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USDA Withdraws Proposed Horse Protection Rule, Plans to Issue Strengthened Regulations

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the withdrawal of a 2016 proposed rule that would have amended the Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations. APHIS is making development of a new and improved HPA proposal a top regulatory priority. This action is being taken so that the Agency can evaluate and consider more recent findings and research and incorporate this information into a new proposed rule. This includes the results of a 2021 National Academies of Sciences (NAS) study, which examined the inspection methods used for identifying soreness in walking horses, new and emerging approaches for detecting pain, and use of the scar rule in determining compliance with the Horse Protection Act. The report also made a number of science-based recommendations that APHIS will consider regarding revisions to APHIS’ HPA program and associated regulations.

APHIS has determined that the proposed rule does not sufficiently address the report’s findings and believes that the underlying data on which the 2016 proposed rule is based should be updated. Following withdrawal of the 2016 proposed rule, APHIS intends to expeditiously issue a new proposed rule that will strengthen administration and enforcement of the Act by incorporating the latest science-based information.

The HPA is a Federal law, enforced by APHIS, that makes it unlawful for any person to show, exhibit, sell, or transport sore horses, or to use any equipment, device, paraphernalia, or substance prohibited by USDA to prevent the soring of horses in such events. APHIS works actively with the horse industry to eliminate such inhumane practices and the resulting unfair competition they create at HPA-covered events.

Source : usda.gov

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Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Video: Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

After weeks of rain delays and frustration, we finally have a reason to smile — it’s hay time again at Ewetopia Farms! In today’s episode, we head out to the fields where Arnie is baling hay, and I attempt my second drone flight to capture it all from the air. The drone still had some hiccups, but I managed to get some aerial footage of the baling process.

Back at the farm, the work doesn’t stop. Arnie brings the bales home, and the next critical step begins — wrapping and stacking the bales to make haylage. This process is essential for preserving feed for our sheep and ensures they have nutritious forage in the months ahead.

It’s a good day on the farm — the sun is out, the drone is flying (sort of!), and we’re making progress. Join us for a satisfying and productive day that brings a long-awaited sigh of relief to this year’s challenging hay season.

?? Let us know in the comments: Have you had to deal with weather delays this season?

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