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Consumers still struggling with food inflation, Rabobank notes
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Rabobank reports some new statistics regarding how consumers are still grappling with the repercussions of high inflation on food purchases. There is a debate among economists on how inflation is shifting. Some economists claim that inflation is coming down and easing up. While others claim inflation is continuing to rise, it is just moving at a slower pace.
Rabobank says that there are several micro factors that have contributed to inflation during the last five years. These factors include, “geopolitical crisis, severe drought, higher restaurant overhead and wages, rising interest rates and higher inflation throughout the supply chain.”
From 2019 to 2023, the inflation of food products increased by 25 percent, Rabobank noted. There has been additional inflation added to the existing inflation in 2024.
Rabobank says that the additional inflation is modest, but still hurtful to consumers’ wallets. People are now reevaluating their spending habits in the wake of 40year high inflation.
“The consumer is waving the white flag on food inflation,” Tom Bailey, senior consumer foods analyst at Rabobank, said. “With an added 2 percent in price hikes in 2024 coupled with the cost disparity between dining out and cooking at home at its widest margin in history, we’re seeing heightened fatigue and frugality.”
“The 2024 Rabobank BBQ Index, which measures the cost of staple ingredients for a 10-person barbecue, shows that it will cost $99 to host a cookout on the Fourth of July this year, up from $97 last year and $73 in 2018,” Rabobank said. “This year, beer, beef, soda and lettuce account for a hefty 64 percent of total barbecue cost.
“That brings the inflation gain
for a Fourth of July barbecue up to 32 percent since 2019.”
BBQ meat prices
Rabobank advises consumers to use some “savvy shopping” to save money on beef for their barbecues.
“To find bargains in beef this grilling season, look for featured promotions at your local supermarket or club store,” Lance Zimmerman, Rabobank senior beef analyst, said. “Beef prices may be at historical highs but many store owners are willing to take a loss by putting various cuts of meat on sale knowing shoppers will fill their carts with other menu items — beer, burgers, hot dogs, sides
and salads. They want to boost foot traffic and win loyal customers.”
However, to save additional money, chicken could be the choice.
“In tough times, chicken maintains its value,” Christine McCracken, Rabobank senior poultry analyst said.“Right now, dark meat is gaining popularity. Consumers are finding that thigh meat can be just as tasty as breast meat — and it’s less challenging to grill.”
Rabobank adds that retailers have placed more chicken cuts on sale. “Breast meat has found its way back to the top of the circular, while lower-cost thigh meat and legs are getting good traction as budget-friendly protein alterna-
tives,” it says.
Rabobank also notes that even though consumers may be suffering from an “inflation marathon,” quality meat deals are available this summer.
“The quality of beef available to the consumer has never been better,” Zimmerman said. “In the past 20 years, we’ve seen the availability of USDA prime and choice meat increase 60 percent as improved cattle management has created more marbling. Those fatty flecks pack a lot of tenderness and flavor while making it easier to grill. Even if you overcook quality meats a little, they won’t turn into shoe leather.”
A watchful eye remains on AI and cattle to control spread
BY ELIZABETH
BOBENHAUSEN
Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Avian influenza or bird flu has been on the mind of every cattle farmer since late March. While bird flu is predominantly found in poultry and other wild fowl, the disease has jumped from birds to cattle. The USDA stated in a report, “wild birds, an early vector of the virus, do not appear to be spreading the virus from herd to herd or to poultry farms.”
Reuters has reported that 120 dairy herds in 12 states have tested positive for bird flu. Three dairy farm employees contracted the virus. One person had symptoms of conjunctivitis or pink eye. The two other workers had symptoms of pink eye, but also had upper respiratory issues. All three workers recovered. However, there
is still some concern in regard to more people catching the virus.
According to Reuters, federal officials said, “further spread among dairy cows could heighten the risk of human infections.” The risk of contracting the disease for people remains low.
Nirav Shah, principal deputy director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “A genetic analysis of the third human case found no signs of mutations in the virus that would make it easier to transmit among people.”
The CDC has been testing individuals that have been exposed to bird flu but may be asymptomatic.
Shah added, “the agency is confident in its current testing strategy.” He explained the reasoning for this testing was because some people might be carriers of the illness, although are not sick.
Kammy Johnson, a veterinary epidemiologist with the USDA, said, “The spread among dairy
farms is likely occurring from animal movement, shared personnel, and vehicles and equipment that travel between farms. Biosecurity practices like cleaning equipment and limiting movement of sick animals are important to containing the spread of the virus.”
Some cattle farms may have ill cows but have not reported them to the USDA. When asked how many farms that might be, she said, “that’s the $64,000 question. We don’t know what we don’t know.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been testing many products for bird flu as the virus continues to spread.
Don Prater, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition said, “the focus of additional testing, which will sample 155 products, is to ensure that pasteurization inactivates the virus.”
