Secretary Naig Announces Grant Opportunity for the Development of Livestock Vaccines

Sep 15, 2023

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the formation of the Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect Iowa livestock from foreign animal diseases.

Though the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains high, prevention and preparedness measures are also being taken to respond to risks posed by African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working in collaboration with farmers, producers, industry partners, and federal, state, and local officials to be ready to swiftly respond to any threat.

“Protecting Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases is enormously important to the farm families and local communities that benefit from its $13 billion-dollar impact,” said Secretary Naig. “Vaccine development is one of many steps we are taking to help safeguard our farm animals because it is important to have tools available to effectively respond to disease and protect our food supply.”

Innovation is constant in agriculture and Iowa, as America’s Cultivation Corridor, is home to many companies that are developing advanced and cutting-edge tools and technologies that can positively impact this global industry. The Iowa Legislature, with the support of Governor Reynolds, appropriated $250,000 for livestock vaccine development within Iowa during the last legislative session. Applications will be reviewed and scored via a competitive process and grant awards will be made up to $250,000.

Eligible grant recipients must meet the following requirements:

The company must be based in Iowa and develop vaccines for livestock and other animals.
The company must have a prior relationship with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This includes, but is not limited to, a collaboration with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service or by having a product registered with the USDA-Center for Veterinary Biologics.
The company must have a vaccine platform that is viable for a foreign animal disease response.

To apply, interested Iowa companies must fill out an application and submit it to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship by no later than Tuesday, October 10.

Source : iowaagriculture.gov

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.