks

Nov 28, 2017

U.S.D.A nominee in pursuit of $150,000 in his home state

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

Bill Northey, Iowa secretary of agriculture, is seeking an additional $150,000 to develop a statewide response framework in the event of an animal disease outbreak.

The state governor and legislators allocated $100,000 earlier this year for the response plan but Northey suggests more should be set aside, according to yesterday’s RadioIowa article.

The extra funds will be used “for foreign animal disease preparation,” Northey said to RadioIowa.

“So, this is some staffing that helps us work with the farm organizations that are working with their producers on biosecurity.”

A bird flu outbreak impacted Iowa’s poultry industry in 2015. The outbreak resulted in a loss of $1.2 billion, as well as the death of over 30 million hens and 1.5 million turkeys, according to a report from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

“The one we all worry about it foot-and-mouth disease,” Northey said in the article.

Animals that have divided or “cloven” hooves, such as cattle and swine, are most susceptible to this disease. However, the United States has kept the disease at bay since 1929, according to the article.

Yesterday, Northey spoke in the governor’s office to present his budget plan for the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/7024074719

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.