Other testing the FDA conducted on 247 milk products came
back negative. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said, “More than 690 people who were exposed to infected or suspected infected animals have been monitored for flu symptoms, and 51 people who developed flulike symptoms have been tested.”
Mark Lyons, a USDA official said, “the USDA is encouraging farmers to test their herds if they suspect symptoms of the virus and is providing financial support for milk and animal testing. Farmers from 11 of the 94 infected dairy herds have signed up for those programs.”
The making of a vaccine is in the works. Eric Deeble, USDA’s acting senior adviser for its bird flu response, said “the development of a bird flu vaccine for dairy cows is going to take some time, and the agency hopes to eradicate the virus in dairy cattle without the use of a vaccine.”
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told Reuters on June 12 that the USDA has been meeting with two dozen companies to produce a vaccine.
Michigan offering financial aid to farmers assisting with HPAI research
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN
Poultry Times staff
ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director
Tim Boring announces that the agency will give $28,000 in financial assistance to dairy farmers affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza willing to participate in a study of virus on their farms. This is also in addition to USDA funding already available.
Reuters reported federal and state governments are working in coalition to determine how bird flu spreads amongst people and animals. The virus has been found in 102 dairy herds across the United States since March. There have been three confirmed cases in three people.
“Michigan’s agriculture department will provide the grant money to up to 20 farms from its emergency response funds, Boring said. “The goal is to help with losses associated with sick animals and to cover the costs of farmers and their staff working with scientists. There are some real-time economic struggles these farms are facing.”
MDARD said in a statement, “The funded farmers would need to work with the state agriculture department and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Veterinary Services (APHIS) to complete epidemiological investigations on their farms. They would also need to participate in other dairy herd studies related to the outbreak and bird flu research efforts by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, if applicable.”
“The state has seen strong participation in testing from farmers with herd infections,” Boring added.
The funding for this program comes from the USDA which authorized subsidy for HPAI stricken dairy farms through MDARD’s Emergency Response Programming.
“From the beginning of Michigan’s outbreak of HPAI in dairy cattle, MDARD has worked closely with our state, federal and industry partners to quickly respond to this virus,” Boring noted. “We understand our dairy farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, and this action is an important step toward supporting them during this emergency. Our HPAI-impacted farms have been incredibly cooperative in Michigan’s One Health approach to combat this disease. The research opportunities through this package will help us advance science in real-time to best develop our continued rapid response.”
“Today’s bold action shows Michigan continues to be proactive with its HPAI response,” said Michigan State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township), chair of the Michigan House Agriculture Policy Committee.
“I’m glad Michigan dairy farms will be getting much-needed financial support and the ability to participate in real-time research, which will help us combat HPAI in our state moving forward. As this situation continues to evolve, I will remain in regular communication with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on how best we can support and protect
Michigan farmers and our dairy industry.”
Boring also signed a “Determination of Extraordinary Emergency” order on May 1, designed to protect the state’s poultry and livestock producers from the threat of HPAI. The department adds that it is continuing to work with veterinarians to monitor animal health, as well as with local, state, and federal partners in providing personal protective equipment to dairy operations that request them.
For more on this funding, HPAI alerts, and information about the MDARD’s response, visit www. michigan.gov/birdflu.
To assist in disease control of the flock, continue biosecurity efforts
DAVID B. STRICKLAND Poultry Times Editor dstrickland@
poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A very effective tool to assist in keeping birds healthy from disease is biosecurity. Also be mindful to keep an eye out for unusual mortalities.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service notes that some bird mortality in a flock is to be expected, but large percentages is not normal. APHIS notes to rule out any obvious causes such as weather issues, predators or external factors. These types of deaths do not need to be reported, but if the culprit is from disease, these need to be reported because this will help to keep other farms in the area safe.
Signs of illness
APHIS provides a list of symptoms that should be noted when determining if an illness is affecting a flock.
These include:
• Swelling of eyelids, comb, head, wattles and shanks
• Reduced appetite, reduced energy
• Lowered egg production
• Purple discoloration of legs, wattles and shanks
• Breathing difficulty
• Sneezing and runny noses
• Head and neck twisting
• Falling down or stumbling
• Tremors
• Diarrhea
• Circling
• A complete stiffness
• Sudden death
• Ruffled feathers
The USDA also adds to follow a basic three-step guideline – look, report and protect. Restrict access to birds and property. Keep clothes, equipment and facilities clean. Keep vehicles clean to assist in the prevention of hauling disease in the area. Never borrow or share equipment with other bird owners. And, know the signs of disease, APHIS reports.
When faced with such viral poultry diseases, like virulent Newcastle Disease, the agency
adds that, “Birds can become sick or die from exposure to just a few unseen viral particles. In a single day, the virus can multiply and infect every bird on your premises. The best way to keep your poultry healthy is to practice biosecurity — every day, every time.”
