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SDSU Extension Welcomes New Livestock Specialist

SDSU Extension is pleased to welcome Addie Womack as a new Livestock Production and Stewardship Specialist. 

Womack will coordinate the Beef Quality Assurance program in South Dakota, which provides education and training for beef and dairy producers on the newest research and animal care techniques. 

In her role, Womack will train BQA program trainers as well as producers, veterinarians and transportation professionals. She will also coordinate other livestock production and stewardship programming in areas like livestock handling, herd management and sustainable practices. She is based at the SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center. 

“Merging livestock and environmental stewardship with sustainability really sparks my interest,” said Womack. “I am looking forward to meeting producers and talking about the things we share interests in – livestock.”

Womack grew up on a cow/calf operation by Hope, Arkansas, and was active in 4-H showing animals. She has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and animal science from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s in animal science from Oklahoma State University. 

She conducted her master’s research project in ruminant nutrition at the USDA Oklahoma and Central Plains Agriculture Research Center and has additional experience working at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center, and Yell County (Arkansas) Farm Bureau.

“We are excited to have Addie join our vibrant Agriculture and Natural Resources team,” said Sandy Smart, SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Program Leader and professor. “Addie and her family have a passion for the beef industry and know first-hand the value of Extension.”

Source : sdstate.edu

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Advancing Swine Disease Traceability: USDA's No-Cost RFID Tag Program for Market Channels

Video: Advancing Swine Disease Traceability: USDA's No-Cost RFID Tag Program for Market Channels

On-demand webinar, hosted by the Meat Institute, experts from the USDA, National Pork Board (NPB) and Merck Animal Health introduced the no-cost 840 RFID tag program—a five-year initiative supported through African swine fever (ASF) preparedness efforts. Beginning in Fall 2025, eligible sow producers, exhibition swine owners and State Animal Health Officials can order USDA-funded RFID tags through Merck A2025-10_nimal Health.

NPB staff also highlighted an additional initiative, funded by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services through NPB, that helps reduce the cost of transitioning to RFID tags across the swine industry and strengthens national traceability efforts.

Topics Covered:

•USDA’s RFID tag initiative background and current traceability practices

•How to access and order no-cost 840 RFID tags

•Equipment support for tag readers and panels

•Implementation timelines for market and cull sow channels How RFID improves ASF preparedness an