Feds Quadruple Relief For Farms With Avian Flu

May 07, 2015

The federal government will spend another $330 million in emergency funds to respond to the outbreak of avian influenza that’s slammed the poultry industry in Iowa and Minnesota.

Some $84.5 million previously was dedicated to sanitizing infected areas and compensating producers who lost flocks, but Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requested four times that much after the disease spread to 14 states in five months, forcing farmers to cull 24 million laying chickens and turkeys, according to USDA.

Meanwhile, Hormel was forced to lay off workers at a processing plant in Minnesota because they don’t have a supply of birds. Jennie-O Turkey will temporarily lay off 233 workers effective May 26 , but hasn’t said when the plant will be running again.

"Our intent is to have everyone come back to work when bird numbers return to normal levels," Randy Vergin, manager of the Jennie-O Turkey Store plant in Faribault, Minnesota, said in a statement.

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Video: Industry–University Collaborations in Swine Research - Dr. Jordan Gebhardt and Matt Einarson

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Jordan Gebhardt from Kansas State University and Matt Einarson from SAM Nutrition explore how academic–industry partnerships are driving innovation in swine nutrition. They share how collaborations support graduate training, create credibility, and translate research into practical strategies for producers. Discover real trial outcomes, sustainability initiatives, and why bridging science with industry is essential for the future. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The partnership with universities allows research to stay current, answering real questions that nutritionists and producers are asking today." - Dr. Jordan Gebhardt

Meet the guest: Dr. Jordan Gebhardt / jordan-gebhardt-9a6b4b120 , Associate Professor of Swine Production at Kansas State University, combines expertise in veterinary medicine and applied swine nutrition to improve herd health and productivity through research and student training. Matt Einarson / matt-einarson-7a00a123 , Vice President of Sales and Business Development North America at SAM Nutrition, brings more than two decades of leadership in global agribusiness, specializing in strategy, market development, and feed innovation.