Vital biosecurity steps are essential when dealing with such a serious disease as virulent New-
castle disease, because this viral disease affects bird’s respiratory, digestive and nervous systems, and can spread so quickly among poultry that they can die before they even show any signs of the ailment, APHIS adds.
To report any signs of disease, and for more biosecurity and bird health information, contact APHIS at 866-536-7593; www. aphis.usda.gov.
BUSINESS Midwest Poultry Federation & PEAK honored for excellence
BUFFALO, Minn. — The Midwest Poultry Federation announces that it is the recipient of the “Excellent in Meetings, Events & Conventions Award” by Meet Minneapolis. The award is presented annually to an individual, institution or organization whose efforts will result in an impact to the city of Minneapolis for future years.
MPF has brought its convention and trade show — renamed and rebranded as PEAK in 2023 — to Minneapolis since 2018 and this year, welcomed more than 3,100 attendees and exhibitors to its event in April. MPF has also committed to hosting its annual trade show at the Minneapolis Convention Center through 2030.
“Each year attendance continues to grow,” Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, said in a letter announcing the award.
“(MPF’s) commitment to meet in Minneapolis for years to
come is a testament to the trusting partnership that has been built between Midwest Poultry Federation and all of the various partners that benefit from their business, including but not limited to the convention center, hotels, restaurants, and much more.”
“PEAK’s success is due to many factors and the partnerships our organization has with Meet Minneapolis, the hotels, and our management team at Empowered Events LLC lead the way toward our current successes,” MPF President Lisa Henning, who represents the North Central Poultry Association on the board of directors, said while noting the importance of partnership.
“We are excited about what the future holds for PEAK, and we look forward to working with Meet Minneapolis for many years to come!”
MPF received its award at a reception during National Travel and Tourism Week.
Mike Brown
retires from NCC; Kushner named interim president
WASHINGTON — After serving for more than 13 years, Mike Brown has retired from his role as president of the National Chicken Council, NCC Chairman Randy Day announced on
June 17.
“We thank Mike for his work in building a strong foundation at NCC and for his years of work to promote the chicken industry in Washington, D.C.,” said Day, who is the retired former CEO of Perdue Farms. “We are now turning our attention to conducting a nationwide search to choose the right person to lead this organization and this great industry into the next decade
and beyond.”
Day also announced that the NCC Executive Committee has appointed Gary Jay Kushner to serve as interim president. Kushner, who recently retired from the partnership of the law firm Hogan Lovells US LLP, served as NCC’s outside general counsel for more than 40 years.
Prior to that, Kushner served as in-house legal counsel to several food industry trade associations,
including as general counsel to what was then the American Meat Institute.
“Gary knows inside and out the chicken industry and the issues that will shape our future,” Day said. “He is a proven
leader with a steady hand and the right person to guide NCC as we select our next president.”
“NCC has a fantastic team that is laser-focused on our mission of advocating on behalf of America’s chicken producers,” Kushner said. “I look forward to getting to work together once more while the organization puts in place its leadership for the future.”
IPWA, US-RSPE
announce new members to board of directors
TUCKER, Ga. — The International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA) and the US-Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE) announce the appointment of new members to their respective Boards of Direc-
tors following recent elections.
The US-RSPE, an independent, multi-stakeholder organization, includes members from all segments of the poultry industry, such as growers, integrators, processors, retailers, food service companies, civil society groups, NGOs, allied industries, and individuals. The organization’s mission is to promote and communicate ongoing improvements in sustainability across the poultry value chain.
IPWA, serves as the premier independent global resource on poultry welfare, consists of a diverse group of organizations, companies, and individuals dedicated to advancing poultry welfare worldwide. The IPWA Board of Directors, made up of officers and directors from various constituent groups, is committed to enhancing poultry welfare and ensuring the success of IPWA through their volunteer leadership.
The newly elected directors for US-RSPE are:
• Integrator/Processor Representative: Andy Rojeski, Pilgrim’s Pride
• Grower Representative:
Dan Fields, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch
• Civil Society Representative: Maria-Elena Varas, World Wildlife Fund
The newly elected IPWA board members are:
• Turkey Live Production Representative: Stephen Williams, Butterball
• Broiler Live Production Representative: Kathleen Long, Maple Leaf Foods
• Layer Live Production Representative: Mohamed Mousa, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch
• Academic Representative: Dr. Katy Tarrant, COOP Fresno State
• Civil Society Representative: Ashley Peterson, National Chicken Council
“We welcome the new Board members who will help us take the organization to the next level and gives us expertise across the supply chain,” Richard Griffiths, IPWA chair, said. Both organizations will be hosting the 2024 Poultry Sustainability & Welfare Summit from Sept. 3-6 featuring a site visit sponsored by ZINPRO at the University of Georgia Poul -
try Science department.
For more information visit the summit website at https://poultrywelfare.org/Summit/Registration. In addition to board and committee meetings, the summit will feature innovative perspectives and ground-breaking insights from the world’s leading experts in poultry sustainability and welfare, the associations noted.
