USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins Briefs Midwest Council on Agriculture on Animal Health, Biosecurity, and Market Integrity Priorities

 PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
March 13, 2026

USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins Briefs Midwest Council on Agriculture on Animal Health, Biosecurity, and Market Integrity Priorities

Fergus Falls, MN — The Midwest Council on Agriculture (MWCA) hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins for a comprehensive briefing during its March 10 member meeting. Hoskins outlined major USDA initiatives underway across animal health, biosecurity, market integrity, and emergency response—emphasizing modernized tools and strong federal‑industry collaboration heading into 2026.

Hoskins was joined by his staff from USDA as he detailed leadership transitions within key agencies, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). He noted recent retirements and introduced newly appointed leaders Kelly Moore as APHIS Administrator and Alan Huddleston as Chief Veterinary Officer, along with the continued leadership of Addis Dijab in Veterinary Services operations.

Addressing members’ concerns over High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Hoskins emphasized USDA’s expectation of an active spring migratory season with elevated viral pressure. He highlighted several biosecurity initiatives, including expanded audit programs, wildlife assessments, and a 75 percent federal cost‑share for on‑farm biosecurity improvements.

Hoskins also spotlighted USDA’s HPAI Grand Challenge, a roughly $99 million investment focused on advancing new tools and technologies for disease detection, prevention, and response. He acknowledged ongoing trade challenges associated with adopting poultry vaccines and said USDA continues to work closely with partners to evaluate long‑term strategies.

Hoskins provided updates on USDA’s aggressive efforts to strengthen the nation’s defense against the New World screwworm. USDA recently awarded a major contract to expand the Moore Air Base production facility in McAllen, Texas—aiming to reach a capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week.

The first phase is expected to come online in 2027, with 100 million sterile flies per week anticipated in the early stage. Additional capacity is expected from Atopa later in 2026. Members also learned that the Screwworm Grand Challenge drew more than 250 proposals, representing approximately $700 million in potential project concepts. Awards are expected before the end of 2026 following a rigorous conflict‑of‑interest review.

Hoskins emphasized ongoing work within USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), including:

·      strengthening enforcement around fair trade and market transparency,

·      expanding fraud detection capabilities, and

·      continuing investigations into concerns such as tariff evasion associated with molasses imports.

He also highlighted AMS’ engagement in transportation and supply‑chain data initiatives.

MWCA members raised questions on traceability, molasses import testing, and long‑term HPAI mitigation options. Members also discussed broader pressure points facing Midwest agriculture, including commodity market weakness, fertilizer price volatility, labor shortages, rising input costs, and growing mental health stress in rural communities.

MWCA leadership thanked Under Secretary Hoskins for ensuring open communication with producers and associations across the region.

“We appreciate Under Secretary Hoskins’ willingness to provide transparent updates and meaningful dialogue on issues that directly impact our members,” said MWCA Chair Perry Aasness. “These federal‑state‑industry partnerships are essential as we navigate a year of uncertainty in markets, animal health, and rural labor.”

About the Midwest Council on Agriculture

The Midwest Council on Agriculture is a dues‑based association representing agricultural organizations, ag lenders, agribusiness, cooperatives, and producers across the region. MWCA provides a unified voice on federal policy, strengthens collaboration across sectors, and advances practical solutions to support the long‑term vitality of Midwest agriculture.

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