HPAI Update: USDA Clarification on Federal Order for Dairy Cattle

May 30, 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture recently released additional information about the federal order to assist with developing a baseline of critical information and limiting the spread of H5N1 in dairy cattle, as well as guidelines for shows and fairs. Some brief highlights related to recent common inquiries include the following:

USDA Updates on HPAI

Animals moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale may pass the 7-day testing window; is it possible to skip additional testing to return to the first farm? Animals moving interstate to an exhibition, show, or sale must have a negative test result from samples collected within 7 days of movement. These animals may travel to their home herd using the same negative test result provided the exhibition, show, or sale does not exceed 10 days of length.
Limit animal comingling of animals and follow biosecurity protocols.
Please check with each exhibition event to understand individual guidelines in place for dairy cattle.
Additional guidance about minimizing transmissions at livestock exhibitions can be found here.

Source : wisc.edu

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.