Livestock producers need an integrated pest management plan to control the loss of production due to filth flies while cattle graze summer pastures. This may include the movement of livestock, mechanical disruption of grazing areas, mechanical removal of flies and the use of natural and chemical insecticides or repellents.

Early on the morning of March 5, after more than 20 hours of deliberation, the U.S. House of Representatives’ agriculture committee advanced the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 – often referred to as Farm Bill 2.0 – to the House floor. The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration before the Senate starts working on its own farm bill proposal.

What would you think if I told you that the era of near‑unlimited flexibility in pesticide applications is coming to a close? The days of jumping into the sprayer as soon as fields are dry or calling the crop duster the moment conditions turn favorable for pests or pathogens are quickly fading. Change is coming – but why?

Some social media influencers have vocalized the idea that our current agricultural system needs an overhaul. I agree that we need to be using the best science available to improve crop production and minimize adverse effects on the environment. But pesticide use is condemned too quickly without understanding the benefit their use brings in protecting the crop.

To be economically viable, alfalfa varieties need to have some level of genetic resistance to major diseases and pests. Without resistance, the cost of production increases substantially, as the producer must rely on chemical controls to maintain stands or protect forage yield and quality.

Economics in farming have been challenging for the past few years. What knowledge and intelligence do you have this coming year to adapt and do something new for yourself or for your farm?

On Dec. 4, the FDA conditionally approved Exzolt Cattle-CA1 (fluralener), a topical solution to prevent and treat infestations of New World screwworm (NWS) larvae and cattle fever tick. The drug is approved for use in beef cattle 2 months old and older and dairy heifers younger than 20 months.

We need pollinators to sustain our food supply and our ecosystems.

Think pesticide regulations only affect farmers? Think again. Recent changes to the federal pesticide registration process could limit how – and where – ranchers can use pesticides to manage rangeland resources. Whether you use zinc phosphide to manage prairie dog populations or malathion to control grasshopper outbreaks, these new rules may directly affect your ability to manage these pests.