“Our newly elected board members bring invaluable insights into sustainability practices within the poultry industry. Their commitment to continuous improvement will help us drive meaningful progress across the entire supply chain,” Ethan Carter, US-RSPE chair, said. “By having a board that reflects the entire value chain, we are better equipped to promote sustainability from the grassroots level up to the final consumer.”
For more information about the IPWA, visit https://poultrywelfare.org/; and for more information about the US-RSPE, visit https://www.us-rspe.org/.
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N. Central Poultry Assoc. announces Missouri egg producers to join
URBANDALE, Iowa — The North Central Poultry Association announces that members of Missouri Egg Council will join North Central Poultry Association effective as of July 1, 2024.
In 2022, the Iowa Poultry Association and the Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota merged into the North Central Poultry Association (NCPA), representing both Iowa and Minnesota. Missouri will join as a member state, keeping the board make up and structure the same as the current one.
will also donate a truckload of chicken products to the Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City, Iowa, to support its neighbors and families impacted by recent historic flooding in the state.
The response is part of the company’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® disaster relief outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities, the company said, adding that the $50,000 donation contains support from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the company’s charitable giving partner.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent flooding, including our families and neighbors in northwest Iowa who suffered losses,” Kevin McAdams, Perdue Farms CEO, said. “Recovering from this magnitude of devastation requires a tremendous amount of coordination and we are proud to lend resources that we hope will bring some relief to our neighbors in their time of need.”
of Iowans, including some of Perdue’s associates, were forced to leave their homes, seeking shelter with family and friends, relief centers, and local lodging.
“Thanks to Perdue Farms’ generous donation, the American Red Cross, alongside our partners, is able to support families who experienced the heartbreaking floods across Iowa,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for partners like Perdue Farms as we work together to provide comfort and hope to people when they need it most.”
Perdue is also partnering with the Food Bank of Siouxland by donating 40,000 pounds of nutritious no-antibiotics-chicken, the equivalent of 33,000 meals.
is grateful for the continued support from Perdue.”
Perdue Farms employs more than 300 associates at pork-production facilities in Sioux Center and Sioux City and partners with more than 500 hog farmers.
USPOULTRY Foundation accepting edu. recruitment funding applications
“Members from Missouri will have the benefit of participating with NCPA members on a full range of issues, communications and educational opportunities that help better serve our producers and allied members,” Kevin Stiles, NCPA executive director, said.
Dr Craig Rowles, NCPA board president, added, “We are excited to have Missouri egg farmers join us as we continue our work advocating for the poultry industry.”
NCPA board and staff will welcome members from all three states at its Fall Festival and Annual Meeting Sept. 24-26 in Ankeny, Iowa.
Perdue Farms
‘Delivering Hope’ to Iowa families amid historic flood recovery
SALISBURY, Md. — Perdue Farms is delivering $50,000 to the American Red Cross to help people affected by the flooding in northwest Iowa. The company
Record-level flooding inundated areas in northwest Iowa on June 23, prompting evacuations and disaster declarations. Scores
“Protein is such an important part of a balanced nutrition for families in Iowa, especially during difficult situations,” said Jacob Wanderscheid, executive director of the Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City. “This gift from Perdue will assist the Food Bank and its pantries to respond to the historic flooding throughout Siouxland. Our organization
TUCKER, Ga. — The USPOULTRY Foundation is now accepting applications from colleges and universities for the Industry Education Recruitment Funding program. The funding supports student recruitment at colleges and universities that cultivate careers in the poultry and egg industry.
Any institution of higher education in the United States that does not have a Poultry Science Department or degree but demonstrates ways of connecting (Continued
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students with the poultry and egg industry is eligible to apply for a recruitment grant of up to $7,000. Schools that offer a poultry science minor may be eligible for up to $3,000 in additional funding, pending USPOULTRY Foundation board approval.
“Part of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s mission is to help foster student recruitment and future industry leaders,” Jarod Morrison, Farbest Foods, and USPOULTRY Foundation chair, said. “For the 2023-2024 year, the USPOULTRY Foundation provided $297,580 in student recruiting grants to the six U.S. universities with Poultry Science Departments and 20 other institutions with industryrelated programs.”
“As we strive to meet the increasing demand for young talent in the industry, we urge colleges and universities nationwide to take advantage of this valuable opportunity,” Barbara Jenkins, USPOULTRY Foundation executive director and USPOULTRY vice president of education and student programs, said. “Apply today for funding to support your institution in attracting students
to your poultry-related programs. Our industry requires a diverse range of majors to function effectively, including poultry and animal science, business, marketing, accounting, information technology and more.”
A committee of university and industry professionals will review funding requests and make recommendations to the USPOULTRY Foundation board of directors. Institutions may apply for a grant by completing the funding application and submitting it via email to Barbara Jenkins at bjenkins@uspoultry.org or via regular mail by August 15. The application can be accessed at www. poultryfoundation.org/assets/ documents/psfund2016.pdf.
