Ruling on H-2A workers: In a ruling that affects Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Alabama, a federal district judge blocked a Biden administration expansion of protections for agricultural guest workers; the change was blocked in 17 other states by a different judge in August. (Wisconsin Examiner)
Dairy consumption hits record: Americans consumed an average of 661 pounds of dairy products during 2023, matching the 2021 record, and per capita consumption of butter, at 6.5 pounds, and cheese, at 42.3 pounds, were the highest ever, according to USDA data. (International Dairy Foods Association)
Cattle trafficking spreads parasite: Illegal cattle smuggling aided the resurgence of the New World screwworm across Central America, and the United States and Mexico must act decisively to stop its spread, said a conservation group; the USDA has suspended imports of cattle from Mexico. (Wildlife Conservation Society)