Nearly 23 million birds have died as a highly pathogenic bird flu virus tears its way through farms and chicken yards. It has spread to at least 24 states in less than two months.
Despite drought conditions that affected much of Minnesota last year, farm profits improved for the second year in a row because of high prices for crops and livestock.
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health on Tuesday reported the latest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state is now affecting a total of 15 poultry flocks — up from seven last Friday.
Pandemic supply chain problems have prompted a renewed interest in local butcher shops as consumers look closer to home for reliable sources of food. Government support to help fund expansion and training is also helping grow the industry.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in two poultry flocks in Minnesota, the state Board of Animal Health announced Saturday. Back in 2015, 9 million birds in Minnesota were killed by the virus, or euthanized to slow its spread.
Bird flu has been confirmed in poultry in 17 states since the start of the year. Whether the outbreak will affect the price of eggs and poultry depends on how widespread it becomes, an expert says.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill suspending normal trade relations with the countries, another move to squeeze them economically in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion of Ukraine has grain prices on a roller coaster while fertilizer and fuel prices are rising. That's creating financial uncertainty for farmers, but many are sticking with their planting plans in what’s expected to be a profitable year, despite the economic uncertainty.
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