Podcasts about Aphis

September 11, 2001, changed Bob Ellis's life, just as it changed mine. Bob was working at the Pentagon that morning and had walked out of the building only minutes before Flight 77 struck the area where his meeting had taken place. You will hear how he immediately became part of the response, helping organize emergency supplies and support for those working at the Pentagon. We also compare our experiences from two different locations that day, Bob at the Pentagon and me at the World Trade Center with my guide dog Roselle. Twenty-five years later, our conversation is about more than remembering 9/11. It is about leadership, teamwork, service, controlling fear, and deciding what we do with the life we have been given. I believe Bob's story offers lessons we can all use when the unexpected happens. Highlights: 05:29-Bob shares how his early life and military support career shaped his path. 23:53-He recalls realizing the first World Trade Center strike was not an accident. 32:59-Bob describes being just 300 yards away when the Pentagon was hit. 37:00-He explains how he helped organize emergency relief supplies within hours. 1:03:54-Michael reflects on survival, fear, and the responsibility to move forward. 1:06:55-Bob shares the lasting life lessons he took from September 11. About the Guest: Bob Ellis is the Vice President, American Logistics Association responsible for Exchange, MWR, Food Service Operations. The native of Fort Walton Beach, Florida began his career with AAFES in 1972. From 1972 through 1984, he held retail management positions as a Branch Manager, and Operations Manager Main Store. In 1985, Ellis began a string of assignments as an Exchange General Manager trainee at Fort Belvoir, VA, and Exchange General Manager, Fort Hamilton, NY and Carlisle Barrack PA, (Army War College). Assignments as Area Retail Manager and General Manager at the former Japan Area Exchange ran from 1989-1992. In 1992, Ellis was transferred to Travis AFB in California as Retail Manager, Main Store. In 1994, Ellis was selected for the General Manager's position at Travis and spent three years assisting in the design and new construction effort of the largest retail Main Store ever constructed by AAFES. From 1997 to 2002, Ellis held the position of Director of AAFES' Washington Office, serving as the principal representative of the Commander, AAFES to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Departments of the Army and the Air Force, Congressional offices and industry representatives. Notable among his accomplishments, Ellis was instrumental in spearheading AAFES support to the Pentagon after the attacks of September 11th. Within 48 hours of the event, AAFES established a mobile exchange in the shadow of the impact site to support rescue workers and investigators with critical need and personal comfort items. After Washington, Ellis moved to AAFES Headquarters' in Dallas to assume the Vice President Specialty and Consumables position. In this role, Ellis was responsible for the SD-C Category Team Managers/Buyers. In August 2003, Ellis took his a position as Vice President of Corporate Planning and Communications where he managed the development of AAFES long range and contingency planning programs, oversight of corporate public affairs and ensured compliance with Department of Defense policy guidance with the goal of preserving and protecting the exchange benefit for soldiers and airmen and their families around the globe. Bob joined the ALA on 31 July 2006 where he continues to serve a role in military resale supporting Exchange, MWR, and Food Service, operations still serving military resale over 51 years continuous service. Ways to connect with Bob**:** You can find more benefits how Branded Riches can help you build your Brand, Product, Business, and Yourself at https://www.BrandedRiches.com   Connect:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/neryk-davydov Branded Riches Audiobook by Neryk Davydov https://www.audible.com/pd/Branded-Riches-Audiobook/B0GCP9MMRB Branded Riches Book https://www.amazon.com/Branded-Riches-Increase-Income-Irresistible/dp/1987753836 $5 Free Gift for Creating A New Ovato Wallet    www.ovatoCoin.com  About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Everyone, I am Michael Hingson, the host of Unstoppable Mindset. You've heard my voice for the last 471 episodes, but I'm calling you all out today and asking you to listen to this because we're going to make a special announcement now regarding the next four episodes, starting with 472. We're going to help commemorate the historic events of September 11, 2001. Yes, they're definitely historic, although not necessarily the most positive things that have ever happened. But as many of you may know, I was in the World Trade Center working on September 11, 2001, on the 78th floor of Tower One, and escaped with my guide dog. I've delivered a speech about that, which we put in the first episode of this podcast series back in August of 2021. But this Friday, episode 472 is going to have an updated speech that I delivered just a few years ago at the Marshfield, Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival. That festival is a yearly event celebrating different kinds of things that have happened in American history, and I was invited to come and speak, which I did. I'm going to put that speech up for you as episode 472. I think you'll find it enlightening. It'll teach you something about blindness and blind people. It'll tell you my story, and it'll give you some inspiration that I hope you will find helpful. Next Tuesday, september 8, Michelle Abraham is going to interview me. Michelle is with Amplify You, the company that does all of our back office stuff and helps me with the editing and other things regarding the podcast. Michelle owns her own podcast, and she is going to interview me about September 11th and other kinds of things relating to what I've learned and things that have happened over the past 25 years. She's also going to be putting this up on her podcast Amplify You, so you can find us in a lot of different places. On September 11th, I'm going to chat with Bob Ellis. Bob was in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and had literally just walked out the door of the Pentagon when the plane crashed into the Pentagon and did the things and the damage that it did, and of course generated all the things that occurred at the Pentagon. On the 15th of September, I'm going to come back and have a conversation with all of you about lessons that I've learned over the past 25 years, and just reminisce a little bit about all of that. While the podcast is occurring on September 11th, I will be actually in Kilgore, Texas, doing a speech about September 11th. So lots of things going on, I hope you listen to these episodes. I hope that you'll tell everyone that you can about them. I really enjoy all of the support that you've given us over the years, and we're going to continue to do things with Unstoppable Mindset. And of course, as always, if you'd like to come on or know anyone who would, please let us know. We're always looking for guests. Thanks very much. We'll see you on Friday with the first of these four episodes. What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingston, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of Unstoppable Mindset. You are listening to us today, or at least I'm assuming you're listening just when this came out. But whenever you're listening, it is today, September 11th, 2026, which is needless to say, a special day. If you have kept up with my podcast from the beginning, you know that I worked in the World Trade Center on September 11th, and ever since then I've been a public speaker, traveling the world, talking about trust, teamwork, leadership, the human-animal bond, and a variety of things. But recently, I met Bob Ellis. Michael Hingson  04:40 Now, Bob, as it turns out, on September 11th worked at the Pentagon, and I have not ever really had the opportunity to talk with someone who was at the Pentagon, especially on September 11th. But we get to chat about that today, and Bob knows our rules, which are basically. He sent me a series of questions that he wants to cover, but we are doing this as a conversation, so we'll probably talk about a lot of the things that he specifically sent. But we can go any old way that Bob wants to go, so that's what we'll we'll make this really fun. And I'm really looking forward to having the opportunity to talk with Bob. So again, welcome to September 11th, and Bob, I want to welcome you to Unstoppable Mindset. We're really glad you're here, Bob Ellis  05:28 Michael. Thank you for inviting me. I know you you've inquired several times, and I've debated it, and and I was just holding it for the right time, and this is the right time-the 25th anniversary of the event. Michael Hingson  05:40 Yeah, it is, and and and as as we've said, if you find anybody who needs a a speaker to come in and speak, let me know. But but for now, we get to chat about you and and hear your story, which I think is the important thing. I think we'll probably talk about both of our stories in the course of the day, no doubt about it. But I really am glad that you are here and that you are able to to talk with us today and and and talk about things. So let's start the way I love to start with people. Let's start at the beginning. Tell me kind of about the early Bob growing up and so on. Let's start with that. Bob Ellis  06:17 Well, I I grew up in let's say grew up until I was four years old. I lived. I was born in Pensacola, Florida. Lived in the Panhandle. Mother and father got divorced, and we moved to Norfolk, Virginia. And it was just my my mother and I until I was 14 years old. And I found out about my dad and found some letters from him and insisted to go see him. And so, between 14 and 15, I made a couple of unauthorized attempts to to make my way to Florida. On the third attempt, I made it, and it was quite a surprise for my father. Ended up living with him and being my closest friend up until I had he had grandkids, we had kids, and so I lived and grew up in the Destin, Fort Worth, Fort Walton area. Went to work, and this is where the story begins. I went to work at Eglin Air Force Base as a as a janitor in a gas station for the Army Air Force Exchange Service, so that I could continue to play high school football and practice, was a great job. It was an opportunity to work with the military, be around the military, and I took great pride in that feeling that that that that while I I wanted to go into the air force and I wanted to fly jets, that opportunity just never presented itself because the Vietnam War was going on and they were banking pilots instead of taking pilots. Anyway, I I ended up staying with the Army Air Force Exchange Service for 34 years. I moved all over the world. I've seen the every AOR and every combat scenario since the Vietnam War. Not in the Vietnam War, but I was in the refugee program, helping with the resettlement back in 1972, 1973. Spent the rest of my career going wherever they sent me, and and and that was from Tokyo, Japan, to to Tuli, Greenland, to California, and ultimately to to Texas. Michael Hingson  08:30 I remember during the Vietnam War, someone called me one day. I was a student at UC Irvine, and there was a refugee camp fairly close to the university, and someone said, and someone said, "There's a blind young man at the sent at the refugee center, and we should go see him. And so we we bought a transistor radio for him and went out to visit with him and spent some time with him, and I never got to see him after that. But I hope I hope he did well. He he seemed like he was doing okay, but he was a little bit lost, needless to say, because it's a whole bunch of people. There are no a lot of people who knew much about blindness and blind people, but I would presume he did reasonably okay. I hope so, but that was the only time I specifically had an involvement with him or anyone at the refugee camps. Later, when I met my wife Karen, she lived, I think, a door down, and she and her parents lived a door down from a Vietnamese couple, and he was a tailor and actually made her wedding dress, which was kind of cool, and so we got to spend a fair amount of time with the Voo's, which was was good, but what's. Interesting for me now, with with now being well so many years later. In November, I will be going to do a speech in Hanoi, so I'm really looking forward to to going over there and and experiencing it. At least it'll be a little bit cooler then than it probably is now. So we'll see, but it'll be it'll be pretty enjoyable to go and again see a different a different part of the world, and I I think we'll be fine. At least that's that's that's the plan. Bob Ellis  10:34 That that that that tour that I had at Eglin Air Force Base with the refugees, will come back to to to 911 2001 and the experiences that I had at that refugee camp replicated in the Pentagon park and lot there in 911. So we'll get to that. I'll explain it further. Michael Hingson  10:56 Yeah, I'm sure it was a a great a great lesson. Where did you do college, or did you Bob Ellis  11:03 went to went to Duke University and the University and the University of Maryland? Michael Hingson  11:10 Okay. Well, at Bob Ellis  11:12 least much of it was correspondence as well, only because I was deployed for for so many years back to back, 17 moves in 34 years. Michael Hingson  11:22 Wow, Duke University. At least you didn't go to one of those other schools in North Carolina. Boy, talk about talk about rivalries and basketball. What a what a group down there. Bob Ellis  11:35 Oh, I know, I know. Michael Hingson  11:38 I once spoke in Kentucky, and the Wildcats were in the NCAA championship that year, and I was asked to speak at an event on the night of the championship. But I was told I had to end by 630. I could not go one second past 630 because the gym I was speaking in was going to clear out. Well, I ended in time so that at 630, what they said was absolutely true. That gym cleared out. Everybody went home to watch the game. Bob Ellis  12:09 That's that's sports. Michael Hingson  12:11 Not sports. It is, but it's okay. I I learned a lot down there and got to meet a number of people, and so it was it was a lot of fun to to do it, and then years later I was in North Carolina when NC State and UNC were playing to see who was going to go into the championship. So again, pretty interesting world, and and sports ruled everything then, so it's okay. It Bob Ellis  12:43 hasn't it hasn't changed at all because my my my daughter I got her graduate studies done at NC State, and it hasn't changed a bit. It's just I'll bet it's just crazy as it's when was 20 3040 years ago, Michael Hingson  12:58 and it shall ever be, won't it? Bob Ellis  13:01 Yeah, yeah. Her undergraduate degree was at University of Texas. This was my son's, and she went on to NC State, and and he went on to medical school in in Houston. Michael Hingson  13:16 Okay. Well, UC Irvine, when I was there, had the championship water polo team, but that's what we had. But they started basketball while I was there, although it wasn't anything huge. But a couple of years ago, they made it to the Sweet 16, and that was kind of fun for UC Irvine. One of these days, it'll go all the way. Bob Ellis  13:40 Yep. Michael Hingson  13:41 Well, anyway, so you you went to college, and and what did you major in? Bob Ellis  13:45 Political science. Michael Hingson  13:47 Okay, political science Bob Ellis  13:48 and business management. With a with my two aspirations, I wanted to. I really wanted to major in in aviation science, but that that wasn't offered. So that's political science and business science, business law. Michael Hingson  14:06 But you were working for the Army Air Force Exchange Service. What is that exactly? Bob Ellis  14:11 Yeah, it's a it's it's it's a non-appropriated funded Service provided all goods. I think of it as the the Walmart or the Target of of the civilian sector, except the Army Air Force Exchange Service has stored everything from stores, every business that you can think of therein, from stores to convenience stores to gas stations to beauty shops and barber shops to dining facilities, franchise Burger Kings, anything that a soldier and his family needs at the base or overseas or in the combat arena, where we were there with it, providing it. It's been a great career. Michael Hingson  14:59 Did you? Do you have any involvement with, especially here in the U.S. the the Randolph Sheppard programs, the blind vending stand operations at any of the facilities? Bob Ellis  15:09 Yep, sure did many many times. We're still working with it. There's there's some issues present right now under the Randolph Shepherd that they're looking at. I don't know what what's going to change, but yes, sir, we were very, very close to that. Michael Hingson  15:24 Yeah, I know there. The current government's looking at it; they want to scale a lot of it back, which would, I think, not be a good thing. I think there's a lot of reasons to keep it, but we'll see. We'll see. We'll see how it goes. But I, the closest I ever came to dealing with anything from AAES was I was invited to speak once at an organizational meeting of the National Property Managers Association in the military. Are you familiar with that? Bob Ellis  15:56 I am. Yes. Michael Hingson  15:57 And when I was asked to come, the Speakers Bureau didn't do a good research job because they told me, "Oh, it's the people who rent apartments and all that. When I got down to the to the event, I will say that the National Property Managers Association certainly serves a nice breakfast. But anyway, the conversation just didn't seem like what I what I was expecting. So I asked somebody, and they told me that the organization was the organization that had complete jurisdiction over anything physical that the government owned, and Bob Ellis  16:30 absolutely Michael Hingson  16:31 that that changed my grass. Sorry, Bob Ellis  16:34 right down to the grass, right down to the grass and the concrete. Michael Hingson  16:37 There you go. Well, it also changed my speech in 10 minutes, but it was fun. They invited me back the next year, so that was good. But it's it's fun when you're you're planning to do a particular speech, and suddenly it turns out it's got to change. It's good to have the flexibility to do that. But I'm I'm glad I had the opportunity to do it, and hopefully we'll have opportunities to do it again, but you have served a lot of different kinds of of services within AAES, and and I assume that's all worked out pretty well. Bob Ellis  17:14 That that worked out very well. Yep, I had I started at the bottom and and climbed as close to the top as I possibly could, but Michael Hingson  17:23 you eventually got the the highest medal that was available for civilians when you retired or after you retired. Bob Ellis  17:31 No, the highest award that I ever received was from my man over the Pentagon 911 support program, which was a nice medoris civilian award. Michael Hingson  17:46 Okay, where is your favorite place to live in the world? Or is that really easy to say? I mean, you've been all over the place and seen a lot of different kinds of places. Don't know how much you got to two of them, but anyway, Bob Ellis  18:00 it wasn't the two places that I that I went overseas, which was Japan and Greenland. Those were the longest tours of my life. Beautiful country in Japan, and and great facilities and support in tuning Greenland. But I would I would guess throughout the United States, I had a great assignment at the Army War College, and I had a great assignment at Travis Air Force Base here in Michael Hingson  18:26 California. Yeah, Bob Ellis  18:28 yeah. Michael Hingson  18:30 I've spoken. Bob Ellis  18:30 My son was born in Japan. He's dual citizen as a result on the Air Force Base, and my daughter was born in California. So it was a great time, mainly because the kids were younger and and and and we were in great climate areas. Michael Hingson  18:48 When people ask me what my favorite place in the United States is, I say everywhere. I I just enjoy meeting people wherever I go in the U.S. It's so many different cultures and customs and ways of doing things. It is so fun to to see all the different places and see how they are. People ask what I like, where I like outside the U.S. And so far, it's been New Zealand. I would say is probably the best, but Japan has to be up there too. I've really enjoyed being in Japan. I've been there a couple times, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bob Ellis  19:23 it. I, I had, I think the most the the greatest thing about the assignments was some of the people I I got to to meet in in my in my tours. One of them would be the Crown Prince of of Thailand, who who is now the king of Thailand, King Rama, got to meet him when he was a pilot, and supported him when when I was at Yokota Air Base, and multiple other celebrities. I I had the opportunity as a kid to attend the funeral. For Douglas MacArthur, and and his his memorial was right across the street in North Virginia from where my mother worked. And 20 years later, I had the opportunity to to meet mrs. Mcarthur, Jean MacArthur, at Gracie Mansion in New York, and I I I wrote protocol. I when it came time for her to to meet me and meet meet her, I got down on one knee and I held her hand and I said, "I want to tell you a little story, ma'am. And she said, "Well, certainly, absolutely. And I told her the story how when the general had died in in 1964, I was required by my my mother to go to the funeral, and the most fascinating person I'd ever seen in my life was herself, and she just got she just turned red. Well, long story short, I was at an army command at Fort Hamilton. The next day, the the group the the installation commander called me over to his office, very angry, but he wanted me to know that I was going to be the first civilian aide for the old lady, which was mrs. Mcarthur, and he had to take one of his lieutenants off. And I got to know the family and and the Mcarthurs as a result of that. So lots of opportunities, just absolutely amazing. 911, and we'll get to it. I got to meet President Bush momentarily, but I I got to meet him and have a short conversation. Michael Hingson  21:32 I got to meet him in 2005. We went to the Oval Office, and we were supposed to have a two minute photo op, but he kept wanting to interact. We ended up talking for about 15 minutes. He kept the Italian ambassador or prime minister waiting, but it was a was a great conversation. I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to meet with him. Bob Ellis  21:53 Yeah, he was remarkable. Michael Hingson  21:54 Yeah, in in so many ways. If Speaker 1  22:00 you enjoy Unstoppable Mindset and would like to help us continue bringing these conversations to you each week, we've created a way for you to support the show. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and continue sharing stories, insights, and ideas that inspire people to live with purpose and possibility. If supporting the podcast feels right for you, you'll find the link in the show notes. Thank you for being part of the Unstoppable Mindset Community. Michael Hingson  22:33 So that's that's pretty cool. So as you were going around to all these different places, what would you say you were learning. Bob Ellis  22:41 I was learning business. I was learning relationships. I was learning marketing. Pretty much anything that you wanted to do as a general manager or a vice president, the exchanges let you do it. You know, until you got too far gone, and they they reel you back in. But I love being able to run multiple businesses on the installation, and and be accountable for them, and run them at a profit, and and at the end of the day, do great things for military families. Michael Hingson  23:16 Wow! So you um, you you've you've had a lot of challenges and and had to learn a lot of different things. Needless to say, but I would would think that you've you've been able to to keep a lot of that and use it. And you know we've referred to September 11 th, and so let's let's get to around that time. The first thing I would ask, and people have asked me, but you're in a better position in theory than I. Did you have any inkling that something like September 11th was going to happen? Bob Ellis  23:53 Well, actually, September 11th was was happening. I left for work about 4:30 in the morning. I lived out in the suburbs in Centerville, Virginia, and it was one of those days that you just wished you didn't have to go to work. It was the as the sun was coming up, it had a little cold breeze to it. The skies were blue. It was just one of those days that you just wanted to sit out in the yard and and relax or go bicycling, whatever. But I did my duty and I drove in to the Washington D.C. area and reported to my office on time, which was right around 5o'clock. My staff showed up around six and some at seven, and my secretary came in, and I don't know exactly what time it was, but it was shortly after, right around 9o'clock in Eastern Time, when the first airplane had hit the the trade center. Michael Hingson  24:49 Yeah, Bob Ellis  24:49 846-940-6846, Yes, right, 846. Yeah, and and so I I went in to look at the. The the television monitor standing there it was just her and I at the time and and and I said that's not an accident and she says how do you know that I said look at the skies that was an airliner they were talking about it was a little small private aviation well I'm a pilot I've been a pilot for 40 years 41 years I knew exactly, you know, that that where it was, what it was doing, and that wasn't a it wasn't an accident. And and my inkling was is that I was in a in rented space in Arlington, Virginia, because we had been moved out because the wedge that got attacked was the one that was still under construction. My office had not been completed there, and and I had a meeting in that wedge at 9o'clock that morning. And my secretary said to me, "You know, Bob, the Pentagon is next. And I paused for a minute and I looked at her and I said, "How in the world could you even imagine that, you know that that that's a fortress? Who would be crazy enough to attack the Pentagon? And she says, I I just I don't want you to go over, you know, just just just do it by phone, which I I probably could have done. And I said, No, I'm I'm going to go over there. If they're going if they're going to attack the Pentagon, I'm going to go down with it, and that was kind of my philosophy. So, in the back of my mind, seeing that airplane hit the Trade Center and her telling me that certainly made me wonder if it wasn't a possibility. Michael Hingson  26:33 So, you didn't. You don't think that anyone, and I've never heard of any such, but that anyone had any advance notice? There wasn't chatter. There wasn't anything that made people suspect what might be getting ready to happen. Bob Ellis  26:47 No, I I I think that is the the worst our country has ever been off guard. It reminds me of you know the the attack on Hawaii and that you know in in Pearl Harbor. We were completely unprepared, and I thought we were completely unprepared on 911. And in fact, after the attack, I knew we were unprepared when I saw the two jets fly over with no armament on the wings. So no, I don't think anybody had any idea. Michael Hingson  27:18 Well, the other side of it, and I've talked about this in in some talks I've given. I talk a lot about trust and teamwork, and like it or not, one of the things that I observe is you had 19 terrorists who functioned well enough as a team that they didn't talk about it. They didn't let anything come out. So no matter how much armament or whatever we might have had, I'm not sure whether we could have predicted that on September 11th, what occurred was going to happen. Bob Ellis  27:49 You know, all the indicators were there. You know, those those 19 trained at private airports, and they and during their training, it was it was reported multiple times that all they were interested in was taking off, not landing. I mean, first clue, you know. Okay. Why would you just be interested? He's taking off an airplane, and and I always found that very curious, and I'd heard it several times. That should have set alarm bells off. Should have. It didn't. Apparently, it did. Michael Hingson  28:20 Good point, and you know the the thing is though that, as as you pointed out, who would have thought that anybody would attack the Pentagon, the fortress that it was? Who Bob Ellis  28:33 yeah, Michael Hingson  28:33 who would have thought? So again, you can only go by what you got, and so nobody, I think, would have ever imagined that. Well, of course, the first plane hit the World Trade Center, and at first, people didn't really know what happened because there were really not very many people who who saw it. In fact, we only have the few photos that were taken by the French photographers who were there for something else, but then a little after nine, the second plane hit, and that changed the dynamic and changed the perspective a lot. Although a bunch of people who started seeing it on TV thought it was just a movie, and it wasn't true, but the second plane hitting changed the attitudes. I think for most people, and that's when people knew something was going on. Bob Ellis  29:24 Yeah, I didn't know anything about the second trade center. I had left my office in Crystal City, and I had headed to the Pentagon. And the meeting, the meeting that I had was with the Army Personnel Chief and several other folks. And as it turned out, that is exactly the window that the airplane flew into. That was ground zero for the for the for the target for the airplane going in just above the first floor for the Pentagon. So I didn't know anything. I was I was trapped at that point. I was trapped. Couldn't go um. Wouldn't go um. Didn't want to go um. And I had lived in New York City for five years, and I was my biggest. I was always impressed by the New York City Fire Department. I mean, they're they're just walking heroes if you've ever seen them. I mean, they were like they were like giants when you got next to them, and that they would they were just superhumans. And I always wondered upon the top floors how in the world you would get a fire put out at the top of the World Trade Center, and and I did not know until two days later when I made it home. That was my first question to my family: How did they get the the fire out at the top of the World Trade Center? And I and and it was repeated to me centers, and I said, What are you talking about? Centers in my family, and they said, "Bob, the World Trade Centers are gone. I said, "I don't understand. How could they be gone? And that was that. That was you know two days later that I found out about that. It was quite a shock to me to learn what it actually while I was on on the Pentagon mission. Michael Hingson  30:58 Well, when the first plane hit. Well, in the second plane, the firefighters were going up the stairs carrying all their equipment, and I had had had known about that and asked people, "Well, why are you or would you be carrying equipment? Because I met I I didn't meet the FDNY people ahead of the World Trade Center attacks, but I did meet with other people to learn about emergency preparedness and so on because I felt as the leader of an office, it was my job to know because I wasn't going to be able to read signs, and I love information, so I was trying to learn all I could, and they told me that where would if you if you had equipment stored in the in the towers, then people would go to it. Firefighters would go to it and get the the equipment. What floor do you put it on? Because no matter what floor you put it on, what if the fire broke out one floor below? You know, you can't get to the equipment. So the only way they could get up the stairs to fight the fires was to carry all of the equipment with them, yep, yep. Not enough is said about those guys in history. No, and I met a number of them coming up the stairs as we were going down, and they wanted to escort me down, and I didn't want them to do that because I knew they were a team, and I I pushed back pretty hard and said, no, you guys go up and we'll go down unless we can help you fight the fires, and they said no. The reason they eventually let me go down without any assistance was I had a friend with me who could see, and I said, "Look, David can see. Don't worry about us. And David and they turned to David and they said, "You're with him. And David said, "Yeah, leave him alone. He's fine. So we went on down, and they went up. I don't know whether the people we interacted with made it down or perished up above. It was about 10 after 10 after nine or so when we got to the 30th floor where we met them. So it was another hour and almost 20 minutes before the tower collapsed, but I don't know where the firefighters were, or how many people from the groups that we interacted with perished, or if they all made it out. I don't know, but Bob Ellis  33:12 yep, I I memorized all those numbers. You know, 189 between the airplane and the Pentagon, 200 injured, but 189. 189 total were 64 on the airplane, 125 in the Pentagon, and I'll never forget those numbers. Yeah, I'll never forget the time. I looked at my watch at 9:17, and and I have to tell you that on 9/11, I always sit very quietly until I get past 917, not 937. I'm sorry, 937. Michael Hingson  33:48 So Bob Ellis  33:48 in the morning. Michael Hingson  33:49 So, how close were you to where the plane came into the Pentagon? Bob Ellis  33:56 About 300 yards. When when it was clear that the meeting wasn't going to happen because the air traffic control system had been shut down. They released us to go back to our our offices, and I was going out the front door. I left about 930. It was supposed to start at nine 930. The generals said we'll just reconvene, and and I agreed. And from his office on on the south portico, I was walking out the front door. Literally, I heard the engines spool up. I had been in the AOR in rail combat munitions, and and I've heard cruise missiles, and and I could hear this one spinning up, and I thought it was a cruise missile, and so when it hit when it hit the building, it was just it was just a horrendous sound. But my first impression was to run to it to see what happened, what what what caused that, and there was nothing there. It was just four or five cars burning and smoke billowing out of the building. And and the the rest turned into a you know a rescue and a a recovery. Michael Hingson  35:08 AOR is what Bob Ellis  35:10 the area of responsibility. Michael Hingson  35:13 Okay, area of responsibility. Okay, Bob Ellis  35:16 yeah, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, wherever we are, it's it's N A O R, and that's your A O R. That's state. That's where you are. So that that's where I encountered first first and only live person coming out of the building, and which was a which was a really big surprise. But I knew that there was something that I I had to do, and and one of the things was to, if he needed assistance, getting him assistance. And there were several people. He was he was he was burned third degree burns over his whole body. He lived. I said one prayer was for him. And as it turned out, he became a a great ambassador. Turned out to be a great friend, and is actually back in the Pentagon to this day, just steps away from his old office as a civilian, went went back on a presidential appointment. Michael Hingson  36:09 So, you mentioned the general a while ago. Was did he survive? Bob Ellis  36:15 No, he was the he was the highest ranking person that we lost in in the entire encounter, and it was the entire office was just instantly vaporized. So he did not survive. Michael Hingson  36:33 Well, so you heard the engines revving up, and you went after you heard the explosion and so on. You went over to see what was going on, and then what did you do? Because it certainly had to be a major surprise and a shock by any standard. Bob Ellis  36:49 Yeah, I went that side of the building, saw the hole in the building, kind of convinced myself it was a cruise missile, but I never heard such a loud engine noise. As it turned out, it was it was two big engines off of a 757 200, and so I immediately tried to figure out you know what can I do? What should I do? Should I even be here? And that's when I saw the colonel coming out of the building, and I was able to walk with him and four others over to the the road, the Washington Boulevard that goes around the Pentagon, and and I sat down on the telephone pole, a light pole that the airplane hit going in. Now I'm a pilot, and and I have to tell you to take an airplane going at Mach point eight seven, and hit a target, hit the building, and not hitting the ground was just absolutely amazing to me. So as they got the colonel into an SUV and and and got him out of the the scene, I sat there. Just it was almost like a movie I was watching. The triage was being set up. The Pentagon was burning. The emergency services units were starting to show up, and we had very intermittent phone capability. And I had I had a a friend, my my the commander that I worked for in Dallas at the time. This secretary's husband was a bodyguard for Secretary Rumsfeld, and and Secretary Rumsfeld was actually carrying litter patients, carrying people out of the debris area and out of the offices. He was actually helping people, and he he realized that something needed to be done. So he gave Jerry a note, a piece of paper. We called them snowflakes, but it was a tablet, and he had listed what needed to be done and what needed to be done now. And Jerry found me sitting over there and gave me that that piece of paper, and it had everything listed on it. He wanted a a tactical field operation in place. He wanted it now, not yesterday. He wanted something in the interim, and it was to provide emergency relief supplies. So I I sat down on that telephone pole and I called our our local dist not local our largest distribution center in the world was down in Newport News, and I got the director on the phone and I said, I have an official order from you coming from the Secretary of Defense, and and don't override, don't just just follow my instructions until we can get to the commander at AFIS headquarters, and so I gave him the list. I just gave him the full list of things that we needed to get rolling, and I called another gentleman that was just across the river, the American Logistics Association, which owned all of the brokers and manufacturers, and I gave him a list of stuff that we needed now, like Gatorade boots. the The surface was over 2000 degrees, and the emergency service boots were melting almost upon contact. So I had I had 1000s, hundreds of 1000s of dollars of equipment. And supplies coming in, and we set up the USO tent, put everything in the USO tent. We raided all the stores in the in the Washington D.C. area. I was able to contact the region manager, and I told him, you know, what we needed to take it off the shelf, put it in the back seat of the cars, don't account for it, and get it to me. And that's what we did the entire first night was setting up the USO trailer, and the next morning I had two tactical field tractor trailers coming up the ramp just as the sun was coming up, and they were loaded with supplies, and that's what stayed in place for the next two months. Over $2 million worth of merchandise, emergency recovery type merchandise, everything from linens to the towels to eye wash, and and and we had to actually have some special boots made out of leather for the dogs because the dogs' feet were so it was it was quite an operation. We ended up well running within within 24 hours of the attack, Michael Hingson  41:04 why is it that you are able to stay pretty focused through all of this? Bob Ellis  41:08 I you know I you know I I've often asked that question. I wanted to go home. Alls I could think of is my kids, my wife. What what are they doing? What are they thinking? They're watching this on the news, and I had I had drifted over to which my car was very close, and it was taped off. The parking lot was taped off. It was a crime scene. There was no going anywhere. There was no transportation. If I wanted to walk 40 miles, I guess I could have, but because I couldn't go anywhere, I had to do something there on the scene, so that's that's that's what I did, and and it wasn't until the next day when the phone started working again, our two star in Dallas was able to get through to me on on my BlackBerry, and he wanted to know what the situation was, and and and I told him, and and he said, what what are we going to do? And I explained to him what we had done already, and he says, "How did you do all of that? I said, "I picked up the phone and I told him I was working for Secretary Rumsfeld, and this is the order. And and he says, "How are we going to pay for all of this? I said, "Sir, this is our finest hour. We're not. We're going to donate. These are all donating goods, and and it really was an interesting. I I just I just don't know. I was compelled. He he he ordered me on that second day to go home, and and I said I had no way to go home. And he said go to the motor pool. I'm going to call the motor pool. He had been the commander of the Air Force One Squadron, so he had a lot of connections in Washington, and he he got me a car, and I went home long enough to change clothes and and and to come back out. So it was it was just out of adrenaline, I think. Somebody had to do something, and and everything that I've told you here today is not written anywhere in history. I own every bit of what happened in in in that story, other than some of the people that were working there. Michael Hingson  43:07 What phone did you use that first day? You said you're you're it was the second day or the next day that you're phoned. So how were you able to communicate? Bob Ellis  43:17 We had Blackberries, and and until the networks got completely overrun, we were able to use it. And and so by the second third day, we we had pretty consistent communication, because the the the commander called me back that same morning, and and he said, you know, he said, how come you haven't been home? And I explained to him, and he says, "Will you do me one favor? And I said, "I would. He said, "Will you go back into the building? Said, "Sir, the building's on fire. He says, "Well, well, you get in the front, and I'm looking at it. He was looking at it on television, and the military clothing store was in the very front, within 100 feet, probably of that door that I went out of. And he says, "Would you see if our people survive, and if the store itself survived? It was sitting near the the area. I went in the store. I went into the building, into the burning building, and was able to look in the door, and I could see that the the room was full of smoke, and the door was locked. So I told him I would assume that our people made it out, alive and okay. And they say that was a, and they did, and they absolutely did. And in fact, everybody that that that that had any kind of supervisory capability around the Beltway, they volunteered to come over and work for me and and operating that facility for 2024 hours a day, seven days a week. Wow! So and not and not to shorten the the question, I wasn't there, but because of what I was doing in the in the Pentagon, my old homestead was at Fort Hamilton. Fort Hamilton picked up the same thing and went over to the Trade Center area, and they gave them a place to put a mobile. Food truck, and they brought supplies in and pretty much supported the firefighters and the and the and the police there. So so we had quite an operation going for a long time. Michael Hingson  45:11 Yeah, and and needed to, but it was interesting and commendable that in both places people were able to focus, and were able to carry out missions. I know at the World Trade Center when the two towers collapsed. Of course, it was it was unexpected, but we know now, of course, why they collapsed. It wasn't that the planes hit; it's that they were they were full of what 36,000 pounds of jet fuel each, and that exploding jet fuel is what damaged the infrastructure of the buildings to cause them to be able to collapse. But as well as at the Pentagon, but very quickly people were able to start to move and deal with issues and put procedures in place that were able to, I'm sure, keep more people from perishing and keep kept more people being able to focus throughout the whole the whole sequence of events. It it certainly was very scary, but it is something that that people like you were able to do. I know for me, the reason I was able to focus was because I had learned what to do in an emergency at the World Trade Center. I spent time with people and I learned how the whole building was structured, so I knew when the building tipped, why it tipped, and and things like that. You Bob Ellis  46:40 felt it. You you felt it. Michael Hingson  46:43 Oh yeah. Oh my god. We moved probably at least 20 feet, and then it came back, and oh my Speaker 2  46:48 god, it Michael Hingson  46:48 got vertical again. It got vertical again, and then a few seconds later, it dropped about six feet because the expansion joints went back to their normal configuration. But Bob Ellis  46:59 we uh we we knew from 937 till about 5o'clock that evening there would be no more survivors. It was over, and and and the dogs were getting depressed because they were they were they were not cadaver dogs. They were recovery dogs, and they were used to fight. And we we actually had ceremonies for the dogs every day, where we sewed flags onto their collars, and they had special water and special food. So they played a big, big role in morale, mine especially. Michael Hingson  47:33 And at the same time, I know people had to do drills to keep the dogs focused because they weren't able to find people, as you said, so they had to do things to give them something to find to keep them happy, which was was so important. Bob Ellis  47:50 Yeah, that we had two two tractor trailers lined up. It was just just two 300 feet from where you went into the damaged area of the Pentagon, and those dogs and their handlers would get up underneath those trailers and sleep, and they would play with the dogs. We actually had some carpets brought out, tarps brought out, and that's kind of where that was kind of their headquarters during 911. We had to make it up as we went along, and and the other interesting part of this story is in 1972 at the at the refugee camp, I was sleeping in the back of a van because there was just no way to go home. It was too it was too far to drive home to turn around and come back at 8o'clock the next morning, and I heard somebody knocking at the door, and and and I and I opened up the door, and it was a military colonel in uniform, and there was a civilian standing there with him. And he says, "Are you part of this operation? And I said, "Yes, sir, I am. He said, "Who are you with? And I said, "The Army Air Force Exchange Service. And and he says, "You're not provided any other facilities. This, I said, that was my choice. And as it turned out, I was speaking to Secretary Rumsfeld during his first administration as Secretary of Defense, and it was interesting that when he found out that what I did in in that program, I won the Indo Indo China Award for service, and then of course you you move ahead to to 2001, and we we knew each other. I had briefed him several times, and we we knew each other in the Pentagon. And that day, he knew that I would know what to do for the support role, and that's why he sent the letter up. And as it turned out, when he retired and and left the Pentagon, he was on a book tour, and and the the general secretary and myself got an invite to come to the book tour with him and and have lunch with him. And he handed me a book and he said, "I want you to have this, but I don't want you to open it up until you, Bob. I don't want you to open it up till you get home. I don't want you to give it to your wife. And and it was like this. Sure, I'm not not a problem, and so I got I got home. You know, this is this is 10 years later, and handed the book to her, and I said, "Open it up. I'm not wasn't allowed, and there's a nice thank you page on the front from Secretary Rums for allowing him to use me on 9/11, and you just you just that's the best reward that I could have ever ever expected. A guy that I just idolized to do that. Michael Hingson  50:26 When you got home, so you weren't able to talk to your wife before you got home, or did you ever get communication so you could call her? Bob Ellis  50:33 No, I didn't. I when I finally got the phone back up and running and got in the car. I had lost the battery, so I said, "I'm gonna be home in in an hour. I'll just be there. But General Wax called up, and she answered the phone. She went. She went sometime during that day and pulled the kids out of the private school, brought them home. She could see my car. It was a yellow SUV, and she could see it in the South parking lot in the news choppers going around. She said that was my car where my spot was, and General Wax got her on the phone and she and and she answered the phone and he said this is C J Wax and she thought that was the call. She thought that was it, and she alls I could do was drop to my knees and and and C J said and it's it's okay. I've ordered him to come home. He's all right. He's running. He's running a a program for us for for recovery. And if he's not there, he should be there shortly. And then by the time I got there, I got to the front step. I'm asking the question about the World Trade Center, how they got the fire out, and I was ordered that I could not go in the house because I smelled like smoke. So, so two minutes before that, I was the most important person in the world, and and then all of a sudden, I was I was back to Bob, and I wasn't going to wear that that suit in the house to to smoke it. So anyway, that's that's how she found out. He he called her up. I asked him. I think I asked him if he would get in touch with her at our last conversation, and he did. Michael Hingson  52:06 Soon after both towers collapsed, like a minute or so later, I called and got through to my wife Karen. I had talked with her before we left our office, and then when we got downstairs, I couldn't get through to her because the circuits were busy, and it was obvious that everyone we learned later was saying goodbye to loved ones, and so the circuits were busy. So after both towers collapsed, I was able to get through to her, and as I tell people, there were tears on both sides of the phone at the when that conversation started, but she was the first one who told us how two aircraft had been crashed into the World Trade Center towers, one to the Pentagon, and at that time, the fourth one was apparently still missing over Pennsylvania, and of course, then it crashed at Shanksville. Bob Ellis  52:52 I love it. Michael Hingson  52:54 Yeah, but we, you know, we talked, so she knew I was okay. Then a friend of ours, Tom Painter, who had been a friend of Karen's at high school out in California, but Tom, over the years, had ended up moving to New Jersey. He came down to stay with her, not knowing until he arrived whether I was in the office that day or out with a customer or what was going on. And of course, then she told him, and so he drove her to the train station to pick me up. When, when I got back out to Westfield, we went home. And you talk about with with dogs. We got in the house, and I took Roselle's harness off because I was going to take her out, and she would have none of it. She ran off, grabbed her favorite tug bone and started playing tug of war with my retired guide dog Linny, and I talked to the veterinarians at Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael the next day, and they said, "Did anything threaten her? And I said, "No, not directly. And they said, "That's why she ran off because it was over. Nothing threatened her. Bob Ellis  53:58 Comfortable. Michael Hingson  53:59 She, they don't. Dogs don't do what if like we do, and so she was comfortable. She was happy. She wanted to play, and then then she did go out. But by the same token, the the whole point was that she was able to deal with with all of it and was able to to focus. Then we got her outside and and came back in, and she ate and and all that. But the the the thing is that she focused all day, and and she did a a wonderful job. And the reason that she focused and did so well was mainly because I worked at keeping her focus by telling her every chance I got. You're a good girl. What a good dog! Good dog. You're doing a great job. Keep going. I did that all the way down the stairs in the World Trade Center, and I was very deliberate about that because I knew she had to sense the fear and what was going on, and I wanted her to know that I was okay and I was going to be there for. Her, which is of course what teamwork and support is all about. You understand that very well. You you proved it in so many ways. I kept working with Roselle and kept her focused, and you know it all it all really went well. I still think one of the most relevant things for me in the World Trade Center. I went down the stairs with a guy named David Frank. David was from our corporate office in California, and David and I were going to be conducting sales seminars that day, teaching some resellers how to sell our products. And we got down to about the 50th floor, so David was there to talk about the the pricing and so on. I was going to do the majority of the presentation because I was going to be their technical contact, anyway, and we got to about the 50th floor, going down, and suddenly David said, "Mike, we're going to die. We're not going to make it out of here. And as I tell people, since I got a teaching credential, I had learned all about the secrets of how to yell at students. So I just said, "Stop it, David. If Roselle and I can go down these stairs, so can you. And he then immediately said that I brought him out of his spunk, and he told me that later as well. But what he told me was that he wanted to walk a floor below me on the stairs and shout up to me everything that he was seeing. He had to take his mind off of what was going on, and so he asked if I cared, and I said, "No, go ahead. That's what you need to do. That's fine. So I got like down to the 48th floor, and he yelled, "47th floor, Mike. All's clear here. Going on down. So we went down several floors that way. Eventually, I got to 45, and he was 44th floor. This is where the Port Authority cafeteria is not stopping. And the reason I mention it is because I think what David did is one of the unsung things that is so important from September 11th. He kept shouting up to me everything that he saw, but the reality is, anyone in the sound of his voice heard that there was someone who was okay going down the stairs, and he had to keep panic out of people's senses for so many individuals, because they just heard him, Mike, 43rd floor, all's good here. Going on down the stairs, all the way down the stairs. He had to have been able to keep so many people focused because he was able to keep his mind off of what was going on by shouting to me, and I think that that's so important, and so I'm. I always tell that story. I've been telling it for many years now because I want people to know what he did to keep so many people focused going down the stairs, and he had to have done that. Bob Ellis  57:31 Well, you know, I have. That's that's the first I've heard that, and and and and I read everything that I followed your story very closely, as well as the colonel who I was so close to, but there there are a couple of stories that are just never mentioned, not talked about, and one of them where we had to do every day. There was an update that the military gave the families an update as to what is happening, what was found, what was recovered, what to expect, and they would bring the kids in to listen to these brutal military briefings. I mean, just you know, these were these were soldiers, these were these were combat folks, and this is the way they briefed. And the therapy dogs were brought in, and there wasn't but about a dozen of them, and I will never forget not only the kids on the floor with the arms around those dogs, but some of the adults were as well. And I thought, what what a moment! That was the most touching moment of my entire life witnessing that. I mean, I could have done without it, but it was it was a very special moment. And then the the other thing that the world doesn't know about is on the second day, I got a I got a phone call from Secretary Rumsfeld's office that the VA was completely out of coffin flags. We had nothing in inventory to to cover the remains or the caskets for burial, and what could I do? And and right right from the Pentagon parking lot, I I called one of the buyers that bought American flags in Dallas, and then I asked her who do you get flags from, and she says it's American Flag Company. I'll give them credit for that, and and I said you need you need to get their entire inventory. We need to get it flown in, whatever expenses cover it, and get them here. The Pentagon doesn't have them, and New York doesn't have them. And those flags came in. They were they were there about that midnight that that that night. Now boxed up, thrown in the bag box, whatever tape they were bound, but everybody that came out later, you know, the recoveries as we got deeper into the debris, that had a had a flag that that came that came from us in the as well as at the Pentagon, and they put two very big special flags in there. I mean, like you see flying over a car dealer. And they hung that on the side of the Pentagon. And if you look at any of the any of the news willers of that time, it was on day two that flag was hanging that that came in with the rest of the other flags. So it was it was quite impressive. You never know what the next moment was going to bring you on you know from my side and and and can I meet the challenge? That was what I constantly worry about. How could I let any of this down? And I've got to do something. And and we were making it up as we went along. Michael Hingson  1:00:33 Yeah, that's all you could do. And so when I go back to Bob Ellis  1:00:37 to to this to this day, you know, we go back. They've got 184 markers. I don't know how many people attend it, but it's it's right in that zone, right outside the building, in that grassy area where they they they've made that memorial. And 184 people, to include I think two infants, are are memorialized there forever, which is very touching. It was a that was a hard place to go back to. Still was New York City when I went to it because I'd never I had never been 20 years 20 years yet 18 years before I ever went to to New York City to see the recovery there. I've never I've not been to the to the to the Pennsylvania field. I plan to go. I want to go. Just hadn't been convenient to get there, but but if I do that, I will have seen all all the sites. Michael Hingson  1:01:26 Yeah, I haven't been to Pennsylvania either. In 2017, I did make it to the World Trade Center Museum. In well, so we moved out of Westfield, and I moved back to California in late January, beginning of February of 2002, to work for Guide Dogs for the Blind and and speak from there. And traveled around and speak. Karen was there for a couple more months selling our home, and then she came out. But in May of 2002, Roselle was going to be honored by Hart's Mountain, the pet food and pet supply company. So, so we went back to New York, and while we were there, I met one of the police officers with with one of the service with one of the rescue dogs that that had been around the World Trade Center, and he arranged for us to get in a vehicle and drive down into the pit that was where the World Trade Center was, and they had built an artificial, well, a temporary road, and they were bringing things up, but we got to go down to what would have been the seventh sublevel, the bottom of the tower, and it was just a for me just imagining it standing in that dirt area in a hole seven stories deep and remembering what what it was like, and then in 2017 I went to the World Trade Center Museum and got to spend a little bit of time there, and of course everything had been rebuilt. The reflecting pool was there, and so on. But it was nothing like what I remembered from having been in the World Trade Center, and I walked around with someone who was able to be aware and describe what was where we were and what was above us, or what part of the building we were in as we walked through the complex. But of course, it was totally different. So it was it was such a strange feeling to experience all of that. But we did it, you know. And so now I've been to the museum, and actually there is a there's an animal exhibit in the basement, and Roselle's collar is is part of that exhibit. We donated that to oh Bob Ellis  1:03:50 really, oh really, oh God, I I was I was thinking that when I asked you that question earlier today, and I was thinking about that that has got to be remarkable, you know that that that's what touched me so much at the period. That the fact that the two of you were such a team, and I read everything that newspapers printed and watched. I guess there was some there was some CBS specials and so forth too, where you were interviewed, and it was it was just it was just absolutely amazing. Michael Hingson  1:04:21 Well, it is. you know, it is a an awe-inspiring sort of thing. And you know, people always say, you know, don't you feel guilty about surviving when so many people didn't? And and I said, no, I I didn't have any control over that. But what I do have control over is having been a survivor. What am I going to do about it? It's my responsibility to decide how I'm going to deal with moving forward after something like that. And of course, the opportunity opened to travel and speak, and so I've been doing it ever since. And I believe my job is. Is to educate people about what happened on September 11th, and let them know t

