In a move to safeguard U.S. livestock and ranching operations from the screwworm threat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Jan. 21, 2026, announced the launch of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, a major funding initiative designed to accelerate innovative tools, technologies and strategies to combat the northward spread of New World screwworm (NWS). The grand challenge is part of the USDA’s broader strategy to help shield American agriculture from this dest

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipa

Feed efficiency is becoming a more commonly discussed measure on dairy farms. While it can be a “nice to know” number, it becomes a “need to know” tool when used intentionally to inform decision-making and drive management changes. However, collecting data without a clear path often results in wasted effort. To unlock its full potential, farms need an action plan that defines goals, outlines data collection and analysis methods, and ensures insights are applied. As part of a