Vulture Attacks Eat Away Income for Livestock Producers

Feb 15, 2021

By Judy Mae Bingman

Vultures can be costly to livestock producers, but as federally-protected migratory birds, their control is complicated. Estimates place the annual loss to livestock producers at $300,000 to $500,000.

USDA reports from 2015 indicate that 24,600 calf deaths and another 2,170 cow deaths were due to vultures. The Farm Journal reported in 2019 that vulture attacks are escalating in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

To help producers understand the regulations and options available to protect livestock, the Illinois Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services Program are offering a free informational webinar from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 23. Register at bit.ly/3rkjWyN.

“There are certain things that can be done, including clearing dead trees and tree limbs, ensuring any carcasses are properly buried or removed, and using ‘bird bombs’ or loud noises to keep them from gathering," says Tasha Bunting, Illinois Farm Bureau associate director of commodities and livestock programs "Still, because they’re a protected species, we want to make sure farmers know exactly what can and can’t be done.”

If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please email Tbunting@ilfb.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Source : illinois.edu

Video: Trade Uncertainty and Pork Growth - Cam Dahl

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council, discusses how trade uncertainty affects growth across Canadian pork production. He explains why CUSMA, market diversification, non-tariff barriers, access to capital, labor needs, and producer advocacy all matter as the industry plans for investment, exports, and long-term competitiveness. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Trade uncertainty makes access to capital difficult when producers and processors are ready to invest and grow."

Meet the guest: Cam Dahl / cam-dahl-58115832 is the General Manager of Manitoba Pork Council. He has extensive leadership experience across Canadian agriculture, including Cereals Canada, the Canada Grains Council, Manitoba Beef Producers, and the Canadian Grain Commission. His work focuses on policy, advocacy, trade, business development, and strengthening market opportunities for Canadian producers. Learn more from Cam Dahl on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.