My Backpack Went to Paris and Had a Better Vacation Than Me!What happens when you travel across the globe with a brand-new puppy, only to find yourself stranded without clothes, while your beloved backpack takes a solo two-week tour of France? In this hilarious and jam-packed episode, host Laura Reeves sits down with our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Marty Greer, for a special "back-to-school" edition of Veterinary Voice. Between moving houses and managing a hectic schedule of 14 flights before the end of the year, Dr. Marty is no stranger to travel chaos. From Sweden to Newark, and JFK to Paris, she has survived it all, and she is here to share her hard-won, practical (and highly entertaining) wisdom for navigating airports, gate changes, luggage nightmares, and international travel with purebred dogs. Whether you're heading to the National, Westminster, Crufts, or just bringing a new puppy home, this episode is your ultimate survival guide to turning travel chaos into a smooth, organized adventure.

Livestock producers and industry groups will have regular opportunities to weigh in as APHIS updates its response playbook.

Last Friday, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service amended federal regulations on Prince Edward Island potato imports to protect domestic crops from potato wart. Maine Potato Board Executive Director Jeannie Tapley and National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joined the Eye on Potatoes podcast to discuss this progress in protecting U.S. growers, new waste disposal requirements for bulk shipments, and the impact on Maine growers. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $35 million to help combat one of agriculture's most destructive invasive species. During today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce discussed the department's newly announced Feral Swine Eradication Program, which will provide grant funding to help landowners and partners reduce wild hog populations that threaten farms, ranches and natural resources. Fordyce said feral swine are among the most damaging invasive species affecting U.S. agriculture. The animals destroy cropland, pasture, irrigation infrastructure and wildlife habitat while also posing a serious disease risk to livestock. "When we think about invasive species, they come in all different shapes and sizes," Fordyce said. "Honestly, the feral swine probably could be the most invasive and probably cause the most damage." The program, administered jointly by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), will distribute $35 million in grant funding through qualified partners. Those organizations will work directly with landowners on education, trapping and other management practices designed to reduce feral swine populations. Fordyce emphasized that the program is designed to address both the economic and biological impacts of wild hogs. "They really don't care what landscape they're destroying," he said, noting that feral swine damage forests, cropland, grazing land and sensitive natural areas while also carrying diseases that could spread to domestic swine and other livestock. The discussion also highlighted California's growing feral swine problem. While states such as Texas, Arkansas and Missouri have some of the nation's largest populations, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted that wild hogs have been reported across much of California and can cause extensive damage to farmland, orchards and rangeland. For producers experiencing feral swine damage, Fordyce encouraged them to begin by contacting their local NRCS office. "This is a pilot program," he said. "Contact NRCS if you have these critters around and you want to see about how to get rid of them." Applications from eligible partner organizations are due September 21, with NRCS and APHIS working together to evaluate proposals and distribute funding. Fordyce said the goal is to support organizations that already have the expertise to help landowners effectively trap and remove feral swine populations. As wild hog populations continue expanding across the country, Fordyce said the new initiative reflects USDA's commitment to protecting agricultural production while reducing the environmental and economic damage caused by one of the nation's most destructive invasive pests. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Welcome to Inside D.C., where we break down how decisions in Washington shape the tools you use on your farm. This week, Brownfield's Carah Hart talks with National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall about USDA's decision to reopen the U.S.-Mexico border to cattle imports after more than a year of closure due to New World Screwworm. Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Inside D.C., where we break down how decisions in Washington shape the tools you use on your farm. This week, Brownfield's Carah Hart talks with USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins about the federal response to New World screwworm, including sterile fly production, containment efforts, and what livestock producers need to know. Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While many farmers and ranchers had hoped New World screwworm (NWS) would stay well south of the U.S.-Mexico border, we're now all aware that wasn't in the cards for American cattlemen. With a few days to let that news sink in behind us, our attention turns to one question: Now what?Right off the bat we want to share something USDA, APHIS and the Texas Animal Health Commission have already stated: A) No one needs to panic. There is a plan in place, and we know how to eradicate this pest. B) NWS is an animal health issue, not a food safety issue. Meat remains safe to eat, and treated and inspected cattle can continue to move from affected areas.Tracking potential spread within the U.S., how to protect our herds and what the near future might look like for cattle movement in affected areas are top of mind. To help our listeners navigate this new information, Angus Beef Bulletin associate editor Lynsey McAnally was joined by Jennifer Koziol, associate professor of food animal medicine and surgery at Texas Tech University on the morning of Tues., June 9, to discuss recent announcements and what cattlemen need to keep in mind for the near future related to NWS.Additional resources: Screwworm.govConfirmed NWS Cases in the U.S. Current NWS Status in the U.S.Report a Suspected NWS Case U.S. NWS Response PlaybookSubscribe to the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRAThank you to GeneMax® Advantage™ for their sponsorship of this episode. Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you!Find more information to make Angus work for you in the Angus Beef Bulletin and ABB EXTRA. Make sure you're subscribed! Sign up here to the print Angus Beef Bulletin and the digital Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA. Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Contact our team at abbeditorial@angus.org. 

Wednesday night, the USDA received official confirmation of the first case of New World Screwworm in Texas.

A dedication ceremony in the hill country of Texas.

Deans from Wisconsin's schools of agriculture are standing is support of the Dairy Innovation Hub. The Hub acts as a collaborative "nexus," uniting the unique strengths of UW-Madison, UW-Platteville, and UW-River Falls to benefit Wisconsin's broader agricultural and education landscape. For example at UW-Platteville, faculty members from the chemistry and mechanical engineering departments successfully patented a method to turn spoiled milk into 3D printing material. Researchers at UW-River Falls developed a more affordable lactose-free ice cream, which is currently being sold to the public at the campus’s Freddy’s Dairy Bar. UW-Madison is utilizing high-level science, such as SNAP plus modeling, to create new nutrient strategies that help farmers contain phosphorus and nitrogen. The deans say despite the rising "cost of doing business," state funding for the Hub has not been adjusted for inflation since it was established around 2019 or 2020. To ensure the Hub’s value is understood during budget cycles, the universities host major public events—ranging from Lafayette County Dairy Breakfasts to field days at Madison’s 12 regional ag research stations—where lawmakers can see the impact firsthand. Heat will be noticeable today in Wisconsin and so will the wind. Stu Muck says that wind will be bringing with it a chance of rain and thunderstorms beginning overnight. On Wednesday evening, USDA confirmed the first case of New World Screw Worm in Texas. USDA Secretary, Brooke Rollins, says they've mobilized APHIS staff and are implementing a 20 km quarantine radius to monitor and contain livestock movement. She stresses this is NOT a food safety issue. Dairy will be keeping an eye on the New World Screw Worm situation. Collin Aardema, dairy analyst with EverAg tells Pam Jahnke that the impacted geography right now isn't a heavy dairy populus, but if the quarantine expands - it could impact milk flow. Right now Idaho IS catching some attention because of a few outbreaks of HPAI in dairy. Aardema says the curious piece is that it's impacting calves more than cows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New World Screwworm has been identified just 25 miles south of the U.S. Mexico border.

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Denise Smalls-Altagracia Published: June 2, 2026 Length: 20:17 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary In this Simply Trade Tips episode, Lalo Solorzano and Denise Smalls-Altagracia break down one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of U.S. import compliance: Partner Government Agencies, or PGAs. While many importers focus mainly on CBP, duties, tariffs, and broker filings, Denise explains why customs clearance is often much bigger than paperwork and duty payments. PGAs regulate the products themselves, covering areas such as public health, safety, agriculture, environmental standards, transportation, and security. That means an entry may look correct from a customs perspective but still be delayed, detained, or refused if agency-specific requirements are missed. Denise also highlights common agencies importers may encounter, including FDA, USDA, APHIS, EPA, and CPSC, and explains why documentation, product classification, and early planning are essential. This episode matters because PGA compliance directly affects speed, predictability, cost control, and supply chain reliability. Importers who understand agency requirements before shipments move are far better positioned to avoid costly surprises and keep trade moving. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on Partner Government Agencies and their role in the import process. Lalo and Denise explain that CBP may serve as the primary border authority, but PGAs are the subject matter experts that determine whether certain products meet U.S. requirements and can legally enter commerce. The discussion covers what PGAs are, why they matter, which agencies importers commonly encounter, what documentation may be required, and how PGA compliance should be treated as a business function rather than a last-minute customs task. Key Takeaways • PGAs are federal agencies that work with CBP to regulate specific imported products. • Import compliance is not only about duties, tariffs, and customs paperwork. • Agencies such as FDA, USDA, APHIS, EPA, and CPSC may require additional documentation or review depending on the product. • Missing or inaccurate PGA information can lead to delays, detention, refusal, penalties, or supply chain disruption. • Strong PGA compliance improves shipment speed, predictability, cost control, and business reputation. • Companies should identify agency requirements before purchase orders are issued or goods are shipped. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn • Denise Smalls-Altagracia on LinkedIn • Import Training Courses from Global Training Center Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Denise Smalls-Altagracia – LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano

The Friggin' Farm & Ranch Report — Thursday, May 14, 2026 Host: Matt McKinley from Yerington, Nevada Cash cattle hold at $260 live in the South while futures stay skeptical. Wheat surges again on WASDE-driven drought concerns. The Fertilizer Institute testifies to Congress on the Hormuz disruption's impact on global fertilizer supply. North Dakota pastureland tops $1,000/acre — a national first in survey data. Beijing's Day 1 readout of the Trump-Xi summit adds geopolitical context to ag markets. We break down what this means for cattle margins, feed costs, and policy risk — with a local lens from Nevada. Stories covered: - Trump delays beef tariff order; market reaction and packer dynamics - Cash cattle at $260; futures skepticism and breakeven math - Wheat & grains rally on WASDE drought pricing - Hormuz disruption and fertilizer (urea/phosphate) price implications - APHIS brucellosis policy update near Yellowstone - Drought Monitor: D3/D4 expansion - ND pastureland tops $1,000/acre nationwide first - Beijing Day 1 readout: Trump-Xi summit - Fallon/Great Basin sale barn records on light calves Chapters: 00:00 Cold open 01:30 Tariffs: Trump delays beef tariff order 04:00 Cattle: cash $260 and futures dynamics 07:30 Wheat & grains: WASDE fallout 10:15 Fertilizer & Hormuz 12:45 Beijing Day 1 readout 15:30 Brucellosis/APHIS update 18:00 Drought Monitor update 20:45 ND pastureland values 23:30 War reel recap 25:30 Beef export read-through 28:15 Fallon/Nevada sale barn color 32:00 Three to watch for Friday 34:00 Close and callouts Got sale barn numbers? Send them in — we'll weave them into Friday's wrap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they head back to the rodeo arena to “Tell The Story.” Plus, Florida restricts animal imports from Texas, alternative proteins must have a new label, and lots more of the latest cattle industry news wrapped into this all-new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Rodeo & Western Lifestyle Come Together At The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale (MCBHS) is where rodeo history, cowboy culture, and thrilling equine action come together. Held annually in Miles City, Montana, this four-day event is a one-of-a-kind Western experience featuring PRCA-sanctioned bronc riding, high-energy wild horse races, and the exhilarating Derby Horse Races. Whether you're a lifelong rodeo fan or a first-time visitor, this is the must-attend cowboy event of the year! Miles City Bucking Horse Sale 2026: Full Event Schedule Celebrating 75 years of Rodeo, Cowboys and the Western Way of Life! Thursday, May 14 – Kick-Off Concert Live music kicks off the action with a party in the dirt! Concert Line Up! 6:00 PM – Kenny Feidler – Opening Entertainer 7:00 PM – Corb Lund – Special Guest 8:30 PM – Trace Adkins – Headliner Buy Concert Tickets here! Friday, May 15 – Permit Challenge Rodeo, Horse Racing, Western Shopping, Live Music PRCA Permit Challenge Rodeo showcasing up-and-coming cowboys. Wild Horse Races, Derby Horse Racing with pari-mutual betting is a fan-favorite adrenaline rush! Plus the Western Trade Show! Your night ends downtown with live country music at the street dance! Saturday, May 16 – The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, Parade, Horse Races, Shopping, Live Music World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale celebrates 75 years– featuring the VERY best bucking stock in the country. Derby Horse Races – Place your bets on top-tier racehorses in an electrifying competition. Trade Show & Western Shopping – Explore a massive trade show packed with authentic Western clothing, home décor, and cowboy gear. Dance the night away at the downtown street dance featuring live country music! Sunday, May 17 – PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo, Horse Racing, Trade Show Shopping PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo – The world's best bronc riders face off against elite roughstock horses in a high-stakes battle! Expect more Derby Horse Races and Wild Horse Racing, and enjoy western – cowboy shopping at the huge trade show! Find the FULL SCHEDULE with times of events HERE. Why You Can't Miss the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Thrilling Rodeo Action & Wild Horse Races This event isn't just a rodeo – it's an all-out cowboy celebration! Experience the thrill of top-level PRCA-sanctioned saddle bronc and bareback riding, wild horse races, and a true Western showdown. Massive Trade Show Featuring Western Lifestyle & Shopping The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale hosts one of the largest Western trade shows in the region, featuring authentic cowboy gear, Western clothing, home décor, and specialty items. Whether you're looking for handcrafted leather goods, custom cowboy hats, or unique Western art, this trade show is a shopper's paradise. Non-Stop Live Music & Entertainment From the Kick-Off Concert featuring country music stars to nightly live performances downtown, the party never stops! The event attracts some of the best country artists, keeping the Western spirit alive with live performances throughout the weekend. Cowboy Culture & The “Cowboy Mardi Gras” The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is known as the “Cowboy Mardi Gras” for a reason! Between the parade, shopping, and endless Western festivities, you'll be fully immersed in cowboy tradition and camaraderie. AND don't forget the live country music at the street dance in downtown Miles City, Montana! Derby Horse Races & Pari-Mutuel Wagering Place your bets on elite race horses competing in the Derby Horse Races – a thrilling addition to the Bucking Horse Sale weekend! With pari-mutuel wagering, fans can experience the excitement of big-time horse racing right in Montana. Plan Your Trip: Montana Bound in May! Whether you're a rodeo enthusiast, horse racing fan, or just love the Western way of life, the 74th Annual Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is an event you don't want to miss. How to Get There: By Air: Fly into Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and drive 2 hours east to Miles City. By Car: Located along Interstate 94, Miles City is easily accessible from anywhere in the Midwest. Where to Stay: Book early! Hotels, Airbnbs, and campgrounds fill up fast. Check local listings for accommodations and visit Miles City Convention & Visitors Bureau. Join the Legacy – Get Your Tickets Today! Tickets are selling fast – secure yours now and be part of Montana's greatest rodeo and horse racing tradition. Visit BuckingHorseSale.com for details. Mark your calendar for May 14-17, 2026, and we'll see you in Miles City, Montana! Cattle Industry News Florida Restricts Animal Imports From Texas A dangerous livestock pest that hasn't been seen in the United States for years is raising new concerns—this time along the southern border. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living flesh of animals, most often cattle. While infections in humans are rare, they can be serious—and in extreme cases, even fatal. Right now, there are no confirmed cases in the U.S. But Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says a case has been detected just across the border about 60 miles south of Texas. That proximity is enough to trigger action more than a thousand miles away. Florida officials are now tightening restrictions on livestock coming from six counties in South Texas: Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Webb, and Brooks counties. Any animals brought in from those areas must undergo additional veterinary inspections and, if needed, treatment before entering the state. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson says the state is taking no chances. He warned that if the screwworm takes hold, it could have serious economic and animal health consequences. He's also urging ranchers, veterinarians, and animal health workers to stay alert and report anything unusual right away. Here's how the pest works: adult flies lay eggs in open wounds or natural openings on an animal's body. When those eggs hatch, the larvae—commonly known as maggots—burrow into the tissue and begin feeding. According to the CDC, the infestation can worsen quickly if not treated. Texas officials say Florida's response makes sense. The state dealt with a screwworm outbreak in the past, and the memory of that damage still lingers. Meanwhile, as a precaution, the U.S. has shut down livestock trade through ports of entry along the southern border. There are also long-term plans in motion to stop the pest before it spreads. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is building a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The idea is to release sterilized male flies into the wild. Since female screwworms mate only once, this strategy helps prevent reproduction and gradually reduces the population. That facility is expected to be up and running by November of 2027. For now, officials say vigilance is key. Even without confirmed cases in the U.S., the threat is close enough to be taken seriously.  REFERENCE: https://www.ktep.org/2026-04-27/florida-is-restricting-animal-imports-from-texas-amid-screwworm-threat FAIR Labels Act Ensures Transparent Alt Protein Labeling Representatives from Missouri, Texas, Nebraska, Idaho and Wisconsin, reintroduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act in the House to add transparency in food labeling for alternative protein products.  The legislation will provide consumers with clear and accurate information about plant-based and cell-cultivated protein products when making purchasing decisions. Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) sponsored the Senate version of the bill. The FAIR Labels Act: Defines "cell-cultivated" and "plant-based alternative" protein products to help consumers easily identify these products. Provides a clear definition of cell-cultivated protein products to ensure labels accurately reflect lab-grown food sources. Requires product labels to use terms like "cell cultivated" or "plant based" and to bear a clear disclaimer if the product does not contain meat or poultry or was not derived from a live animal. Directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to oversee the labeling of these products, working alongside the Food & Drug Administration to maintain product inspection standards. Confirms the shared jurisdiction of FDA and USDA in overseeing cell-cultivated protein products, and requires the secretaries of agriculture and health and human services to jointly revise their 2019 current memorandum of understanding. NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver said that currently, there is no federal statute for labeling cell-cultivated protein products in the marketplace. For far too long, lab-grown protein companies have exploited the use of terms like ‘meat' and ‘beef' to describe their products, creating the potential for consumer confusion through misleading marketing.  He went on to say that “The FAIR Labels Act will establish a federal guideline for labeling cell-cultivated and plant-based alternative protein products, ensuring consumers can easily differentiate these products from real beef products produced by U.S. cattlemen and cattlewomen.”  REFERENCE: https://www.feedstuffs.com/policy/fair-labels-act-ensures-transparent-alt-protein-labeling Pseudorabies In Iowa & Texas For the first time since being eradicated in the U.S. Commercial swine herds in 2004, pseudorabies (PRV) have been confirmed in herds in Iowa and Texas (Shike, 2026). A small commercial swine facility in Iowa was confirmed to have positive cases of PRV by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the National Veterinary Services Laboratories during routine testing. Officials at APHIS, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Texas Animal Health Commission, revealed that five affected boars in the Iowa facility originated from an outdoor production site in Texas (Shike, 2026). It is believed that the initial infection on the outdoor production site in Texas may have been a result of unintentional contact with feral swine. Pseudorabies virus was eradicated from the U.S. commercial swine herd in 2004. However, it is critically important to remember that PRV is endemic in the feral swine populations around the U.S. An APHIS release stated, “Pseudorabies is still found in wild or feral swine populations, which remain a potential threat of exposure for domestic pigs.” REFERENCE:  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-pseudorabies-swine-herds-iowa-texas https://extension.sdstate.edu/pseudorabies-detected-iowa-and-texas-swine-farms-prevention-tips-clinical-signs-and-testing Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Steve Kenyon - The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale https://buckinghorsesale.com/ Follow On Facebook: @BuckingHorseSale Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms. Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources: Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/

Studio blew up on me yesterday, so today's Friggin' Farm & Ranch Report is a two-day catch-up for May 5–6. We put the Big Four packer antitrust story right up front, then walk the board, the barn, inputs, drought, and DC without making you bounce your head off the wall. We talk packer leverage, what a real DOJ case would mean for cow-calf outfits and feedyards, and why nothing has "fixed" cash trade yet. Then we go through two days of tape: June live cattle taking a hard hit Tuesday and a small bounce Wednesday, August feeders doing the same, lean hogs holding the front month in the low-90s with June around a buck, and soybeans leading the way both days while corn keeps your ration costs tight. On the cash side, we use Lone Star Stockyards' Texas Angus Association feeder sale as the lead steer — 980 head, about 85% feeders, steers and heifers mostly $2–$6 higher — and lay that alongside March Cattle on Feed and a $460 sale-barn average. On the input side, diesel stays camped around $5.64 EIA and $5.659 AAA with AAA gas about $4.48, and corn isn't giving anybody a real break either. We wrap with APHIS' brucellosis zone expansion, ag bills sitting in committee, and Southeast drought chewing up grass and forcing some ugly decisions. No fake certainty, no Wall Street voice — just cattle, feed, diesel, and policy in plain ranch language. Sponsor: Lone Star Stockyards, Wildorado, TX — Tuesday sale every week at 11 AM Central. lonestarstockyards.com. Move your ass — we're burnin' daylight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friday, May 1, 2026 — two days folded into one. We didn't get a Thursday tape out, but the news sure as hell didn't slow down for us. Here's what moved while you were doctoring calves and fixing fence: Farm Bill H.R. 7567 PASSES the House 224–200, and the pesticide preemption “Luna 28” amendment gets STRUCK on the floor 280–142. The chemical lobby took a bipartisan ass‑kicking, and producer right‑to‑sue stays alive at the state level. E15 year‑round gets pulled out of the Farm Bill and bumped to a standalone vote on May 13. Corn and ethanol boys have to win it on its own merits now. Cash cattle blow the doors off: five‑area weekly average hits 254.58 on 24,289 head Thursday, with late clean‑up at 256 live and 405 dressed — a new record, up 6.20 over last week's 248.38. Board took a breather, cash did the heavy lifting. June live cattle settles 252.75 Friday, down 2.50 over the two‑day stretch. May feeders hang around 372.50 and the CME Feeder Index prints 372.47. Lean hogs June get worked, off 2.47 across the fold. UAE officially walks out of OPEC and OPEC‑plus — first time a top‑3 exporter has left — and WTI still drops 4.89 in 48 hours as the Strait of Hormuz stays effectively closed and sea‑mine risk keeps a choke collar on exports. USDA confirms New World Screwworm in Nuevo León, Mexico, now just 62 miles from the Texas border — about 20 miles closer than the April 10 detection we've been tracking. APHIS shifts sterile fly dispersal into a 50‑mile polygon inside Texas along the Tamaulipas line. This is the closest the parasite's been to U.S. cattle since eradication in 1966. SDRP deadline gets pushed: Thursday was supposed to be last call, but USDA extends Stage 1 and Stage 2 out to August 12, 2026 after paying 6.7 billion of the 16‑billion‑dollar pot and bumping Stage 2 to 70 percent. The money's moving, but you still have to file. Sale barn tape: Superior's 23,000‑head video sale runs with final tallies due early next week, Torrington sets 21 steer barn records across 5–8 weights, OKC West cranks out 6,500 head with 11 record prints, and light calves look like the new currency in Bassett, Joplin and beyond. Horse side: Billings moves 711 head, top horse at 30,000 with a dozen over 20k, Garfield hammers 350,000 at Premier, and EHV‑1 quarantines in Virginia and New Jersey mean you'd better check the board before you haul into Mid‑Atlantic barns. Drought monitor bleeds across the High Plains, Kansas State's model pegs Kansas wheat down 31 percent to 240 million bushels at 39.4 bushels per acre, Texas and Oklahoma wheat ratings are ugly, and Sandhills fire damage keeps Nebraska pushing FEMA for a 30‑day extension. Rural business: 417 rural hospitals flagged as vulnerable, UnitedHealthcare follows through on exempting roughly 1,500 from prior auth by fall, livestock theft trends up with high prices and tight herds, and a federal court re‑opens the spigot on wind and solar permitting on federal land while BLM's 2026 grazing fee lands at 1.69 per AUM. Packer watch: Cargill's Milwaukee ground‑beef plant still marked for a May 31 shutdown, 221 jobs gone, while DOJ's criminal probe into the Big Four grinds on and HedgersEdge has packer margins running roughly negative 231 a head with cash at 256 and cutout under 390. Somebody either pushes cutout or slows the chains. Plus: quick hits on the Trump‑Xi Beijing summit, the Fed handoff from Powell to Warsh, a White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter update, bird‑flu testing rules on dairy cows, listener mailbag, and “On This Day” to close it out. Move your ass — we're burnin' daylight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailWe visit the Brookside Gardens Butterfly Exhibit and talk with conservatory manager Raymond Carter about how a glasshouse full of butterflies runs safely, legally, and beautifully. Along the way, we dig into butterfly biology, horticulture, and how this local attraction connects to real conservation work around the world. • what a butterfly exhibit is and what visitors can expect • what a conservatory manager does and how seasonal installations are planned • USDA permits, APHIS oversight, and why containment rules matter • how plant selection supports nectar feeding while avoiding host plants • horticulture as an intersection of design and science • butterfly vs moth differences including chrysalis vs cocoon • the hot, humid habitat and why it helps tropical species thrive • standout species like the blue morpho, paper kite, and giant birdwing • metamorphosis explained from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult • why wings look so colorful and what scales do • what butterflies eat including nectar and decomposing fruit • biomimicry, monarch toxicity from milkweed, and viceroy lookalikes • how butterfly suppliers can fund reforestation and habitat protection • how to visit, buy tickets, and choose sensory-friendly or photography sessions Be sure to subscribe, like, and share.Transcript

Residential findings prompt additional restrictions tied to fruit fly activity and citrus greening.

It's The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as we hear how high elevation Limousin cattle thrive at Reynolds Land & Cattle. A great story of history and adaptability at this Colorado Ranch.  Plus, the latest news, market reports, the ranch channel sales calendar and lots more all wrapped into this brand-new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Reynolds Land & Cattle: Limousin, Lim-Flex, Angus, & Simmental Cross Genetics Built For Real Ranch Profit Today's cattle producers aren't just buying bulls and heifers — they're investing in genetics that drive long-term profitability. With more than 40 years of production-sale history, Reynolds Land & Cattle focuses on practical, performance-based cattle combining Limousin muscle, efficiency, and strong maternal value for commercial operations. The 2026 Bull & Heifer Sale features ranch-raised Limousin, Lim-Flex, Angus, and Simmental cross genetics developed to perform in real-world conditions while adding pounds and value to the calf crop. The Reynolds Land & Cattle Program Focus Calving ease with performance growth Efficient feed conversion Sound structure and good disposition Fertile, long-lasting cows Cattle built to thrive in tough environments What Sets Reynolds Apart Rather than chasing extremes, Reynolds Land & Cattle emphasizes balanced cattle with moderate birth weights, strong growth, and practical development. All sale cattle are raised in working ranch conditions and tested for fertility, PAP, and TRICH, with structural soundness and disposition treated as essential traits. Sale Highlights Strong Limousin-influenced genetics for muscle, growth, and maternal value Ranch-developed cattle built for commercial environments Balanced maternal and terminal performance Sale Information Friday, March 20, 2026 11:00 AM – Beef Lunch 1:00 PM – Sale Begins Location Reynolds Land & Cattle 17463 County Road 19 Sanford, CO 81151 Sale Day Phones Rod Reynolds – 719-588-1230 Troy Reynolds – 719-580-1308 Ryan Reynolds – 719-588-1532 Joe Cary – 719-580-8702 Sale Consultant: MC Marketing Kiley McKinna – 402-350-3447 Wiley Fanta – 320-287-0751 Online Bidding: DV Auction Cattle Industry News JBS Workers Confirm Strike Workers at the largest meat processing company in the world will strike at its Colorado plant, according to the labor union representing those workers. The strike at JBS's plant in Greeley will start on March 16. The strike comes after the workers gave notice of cancellation of their contract due to alleged unfair labor practices.  JBS was one of about 20 food companies that settled a 2024 federal lawsuit for over $200 million over employee wage fixing. JBS says it employs more than 270,000 people around the world — 3,800 of whom are based in Greeley, where JBS USA is headquartered — and pays $3.1 billion for livestock each year, making it the world's largest meat supplier. References: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/jbs-workers-confirm-strike-colorado-meat-processing-plant-labor-practices/ https://meatingplace.com/union-sets-date-for-potential-strike-at-jbs-greeley-beef-plant Lawsuit Over Electronic Identification Tags A lawsuit over the U.S. Department of Agriculture's mandatory electronic identification ear tag rule for cattle and bison is moving forward, with a federal court request in South Dakota to set the rule aside.  The New Civil Liberties Alliance or NCLA — which is representing ranchers, farmers, and livestock producers in the case — argues that the USDA and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or APHIS unlawfully required electronically readable identification, or EID, ear tags for certain cattle and bison moving across state lines, replacing long-used visual tags. According to the NCLA's case summary, APHIS in 2013 allowed several forms of official identification for certain interstate cattle and bison movements, including both visual-only and electronically readable ear tags. But in May 2024, APHIS issued a final rule requiring that official ear tags sold for or applied to certain cattle and bison be readable both visually and electronically. The plaintiffs' March 5 summary judgment brief argues that the USDA did not adequately justify the change and that the rule imposes added costs on producers while failing to solve the agency's stated traceability concerns. In the filing, plaintiffs said the rule “mandates that America's ranchers and farmers use visually-readable electronic identification (“EID”) ear tags when moving certain cattle and bison interstate” and argued the rule “increases the cost of raising cattle by approximately $3 per head.” The NCLA said the USDA had previously agreed visual-only tags were effective in tracing disease in cattle and bison and had allowed producers to choose between visual-only and electronically readable options. The group now argues the 2024 rule abandoned that flexibility without sufficiently explaining the change. The organization also contends the current rule is internally inconsistent because it says EID ear tags are needed to reduce transcription errors tied to “human error,” while still allowing those same tags to be used visually in the same manner as traditional tags if producers do not use electronic readers. The USDA, however, says animal disease traceability is important for quickly identifying where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they have been, and when they were there. On its Animal Disease Traceability page, APHIS says traceability does not prevent disease but “reduces the number of animals and response time involved in a disease investigation,” which in turn reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities. APHIS also says it provides electronic ID tags to cattle producers at no cost through state veterinarian offices. The case remains active in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. References: https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/r-calf-sues-to-stop-usda-electronic-id-tag-rule/ Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry Rod & Troy Reynolds - Reynolds Land & Cattle https://reynoldslandandcattle.com/ Follow On Facebook: @reynoldslandandcattle Kirk Donsbach – Financial Analyst at StoneX https://www.stonex.com/ Follow on Facebook: @StoneXGroupInc Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos Contact Us with Questions or Concerns Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via: Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms.   Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC. https://tiggerandbec.com/ Industry References, Partners and Resources For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources:   Allied Genetic Resources: https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/ Axiota Animal Health: https://axiota.com/multimin-campaign-landing-page/ Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/#/?ranchchannel=view Medora Boot: https://medoraboot.com/ RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/ Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/ Superior Livestock Auctions: https://superiorlivestock.com/ Transova Genetics: https://transova.com/ Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/ Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/ Wulf Cattle: https://www.wulfcattle.com/  

USDA-APHIS is inviting U.S. swine producers and pig owners to participate in the “I Protect Pigs” Photo Contest

It's the Ranch It Up Radio Show Herd It Here Weekly Report!  A 3-minute look at cattle markets, reports, news info, or anything that has to do with those of us who live at the end of dirt roads.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' by subscribing on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 118 DETAILS USDA Offers Grant Dollars For New World Screwworm Innovations The USDA's APHIS is offering up to $100 million for innovative solutions to stop the spread of New World Screwworm as it moves north through Mexico toward the U.S. The initiative, called the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, aims to protect livestock, the food supply, and the economy. Grant applications are open until February 23. The pest, once eradicated from the U.S. and long contained south of Panama, resurfaced in southern Mexico in late 2024. In response to the growing threat, the U.S. border has been closed to livestock imports since May, halting more than 1.25 million head of cattle that entered in 2024. Select Sires Offers Early Spring Sale Through March 1, 2026 Select Sires is having an Early Spring Special on select bulls from now until March 1, 2026.  Angus Bulls: Gibson Baseline Pursuit Compound Designer Fireproof New Addition Duracell Red Angus Bulls: Jumpstart Amsterdam Simmental Bulls: Alpha Pontiac Charolais Bulls: Historic Hereford Bulls: Redbird For Complete Information, Click HERE. Upcoming Feeder Cattle, Bull & Cow Sales On RanchChannel.Com Lots of feeder cattle, steers & heifers, bulls, and cow sales coming up on the RanchChannel.Com sale calendar.  Check out the full line up HERE. SPONSORS Jorgensen Land & Cattle https://jorgensenfarms.com/ @JorLandCat Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/

Episode: NCBFAA Spotlight: Understanding the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): • Michael Lahar – Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) • Adam Lees – Vice Chair, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) • Cindy Thomas – Counsel, NCBFAA RAC (LinkedIn) Published: November 2025 Length: ~34 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

The Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the USDA's APHIS, confirm a case of HPAI at a commercial poultry operation in Gordon County, and October global food commodity prices dropped for the second straight month.

Bt Cotton Stewardship and Pests Farm to Plate Initiative Stage of HPAI in Kansas Herds   00:01:05 – Bt Cotton Stewardship and Pests: Beginning today's show is K-State Extension agronomist, Logan Simon, and K-State Extension entomologist, Anthony Zukoff, as they discuss bt cotton, bollworms and stinkbugs. Late-Season Insect Pest Considerations and Bt Stewardship in Cotton   00:12:05 – Farm to Plate Initiative: A conversation about a farm to plate program from the Kansas Department of Education with Barb Depew continues the show as she explains how the program works for students and producers.  www.cnw.ksde.gov Farm to Plate #fuelingkskids    00:23:05 – Stage of HPAI in Kansas Herds: K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk ends the show providing an update on HPAI in Kansas. We are currently at Stage 4, meaning no herds have tested positive for bird flu under the national milk testing strategy implemented by APHIS.      Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.   Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast.   K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan

Your best marketing content creators probably aren't who you think they are.Most founders assume it has to be them. They overlook the thought leaders already inside their team. They default to safe, scripted content that feels awkward and inauthentic.But what if the future of marketing wasn't about personal branding at all…What if it was about empowering your entire team?In today's episode, I'm joined by Katie Street, founder and MD of Street Agency and host of the chart-topping podcast Marketing in the Madness.Katie works with some of the world's top marketing tech companies and believes we're at a turning point—where brands that don't show up with real, human content will get left behind. In an AI-driven world, authenticity and trust are your unfair advantage. And if you're not visible, someone louder (and less qualified) will be.Together we unpack:How to move beyond founder-led content to team-powered marketingWhy authentic, human content beats polished scripts every timeShifting from a scarcity mindset to one of empowerment when leading your teamThe rising importance of in-person events in an AI-driven world

Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and my crew as we answer listener questions about electronic id tags.  Plus updates on the tariff war, news, sale recaps, cattle sale info and market commentary that you will only get on this all new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Season 5, EPISODE 228 Electronic ID Tags Q & A & News And Tariff Updates What Are The Pro's & Con's Of Electronic Animal I.D. Electronic Identification Tags From Merck As the leading provider of EID tags and readers through the Allflex® brand, Merck Animal Health wants to support cattle producers in their decision-making with the expertise and solutions they need. Key Distinctions With Official ID Rules The new policy only applies to interstate movement. Other exemptions include direct-to-slaughter cattle and sexually intact cattle (and bison) under 18 months of age. Animals that will need electronically and visually readable tags when they enter interstate movement include: Sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older All dairy cattle, including beef-on-dairy crossbred animals Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events, shows or exhibitions Another important detail: Visual ear tags applied before Nov. 5, 2024, will be recognized as official IDs for the life of the animal. They'll be grandfathered in and will not need an EID. Easing The Financial Burden Producers and the livestock industry have raised concerns about the potential cost burden of the new tagging policies. Congress recently directed USDA-APHIS to allocate no less than $15 million for the cost of tags and related infrastructure to help offset those costs.2 Producers may be able to access EID tags for free via their state veterinarian. They can apply those tags at approved tagging sites. Producers can also buy EIDs directly from a distributor, online vendor or local dealer and apply the tags themselves. In addition, producers are not required to invest in tag-reading hardware or software, unless they choose to do so for herd management and record keeping. The EID tags can be used the same way as visual tags. Addressing Data Privacy Concerns EID tags are encoded with a number that identifies the animal, but no owner-specific information. The data associated with the tags will be stored in various federal and state databases. Access to that data will also be restricted to the state and federal officials responsible for managing high-impact diseases of the cattle industry. USDA agnostic on EID tags USDA isn't mandating or recommending any one brand of ear tag. Tags must be approved by the department and will be imprinted with the Official Eartag Shield. The Allflex radio frequency ID (RFID) tags offered by Merck Animal Health meet these standards. They use a short-read range that doesn't interfere with radio frequencies commonly found in livestock operations. Allflex tags do not include any global positioning system (GPS) capabilities. Producers also use these RFID tags to track health protocols, performance, reproduction and genetics. The new tagging requirements are intended to bolster the industry's tracing capabilities in the event of a disease outbreak. Contact your Merck Animal Health representative or tag supplier to find out how Allflex tags can help you comply with these rules while managing your beef or dairy operation more efficiently. References National Archives. Federal Register. Rules and Regulations. Use of Electronic Identification Ear Tags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. May 9, 2024. 89(91):39540-39566. APHIS-2021-0020. 2024-09717.pdf (govinfo.gov). Retrieved May 21, 2024. Rachael Oatman. Congress approves $15 million for EID tagging of cattle. Tri-State Livestock News. March 22, 2024. https://www.tsln.com/news/congress-approves-15-million-for-eid-tagging-of-cattle/. Retrieved May 21, 2024. Tariffs: Retaliatory China Tariffs On U.S. Meat Products Take Effect Tariff wars and constant updates.  Here are the latest moves.  On Monday, the Chinese government implemented new tariffs on a variety of U.S. agricultural products, including meat products. China's tariff on U.S. pork will increase from 37% to 47%, while its tariff on U.S. beef will rise from 12% to 22%. Additionally, U.S. poultry products now face a 15% tariff. According to USDA analysis, China and Hong Kong account for 5% of U.S. poultry exports, 15% of pork exports, and 14% of beef exports. Announced last week, the tariffs are a retaliation against a new 20% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods, and also cover wheat, corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, fruits and vegetables, dairy and fish. China also blocked 15 U.S. companies from buying Chinese products, and another 10 companies from doing business in China; those companies, though, are not in agriculture. In a March 8 press release from the Chinese government, the Foreign Minister told the United States to rethink what it has achieved from the tariff and trade wars these years — whether its trade deficit has widened or narrowed, whether its manufacturing has become more or less competitive, whether its inflation has gone up or down, and whether the lives of its people have become better or worse. Tariffs: Canada Keeps Poultry Tariffs, Postpones Beef & Pork Canada's 25% tariffs on imports of U.S. chicken will remain in place, while the looming start of an identical levy against beef and pork has been postponed until April 2. The Canadian Finance Minister announced the decisions, after the U.S. President Donald Trump signed orders postponing or easing 25% tariffs on large amounts of Canadian and Mexican goods. Trump placed  tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, demanding more action against drug trafficking and illegal border crossing, while claiming that trade deficits constituted “subsidies” to the United States' neighbors. In the Oval Office, a White House aide said that the latest executive order excludes goods certified for entry under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) from 25% tariffs until April 2, when Trump is threatening to impose “reciprocal” global tariffs. Cars and car parts will be temporarily spared, while Canadian potash — an important fertilizer — will only be taxed at 10% “in order to help our farmers at this crucial time of year. The aide went on to say, quote, “So this is a modification to our tariff regime to protect American car manufacturers and American farmers.” The fast-moving trade wrangling between the North American governments follows concerns voiced by Democrats and some Farm Belt Republicans in Congress about disrupted trade with two of the biggest customers for  U.S. agricultural goods, especially meat. Canada and Mexico combined buy 31% of U.S. poultry exports, 45% of pork exports and 26% of beef exports. The Mexican President had promised a reciprocal action including tariffs, with U.S. meat products a likely target. RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets & New Listings Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information!   UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS U2 Quality Seedstock:  March 18, 2025   Vollmer Angus Ranch:  April 1, 2025 CK Bar Ranch: April 4, 2025 Jorgensen Land & Cattle:  April 21, 2025 World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 18, 2025 BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Click HERE for the latest Bull Sale Results https://ranchchannel.com/category/past-bull-production-sales-archive/ FEATURING David McElhaney Merck Animal Health https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle Mark Vanzee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://www.ckbarranch.com/#/?ranchchannel=view https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/118243 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/118220 https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle/cattle-insights/beef/tagging-practices

Join me Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and my crew as we dive into Foot & Mouth Disease, Animal Health & Disease Management.  A must hear for anyone in the cattle business.  Plus news, sale recaps, cattle sale info and market commentary that you will only get on this all new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Season 5, EPISODE 227 Animal Health & Disease Management:  Should We Be Concerned & Tariff Updates Improving Animal & Disease Management Practices: Foot & Mouth Disease, and Tariff News Foot & Mouth Disease: In Livestock Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, fast-spreading viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer. FMD is one of the most challenging animal diseases to control. Although most infected animals survive, they're left weak and unable to produce the level of meat and milk prior to infection. FMD was first discovered in the United States in 1870 and eradicated in 1929. FMD is not a human health or food safety threat. The disease is not related to hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common childhood illness caused by a different virus. How To Identify Foot & Mouth Disease There are 7 known types and more than 60 subtypes of the FMD virus, meaning immunity to one type doesn't protect animals against other types or subtypes. The first signs of illness usually appear within 2 to 14 days after infection. Here's what to look for: Fever Great increase in temperature for 2 to 3 days Blisters/Vesicles Blisters can develop on the tongue and lips, in and around the mouth, on the mammary glands, and around the hooves. They rupture and discharge clear or cloudy fluid. Erosions When blisters pop, they leave raw, eroded areas surrounded by ragged fragments of loose tissue. Excess saliva Infected animals may have sticky, foamy, and stringy saliva. Loss of appetite Painful tongue and mouth blisters may lead animals to eat less. Lameness and a reluctance to move or stand Abortions Animals can experience spontaneous abortions and sterility. Milk Dairy cows may have low milk production. Heart disease and death These symptoms are especially prevalent in newborn animals. FMD Can Easily Be Confused With Other Diseases FMD may be confused with other diseases that produce blisters, including vesicular stomatitis, bluetongue, bovine viral diarrhea, foot rot in cattle, and swine vesicular disease. The only way to tell if the blisters are caused by the FMD virus is through laboratory testing. If you observe mouth or feet blisters in your animals, report them immediately so that they can be tested. How To Prevent Foot & Mouth Disease Report signs of disease. Livestock owners, livestock transport and slaughter personnel, and private veterinarians should watch for symptoms of FMD and immediately report sick animals to Federal, State, Tribal, or local animal health officials. This is especially important if the animals in question have had contact with other animals at locations like livestock markets, feedlots, or fairgrounds. Be careful what you pack. When traveling outside of the United States, don't bring back any prohibited items (including food) or dirty footwear or clothing that could potentially move the FMD virus or other disease agents. Declare to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Upon entering the United States, travelers should indicate to the U.S. Customs any visits to farms, ranches, or other areas where livestock are raised or kept. You should also declare any visits to zoos, circuses, fairs, and other facilities or events where animals were exhibited. Follow a “5-day” rule. If you visited a farm or had any contact with livestock on your trip, you should avoid all contact with livestock, zoo animals, or wildlife for 5 days after you return to the United States. If you're returning with pet dogs or cats that have had contact with livestock or been in areas frequented by livestock, make sure your pet's feet, fur, and bedding are free of any dirt or mud and that their bedding doesn't contain straw, hay, or other natural materials. Bathe your pet as soon as you reach your final destination and keep it from all livestock for at least 5 days after returning to the United States. Controlling By APHIS  Foot & Mouth Disease Because FMD occurs in many parts of the world, there's always a chance it could be reintroduced into the United States. APHIS continuously monitors FMD worldwide. Our veterinarians stationed overseas help other countries control and eradicate the disease, which reduces the risk of it spreading to the United States. At ports of entry, we work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection to screen cargo and prevent travelers from bringing any products of concern into the United States. We restrict or prohibit imports of many animals and animal byproducts from areas known to be affected with FMD. We also work with the U.S. Armed Forces to make sure military vehicles and equipment are properly cleaned and disinfected before they return to the United States from international duty. Across the country, APHIS and other Federal, State, and Tribal animal health officials work with accredited veterinarians to monitor domestic livestock for FMD. We have response plans in place that we can quickly activate if the disease is found in the United States.  Click HERE for additional details. Tariffs: China Targets U.S Agriculture For Retaliation of 20% The United States plans to impose a 20% tariff on Chinese goods, could result in a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two economic giants. In response, China is reportedly preparing countermeasures that could directly impact U.S. agriculture and food exports. According to The Global Times, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, Beijing "will definitely carry out strong, powerful countermeasures" if the U.S. increases the current 10% tariff. The report indicates that American agricultural products, including beef and pork, are "most likely" to be targeted with new tariffs. The trade uncertainty is already shaking U.S. agricultural markets. Hog futures have dropped 6% in recent trading sessions, according to the Daily Livestock Report (DLR). China and Hong Kong together account for 19% of U.S. beef exports and 6.5% of pork exports—significant figures that highlight the stakes of these trade tensions. As it stands, China has already imposed a 37% tariff on U.S. pork and a 12% tariff on U.S. beef, making American meat exports less competitive in the Chinese market. A further escalation could worsen the situation for U.S. farmers and ranchers. With agriculture facing potential economic strain, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Rollins has signaled readiness to implement relief measures. She indicated that a financial aid package similar to the $28 billion bailout deployed during the 2018 trade war under President Trump could be reintroduced. However, reports suggest that only $4 billion remains in the fund earmarked for agricultural assistance in 2025, raising concerns about the adequacy of available support. All eyes are on how China will respond and what further actions the U.S. might take. The agricultural sector, already facing global market challenges, is bracing for potential disruptions. For farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, staying informed about trade policy developments is crucial. If China follows through with its threats, the impact could be widespread across U.S. agriculture, affecting prices, exports, and overall farm profitability. Canada and Mexico are also in the cross hairs of trade tariffs with both countries promising immediate retaliatory responses. RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets & New Listings Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information! UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS Leland/Koester Red Angus:  March 14, 2025 Arda Farms/Freeway Angus:  March 14, 2025 U2 Quality Seedstock:  March 18, 2025   Vollmer Angus Ranch:  April 1, 2025 CK Bar Ranch: April 4, 2025 Jorgensen Land & Cattle:  April 21, 2025 World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 18, 2025 BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Click HERE for the latest Bull Sale Results https://ranchchannel.com/category/past-bull-production-sales-archive/ FEATURING Dr. Julia Herman, DVM National Cattlemen's Beef Association Mark Vanzee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/   #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://www.ckbarranch.com/#/?ranchchannel=view https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/118157 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/118158 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/foot-and-mouth

Join me Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and my crew as we find out how data decides the bulls at Keller Broken Heart Ranch.  Using technology to provide the top bulls to customers.  Plus sale recaps, cattle sale info and market commentary that you will only get on this all new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Season 5, EPISODE 226 Data Decides The Bulls At Keller Broken Heart Ranch & Beef Checkoff Updates Using Technology At Keller Broken Heart Ranch For Bull Selection Genetics That Combine Data & Functionality At Keller Broken Heart Ranch, great cattle are more than just numbers—they must also look and function well. This philosophy has produced standout donor cows like WS Miss Sugar C4 and BarCK 106Z, whose offspring consistently lead the herd and excel in other breeding programs nationwide. These cows and their progeny have shaped the Keller herd's genetics, with their descendants now leading the charge in improving carcass traits and maintaining physical quality. Sons of these donors are used in AI programs, and daughters have become foundational to future breeding success. A Vision For Continuous Improvement The Kellers embrace the mindset of lifelong learners, always striving to improve their herd. By mating cattle on paper and analyzing performance data, leveraging RightMate by Allied Genetic Resources, the Keller Broken Heart Ranch achieves uniformity in their herd without sacrificing performance. Focus on data-driven decision-making has become the cornerstone of their success. This commitment to innovation and adaptability ensures that Keller Broken Heart Ranch remains a leader in the Simmental and SimAngus industries, producing cattle that excel in data, performance, and visual appeal. The Future Outlook  The ranch remains steadfast in its mission: to improve the herd. By annually selling 120 bulls and 80 heifers, the Kellers stay dedicated to producing cattle with high marks on the ASA (American Simmental Association) All-Purpose Index (API) and Terminal Index (TI). Some Say The DOGE Should Look At The Beef Checkoff According to Meating Place, the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America or R-CALF, CEO Bill Bullard encouraged ranchers and cattlemen to reach out to President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to request the agency audit the USDA's Beef Checkoff Program.  Bullard said that we've long argued that the beef checkoff program, which is a USDA program that requires cattle producers to pay $1 for every head of cattle they sell; and it collects about $70 million each year, which he says, much of that comes from producers who do not support the mandatory government program.  He went on to say that while the beef checkoff program is supposed to fund education, promotion and research for beef, and not fund lobbying, evidence of abuse has surfaced and an independent audit report found that $216,000 of mandatory producer contributions had been misspent. The Beef Checkoff has strong cattle producer support, according to The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), and undergoes annual audits and posts that information on their website. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane told Meating Place that the Beef Checkoff is an example of individual farmers and ranchers coming together to create a program that conducts research, educates consumers and builds demand for beef with a return on investment to producers of $13.41 for every $1 invested—all while operating with annual financial audits, strict oversight and at no cost to American taxpayers. R-CALF is a non-profit organization serving as a voice for independent cow-calf and sheep producers and feeders across America. NCBA is a non-profit trade association representing U.S. cattle producers.  DOGE is a temporary contracted organization under the United States Digital Service, which has asked the public to contact the organization with ideas for “reducing waste, fraud and abuse.” Imports Of Mexican Cattle Are Expected To Resume  A temporary suspension of imports of Mexican cattle into the United States is ending, according to several reports. The Mexican Agriculture Minister said that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service  or  (APHIS) signed the first memorandums to allow the suspension to be lifted. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the Trump administration and USDA for “working swiftly” to protect the U.S cattle supply from the threat of New World Screwworm, which sparked the import suspension late last year. APHIS has developed a comprehensive protocol that involves layers of veterinary inspections and treatment to prevent the spread of screwworm and other types of ticks and insects. RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets & New Listings Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information! UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS Dry Creek Ranch: March 1, 2025 Lucky 7 Angus:  March 1, 2025 Pederson Broken Heart Ranch: March 5, 2025 Mar Mac Farms:  March 5, 2025 Keller Broken Heart Ranch:  March 6, 2025 Eichacker Simmentals:  March 7, 2025 Fast/Dohrmann/Strommen: March 8, 2025 Leland/Koester Red Angus:  March 14, 2025 Arda Farms/Freeway Angus:  March 14, 2025 U2 Quality Seedstock:  March 18, 2025   Vollmer Angus Ranch:  April 1, 2025 CK Bar Ranch: April 4, 2025 Jorgensen Land & Cattle:  April 21, 2025 World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 - 18, 2025 BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Click HERE for the latest Bull Sale Results https://ranchchannel.com/category/past-bull-production-sales-archive/ FEATURING Luke Keller Keller Broken Heart Ranch https://kbhrsimmental.com/ @kbhrsimmentals Mark Vanzee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/118051 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117836

To protect U.S. livestock and other animals, APHIS halted shipments of Mexican cattle and bison in November 2024 after a positive detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in southern Mexico.

As logic suggested, Cattle futures lost ground Monday, between likely technical correction, the weekend announcement from APHIS that Mexican cattle imports to the U.S. will resume this week and tariffs levied on Canada, Mexico and China, though Mexican tariffs are now postponed for a month. Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.04 lower. [...]