WorkForge joins the Meat Institute
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — WorkForge, a digital workforce development company, has joined the Meat Institute, a trade association representing the turkey, beef, pork, lamb, veal, and processed meats industries.
WorkForge notes that it offers a Learning and Development solution that engages the workforce while supporting compliance and quality requirements in the food industry. The platform’s solutions are a one-stop shop designed to empower the meat industry with the skills essential for safe and effective job performance, the company said.
“We are proud to join forces with the Meat Institute — the leading voice of the meat and poultry industry in North America,” Nathan Walts, WorkForge CEO, said. “As a member of the association, we’re thrilled to work alongside industry partners to help educate industry stakeholders and further our shared goals of driving progress and innovation in the meat and poultry industry.”
The Meat Institute provides regulatory, scientific, legislative, public relations and educational services to the meat and poultry packing and processing industry.
WorkForge adds that it is redefining learning and development in the food manufacturing sector with a distinctive blend of career pathways, custom content, and an advanced Learning Manage-
ment Platform. This transformative approach empowers employees to engage in eLearning with captivating instructional design, anchored in proven educational best practices, fostering peak performance.
With more than 850 course options and customized pathways for specific job roles, the company offers a training solution for every employer, WorkForge adds. For more information, visit www. workforge.com.
NASS: corn planted acreage down 3% from 2023, soybeans 3%
WASHINGTON — The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated 91.5 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2024, down 3 percent from last year, according to the most recent “Acreage” report. The soybean area planted is estimated at 86.1 million acres, up 3 percent from last year.
Following up on the “Prospective Plantings” report released in March, NASS surveyed approxi-
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Key findings released in the Acreage report include:
Corn
• Growers expect to harvest 91.5 million acres of corn for grain, down 3 percent from 2023.
• Ninety-four percent of all corn acres planted in the United States are biotech varieties, up from 93 percent in 2023.
Soybeans
The soybean harvested area for 2024 is estimated at 86.1 million acres, up 3 percent from last year.
Producers planted 96 percent of the soybean acreage using herbicide resistant seed varieties, up one percentage point from 2023.
Cotton — All cotton planted area for 2024 is estimated at 11.7 million acres, 14 percent above 2023. Upland cotton planted is estimated at 11.5 million acres, up 14 percent from last year.
American Pima planted area is estimated at 182,000 acres, up 24 percent from 2023. Ninety-six percent of Upland cotton planted acres are biotech varieties, down 97 percent from last year.
Wheat — All wheat planted area for 2024 is estimated at 47.2 million acres, down 5 percent from last year. Winter wheat planted area is estimated at 33.8 million acres, down 8 percent from 2023. Other spring wheat planted area is estimated at 11.3 million acres, up 1 percent from 2023. Durum wheat planted area is estimated at 2.17 million acres, up 29 percent from last year.
NASS has also released its quarterly “Grain Stocks” and “Rice Stocks” reports to provide estimates of on-farm and off-farm stocks as of June 1.
Key findings in those reports include:
Grain Stocks
• Corn stocks totaled 4.99 billion bushels, up 22 percent from the same time last year.
• On-farm corn stocks were up 37 percent from a year ago, and off-farm stocks were up 4 percent.
• Soybeans stored totaled 970 million bushels, up 22 percent from June 1, 2023.
• On-farm soybean stocks were up 44 percent from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were up 6 percent.
• All wheat stored totaled 702 million bushels, up 23 percent from a year ago.
• On-farm all wheat stocks were up 12 percent from last year, while off-farm stocks were up 27 percent.
• Durum wheat stored totaled 21.1 million bushels, down 24 percent from June 1, 2023.
• On-farm stocks of Durum wheat were down 22 percent from June 1, 2023.
• Off-farm stocks of Durum wheat were down 26 percent from a year earlier.
Rice Stocks — Rough rice stocks totaled 2.73 million metric tons, up 37 percent from June 1, 2023. On-farm rice stocks were up 22 percent from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were up 39 percent. Long grain rice varieties accounted for 55 percent of the total rough rice, medium grain accounted for 44 percent, and short grain varieties accounted for 1 percent. Milled rice stocks totaled 218,270 metric tons, down 7 percent from a year ago. Milled rice stocks were comprised of 160,980 metric tons of whole kernel rice and 57,290 metric tons of second heads, screenings, and brewers rice. For more information, visit www.nass.usda.gov.
and economical
Biosecurity steps to keep birds healthy
WASHINGTON — USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service offers the following steps to take to protect birds and maintain biosecurity practices - following the basic threestep guideline to look, report and protect.
Keep your distance
• Restrict access to your property and your birds.
• Consider fencing off the area where you keep your birds and make a barrier area if possible. Allow only people who take care of your birds to come into contact with them.
