DBIA Offers $10,000 Grants for On-Farm H5N1 Biosecurity Efforts

Aug 16, 2024

By Grace Atherton

Midwestern dairy farmers can apply now at WisCheeseMakers.org for reimbursement grants of up to $10,000 each to support on-farm biosecurity efforts amid the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle. Total pilot program funding of $100,000 is available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).

"We know that farmers face myriad pressures, and we want to help them feel supported as they address new challenges posed by the outbreak of H5N1 in dairy herds. WCMA, together with our friends at CDR, are pleased to offer funding for dairy businesses to maintain safety and security for their operations, employees, and animals,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.

Funding is available to dairy farmers operating anywhere in DBIA’s 11-state service region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. No match is required. Grant funds can be used to support the purchase of equipment and supplies, employee training, and biosecurity consulting services.

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Video: Genomic Technologies and Public Trust - Dr. Ellen Goddard

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ellen Goddard, Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta, discusses public acceptance of genomic technologies in pork production. She explains why disease resistance is viewed positively, how labeling affects trust, why farmers remain highly credible messengers, and how communication can shape consumer confidence around gene editing. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Not providing information is a choice that can affect long-term public trust."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ellen Goddard / ellen-goddard-11541138 is Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta and an agricultural economist. Her work focuses on consumer behavior, trust, livestock sectors, and public attitudes toward food technologies. She also specializes in economic modeling for pork, beef, and dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Ellen Goddard on the Swine in Canada Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.