We dive into the New World Screwworm, what it is, how we manage it and what it could do to the U.S. cattle industry.  Plus we have the latest news, markets and so much more on this all new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. . Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. Season 5, EPISODE 220 New World Screwworm:  What Is It & What Could It Do To The Cattle Industry Beware! New World Screwworm In Cattle  New World Screwworm:  What you Need to Know On November 22, 2024, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Mexico informed the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of a confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax). This alarming detection poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife in North America. Here's what you need to know about this devastating pest and its implications. What Is New World Screwworm? New World screwworm is a highly destructive pest that affects livestock, other warm-blooded animals, and occasionally humans. NWS larvae infest animals through open wounds or mucous membranes, feeding on living tissue rather than dead tissue or carrion. If left untreated, infestations can be fatal. Key Facts About New World Screwworm: NWS is endemic to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of South America. It has been moving northward since 2023, spreading from Panama to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and now Mexico. U.S. Measures to Prevent NWS Spread To protect livestock and wildlife in the United States, APHIS is taking immediate action: Import Restrictions: Livestock imports, including equines, from Mexico are temporarily restricted. Horses originating from or residing in Mexico within 60 days prior to export will need to comply with stringent import protocols. Established Protocols: Pre-export treatment and examination. Treatment and examination upon arrival. A 7-day quarantine in an approved permanent import facility. These protocols follow the guidelines outlined in eCFR 9 CFR 93.308 and VSG 13424.1. Why Awareness Matters Illegally imported equines and stray animals crossing the border could introduce NWS into the United States. It is crucial for those handling livestock and pets to be vigilant. Signs of Screwworm Infestation: Draining or enlarging wounds. Signs of discomfort such as head shaking or irritated behavior. Presence of screwworm larvae (maggots) or eggs. Screwworm eggs are creamy-white and often found near the edges of wounds. Infestations commonly occur in: Navels of newborn animals. Nasal or eye openings. Genitalia and branding or dehorning wounds. What to Do If You Suspect Screwworm If you notice signs of infestation: Immediately contact your local accredited veterinarian, state animal health official, or APHIS veterinarian. Regularly inspect your pets and livestock, especially if they have wounds or show signs of discomfort. Conclusion The detection of New World screwworm in Mexico underscores the importance of vigilance in safeguarding livestock and wildlife. By adhering to import restrictions and monitoring animals closely, we can help prevent the spread of this devastating pest. Cattle & Agriculture Industry News Scientists Turn To AI To Reduce Cow Methane Researchers are considering using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) protocols in order to develop new solutions to reduce methane emissions from cows. A team of scientists at USDA's Agricultural Research Service Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Iowa State University are using AI to sift through large computational models to develop new approaches to managing the methane emissions. The current focus involves the discovery of a group of compound molecules that can inhibit methane production in the largest of a cow's four stomach compartments. One effective molecule has been proven to reduce enteric methane production by up to 98%. AI also may fast-forward the laboratory research process and possibly address the potential costs of launching additional research, according to the scientists. RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets & New Listings Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information! UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS Spruce Hill Ranch:  February 6, 2025 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh:  February 8, 2025 Bred For Balance: February 14, 2025 Flittie/Schnabel/Lazy J Bar:  February 15, 2025 CK Cattle & Wager Cattle: February 16, 2025 Wasem Red Angus:  February 20, 2025 Pederson Broken Heart Ranch: March 5, 2025 Keller Broken Heart Ranch:  March 6, 2025 Vollmer Angus Ranch:  April 1, 2025 Jorgensen Land & Cattle:  April 21, 2025 World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 - 18, 2025 BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Click HERE for the latest Bull Sale Results https://ranchchannel.com/category/past-bull-production-sales-archive/ FEATURING Dr. Harold Newcomb, DVM Merck Animal Health https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/ @merckanimalheath Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/   #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.imiglobal.com/beef https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://www.bredforbalance.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117498 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/program-update/new-world-screwworm-equines-updates-december-6-2024

As of Monday, December 30th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, has confirmed 12 new cases of H5N1 avian flu in California dairy cattle, bringing the state's total to 697 cases.

We share how you can prevent scours this calving season, but you have to act now!  We have the latest news, market recaps, horse for sale, ranch channel listings and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 216 DETAILS Prevent Scours This Upcoming Calving Season Plus Cattle Industry News How To Prevent Calf Scours: Feed Farmatan Feed Farmatan To Prevent Scours This Calving Season Calving season is getting ready to start for many producers and for some others it is still a ways away yet.  Regardless, we need to get a jump on scours and make sure each and every calf that hits the ground has the best chance of survival.  A simple solution… FARMATAN from Imogene Ingredients.   WHAT CAUSES SCOURS IN BEEF CATTLE/CALVES Clostridia-Enterotoxemia The most common form of Clostridium in cattle is caused by Clostridia perfringens. The gram-positive bacteria are a challenge due to its ability to form spores and lay dormant for long-periods of time. The bacteria reproduce by releasing spores into its environment (soil, feed, manure). The spores can even lay dormant in the animal's intestine until opportunity presents itself. Infection takes place either through ingestion of spores or through an open wound. The most severe cases happen within the first month of a calf's life, and can result in sudden death. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Bloody, Mucus Present, Bubbly Dehydrated Bloat Blindness Prevention/Treatment: Prevention can be difficult due to the Clostridia spores being extremely durable and present almost everywhere. Complete cleanout and disinfection between calves is helpful, but not always effective. A good vaccination program will reduce clinical disease. The best method is to develop good gut health and the immune system of the calf. Farmatan has been shown to strengthen the intestinal wall, helping to prevent infection from taking hold. Coccidiosis Cattle are host to numerous species of Coccidia, a single-celled protozoal parasite. Infection and clinical symptoms can happen any time during a calf's life, with the most severe reaction usually occurring between 3-6 weeks of age. The life-cycle of coccidia requires time to infect the intestine causing destruction of the mucosal and epithelial lining. The oocytes mature outside the host in warm, moist environments before being consumed, causing infection of a new host. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Watery, Bloody Depression Weight Loss Prevention/Treatment: Prevention of Coccidiosis is possible by keeping young calves separate from older animals, providing clean water and feed, and dry conditions. Isolation of infected animals is key to preventing transmission. Keeping the pen dry is the most important step a farmer/rancher can take in preventing Coccidiosis. Treatment can have a good impact on reducing secondary disease, and speeding up recovery time. Farmatan has been shown to disrupt the reproductive cycle of Coccidia; and may help strengthen the intestinal wall to prevent infection, in both the cow and calf. Coronavirus Bovine Coronavirus is a ubiquitous, envelope-viral disease, causing respiratory and enteric infection. There are many serotypes for this virus, making it difficult to test for, and create a vaccine. Coronavirus can present as either diarrhea and/or respiratory illness; transmitted through nasal discharge and/or feces. Animal reservoirs continue to spread the disease, and make eradication almost impossible. Clinical disease will likely occur between days 10-14, and present for up to 4 days. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Watery Nasal Discharge Coughing Prevention/Treatment: Prevention is difficult due to wild animals transmitting the disease. Keeping wild animals out of animal enclosures is essential. Isolation of infected animals is critical to preventing the spread of Coronavirus. Adequate colostrum intake, along with a good vaccination program will help prevent clinical disease. Learn more about the positive effects of Farmtan's active ingredient on Coronavirus HERE. Cryptosporidium Cryptosporidium Parvum is a single-celled parasite responsible for causing infection in young calves. The infection takes place within the first four weeks of a calves' life, afterwards immunity has developed within the calf. The parasite is either passed from the cow or spread through infected water sources. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Watery, Bloody, Mucus present Colic Depression Prevention/Treatment: Good sanitary conditions, especially clean water is essential in preventing transmission of cryptosporidium. Isolation of sick calves will help reduce the effect on the overall herd. There is some good effect of calves given adequate colostrum, however this is likely helping by reducing other pathogenic loads rather than a direct effect on Cryptosporidium, itself. Farmatan fed prior to calving has been shown to disrupt the life-cycle and reduce transmission from the cow. The direct action of Farmatan on the parasite makes it an excellent choice for treating calves. Learn more about the positive effect of Farmatan's active ingredient HERE.   E Coli Escherichia Coli is a bacterial infection that affects calves within the first week of their life. The bacteria colonize in the lower intestine and produce a toxin. The toxin causes excessive secretion of fluids. The zoonotic disease has special importance in food safety and human health. Colostrum and natural immunity are often not sufficient in preventing infection in cases of high bacterial concentrations. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Creamy, Yellow Abdominal Pains Fever Vomiting Prevention/Treatment: The best prevention methods for E. Coli include: clean water, dry bedding/environment, isolation of infected animals, and vaccination. Treatment with antibiotics and oral fluids have great benefits in reducing clinical symptoms of the disease. Farmatan has been shown to reduce bacterial load and help prevent infection. Learn more about the positive effects of Farmatan's active ingredient HERE. Rotavirus Rotavirus in calves is caused by a virus belonging to the Reoviridae family, as a non-envelope RNA virus. Rotavirus is thought to be the most common cause of neonatal diarrhea in calves. The virus tends to affect calves between the age of 1-day-old up to a month, with most cases presenting within the first week of life. Shedding and reinfection can happen in older calves and cows. Clinical symptoms are rarely present after the first month of life; older animals tend to either be carriers or asymptomatic. The majority of herds have some level present, with transmission likely happening during or shortly after birth. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Pale Yellow, Bloody Dehydrated Dull calves Reluctant to drink Prevention/Treatment: The ideal scenario is to prevent infection through, sanitary facilities (calving barn), outdoor calf housing, and a good vaccination program. Colostrum will provide much needed antibodies, protecting the calf before their immune system is fully developed to combat the disease. Farmatan fed prior to calving can help reduce the pathogen load of the cow, reducing the likelihood of transmission. Farmatan supplemented in the milk has been shown to decrease the virus' ability to cause infection and clinical disease. The best treatment for calves already presenting clinical disease is to administer oral fluids/electrolytes to rehydrate the calf. Learn more about the positive effect of Farmatan's active ingredient HERE. Salmonella Salmonella infection of cattle is caused by a variety of species within the family. While the disease is uncommon in cattle with little effect on calf health, it has massive implications for human health and food safety. The bacteria spreads through direct contact or contaminated feed & water. This disease is highly regulated by the USDA. The most severe cases of salmonella affect calves between the ages of 7-10 days old. Clinical Signs Diarrhea - Bloody (flakes of slough tissue), Watery, Mucus present Lethargic Fever Prevention/Treatment: Prevention is always the best option: provide clean water, feed, and bedding. Isolate infected animals, ensure adequate colostrum intake, and develop a vaccination program with your veterinarian. Treatment with antibiotics and fluids (oral or intravenous) greatly increases the survival rate of calves infected with Salmonella. Farmatan has been shown to help reduce the likelihood of infection by protecting the gut, and reduce recovery time of infected animals.  LEARN MORE ABOUT IMOGENE INGREDIENTS  PRODUCTS Paul Mitchell & Paul Martin on RFD TV Rural America Live!  Cattle Industry News USDA Gives Bleak Timeline For Mexico Cattle Restrictions According to MeatingPlace.Com, the USDA has confirmed there will be no holiday gifts for Mexican cattle producers this year. Earlier this month, APHIS restricted all Mexican animal commodity imports following the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a cow in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Mexico's chief veterinary officer alerted USDA in late November. Dr. Rosemary Sifford, the agency's chief veterinary officers, stated to media that APHIS's restrictions will “likely” remain in place through the holidays, with “full resumption of live animal movements” after incremental changes in early 2025. She went on to say that while the U.S. continues to work very closely with Mexico and has agreed to protocols, it will take some time to implement these due to multiple steps needed to resume trade. Additionally, USDA announced $165 million in emergency funding to protect U.S. livestock from NWS, which are fly larvae that infest living tissue and cause infection. Canada Plans For U.S. Trade War Canada's federal and state governments are planning measures in response to President-elect Donald Trump's threatened tariffs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with provincial leaders to discuss retaliatory actions. Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said after the meeting that "a number of premiers spoke out strongly in favour of a robust Canadian response to unjustified tariffs." In a social media post last month, Trump accused Canada and Mexico of allowing drugs and illegal immigrants into the United States and vowed to slap a 25% tariff on imports from both neighbors immediately on taking office on Jan. 20. Such an act would contradict the 2020 US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a modest update of the preceding North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which Trump signed during his previous term in the White House.   Low U.S. Beef Inventory Argues Against Tariffs A former Canadian Cattle Association president Dave Solverson has urged farmers north of the border to utilize their relationships with fellow beef producers to try to counter US President-elect Donald Trump's threatened tariffs. Solverson said with herds in both countries at their smallest in many decades, extending possible 25% tariffs on Canadian imports makes little sense in the beef business. He said sales of Canadian stock to U.S. packers and feedlot operators are an important source to fill in increasing production gaps especially in northern states, according to Solverson, who led the Canadian Cattle Association from 2014-16. Solverson recalled that the community of North American beef producers forged alliances a decade ago to oppose mandatory country-of-origin labelling. Those coalitions with both state and national producer groups “really proved beneficial for both sides,” he said. Canadian farmers were able to convince their U.S. counterparts “about how important it was that they could top up their pens with a good group of Canadian cattle.” Questions About USDA's Electronic EID Requirements Answered There are still lots of questions about USDA's Electronic EID requirements and if you are confused don't worry you are not alone. Merck Animal Health has fielded many questions about the new electronic (EID) rules for livestock moving across state lines. As a leading provider of EID tags and readers through their AllFlex Brand, Merck Animal Health is helping support cattle producers in their decision-making with expertise and solutions.  As part of that effort, Merck Animal Health has provided some clarity to the tagging system.  We have all of those links and easy to follow information HERE.  King Ranch Institute For Ranch Management Accepting Applicants for 2025 Wanting to make a change this upcoming year?  Well, we all do. The King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management (KRIRM) offers the premier Master of Science in Ranch Management degree. They prepare those with a passion for ranching for the next step in their career as ranch business managers.  Their master's degree program offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to ranch management. They teach students how to manage ranches, but also how to progressively think their way to success and innovation for the industry. The King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management curriculum sharpens students' skills and knowledge in the areas of animal science, wildlife science, range science, business, accounting, finance, and leadership. External learning opportunities include summer internships at ranches across the United States, projects that focus on real issues facing partnering ranches, and workshops with industry professionals that cover a variety of ranch-related topics.  The King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management is seeking applicants for 2025 that have a Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years' work experience in ranching. If you're ready to take the next step and earn a Master's degree and fast forward your management career, They encourage you to apply. Click HERE for more information. Christmas Gift Ideas For That Hard To Shop For Person Great handmade items along with Ranch It Up swag and merch can be found online HERE! RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets & New Listings Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information!   UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS Ressler Land & Cattle:  January 11, 2025 Spruce Hill Ranch:  February 6, 2025 Prairie Hills Gelbvieh:  February 8, 2025 Wasem Red Angus:  February 20, 2025 Vollmer Angus Ranch:  April 1, 2025 Jorgensen Land & Cattle:  April 21, 2025 World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 - 18, 2025   BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Churchill Cattle Company Van Newkirk Herefords Gardiner Angus Ranch Cow Camp Ranch Jungels Shorthorn Farms Ellingson Angus Edgar Brothers Angus Schaff Angus Valley Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Clear Springs Cattle Company CK Cattle Mrnak Hereford Ranch Frey Angus Ranch Hoffmann Angus Farms Topp Herefords River Creek Farms Upstream Ranch Gustin's Diamond D Gelbvieh Schiefelbein Farms Wasem Red Angus Raven Angus Krebs Ranch Yon Family Farms Chestnut Angus Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus Windy Creek Cattle Company Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch Mar Mac Farms Warner Beef Genetics Arda Farms & Freeway Angus Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus Fast - Dohrmann - Strommen RBM Livestock Weber Land & Cattle Sundsbak Farms Hidden Angus Wheatland Cattle Company Miller Angus Farms L 83 Ranch U2 Ranch Vollmer Angus Ranch A & B Cattle Carter Angus Farms Roller Ranch Montgomery Ranch Jorgensen Farms DLCC Ranch Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance Spruce Hill Ranch Wilson Angus Jorgensen Land & Cattle Motherlode Sale ISA Beefmasters JYJ Red Angus Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Legends Of The Fall Bull Sale Clear Springs Cattle Company FEATURING Paul Mitchell Imogene Ingredients https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ @farmatanusa Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Mark Vanzee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.imiglobal.com/beef https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://www.bredforbalance.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://thehappytoymaker.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117199 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117192 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117172

It's the Ranch It Up Radio Show Herd It Here Weekly Report!  A 3-minute look at cattle markets, reports, news info, or anything that has to do with those of us who live at the end of dirt roads.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' by subscribing on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 60 DETAILS Dollars Allocated To Help Producers With New World Screwworm New World Screwworm & How Dollars Are Protecting Livestock Owners USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced $165 million in emergency funding to protect livestock and other animals from New World screwworm (NWS) and boost the agency's efforts to control its spread in Mexico and Central America. The move comes after APHIS restricted the import of animal commodities from Mexico due to detection of NWS in a cow in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. It was a step northward for NWS, which over the last two years has spread throughout Panama and into Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. APHIS is working with partners in Mexico and Central America to stop the spread of NWS into the United States and asking all producers along the southern border to watch their livestock and pets for signs of NWS and to immediately report potential cases to their local veterinarian, State Veterinarian's Office, or APHIS Veterinary Services. The fly larvae can infest warm blooded animals such as cattle, causing wounds that can lead to infection. A biological barrier can be created by mating sterilized male screwworm flies with females in areas where NWS is detected. This initiative can decrease or even eliminate populations of screwworm flies. SPONSORS Trans Ova Genetics https://transova.com/ @TransOvaGenetics American Gelbvieh Association https://gelbvieh.org/ @AmericanGelbvieh Allied Genetic Resources https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ @AlliedGeneticResources Clear Springs Cattle Company https://www.bredforbalance.com/female-sale Axiota Animal Health https://axiota.com/ @MultiminUSA Jorgensen Land & Cattle https://jorgensenfarms.com/ @JorLandCat Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/   Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming REFERENCES https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117228

In our final episode of 2024, as is tradition here on Get Out Alive, we're going over attacks that happened this year that we haven't had a chance to cover yet. Keep an eye out on our Patreon for a bonus episode (available for free!) with additional attacks and stories from 2024.If you'd like to keep an eye on Alpha Genesis's inspection reports, their certificate number is 56-B-012 and you can check in on those on the APHIS website.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, check out our website GetOutAlivePodcast.com and join us on Patreon (where you can now follow us for free)!Support the show for free by leaving a 5-star review wherever you're listening, or on GoodPods or Podchaser (where we can respond to your comments).You can find Ashley @TheAngryOlogist on Twitter or @ashleytheologist on Bluesky.

We hear the latest on screwworms from Mexico.  Tariff updates, Christmas gift ideas for that hard to shop for person on your list, market recaps, cattle for sale and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 214 DETAILS Cattle Industry Top News Headlines, Christmas Gift Ideas, Market Outlooks Top Cattle Industry Headlines U.S. Tightens Import Restrictions After Screwworm Detection The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has restricted animal imports from Mexico after detecting New World screwworm (NWS) in a cow in Chiapas, Mexico. NWS larvae infest living tissue in warm-blooded animals, causing severe infections. Producers along the U.S.-Mexico border should monitor livestock and pets for signs such as draining wounds or discomfort and report any suspected cases to a veterinarian immediately. To combat the pest's spread, APHIS is deploying sterile flies and intensifying efforts in Central America. "With this detection, we will intensify measures to protect American agriculture," said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer. NWS has recently spread northward due to increased cattle movement, disrupting biological barriers in the region. The USDA continues collaborating with Central American partners to contain and eradicate this threat. Mexico Threatens Trade war If Trump Implements Tariffs Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized President-elect Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariff on Mexican imports, warning it could spark inflation, harm cross-border businesses, and lead to a trade war. Trump announced the tariffs as part of his immigration and drug enforcement policies, citing record illegal crossings. Sheinbaum, in office for just seven weeks, highlighted the risks in a letter to Trump, emphasizing the potential impact on industries like automotive and U.S. meat exports. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), duty-free trade with Mexico has been crucial for export growth, with U.S. beef exports up 13% and pork exports up 7% year-over-year through September. Sheinbaum urged a meeting with Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to address trade and migration concerns. Meanwhile, Trump defended the tariffs, linking them to stricter immigration and drug policies. New Tariffs May Provide Financial Boost for U.S. Food Producers The Trump administration's plan to impose a 25% tariff on imports from North American neighbors and China could yield unexpected benefits for U.S. food producers, according to J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman. While tariffs are expected to raise inflation and food prices, retaliatory measures could reduce global demand for U.S. crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. This decline may lower domestic crop prices, offering cost savings to U.S. producers and potentially boosting profit margins. Goldman noted that U.S. manufacturers, less reliant on imported crops, could see these savings offset the negative impacts of tariffs on other goods. Tyson To Close Beef/Pork Facility In Kansas Tyson Foods announced the closure of its beef and pork non-harvest processing facility in Emporia, Kansas, impacting 809 employees. The plant is set to shut down by February 14, as part of Tyson's strategy to consolidate operations and boost efficiency. Operations will shift to Tyson's Holcomb plant near Garden City, according to company officials. Tyson stated it is working with state and local agencies to support affected employees. Despite the closure, Tyson continues to employ over 5,000 team members at its other Kansas facilities. 2025 Hot Culinary Trends Revealed The National Restaurant Association's 2025 Culinary Forecast highlights East Asian flavors as a major trend. Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisines ranked highest in the survey of nearly 300 U.S. food industry professionals. These cuisines also dominated the ingredients, flavors, and condiments categories.  “With diners seeking sustainable choices and bold global flavors, restaurants are offering locally sourced ingredients and creative menu options,” said Chad Moutray, Vice President of the Association. Other key trends include: Sustainability and local sourcing Mushrooms Hot honey Fermented and pickled foods Value-focused menu deals The report reflects evolving consumer priorities, including convenience, creativity, and efficiency, as operators adapt to economic and labor challenges. Christmas Gift Ideas For That Hard To Shop For Person Great handmade items along with Ranch It Up swag and merch can be found online HERE! RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information! UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 18, 2025 BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Churchill Cattle Company Van Newkirk Herefords Gardiner Angus Ranch Cow Camp Ranch Jungels Shorthorn Farms Ellingson Angus Edgar Brothers Angus Schaff Angus Valley Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Clear Springs Cattle Company CK Cattle Mrnak Hereford Ranch Frey Angus Ranch Hoffmann Angus Farms Topp Herefords River Creek Farms Upstream Ranch Gustin's Diamond D Gelbvieh Schiefelbein Farms Wasem Red Angus Raven Angus Krebs Ranch Yon Family Farms Chestnut Angus Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus Windy Creek Cattle Company Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch Mar Mac Farms Warner Beef Genetics Arda Farms & Freeway Angus Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus Fast Dohrmann Strommen RBM Livestock Weber Land & Cattle Sundsbak Farms Hidden Angus Wheatland Cattle Company Miller Angus Farms L 83 Ranch U2 Ranch Vollmer Angus Ranch A & B Cattle Carter Angus Farms Roller Ranch Montgomery Ranch Jorgensen Farms DLCC Ranch Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance Spruce Hill Ranch Wilson Angus Jorgensen Land & Cattle Motherlode Sale ISA Beefmasters JYJ Red Angus Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Legends Of The Fall Bull Sale Clear Springs Cattle Company FEATURING Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Mark Vanzee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.imiglobal.com/beef https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://www.bredforbalance.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://thehappytoymaker.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117009 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/116981 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/116973 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117020 https://www.cattlebusinessweekly.com/articles/mexico-notifies-united-states-of-new-world-screwworm-detection/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/116976