• Do not let visitors bring any of their birds near your flock.
• Game birds and migratory waterfowl should not have contact with your flock because they can carry germs and disease.
Keep it clean
• Wear clean clothes. Scrub your shoes with disinfectant.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before entering your bird area.
• Clean and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with your birds or their droppings, including cages and tools.
• Properly dispose of dead birds.
Don’t haul disease
Car and truck tires, poultry cages and equipment can all harbor germs. If you travel to a location where other birds are present, or even to a feed store, be sure to clean and disinfect these items before you return to your property.
To prevent, don’t mix young and old birds or birds from different species or different sources.
Don’t borrow disease
• Do not share equipment, tools or supplies with your neighbors or other bird owners.
• Never share items such as wooden pallets or cardboard egg cartons because they are porous and cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected.
Know warning signs
agnose. The list below includes some of the things to look for that signal something might be wrong with your birds.
1. Sudden increase in bird deaths in your flock.
2. Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing and nasal discharge.
3. Watery and green diarrhea.
4. Lack of energy and poor appetite.
5. Drop in egg production or soft-or thinshelled misshapen eggs.
6. Swelling around the eyes, neck and head.
7. Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs and legs.
8. Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or lack of movement. Early detection of signs is very important to prevent the spread of disease.
Report sick birds
Don’t wait to report unusual signs of disease or unexpected deaths among your birds. Contact your local Cooperative Extension agent, veterinarian, poultry diagnostic lab, or USDA Veterinary Service office (which can be reached at 866-536-7593). This toll-free hotline has veterinarians on hand to help. More information can be obtained at http:// healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
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Calculating house drinker line flow rates
BY MICHAEL CZARICK, DR. BRIAN FAIRCHILD & CONNIE MOU
University
of Georgia
ATHENS, Ga. — It may be difficult to comprehend, but water actually doesn’t “flow” in drinker lines … it slowly drifts. In a way it is more appropriate to consider the flow of water in drinker lines as a pond more than as a rushing river. This holds true for a house with day-old birds or even market-age birds.
Drinker line flow rates are fairly easy to calculate. For instance, a flock of 50-day-old broilers will consume roughly 85 gals/1,000 per day (Watkins, 2009). If there are 20,000 birds in a house, they will consume roughly 1,700 gallons of water. If the lights are on 20 hours a day, the birds will consume on average 1.4 gallons of water each minute. If it is assumed that the house has eight drinker lines, the flow rate in each line would be 0.18 gals/min or 0.024 ft3/min. Divide 0.024 ft3/min by the crosssectional area of a typical drinker line (0.0041 ft2), and you end up with a velocity of 5.9 ft/min.
To put this in perspective, most people walk at a pace of approximately 300 ft/min, approximately 50 times faster. But, it is important to realize that though water will flow into each of the eight drinker lines at an initial velocity of 5.9 ft/min, the velocity will decrease along the length of the line. Let’s assume a 240’ drinker line has 400 nipples and the birds are drinking from all the nipples equally.
At the beginning of the drinker line, the water being supplied to all 400 nipples is flowing through the drinker line (0.18 gals/min or 0.024 ft3/min). Halfway along the length of a drinker line, the volume of water will be cut in half because now the line is only supplying 200 nipples, thus reducing the flow and therefore the velocity is cut in half to 2.9 ft/min (half the volume of water flowing through the pipe, half the velocity). By the time we get three quarters along the length of the drinker line (180’), only the water required to supply 100 nipples is flowing through the line and as a result the velocity is cut in half again to 1.5 ft/min.
A garden snail moves at a pace of 1.8 ft/min. Again, even with market-age birds, the water in a drinker line drifts VERY slowly along the length of the drinker line; with younger chicks when flow rates are roughly a tenth as much, it is essentially stagnate.
A study was conducted in a 40’ X 500’ broiler house examining flow rates in individual drinker lines over the course of a flock. 25,600 birds were placed in the house and grown to a weight of roughly 4.5 lbs. Ultrasonic water meters were installed on four of the house’s eight drinker lines (Chore-Time).
The water meters were sensitive enough to measure water flow down to a rate of 0.005 gals/min with an accuracy of +/-2 percent. The water flow meters were connected to a data logging system which recorded water usage every minute for 33 days of a 35-day flock.
Figure 1: Average daily drinker line flow rate.
Figure 2: Average and maximum water velocity at the beginning of a drinker line.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the average daily drinker line flow rate as well as the average and maximum water velocity at the beginning of the drinker line. The sudden drop in flow rate and velocity on Day 8 was due to the birds transitioning from halfhouse brooding into the full house, thereby having access to twice the number of drinker lines
which cut in half the amount of water being utilized in the brooding area where the water meters were located.
