Agribusiness Update for Tuesday 03/18/14

According to news reports - the governors of Oregon, Montana and Rhode Island have decided to increase Low-Income Heat and Energy Assistance Payments to avoid the farm bill's cuts to food stamp benefits. They're following the lead of the governors of New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania who already increased the payments to avoid the cuts. Other states are also considering increasing their LIHEAP payments.

Washington State poultry have another issue to contend with. It's called Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV). The viral infection can result in high death losses in flocks, affecting young birds significantly. The disease can also suppress the birds' immune system, making them more vulnerable to secondary disease resulting in birds that do not die quickly. There is no evidence that IBDV can infect other animals or people.

Rural communities across the country are seeing a rash of thefts on farms. Animals, equipment, fencing, irrigation wire and more are being stolen. It's a problem that doesn't seem to be slowing down. This rise in farm thefts is prompting action in some communities.

That's today's Agribusiness Update from the Ag Information Network.