Bridge Payments Inadequate and Bird Flu Strategy Urged
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Even with recent federal support flowing to agricultural producers, many farmers say deeper problems persist in rural farm economies.
Producers say recent bridge payments are welcome but inadequate to counteract prolonged trade pressures and weak prices.
Many producers cite ongoing concerns about rising input costs and supply chain challenges.
Rural leaders say long-term solutions, like expanded export markets and strengthened domestic agricultural demand, are essential to improving farm livelihoods.
**A bipartisan group of senators called on the USDA to expedite development of a comprehensive bird flu vaccination strategy amid rising infections in commercial flocks.
Lawmakers warn that outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have killed millions of birds, threatening poultry producers coping with many challenges.
While USDA announced plans to pursue a vaccine, senators say the lack of a clear timeline and implementation leaves farmers without a dependable tool to protect flocks.
**The Farm Credit Administration received its quarterly report on economic conditions affecting agriculture and an update on the overall performance of the Farm Credit System.
Despite a turbulent year with tariffs and trade, the U.S. economy is expected to end 2025 on relatively stable footing.
In agriculture, producers face a mixed outlook. Bumper crops have created marketing challenges amid a fluid trade environment and a shortage of storage.
