Just as avian influenza increased eggs prices at the end of last year, current world events will also affect animal agriculture and food prices overall.
Keith Poulsen, the Director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, spoke about the outlook for agriculture and food prices at the April 23 Waunakee Rotary meeting. An expert on large animals, Poulsen focuses on infectious diseases.
Now, as farmers are out planting in the rural areas surrounding Waunakee, current events are affecting agriculture.
The war in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz is causing the cost of diesel fuel and fertilizer to rise. Tariffs, too, have ratcheted up production costs as farmers are planting.
Rising diesel prices will also become problematic in the fall, during harvest time.
As the corn and other crop prices rise, consumers will pay more for meat and dairy, as well.
And, as agricultural products are imported, new infectious diseases can be re-introduced, such as the screw worm. Unlike other worms, this one comes from flies that lay eggs in live tissue, Poulsen said after the club’s midday meal.
Mother nature, of course, plays a huge role in crop production and food prices. This is an el Niño year, which could mean a dry summer and lower yields.
Poulsen said 66% of all protein consumed in the U.S. comes from animal protein, including meat, milk or dairy and eggs.
Government subsidies, such as when the United States imported beef from Argentina, can affect commodities. But Pousen noted that imported livestock carries the risk of introducing new threats, such as screw worms.
As for bird flu, the United States was nearly free of it, but now it’s being seen again in Idaho.
Poulsen spoke about the different strains, noting that Wisconsin had a “D” strain, which was less severe in terms of its effect on cows. Poultry in other states had a “B” strain, and caused cows to get influenza and produce less milk.
Non-lactating cows are at a lower risk for infection, Poulsen said,
Wild birds have been infected with influenza since 2022, and that can cause new strains to develop.
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Other news
Waunakee Community Cares Coalition has added a “donate” button to its website, Tim Decorah reported. People can now easily donate by visiting waunakeecares.org.
Ken Pesik reported that the club is looking to raise funds to complete the arch at Rotary Park by the end of May.
The Chips and Chips fundraiser was a success, with $8,000 raised for a mental health organization.
Amy Wilcox has transitioned from the “red” new member badge to the “blue” more fully experienced member badge.
Coming Up
April 25: Fundraiser for Create Waunakee at Lone Girl Brewing with live music and a live auction.
May 12: Sunrise Fellowship at Grace Coffee
May 16: Tri 4 Schools triathlon event.
April 25: Create Waunakee Fundraiser
April 25: Drug Take-back Day at the Waunakee Police Department
April 26: Community Awards Banquet
Greeters: April 30, ??, May 7, David Kennedy and Bernie Kennedy; May 14, Peggy Acker-Farber and Danae Marsh; May 21, David Rupp and ??
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