The average flow rate in each line starts off at approximately 0.01gal/min and increases to 0.20 gals/min at the end of the flock. To put this in perspective, water flows from the typical kitchen fau-
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cet at a rate of 2 gals/min, ten times higher. The average velocity at the entrance of the drinker line ranged between 0.5 ft/min at placement to a little over 6 ft/min at the end of the flock. Peak velocities typically occurred when the lights first came on in the morning and were between 3 and 4 times the average velocity for a given day.
Peak velocities typically had a duration of less than five minutes before dropping back to the average within 30 minutes (Figure 3). The highest entrance velocity recorded was 21 ft/min, which is roughly the speed at which a black ant moves. But, keep in mind that the velocity in each drinker line will decrease along the length of the line, dropping to near to zero before the last nipple.
With such low water flow rates a logical question would be how long does water remain in a drinker line? Since the water flow rate changes along the length of a drinker line, the length of time it takes for “fresh” water to reach a specific nipple depends upon the location of the nipple. The closer a nipple is to the beginning of a drinker line, the less time it takes fresh water to reach that nipple.
A second consideration is the amount of water the birds are drinking. The younger the birds, the lower the water consumption rate, and the “older” the water tends to be in a drinker line.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the average amount of time it takes for fresh water to reach various points along the length of a 240’ drinker line based on data collected in the aforementioned study. At the beginning of the flock, it was found that it took approximately an hour for the water to travel the first 30’ of a drinker line. To make it half way down the length of the drinker line took five hours.
To make it nearly to the end of the 240’ drinker line required about a day. Again, it takes a long time for the water to get to the end of the drinker line because the farther you are along the drinker line, the fewer the number of nipples drawing water from the drinker line. For the first few feet, you have hundreds of nipples drawing water from a drinker line. The last 50 feet, only dozens of nipples are drawing water from the line, resulting in the water coming to a virtual standstill.
As the birds got older, the amount of time water remained in the drinker line decreased as wa-
ter consumption rates increased. By the end of the flock, it took on average five minutes for the fresh water to reach a nipple 30’ from the incoming pressure regulator, 30 minutes to reach the halfway mark, and two hours to reach the last few nipples on the drinker line.
Though the travel times were significantly reduced by the end of the flock, it is clear that for even market-age birds, water flow rates are such that for the majority of the birds in a house it takes 30 minutes or more for the water to travel from the incoming pressure regulator to the nipple they are drinking from.
It is important to note that values illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 are the averages for each day. At points during the day, since the flow rates can increase three times or more due to increased feeding activity, the travel times would be reduced by a factor of three or more. Conversely, during periods of low drinking activity or at night when there is essentially no drinking, the water travel times could be dramatically increased. What this research makes clear is regardless of bird age, flow rates in poultry house drinker lines are very low and therefore the amount of time it takes for fresh water to get to a bird is closer to hours than seconds.
Of course, the above figures are for a specific house and would change on based on bird density and size of bird grown, but probably not as much as you may think. Water consumption will roughly follow bird density expressed in pounds per square foot (kg/m2). On the farm studied, the birds were grown at a maximum density of approximately 6.7 lbs/ft2 (33 kg/m2). Therefore, in houses where birds are grown at a higher density, for instance 8 lbs/ft2 (39 kg/m2), we would expect the water flow rates would be roughly proportionally higher (20 percent) than illustrated in the above figures.
What about houses with higher flow nipples, different breeds of birds, or growing birds during hot weather? Yes, these variables could change drinker line flow rates, but they wouldn’t be dramatically different from the relatively low flow rates documented in this study.
In the end, when envisioning drinker line flow rates, it is more appropriate to imagine an extremely lazy river or a slow-moving snail, than a rushing river.
Michael Czarick is an Extension
Figure 4: Time required for “fresh” water to reach various points along a 240’ long drinker line (0 to 33 days).
Figure 5: Time required for “fresh” water to reach various points along a 240’ long drinker line (14 to 33 days).
engineer, and Dr. Brian Fairchild is an Extension poultry scientist, both with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Cooperative Extension. Connie Mou, Danisco Animal Nutrition and Health, at the time of this writing was a UGA Ph.D. graduate student. More information can be obtained at www. poultryventilation.com.
Figure 3: Drinker line entrance velocity on Day 14.
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The summer season is officially upon the United States. This year, the U.S. has seen scorching heatwaves because of a “heat dome.” As the temperatures rise across the country, many people will seek refuge at a pool, lake, or ocean.
Spending a day at the pool or at some other place to cool off will entail bringing food. The USDA warns that some food will need extra care to avoid people from getting a foodborne illness.
“The bacteria that cause foodborne illness love the summertime as much as we do because
When serving food at any time of the year, it is important to have clean hands. The USDA recommends that when running water is accessible, a person must wet their hands, lather with soap, wash for 20 seconds then rinse and dry. If running water is not accessible, someone may use hand sanitizer or an alcohol wipe. The wipe must contain 60 percent alcohol.
