Bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was a wild card for the dairy industry in 2024, as the first diagnosis in dairy cattle happened in Texas in late March. Progressive Dairy interviewed state veterinarians and animal health officials in the five states with the most cases of bird flu on dairy farms – Texas, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado and California – to learn more about their approach to managing and minimizing the disease.

In the news this week: Environmental groups intend to sue the EPA over establishing emission factors for livestock operation, a workshop will be held for the FMMO proposed changes, Grande Cheese launches an on-farm sustainability program, and MMPA appoints a new CFO.

APHIS's National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed positive test results from seven dairy herds in Texas, two in Kansas, and one each in Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho and Ohio.

Entering an election year with high inflation and input costs, tight dairy farm margins and a farm bill that has been punted into 2024 has left many in the Midwest feeling a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism about what is to come this year.

Overall, 81 projects were awarded more than $1 billion under the 2023 RCPP, administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).