Federal officials have confirmed two additional New World screwworm cases in Texas, bringing the state’s total to eight and the nationwide count to nine. The latest cases involve a goat in Edwards County and cattle in Zavala County, all of which are domestic animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to work with Texas authorities on control efforts, including the release of over 130 million sterile male flies to disrupt the pest’s reproductive cycle. Livestock and pet owners are urged to monitor animals for symptoms and report any suspected cases immediately.
Read More
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed three additional cases of the New World screwworm, *Cochliomyia hominivorax*, within the United States, raising significant concerns about the pest’s resurgence and potential spread. These new findings underscore the ongoing threat this parasitic fly poses to livestock, particularly cattle, and its capacity to disrupt agricultural economies. The situation appears to be escalating, with reports indicating cases in both New Mexico and Texas, areas with substantial cattle populations, suggesting the outbreak is more widespread and potentially out of control than initially acknowledged.
The spread of the screwworm is a deeply worrying development, especially considering the potential mortality rate for untreated infected cattle, which approaches 100%.… Continue reading
Two additional New World screwworm infections have been confirmed in Texas, one in a calf and another in a dog located hundreds of miles apart. These findings underscore the challenges in controlling a pest that poses a significant threat to the nation’s cattle industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is actively working to eradicate the screwworm by increasing sterile male fly production and constructing a new fly factory in Texas. This initiative aims to prevent a recurrence of the devastation the pest caused prior to its elimination in the U.S. in the 1960s.
Read More
It’s a grim thought, but a very real one now: flesh-eating screwworms have been detected within 31 miles of the U.S. border, according to the USDA. This news brings with it a wave of concern, especially when we recall that these parasites were once effectively eradicated from the United States. The idea of them making a comeback is unsettling, to say the least.
Many of us are likely wondering how we reached this point. It seems we had this situation under control years ago, a victory that felt hard-won. The fact that this invasive parasite is now so close to our shores raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current border security and wildlife management programs.… Continue reading
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has entered a $300 million agreement with Palantir to leverage the company’s software for managing farmland amidst growing geopolitical risks to global supply chains. This collaboration extends existing projects and highlights Palantir’s expanding footprint within the U.S. government, moving beyond its traditional defense sector work. The USDA’s initiative aims to address increasing supply costs faced by farmers and concerns over foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by utilizing Palantir’s digital tools to enhance management and oversight.
Read More
The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which was justified as a response to fraud by Somali residents, was linked to a food nonprofit called Feeding Our Future. However, in 2020, the Minnesota Department of Education warned the first Trump administration about potential fraud within Feeding Our Future but received little support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Despite the state’s concerns about implausible meal reimbursement growth and attendance patterns, the USDA was reportedly unresponsive and even suggested the state should handle the matter based on federal regulations. Eventually, the state began a criminal investigation in 2022, leading to indictments for embezzling over $250 million in federal funds.
Read More
The recent announcement from the USDA head, mandating that all SNAP recipients reapply for benefits, has understandably sparked a considerable amount of concern and consternation. The stated rationale, based on data from 29 states suggesting widespread fraud, seems to be the driving force behind this sweeping change. The official narrative points to an alarming number of deceased individuals still receiving checks, a claim that has raised eyebrows and fueled heated debate. However, beneath the surface of this announcement lies a complex web of implications that demands a closer look.
One immediate and critical observation is the potential for this policy to disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.… Continue reading
Mei, president of the National Treasury Employees Union for the Northeast division, discussed SNAP and the government shutdown in an interview, speaking on behalf of herself and her union. Despite all the details discussed being publicly available information, she was notified of her employment termination by the USDA, allegedly for discussing the agency without prior approval. Mei believes this action is retaliatory as she was speaking in her personal and union representative capacity, which does not require permission. She argued that her role as union president grants her the right to speak on behalf of her co-workers.
Read More
The Trump administration has ordered states to reverse actions taken to provide full SNAP benefits to low-income Americans, citing them as “unauthorized” and threatening financial penalties for non-compliance. This follows a federal judge’s order to provide the funds, which was temporarily paused by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The resulting uncertainty has left nearly 1 in 8 Americans, who rely on SNAP benefits, in a state of flux, increasing demand at food banks and pantries nationwide. The USDA memo, first reported by The New York Times, has been met with criticism from state officials who cite a lack of clarity.
Read More
USDA tells states to undo efforts to issue full food aid benefits, and it’s a gut punch, plain and simple. It’s like a cruel joke, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner. The whole situation has this air of desperation and political maneuvering that’s hard to stomach. The core issue boils down to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is designed to help families afford food.
The initial reaction from some corners is a classic blame game. “It’s the Democrats’ fault,” they’ll say, trying to deflect responsibility for the consequences. It’s a frustrating cycle where courts mandate SNAP payments, but some Republicans seem determined to block them.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood