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$800,000 USDA Grant to Create Integrative Data Platform for Major Swine Diseases

A team of University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine researchers led by Kimberly VanderWaal was recently awarded a 4-year, $800,000 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The study aims to create an “integrative data science” platform to predict the ability of PRRSV-2 variants to provoke an immune response and spread across farms. The platform will use interconnected machine learning tools from structural biology, computational immunology, and genomic epidemiology.

The circulation of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-type 2 (PRRSV-2) is a primary constraint to swine health and production. PRRSV-2 is a rapidly evolving RNA virus impacting roughly 30–50% of breeding farms. With an economic burden of over $600 million in the U.S. alone, PRRSV-2 is the most important endemic disease to the U.S. swine industry. 

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Time To Build An Ark: Sheltering Our Flock From Adverse Weather Conditions!

Video: Time To Build An Ark: Sheltering Our Flock From Adverse Weather Conditions!

Relentless spring rains are drenching our sheep farm! Despite the downpour, our sheep are fortunate to have a cozy and dry shelter in our barns. Our barns are equipped with curtains on all sides, allowing us to adjust the amount of natural light and fresh air that enters. Whether it's opening them wide to create an outdoor-like environment or shutting them tight to keep the sheep snug and content, our barns provide the perfect refuge from the harsh weather conditions outside.

While we appreciate the nourishing rain that will eventually result in lush pastures and abundant hay during the summer, we are grateful that our sheep are not exposed to the elements and remain healthy. Join us as we lay fresh bedding in every barn, ensuring our sheep's comfort and well-being. Witness the joy of our lambs frolicking in the straw, a true testament to their happiness.

Despite our usual practice of avoiding shipping sheep during adverse weather, today we had to transport a few breeding ewes and a ram to a customer with an inflexible schedule. Discover the breeding stock chosen by the customer and witness how we carefully load them for transport.

Rain or shine, the work on a sheep farm never stops. However, having a sheltered space makes these challenging days a little more bearable. Join us on our vlog as we navigate through the rainy season, providing the best care for our flock. Welcome to Ewetopia Farms, where we document our daily sheep farming activities on our vlog. Subscribe now to stay updated on our sheep farming journey!