North Carolina Bird Flu and Farm Bill Extension Does Little
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**North Carolina ag officials say nearly 9,500 turkeys at a Wayne County breeder operation have tested positive for bird flu, marking the state’s first commercial poultry case since January.
State Veterinarian Mike Martin told WNCN bird flu detections have risen nationwide in recent months, driven by wild bird transmission and migratory patterns.
He urged commercial growers and backyard flock owners to remain vigilant for symptoms as the virus continues to circulate.
**Association of Equipment Manufacturers data says U.S. ag tractor sales dropped 19% in October compared to year earlier, while combine sales fell 27%.
AEM senior vice president, Curt Blades says this month’s decline in sales follows a slight uptick in September sales.
The biggest drop in tractor sales was in the four-wheel drive segment, which saw a 56% decline.
U.S. combine sales fell 27%. Year-to-date combine sales were down 38%.
**As the federal government reopens, farmers say the temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill offers little relief from rising costs and growing uncertainty.
President Trump’s signature restored funding for the USDA, but the farm law that underpins crop insurance, conservation programs and disaster aid is only short term.
Farmers say the shutdown hindered access to loans and assistance, compounding a difficult year marked by heavy rains, drought and escalating expenses.
