Protecting Nebraska Workers From Avian Flu

Jan 29, 2025

A bill has been introduced in Lincoln to protect workers in the agriculture sector from dangerous workplace practices and get ahead of a potential avian flu outbreak by having safeguards in place.

Legislative Bill 573 seeks to protect poultry industry employees from a strain of avian influenza on the rise in the Midwest. It would entitle workers to be paid if an outbreak shuts down their workplace.

Avian flu cases are up on the East Coast, but also in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois. Officials worry Nebraska could be next.

Graham Christensen, president of the advocacy group G.C. Resolve, which works on agriculture and meatpacking industry issues, outlined its goals.

"Some of the things we're calling for would be 12 weeks of severance pay for workers, and at least 180 days of lost revenue," Christensen said.

Recent data from Rural Policy Action show rural workers earn less, are less likely to have benefits like paid leave, and are more likely to be injured on the job. Ag officials across the Midwest said they are working to track avian flu cases and slow its spread.

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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.