If you have ever watched a program about zoo animals, you will learn that they often refer to animal enrichment – activities that challenge the animal to forage for food.

The state of Colorado has now joined Michigan, California, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and potentially Maine, to require all eggs produced and sold in the state to come from cage-free laying systems.

As urban encroaches on agriculture (and not the other way around), there are bound to be lawsuits against animal agriculture. The nuisance lawsuits are mostly about odor, but some have included water quality.

A poultry barn and 64,000 chicks in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Pennsylvania, were lost in a fire on June 5. According to a report from Firehouse.com, the property was owned by Curtis and Lois Lehmen, who are contract growers for Bell & Evans, a family-owned poultry company, also known as Farmers Pride Inc.

New cage-free buildings or re-tooling into cage-free buildings -- construction delays are slowing down the ability of egg producers to move to cage-free eggs. Delays caused by COVID 19 include getting materials to sites, setting up infrastructure (utilities, etc.), and accommodating construction schedules.

When your insurance is about to renew, it’s best to work ahead to investigate standard insurance premiums regarding reducing risks and structuring insurance programs.

Who could predict all that it means to hog producers during a pandemic? Especially when it comes to processing facilities shutting down and not able to take your pigs. Pork producers are challenged with keeping pigs on the farm longer and are dealing with relieving the stress in crowded pig houses.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects us all, regardless of where you are in the food/meat protein supply chain. Start with baby pigs in your operation, raise them to market weight, and the market has suddenly diminished when workers at the pork processing facility are home with the virus.