In the summer months, particular foods may go sour in the heat. The USDA suggests that perishable food must be kept in coolers or other could sources at 40 degrees F. Some cold sources include ice, frozen gel packets and frozen drinks. If a person plans to use drinks as a cold source, only drinks such as water bottles, iced tea and juices can be used to keep
Other Tips from the USDA to keep food fresh includes:
• Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another cooler.
• The beverage cooler may be opened frequently, causing the temperature inside the cooler to fluctuate and become unsafe for perishable foods.
• Keep coolers and insulated bags out of the sun. Once outside, place them in the shade.
• Full coolers or insulated bags will keep your perishable foods cold and safe for much longer than
half-full ones.
• Place an appliance thermometer (one traditionally used for the refrigerator or freezer) in the cooler so you can check to be sure the food stays at 40 degrees F or below.
The USDA defines the “danger zone” for perishable food as “the temperature range where bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees F.”
To keep food at a proper temperature, cold foods must be stored in the refrigerator, in ice or a cooler. If a person does not have any cold sources, they must follow the oneto-two-hour rule if the temperature is above 90 degrees F.
After one or two hours, perishable food items should be thrown away. Foods like deli meats, cut fruit, cut vegetables, cheese, and yogurt would need to be discarded after one to two hours. Other foods like jerky, crackers, chips, popcorn, pretzels, candy, trail mix, and granola bars can be in the summer heat without going sour.
Some tips from the USDA for pool party safety includes:
• When cooking food: always use a food thermometer to cook to a safe minimum internal temperature.
• When packing food: pack into an insulated bag or cooler with enough cold sources to keep below 40 degrees F or follow the 2-hour rule.
• If having food delivered: consume within two hours. Chill any leftovers below 40 degrees F or discard them if it’s been longer than two hours.
US facing scorching temps under ‘heat dome’
PT
BY ELIZABETH BOBENHAUSEN Poultry Times staff ebobenhausen@ poultrytimes.com
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — In 2023, the United States saw the most heat waves that lasted longer than two days since 1936, a recent Associated Press report. Extreme temperatures can be fatal.
The U.S. witnessed more than 2,300 deaths due to extreme heat last year. Father’s Day 2024 began with scorching heat. According to CNN, the Plains and Midwest had temperatures in the mid to high 90s. The Great Lakes area saw temperatures in the high 80s and lower 90s. The Mississippi River region was battered by the heat wave. St. Louis experienced the hottest day of the year. The warm temperatures could be felt in states such
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as Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. Even Atlanta had hotter than usual temperatures.
The Atlantic and New England regions had temperatures reaching the high 90s. The Northeast and the Midwest were on alert for extreme temperatures. Phoenix, Ariz., had record breaking temperatures that reached 112 degrees. New Mexico had temperatures of 107 degrees and Colorado had temperatures of 100 degrees. The Ohio Valley and the Northeast have been slammed by bad weather and the heat was no
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exception. Detroit had temperatures of 96 degrees, the worst heat wave in two decades. Boston and Philadelphia had record highs of 97 and 95 degrees. Some states had wildfires sparked from the heat wave.
This massive heat wave is because of what is termed a “heat dome,” wire reports note. Yahoo News said, “the scorching temperatures are due to a ‘heat dome,’ a weather phenomenon that occurs when a large area of high pressure in the atmosphere traps hot air underneath it, leading to hot weather for an extended period of time.”
To stay healthy in the heat, experts recommend to:
• Know the symptoms of heat illness, such as muscle cramping, rash, headache, nausea and dizziness.
• Limit outdoor exposure during the hottest parts of the day
• Drink plenty of water and replenish with electrolytes if needed
• If you’re suffering from heat illness, move to a shaded, cool place, loosen or wet your clothes to reduce body heat, or take a cool bath, if possible.
• Seek out air-conditioned places to spend time during periods of extreme heat.
When working in agricultural related work tasks, it is important to know the outdoor elements someone may be working in. Every season of the year comes with its challenges. During the summer, it can be brutal with the heat. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released some suggestions for employers to protect themselves and their employees from the summer heat.
EPA suggests:
• Training Train workers and supervisors on how to control heat stress and to recognize symptoms of heat illness.
• Monitoring and adjusting workloads Take into account the weather, workload, and condi -
tion of the workers, and adjust work practices accordingly. Higher temperatures, high humidity, direct sun, heavy workloads, older workers, and workers unaccustomed to heat are more likely to become ill from heat.
Here are things to do:
• Monitor temperature and humidity, and workers’ responses at least hourly in hot environments.
• Schedule heavy work and tasks requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) for the cooler hours of the day.
• Acclimatize workers gradually to hot temperatures.
• Shorten the length of work periods and increase the length of rest periods.
• Give workers shade or cooling during breaks.
• Halt work altogether under extreme conditions.
• Stay hydrated — Make sure employees drink at least the minimum required amount of water to replace body fluid lost through sweating. Thirst does not give a good indication of how much water a person needs to drink.
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