This month we are excited to feature a series called Exploring Vet Med Intersectionality. This is our veterinary take on the sociological concept of intersectionality, which looks at how various social identities interact and impact an individual's experience. We'll be highlighting the stories of individuals from underrepresented communities working in underserved areas of that med, and how their identities impacted their career paths. Our guest today is Dr. Amber Headen. Dr. Headen is the Director of Live Animal Exports with USDA APHIS. She shares what the road to regulatory medicine looked like for her.  It is a great conversation, and we are so excited to have her join us to conclude this series. Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at MVLPodcast@avma.orgFollow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcastIf you would like to learn more about careers at the USDA, please follow this link: https://usda.usajobs.gov/search/results/?d=AG&s=enddate&sd=asc&p=1If you would like to learn more about the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, please follow this link: https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/1890NationalScholars

We dive in the rules and regulations of USDA's Electronic ID Tag Rule.  We hear how to get some of the top Simmental and SimAngus Genetics.  Plus market recaps, horses for sale and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 212 DETAILS USDA ELECTRONIC ID TAGS EXPLAINED & TOP SIMMENTAL GENETICS USDA Electronic ID Tag Rules Explained USDA EID Tag Rule Sparks Questions Producers are still confused about how to use the new USDA EID Tags, where to get them, and wondering if there are enough in circulation. Justin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattlemen's Association and owner/manager of St. Onge Livestock in St. Onge, South Dakota helps explain the rules and shares his experience and thoughts on the program. As the leading provider of EID tags and readers through the Allflex® brand, Merck Animal Health wants to support cattle producers in their decision-making with the expertise and solutions they need. Key Distinctions With Official ID Rules The new policy only applies to interstate movement. Other exemptions include direct-to-slaughter cattle and sexually intact cattle (and bison) under 18 months of age. Animals that will need electronically and visually readable tags when they enter interstate movement include: Sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older All dairy cattle, including beef-on-dairy crossbred animals Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events, shows or exhibitions Another important detail: Visual ear tags applied before Nov. 5, 2024, will be recognized as official IDs for the life of the animal. They'll be grandfathered in and will not need an EID. Easing The Financial Burden Producers and the livestock industry have raised concerns about the potential cost burden of the new tagging policies. Congress recently directed USDA-APHIS to allocate no less than $15 million for the cost of tags and related infrastructure to help offset those costs.2 Producers may be able to access EID tags for free via their state veterinarian. They can apply those tags at approved tagging sites. Producers can also buy EIDs directly from a distributor, online vendor or local dealer and apply the tags themselves. In addition, producers are not required to invest in tag-reading hardware or software, unless they choose to do so for herd management and record keeping. The EID tags can be used the same way as visual tags. Addressing Data Privacy Concerns EID tags are encoded with a number that identifies the animal, but no owner-specific information. The data associated with the tags will be stored in various federal and state databases. Access to that data will also be restricted to the state and federal officials responsible for managing high-impact diseases of the cattle industry. USDA agnostic on EID tags USDA isn't mandating or recommending any one brand of ear tag. Tags must be approved by the department and will be imprinted with the Official Eartag Shield. The Allflex radio frequency ID (RFID) tags offered by Merck Animal Health meet these standards. They use a short-read range that doesn't interfere with radio frequencies commonly found in livestock operations. Allflex tags do not include any global positioning system (GPS) capabilities. Producers also use these RFID tags to track health protocols, performance, reproduction and genetics. The new tagging requirements are intended to bolster the industry's tracing capabilities in the event of a disease outbreak. Contact your Merck Animal Health representative or tag supplier to find out how Allflex tags can help you comply with these rules while managing your beef or dairy operation more efficiently. References National Archives. Federal Register. Rules and Regulations. Use of Electronic Identification Ear Tags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. May 9, 2024. 89(91):39540-39566. APHIS-2021-0020. 2024-09717.pdf (govinfo.gov). Retrieved May 21, 2024. Rachael Oatman. Congress approves $15 million for EID tagging of cattle. Tri-State Livestock News. March 22, 2024. https://www.tsln.com/news/congress-approves-15-million-for-eid-tagging-of-cattle/. Retrieved May 21, 2024.   Simmental & SimAngus Genetics From Clear Springs Cattle Company Clear Springs Cattle Company presents the Mature Cow & Red Heifer Dispersal Sale, Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the ranch in Starbuck, Minnesota.  To view the catalog and see videos, click HERE. RanchChannel.Com Now Has The Futures Markets Futures Markets RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information! UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS Clear Springs Cattle Company: November, 20, 2024, Starbuck, MN World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 18, 2025   BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Churchill Cattle Company Van Newkirk Herefords Gardiner Angus Ranch Cow Camp Ranch Jungels Shorthorn Farms Ellingson Angus Edgar Brothers Angus Schaff Angus Valley Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Clear Springs Cattle Company CK Cattle Mrnak Hereford Ranch Frey Angus Ranch Hoffmann Angus Farms Topp Herefords River Creek Farms Upstream Ranch Gustin's Diamond D Gelbvieh Schiefelbein Farms Wasem Red Angus Raven Angus Krebs Ranch Yon Family Farms Chestnut Angus Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus Windy Creek Cattle Company Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch Mar Mac Farms Warner Beef Genetics Arda Farms & Freeway Angus Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus Fast Dohrmann Strommen RBM Livestock Weber Land & Cattle Sundsbak Farms Hidden Angus Wheatland Cattle Company Miller Angus Farms L 83 Ranch U2 Ranch Vollmer Angus Ranch A & B Cattle Carter Angus Farms Roller Ranch Montgomery Ranch Jorgensen Farms DLCC Ranch Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance Spruce Hill Ranch Wilson Angus Jorgensen Land & Cattle Motherlode Sale ISA Beefmasters JYJ Red Angus Jorgensen Land & Cattle, Legends Of The Fall Bull Sale   FEATURING Justin Tupper President, US Cattlemen's Association https://uscattlemen.org/ @uscattlemens Travis Wulf Clear Springs Cattle Company https://www.bredforbalance.com/ @wulf09 Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Mark Vanzee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/   Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.imiglobal.com/beef https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://axiota.com/multimin-90-product-label/ https://jorgensenfarms.com/ https://www.bredforbalance.com/ https://ranchchannel.com/ https://www.wrangler.com/ https://www.ruralradio147.com/ https://www.rfdtv.com/ https://thehappytoymaker.com/ https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle/cattle-insights/beef/new-cattle-eid-tag-requirements-2024 https://www.allflex.global/na/product_cat/electronic-identification/  

Recorded live on October 3rd, 2024   Two people making music on the fly… Bugs In The Basement creates improvised musical journeys from an array of vintage and handmade instruments to modern technologies. Recorded live from our basement studio in the Pacific Northwest, each week we experiment in the process of making exploratory music and soundscapes. Unmixed, unedited and unapologetic.   www.bugsinthebasement.com

We go over the pros and cons of managing cow calf pairs on hot wire pasture grazing. Plus, how to manage water when cell grazing. We have news, markets and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 188 DETAILS Cow Calf Management: Hot Wire & Water When Cell Grazing.  ELECTRIC HOT WIRE FOR GRAZING COW CALF PAIRS & CELL GRAZING Maximizing Agricultural Efficiency: The Advantages of Rotational Grazing Rotational grazing offers numerous benefits for sustainable farming. By moving livestock between paddocks according to a strategic schedule, farmers allow forage crops to rejuvenate, replenish energy reserves, and enhance plant vigor, leading to long-term maximum production. The key to a successful rotational grazing system lies in its flexibility. Utilizing a highly-movable temporary fence and understanding its proper use are crucial for maximizing the benefits and maintaining an efficient grazing routine. Optimize Your Grazing Strategy Implementing a well-designed rotational grazing system can lead to healthier livestock and more productive land. Explore the essentials of rotational grazing and discover how to enhance your agricultural practices for sustainable success. A Comprehensive Guide to Temporary Electric Fence Wires: Polywire vs. Polytape When it comes to temporary electric fencing, two main types are available: polywire and polytape. Both options consist of fine metal filaments intertwined with polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, with the metal providing the shock and the plastic ensuring strength and visibility. Choosing the Right Polywire for Your Needs For short-distance applications, such as subdividing a pasture, a six-strand polywire is typically sufficient. However, for longer distances or areas prone to overgrowth from weeds and grass, opt for a polywire that delivers a stronger shock to ensure effective containment. The Benefits of Polytape Polytapes are known for their superior visibility, particularly in white. If you're experiencing inadequate animal control with polywire or need better visibility for safety reasons, such as fencing for horses, switching to polytape can be beneficial. Although polytape may be more expensive, the improved control and visibility often justify the cost. Essential Tools: Electric Fence Reels For ease of use and flexibility, especially if you plan to adjust paddock sizes frequently, an electric fence reel is indispensable. These reels, made from weather-resistant plastic, can hold one to two spools of polywire or polytape, making it easy to move and reconfigure your temporary fencing as needed. Explore the best practices for using polywire and polytape to optimize your temporary electric fencing system, ensuring maximum efficiency and control for your livestock management.  Cattle Industry News: Beef Exports to China, Third Avian Flu in Humans, USDA Combats Avian Flu, Beef On Dairy CHINA BLOCKS JBS USA BEEF EXPORTS OVER RACTOPAMINE TRACES According to the Meating Place, the Chinese government has halted beef exports from the JBS USA facility in Greeley, Colorado, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The export block is reportedly due to detected traces of the feed additive ractopamine.  While ractopamine is deemed safe for use in the United States, it is banned or restricted in China and 160 other countries. In response, JBS issued a statement indicating they are “working diligently with U.S. and Chinese authorities to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”  FSIS has also confirmed that it is conducting its own investigation into the matter. FSIS provided further details in a statement to Reuters: "China customs detected ractopamine in a batch of frozen beef omasum products exported to China from these establishments and destroyed this batch of products in accordance with their regulations."  In addition to the JBS USA facility, China has also blocked meat products from Cool Port Oakland, a cold storage facility in California.  CDC REPORTS THIRD U.S. CASE OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HUMANS The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the third case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in humans within the country. This latest case marks the second occurrence in Michigan. While the three cases are unrelated, they all involve dairy farm workers exposed to infected cows, suggesting probable cow-to-person transmission.  Notably, this most recent case is the first in the U.S. to present typical influenza-like symptoms, according to the CDC. The CDC is closely monitoring influenza data and reports no unusual activity or increased emergency room visits. The risk to the general public remains low, as all cases involve direct contact with infected cows. However, the CDC stresses the importance of precautions for individuals in contact with infected animals, as their risk is significantly higher. The affected worker is receiving treatment with oseltamivir and is recovering in isolation. Household contacts are symptom-free and are being monitored. Initial tests confirmed the presence of the influenza A(H5) virus, with further analysis ongoing. The CDC advises farmworkers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to health monitoring protocols. Avoiding unprotected exposure to sick animals, their waste, and related materials is crucial, the agency emphasized.   USDA ALLOCATES $824 MILLION TO COMBAT H5N1 OUTBREAK The USDA is allocating an additional $824 million in emergency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to combat the ongoing H5N1 outbreak, according to a recent release. USDA Secretary Vilsack approved the transfer of $824 million from the CCC to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to sustain rapid response activities. This funding will support diagnostics, field response, pre-movement testing, surveillance, and vaccine development for various livestock, including cattle, turkeys, pigs, and goats. This follows a previous $1.3 billion emergency fund dedicated to addressing HPAI detections. To improve monitoring and control of H5N1, APHIS is launching a Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program. Dairy producers with herds testing negative for three consecutive weeks can join the program, facilitating easier movement of cows with ongoing weekly bulk milk testing. This initiative aims to reduce virus spread and enhance understanding of H5N1. Participating states will begin enrolling herds starting June 3. Farmers can contact their APHIS area veterinarian or state veterinarian to join the program. This initiative complements previous measures, including a federal order on pre-movement testing and biosecurity tool support. The USDA anticipates increased testing and positive results, which will enhance understanding of the disease's spread. This will help producers document virus elimination and maintain H5N1-free herds. U.S. DAIRY FARMERS BREED BEEFIER CALVES TO OFFSET COSTS AMID LOW CATTLE NUMBERS With U.S. beef cattle numbers at their lowest since 1961, dairy farmers are increasingly breeding calves for meat to offset costs, reports Bloomberg. By using beef bull semen to inseminate dairy cows, farmers produce hybrid calves that are meatier and fetch higher prices, providing a valuable income stream amid fluctuating milk prices. These beef-dairy hybrids can sell for $400 to $800 as calves and up to $2,500 when fully grown, making them more profitable than replacement milking cows. This approach helps mitigate the shrinking beef supply, which has declined due to persistent droughts and high costs. As the dairy sector struggles, the demand for beef remains robust, with U.S. consumers eating nearly 60 pounds of beef annually. The trend of breeding beefier dairy calves is expected to continue growing and contributing significantly to the meat market. This strategy allows dairy farmers to diversify their revenue streams and adapt to industry challenges, ensuring a more stable financial outlook despite fluctuating conditions. UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS ISA Beefmasters: October 5, 2024, San Angelo, Texas BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Churchill Cattle Company Van Newkirk Herefords Gardiner Angus Ranch Cow Camp Ranch Jungels Shorthorn Farms Ellingson Angus Edgar Brothers Angus Schaff Angus Valley Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Clear Springs Cattle Company CK Cattle Mrnak Hereford Ranch Frey Angus Ranch Hoffmann Angus Farms Topp Herefords River Creek Farms Upstream Ranch Gustin's Diamond D Gelbvieh Schiefelbein Farms Wasem Red Angus Raven Angus Krebs Ranch Yon Family Farms Chestnut Angus Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus Windy Creek Cattle Company Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch Mar Mac Farms Warner Beef Genetics Arda Farms & Freeway Angus Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus Fast - Dohrmann - Strommen RBM Livestock Weber Land & Cattle Sundsbak Farms Hidden Angus Wheatland Cattle Company Miller Angus Farms L 83 Ranch U2 Ranch Vollmer Angus Ranch A & B Cattle Carter Angus Farms Roller Ranch Montgomery Ranch Jorgensen Farms DLCC Ranch Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance Spruce Hill Ranch Wilson Angus FEATURING Trevor Burian @hungrymanbutte Mark VanZee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast available on ALL podcasting apps.   Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.imiglobal.com/beef https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114764 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114789 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114778 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114721  

We dive into program cattle and learn why the CARE Program could be beneficial for cattle producers.  Plus more updates on avian flu, how to cook meat to make sure it's safe, markets, hay auctions, and lots more on this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 186 DETAILS   CARE PROGRAM CATTLE FROM IMI GLOBAL   CARE Certified Where Food Comes From CARE Certified is a suite of sustainability standards that certifies participating farmers and ranchers are implementing best practices in animal care, environmental stewardship and supporting their local communities and the people within them. Beef, pork, poultry, dairy and fish are all available   Animal Care Farms and ranches care about their animals, they are their livelihood.  They spend every day with these animals to ensure they are as healthy and content as possible. The Animal Care pillar ensures that farms and ranches are caring for their animals.  Things we look at include spacing, access to food and water, nutrition plans, how animals are transported and more.  Environmental Stewardship Farms and ranches know that they have to be good stewards of the land today in order to have a tomorrow. The Environmental Stewardship pillar of each CARE Standard ensures consumers that farms and ranches have procedures and management plans in place. Consumers can rest assured that CARE products have come from farms and ranches that are doing what they can to improve the environment.   People & Community Farms and ranches aren't built by one person, they are built by a community.  Whether it's helping your neighbors do chores when they're shorthanded, donating the food they've raised to the local school or simply being there when a natural disaster hits. CARE represents a community of farms and ranches that are committed to doing the right thing.  They lean on each other when they need it, and they give back to their local communities and the people within them.   Cattle Industry News BIRD FLU UPDATE: NEW CASES IN MICHIGAN, NORTH DAKOTA CHECKS IN, LAWMAKERS WEIGH IN State animal health officials confirmed new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in Michigan. That announcement comes as North Dakota announced no cases so far and U.S. senators called for better communication among regulators to help stem the tide of new outbreaks.  The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced positive tests for HPAI in dairy cows in Clinton, Gratiot and Ionia counties, with additional testing expected soon. MDARD stated that the best tool available to combat the spread of HPAI, regardless of species, is using enhanced biosecurity efforts that include isolating new or returning animals on farms, monitoring the health of animals daily, and cleaning and disinfecting trailers used to haul animals. Meanwhile, officials in North Dakota reported there have been no cases of HPAI in cattle as of May 10, although the infections of dairy cows in nine other states this spring continues to be monitored, according to State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress. USDA recently announced plans to provide a total of $98 million to help states and ranchers stem the spread of HPAI beyond birds as state and federal officials continue to monitor cases in 42 herds so far, including South Dakota. Enhanced biosecurity efforts are expected to remain in place as new information about HPAI in cows is gathered, officials added.   PROPER COOKING KILLS H5N1 IN GROUND BEEF With the continued spread of H5N1, some have questioned the proper way to prepare beef to ensure its safety.  The USDA said in its latest update that ongoing research shows that standard recommended procedures for cooking ground beef eliminates the H5N1 virus. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or APHIS reported that no virus remained in burgers cooked to 145 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit and that these results validate that recommended cooking temperatures are sufficient to kill H5N1 in meat.     UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 16 - 19, 2024, Miles City, Montana   BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Churchill Cattle Company Van Newkirk Herefords Gardiner Angus Ranch Cow Camp Ranch Jungels Shorthorn Farms Ellingson Angus Edgar Brothers Angus Schaff Angus Valley Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Clear Springs Cattle Company CK Cattle Mrnak Hereford Ranch Frey Angus Ranch Hoffmann Angus Farms Topp Herefords River Creek Farms Upstream Ranch Gustin's Diamond D Gelbvieh Schiefelbein Farms Wasem Red Angus Raven Angus Krebs Ranch Yon Family Farms Chestnut Angus Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus Windy Creek Cattle Company Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch Mar Mac Farms Warner Beef Genetics Arda Farms & Freeway Angus Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus Fast - Dohrmann - Strommen RBM Livestock Weber Land & Cattle Sundsbak Farms Hidden Angus Wheatland Cattle Company Miller Angus Farms L 83 Ranch U2 Ranch Vollmer Angus Ranch A & B Cattle Carter Angus Farms Roller Ranch Montgomery Ranch Jorgensen Farms DLCC Ranch Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance Spruce Hill Ranch Wilson Angus   FEATURING Doug Stanton @imiglobal https://www.imiglobal.com/ Mark VanZee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc    Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast available on ALL podcasting apps.   Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Tigger & BEC Live This Western American Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.imiglobal.com/beef https://www.tsln.com/ https://transova.com/ https://axiota.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114665 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114637

