Iowa farms begin restocking after avian flu

Aug 06, 2015

Press conference scheduled for Monday, August 10th

A turkey farm in Iowa is introducing new turkeys to the farm after it, along with many others in the state, battled through one of the worst cases of avian flu in American history.

Moline Farm, identified as Calhoun 1, had HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu) confirmed on May 19^th, 2015. The farm has 6 barns that hold around 28,000 brooder poult (0 – 5 weeks of age), and 14,400 finisher turkeys (5 weeks – 20 weeks of age).

Turkeys

Since July 31^st, 2015 when owner Brad Moline began the cleaning and disinfecting process, the farm has had negative environmental tests.

To provide updates about Iowa’s avian flu situation, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Dr. Jack Shere from the USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Mark Schouten, the Iowa Turkey Federation and farm owner Brad Moline will participate in a press conference.

The press conference is scheduled for Monday, August 10^th at 11:00am at Moline Farm, 1640 Shelby Ave. in Manson, Iowa.

State officials are continuing the cleanup after the outbreak.

69 of the 77 control zones that were in place during the outbreak are in the process of being lifted.

Since April 13^th, 77 properties and close to 34 million birds have been affected with avian flu. Depopulation has taken place at each site, with four sites being declared eligible for repopulation.

Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about Iowa starting to get back on its feet after the avian flu outbreak.

Video: Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

After weeks of rain delays and frustration, we finally have a reason to smile — it’s hay time again at Ewetopia Farms! In today’s episode, we head out to the fields where Arnie is baling hay, and I attempt my second drone flight to capture it all from the air. The drone still had some hiccups, but I managed to get some aerial footage of the baling process.

Back at the farm, the work doesn’t stop. Arnie brings the bales home, and the next critical step begins — wrapping and stacking the bales to make haylage. This process is essential for preserving feed for our sheep and ensures they have nutritious forage in the months ahead.

It’s a good day on the farm — the sun is out, the drone is flying (sort of!), and we’re making progress. Join us for a satisfying and productive day that brings a long-awaited sigh of relief to this year’s challenging hay season.

?? Let us know in the comments: Have you had to deal with weather delays this season?

?? Thanks for watching and supporting Ewetopia Farms — where every day is an adventure in sheep farming. Please like, comment, and subscribe to follow our daily journey with the flock!