Why the Farm Bill Matters to Dairy Farmers

May 28, 2018

The biggest policy tool for agriculture and food in our country is in limbo. The GOP-controlled House of Representatives failed to pass its version of the $80-billion-a-year Farm Bill.

Conservatives wanted a vote on a hard-line immigration bill first. And for the first time in decades, all Democrats voted no because of changes to food stamps they said would push more than a million people off the rolls.

Senate leaders say they’re close to a bipartisan version of the Farm Bill that doesn’t include the food stamp changes. It remains unclear when the House will return to the legislation.

The delay is bad news for farmers in New York, especially dairy farmers suffering through a fourth straight year of low milk prices.

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Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.