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Protecting livestock – Congress acts against black vulture threat

By Farms.com

Congress is currently considering two important pieces of legislation, known collectively as the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023, to address the growing problem of black vulture predation on livestock. These bills, presented in both the U.S. House and Senate, focus on providing ranchers with more freedom to defend their livestock from these protected birds. 

Black vultures, different from their carrion-eating counterparts, actively prey on vulnerable newborn animals, causing significant economic damage to farmers. This issue has become more pressing, with a noticeable increase in attacks over recent years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services reported a 25% rise in vulture attacks from 2020 to 2022. 

Under the current Migratory Bird Treaty Act, black vultures are protected, requiring ranchers to obtain permits to legally defend their livestock. This process is often cumbersome and slow, hindering timely intervention. The proposed legislation aims to streamline this process, allowing ranchers to act promptly to protect their animals without the need for a permit. 

These developments are a response to the heightened awareness and advocacy by agricultural organizations about the challenges faced by livestock producers. The bills aim to strike a balance between protecting migratory birds and supporting the agricultural community.  

The goal is to provide ranchers with practical solutions to manage the threat posed by black vultures, reflecting a shift in agricultural policy to address evolving wildlife-related challenges. 


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Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

Video: Building Better Barns: Innovations in Hog Facility Design with PSI’s Tim Messinger

In this exclusive interview from the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress Rachel Fishback and Swineweb sit down with Tim Messinger, a seasoned expert from Precision Structures Inc. (PSI) of Wellman, Iowa, to delve into the latest trends and innovations in hog barn construction and remodeling.

With nearly two decades at PSI, Tim shares his journey from draftsman to sales, highlighting the company’s comprehensive services in building farrow-to-wean complexes, finishers, and nurseries. He emphasizes the critical role of proper site layout and grading in barn construction, ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability for pork producers.

Tim also discusses the increasing importance of advanced ventilation systems and smart controllers like Maximus and AP Edge, which offer producers enhanced monitoring and control over barn environments. As construction costs have risen, PSI has seen an uptick in remodeling projects, particularly in slat replacements, roof refurbishments and barn gating remodels to extend the lifespan of existing facilities.

A key takeaway from Tim is the value of partnering with reputable builders who offer robust post-sale support. PSI’s dedicated service team stands ready to assist clients 24/7, addressing emergencies and ensuring optimal barn performance.

For pork producers looking to build or upgrade their facilities, this conversation offers valuable insights into best practices and the latest industry developments.