We hear the latest on the avian flu and how testing may affect the beef business.  We cover the latest news on the new regulations on electronic identification and have cow calf pair prices.  Plus updates from the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale along with markets and sale information.  It's all wrapped into this all new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show.  Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 184 DETAILS SCIENTISTS BELIEVE H5N1 JUMP FROM BIRDS INTO DAIRY COWS HAPPENED MONTHS AGO. Academic scientists analyzing the USDA's publicly accessible database of avian flu DNA, collected in and around dozens of dairy herds in nine states, shows that the H5N1 strain may have made a single jump from a bird into a cow. The transmission could have occurred up to four months ago, according to preliminary findings published online. Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona who is leading a group of researchers studying the outbreak from outside federal agencies, tweeted that genetic data shared by USDA “strongly suggests there was single origin, at least for these sequences. Possibly in late 2023/early 2024.” He said there were indications that birds have been reinfected by cattle carrying the viral strain. The outbreak in dairy cattle was first identified in late March. The USDA this week said that ground beef from cattle infected with H5N1 is safe to consume, after retail samples were collected, tested and found to be all negative for H5N1.   USDA LAUNCHES BEEF TESTING BLITZ AMID H5N1 OUTBREAKS IN DAIRY CATTLE. Three separate studies by government scientists are underway to monitor and test food supply safety in response to the widening outbreak of the H5N1 avian virus strain in dairy cattle, the USDA announced this week. The regulatory safety efforts follow news last week of confirmed infection in a herd in Colorado, the ninth state to be affected since March. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests of ground beef from retailers in the nine states to detect if any viral particles are present. Meanwhile, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is taking muscle samples from culled dairy cows that have been condemned for systemic pathologies, which are also being tested for viral particles. Any positive tests in the two studies are to be followed up with checks for live virus by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Meanwhile, ARS is carrying out a study using a virus “surrogate” in a study of ground beef to determine what temperature would be required for safe cooking if live virus were present. “Results from these studies are forthcoming, and we will share information as it becomes available,” the USDA said. The agency urged consumers to maintain proper handling of raw meat and cooking to a safe internal temperature. “USDA is confident that the meat supply is safe. USDA has a rigorous meat inspection process, where USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) veterinarians are present at all federal livestock slaughter facilities. FSIS inspects each animal before slaughter, and all cattle carcasses must pass inspection after slaughter and be determined to be fit to enter the human food supply.” GROUND BEEF PASSES USDA'S H5N1 SAFETY TESTS. Ground beef from cattle infected with H5N1 is safe to consume, according to testing conducted by the USDA. The agency announced the findings Wednesday after its Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) collected 30 ground beef samples from retail outlets in states where dairy cattle herds had tested positive for the influenza virus. The samples underwent PCR testing at APHIS' National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL). The results revealed that all samples tested negative for H5N1, reaffirming the safety of the meat supply. The findings come days after Colombia issued restrictions on U.S. beef imports due to concerns over dairy cows testing positive for avian influenza. The move was the first and only instance, as of Thursday, of a country limiting beef trade due to avian influenza in cows.    FINAL RULE: ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION TAGS.   The U.S. Department of Agriculture is getting set to publish the agency's final rule, “Use of Electronic Identification Ear Tags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison,” in the Federal Register.  The rule would require official ear tags sold for or applied to cattle and bison to be readable both visually and electronically (EID). Cattle organization R-CALF has strongly opposed the rule stating, “The USDA has slapped independent cattle producers, who have worked closely with the USDA in the past to very successfully control, contain, and eradicate foreign animal diseases, in the face. “We will fight against the implementation of this disastrous rule that infringes on the freedoms and liberties of our nation's independent cattle farmers and ranchers. This is government overreach at its worst.” National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President Mark Eisele, a Wyoming rancher, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) final traceability rule:    “USDA's final traceability rule updates the existing requirement for animal identification that has been in place since 2013, switching from solely visual tags to tags that are both electronically and visually readable for certain classes of cattle moving interstate. Many producers are already familiar with using these visual tags and under the new rule, they will instead use electronic tags. NCBA has worked hard to secure $15 million in funding for producers to reduce the cost of implementing this change. We also remain committed to safeguarding producers' private data and continuing to reduce the cost of ear tags for farmers and ranchers. Our industry faces a tremendous threat from the risk of a future foreign animal disease on American soil. To avoid devastating financial losses during a potential outbreak and to help producers quickly return to commerce, we need an efficient animal disease traceability system.”  The USDA final traceability rule amends a previous 2013 rule that requires sexually intact cattle 18 months of age or older, rodeo and exhibition cattle, and dairy cattle moving interstate to have an official form of animal identification. The 2013 rule, which cattle producers already comply with, instituted visual ID tags for interstate movement. The new final rule switches producers to electronic ID tags. The rule will not take effect for six months to provide time for producers to prepare. This puts the implementation date  after Nov. 1, 2024.  Producers are asked to work with their local veterinarian and state veterinarian to secure proper tags and protocol.  UNPARALLELED EXCITEMENT AT THE WORLD FAMOUS MILES CITY BUCKING HORSE SALE Dive into the Rodeo Action and Entertainment Live Country Music! Launching the event on May 16th is the Kick-Off Concert headlined by Josh Turner with Chancey Williams. Expect nightly live country music downtown. Immerse yourself in the excitement of thrilling bronc riding rodeo action and wild horse races on May 17th, along with a bustling trade show. Don't miss the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale and Derby Horse Races on May 18th, where the finest equine athletes are showcased and shop the trade show. Experience the adrenaline of the PRCA Xtreme Bronc Match Rodeo on Sunday, May 19th, featuring the world's top saddle bronc and bareback riders in fierce competition against the finest roughstock horses.   UPCOMING BULL SALES & EVENTS   Wilson Angus:  May 16, 2024, Watford City, ND   World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Derby Days:  May 4 - 5, 2024, Miles City, Montana   World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Mothers Day Horse Racing:  May 12, 2024, Miles City, Montana   World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Crown Royal Kick Off Concert Josh Turner: May 16, 2024, Miles City, Montana   World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 16 - 19, 2024, Miles City, Montana BULL SALE REPORT & RESULTS Churchill Cattle Company Van Newkirk Herefords Gardiner Angus Ranch Cow Camp Ranch Jungels Shorthorn Farms Ellingson Angus Edgar Brothers Angus Schaff Angus Valley Prairie Hills Gelbvieh Clear Springs Cattle Company CK Cattle Mrnak Hereford Ranch Frey Angus Ranch Hoffmann Angus Farms Topp Herefords River Creek Farms Upstream Ranch Gustin's Diamond D Gelbvieh Schiefelbein Farms Wasem Red Angus Raven Angus Krebs Ranch Yon Family Farms Chestnut Angus Eichacker Simmentals & JK Angus Windy Creek Cattle Company Pedersen Broken Heart Ranch Mar Mac Farms Warner Beef Genetics Arda Farms & Freeway Angus Leland Red Angus & Koester Red Angus Fast - Dohrmann - Strommen RBM Livestock Weber Land & Cattle Sundsbak Farms Hidden Angus Wheatland Cattle Company Miller Angus Farms L 83 Ranch U2 Ranch Vollmer Angus Ranch A & B Cattle Carter Angus Farms Roller Ranch Montgomery Ranch Jorgensen Farms DLCC Ranch Four Hill Farm North Country Angus Alliance Spruce Hill Ranch FEATURING Tracy Hauck @buckinghorsesale https://buckinghorsesale.com/   Mark VanZee Livestock Market, Equine Market, Auction Time https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ @LivestockMkt @EquineMkt @AuctionTime   Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial https://www.stonex.com/   @StoneXGroupInc      Shaye Koester Casual Cattle Conversation https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ @cattleconvos   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast available on ALL podcasting apps. Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming References https://www.stonex.com/ https://www.livestockmarket.com/ https://www.equinemarket.com/ https://www.auctiontime.com/ https://gelbvieh.org/ https://www.imogeneingredients.com/ https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ https://westwayfeed.com/ https://buckinghorsesale.com/ https://medoraboot.com/ http://www.gostockmens.com/ https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114437 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114378 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114414

It's the Ranch It Up Radio Show Herd It Here Weekly Report!  A 3-minute look at cattle markets, reports, news info, or anything that has to do with those of us who live at the end of dirt roads.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' by subscribing on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 25 DETAILS AMERICA'S TOP BEEF PRODUCING COUNTRIES FROM DOVERS JOURNAL.   America's top 34 beef producing counties have been released from Drovers Journal.   MINNESOTA REPORTS FIRST HPAI COMMERCIAL OUTBREAK OF 2024.  The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported the first commercial outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Minnesota in 2024. The report, which was listed last week, said the outbreak occurred on a turkey farm in Meeker County, and resulted in 70,000 birds culled. This was the first commercial outbreak in Minnesota since December. Last month, the state reported a baby goat tested positive for avian flu from a quarantined poultry flock.   Michigan and New Mexico have reported cases as well.  An estimated 88.17 million birds have been affected in a total of 1,122 flocks in 48 states so far, according to APHIS even as the pace of confirmed outbreaks continues to slow down.  Bovine officials are watching this very closely in light of the earlier initial case in cattle that was detected in Texas approximately 1 month ago..   SPONSORS American Gelbvieh Association https://gelbvieh.org/ @AmericanGelbvieh   World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale https://buckinghorsesale.com/ @buckinghorsesale   Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/   The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/ Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming REFERENCES https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114186 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/114223 https://www.drovers.com/news/beef-production/americas-top-34-beef-cow-counties-corrected

APHIS is preparing to launch phase 7 of implementing the 2008 Lacey Act, adding more products. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Listen in as the dairy team discusses HPAI updates and prevention practices with State Extension Vet Dr. Jardon and Dairy Products Bureau Chief Jurgan Ehler.  Looking for more information? Check out Dr. Jardon's recommended links below. Joint APHIS, FDA, and CDC release is here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-fda-cdc-share-update-hpai-detections-dairy-cattle   Here's the new APHIS landing page for HPAI related info. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock   Below is a link to FDA developed materials addressing milk safety during HPAI outbreaks.: https://www.fda.gov/food/milk-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/questions-and-answers-regarding-milk-safety-during-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai-outbreaks   Here is the NMPF resource page https://www.nmpf.org/resources/biosecurity/ This is the most recent US dairy industry public statement https://www.nmpf.org/joint-dairy-organization-statement-on-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-in-cows/

A mystery dog illness that spread across the U.S. last year and can lead to serious or fatal respiratory problems is still under investigation, but cases are starting to slow, experts say. The illness, which started to spread more widely in the summer and fall of 2023, causes coughing, sneezing and fatigue, among other symptoms, and can progress quickly to pneumonia. The dogs suspected to have it test negative for all of the typical causes of respiratory symptoms and often don't respond to treatment. In a statement to TODAY.com, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that based on "conversations with various sources ... the number of cases are declining," adding that an "ebb and flow" of respiratory illness in dogs over the course of the year is common, similar to cold and flu season in humans. The statement also explains that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has so far not seen that the rise in respiratory illness in dogs is linked to a new virus or bacteria. A statement from the Animal and Plant Inspection Service, part of the USDA, confirms to TODAY.com that the state-led testing that the agency is helping coordinate "has not indicated the presence of a novel pathogen or single infectious cause among these cases." Numerous veterinary diagnostic labs across the country are investigating the outbreak, from Oregon to Kansas to New Hampshire. The APHIS spokesperson adds that the illness is not regulated by APHIS and therefore the branch doesn't have data on case numbers. The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association also shared in an Feb. 14, 2024, update that "cases seem to be waning, if not back to normal," citing veterinarian Dr. Scott Weese's Worms and Germs blog. At last count, at least 19 states had reported cases of the illness, according to various expert groups. The AVMA explained in an earlier statement that the mystery dog illness is difficult to track because there's no national surveillance system. In November 2023, veterinarians in critical care settings told TODAY.com that they'd seen dozens of cases since the fall. Late last year, multiple groups — including the Colorado and Oregon departments of agriculture, the AVMA, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health — issued warnings about the mystery illness in dogs. “We don't know what is causing this situation, where dogs are presenting at veterinarians with what private veterinarians would call kennel cough,” Rhode Island's state veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall told NBC affiliate WJAR. “What's different about this situation is that dogs are presenting with little bit more severe signs, not responding to usual treatments, and unfortunately had a small number, still a number, of dogs that have succumbed to them.” “It seems to happen very, very quickly — to go from this cough that's just won't go away ... and then all of a sudden they develop this pneumonia,” Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, veterinarian and CEO at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, told TODAY.com. She said she treated over a dozen dogs with what she believes is the condition between October and November 2023. If your dog develops a cough, do not panic, the AVMA advises. But stay vigilant about its progression and your pet's overall health, and contact your vet right away if anything seems off. What is the mystery dog illness? Dogs with this mystery illness usually have coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, are abnormally tired, and do not test positive for any common causes of canine respiratory illness, the Oregon Department of Agriculture noted in a Nov. 9 press release. Typically, dogs with respiratory illnesses have a cough for seven to 10 days, but some vets saw an uptick in dogs with coughs lasting weeks to months that don't respond to treatment, the Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a Nov. 22 statement. One of the distinguishing characteristics of this mystery illness outbreak was the high number of dogs who developed pneumonia. One Colorado vet, Dr. Michael Lappin, director of the Center for Companion Animal Studies at the Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine, told NBC News the number of canine pneumonia cases in the state rose by 50% between September and November 2023 compared to 2022. Marshall estimated that Rhode Island saw at least 35 cases of the mystery respiratory illness, but it's hard to know exactly how many because not all cases are reported. Dogs are most likely to contract it by being in close contact with numerous other dogs — so places like doggy day care, dog parks, groomers or boarding kennels, Ganzer said. The illness seems to affect dogs regardless of age, size or breed, though dogs with snort snouts, like bulldogs and pugs, may be at higher risk. Between mid-August and mid-November, the Oregon Department of Agriculture received reports of over 200 cases of the illness from veterinarians in the state but has had no additional cases to report since. A Dec. 1 statement from the Washington Department of Agriculture said the state has received 16 reports of unusual canine respiratory disease. Two cases were confirmed as such. The Colorado Department of Agriculture also shared in November that veterinarians in the state were seeing "double the number of cases than what is typically seen during a canine infectious respiratory disease outbreak."   The Wisconsin State Journal reported that between late October and December, clinics around the state saw six to 12 cases each, according to Dr. Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at University of Wisconin-Madison. Dr. Amanda Cavanagh, head of urgent care services at Colorado State University James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in Fort Collins, Colorado, told TODAY.com that this past summer she started seeing cases of dogs with coughs lasting several weeks or longer, and the trend continued into the fall. She estimated her caseload of coughing dogs doubled from October to November. While dogs with a contagious cough are common in veterinary settings, Cavanagh noted that she normally sees cases decrease in the fall as temperatures drop and fewer dogs are gathering at parks. "But this year, the spike has stayed high," she explains. In its original press release, the Oregon Department of Agriculture noted that the illness can progress in three ways: Mild to moderate cough for six to eight weeks or longer that either doesn't respond to antibiotics or only responds a little Chronic pneumonia that doesn't respond to antibiotics Severe pneumonia that "often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24 to 36 hours" Cavanagh witnessed all three scenarios play out at her hospital. Last fall, she said she saw more dogs than usual with a long-lasting upper respiratory infection who then developed pneumonia from a secondary bacterial infection. Of the dogs she treated, she said most who developed pneumonia responded to antibiotics, and many with the long-lasting cough recovered with time and never got pneumonia. But of those who developed the severe pneumonia, some died or had to be euthanized. "That really bad pneumonia, historically, is very, very rare. Maybe I would see one case a year," but last fall alone, Cavanagh saw a "handful," she said. How many dogs have died from the mystery illness? Because most states are not tracking case numbers, it's not known exactly how many dogs have died from the illness. The Oregon Department of Agriculture tells TODAY.com that it does not know how many dogs have died from the illness in the state. However, it is confirmed that some dogs in the U.S. have died from the mystery illness. The Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a statement that "in rare cases, the canine patients progress quickly from pneumonia to death." Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences also said the illness has resulted in "some fatalities." Ganzer and Cavanagh both have had several canine patients die from what they believe to be the condition. Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association President Shelly Pancoast told WJAR that she's seen five to 10 dogs die from the mystery illness. “We still don't have a great handle on how exactly we should be treating these dogs,” Pancoast said. “A vast majority of them are making full recovery, it's just unlike anything we've seen in previous years with kennel cough." What states have the mystery dog illness? According to various expert groups, cases that match the description of the mystery dog illness have been reported, officially or anecdotally, in: Colorado California Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire Nevada Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island Tennessee Vermont Washington Wisconsin This above list of states comes from the AVMA, the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association, the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mystery dog illness 2023 symptoms Symptoms of the mystery dog illness include: Coughing that doesn't get better on its own after a week or so Sneezing Nasal or eye discharge Red eyes Lethargy Trouble breathing, especially from the stomach Blue or purple gums (due to not getting enough oxygen) Related: What does coughing in a dog sound like? Vet explains in viral video Signs of coughing in dogs For many dog owners, the signs of coughing can be difficult to recognize, Dr. Michele Forbes, Dr. Michele Forbes, owner of Compassionate Care Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says. "Rarely do (dog owners) identify a cough until it becomes an overt problem and it's clearly coming from the chest,” Forbes explained in a now-viral TikTok. As a result of owners not noticing coughing or confusing it for something else, like throat-clearing or gagging, some dogs are arriving at vet facilities in more advanced stages of the condition, which can make it more difficult to treat, Forbes told TODAY.com. Some tips to help identify signs of coughing in dogs: The sound dogs make when they're choking can be confused for coughing. Some dogs sound like they're honking, kind of like a goose. Coughing can also sound like the dog is gagging or clearing its throat. The chest may heave or the abdomen may move while the dog is coughing. For some dogs, it looks like they're trying to cough up a hair ball and they may produce some liquid. A wet cough may produce a gargling sound. If a dog is coughing a lot, they may end up vomiting, which dog owners often confuse for a gastrointestinal issue. Reverse-sneezing can be confused for coughing but it's not usually a reason to call the vet unless it's paired with actual coughing, nasal discharge or any other concerning symptoms. When to see the vet for the mystery dog illness Other signs that your dog should see the vet, per the AVMA, include: Lingering cough Weakness Loss of appetite Difficulty breathing Worsening of illness Cough that is sufficiently severe that it causes the dog to vomit or makes it hard for the animal to breathe Tips to prevent mystery dog illness from vets Dogs are most likely to contract the illness when in close contact with other dogs, so previous guidance was to keep dogs away from other dogs. But case rates have essentially returned to normal, Weese noted in his blog. To keep your dog safe and healthy overall, the AVMA recommends keeping up to date with vaccinations. "While the existing vaccines may not specifically target this unknown infection, maintaining overall health through routine vaccinations can help support a dog's immune system in combating various infections," it said. The AVMA stressed the following vaccines: Bordetella, Adenovirus type 2, and parainfluenza combined with the injectable influenza H3N2 vaccine. Be sure to give your dog two weeks after vaccination before interacting with other dogs so they can build up immunity. If your dog is sick, consult a vet as soon as possible, as early testing can help with treatment, and keep the dog away from other dogs to avoid spreading the illness, experts advise. While it's unlikely a humans can get sick with the respiratory illness, because the cause is still unknown, the AVMA suggests thoroughly washing hands after handling any dogs. Caroline Kee contributed reporting.

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking comments on a proposed rule to amend regulations governing its Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection program user fees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American chestnut was a dominant tree in many forests in the eastern United States. In the late 1800's an imported fungus spread rapidly throughout the range, destroying most of the trees in a matter of decades. Scientists at the State University of New York have engineered trees to host a gene from wheat that disarms the fungal invader, breaking the production of an acid required for infection. This strategy allows the tree and the fungus to live together without infection. Erik Carlson discusses the problem, the project, the push back and the current deregulation efforts to release the tree in the interest of repatriating its native range.  Read the release docket and provide your comments here -- https://www.regulations.gov/document/APHIS-2020-0030-8291/comment

Revised restrictions by USDA APHIS are now in place that allow hunters in Canada to bring their harvested birds back into the U.S. Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU's chief conservation officer, joins the podcast to discuss the new restrictions and how DU helped inform them. Also covered are data that made the difference, hunters that provided the data, importance of partner voices, significance of HPAI as a threat to U.S. poultry, and USDA APHIS's willingness to make a change. www.ducks.org