Wisconsin Cheese Group fined $237K for Clean Water Act violations
MONROE, Wisconsin – Wisconsin Cheese Group has been fined $237,500 and sentenced to one year of probation after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Water Act. The Wausau Pilot and Review reported that the Monroe-based cheesemaker admitted releasing untreated wastewater from its Monticello plant into the municipal sewer system on 19 days between June and November 2022. Federal officials said several discharges exceeded permitted biological oxygen demand limits by more than 1,500%, citing inadequate wastewater controls and employee training. The company must also improve its facility and work more closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on future permitting and compliance efforts.
Youth exhibitor diagnosed with swine flu after showing pig at Michigan fair
IONIA COUNTY, Michigan –A Michigan resident from Ionia County has been diagnosed with the H1N2 variant of swine flu after exhibiting pigs at the Kent County Youth Fair in Lowell earlier this month, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The case was confirmed Aug. 14 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after initial testing by the state laboratory, The Detroit Free Press reported.
The diagnosis follows reports of illness among pigs at the fair, where several animals showed symptoms consistent with swine influenza and at least one pig died. Fair officials closed the swine barn to the public and isolated sick animals as a precaution. More than a dozen fairgoers have since reported flu-like symptoms and agreed to testing.
Swine flu is spread primarily through close contact with infected pigs, often via respiratory droplets.
Study reveals major genetic weakness for future corn breeding
URBANA, Illinois –A new University of Illinois study found critically low genetic diversity in a key corn breeding group used to develop many of today’s highest-yielding hybrids, raising concerns about the crop’s ability to adapt to future climate, disease and production challenges. Researchers warned that declining genetic variation could limit breeders’ ability to make further yield gains, particularly in the intermediate-maturity corn hybrids widely grown across the Corn Belt.
The study recommends expanding the genetic pool used in breeding programs to help ensure long-term productivity and resilience. required before shipments can enter the country, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions and higher prices, Associated Press reported. Mexican officials have deployed an additional 1,500 troops to the region and are working to restore inspections quickly, noting that past export suspensions have typically lasted only a few days.
Nominations open for 2026 Wisconsin Prime Rib Trail
MADISON, Wisconsin – The Wisconsin Beef Council and Gather Wisconsin are accepting nominations for the 2026 Wisconsin Prime Rib Trail, which showcases some of the state’s top destinations for prime rib. Beef lovers are encouraged to nominate their favorite restaurants and supper clubs, from longtime favorites to hidden gems, for inclusion on the updated trail. The 2026 trail will be announced later this year, while diners can continue exploring destinations featured on the 2025 trail. Fans can nominate their favorite Prime Rib restaurants and supper clubs at https://www.beeftips.com/primeribtrail.
New Zealand’s a2 milk tumbles on weak earnings forecast
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – New Zealand’s a2 Milk reported a 44% drop in fiscal 2026 net profit to NZ$113.6 million after supply chain disruptions hurt sales of its China-label infant milk formula products. According to Reuters, revenue from those products fell 14%, and the company warned the impact could continue into fiscal 2027, leading to a weaker earnings outlook. Investors reacted negatively to the news, sending a2 Milk shares down more than 10%, although underlying full-year profit rose 7% and revenue in China and other Asian markets increased.
Drones deployed in fight against spread of screwworm
WASHINGTON – Federal agencies have shifted hundreds of Homeland Security drones from border surveillance to tracking the spread of New World screwworm infestations in Texas livestock and wildlife, according to the USDA. Since the first cases were detected in South Texas in June, USDA and Customs and Border Protection have conducted more than 1,200 drone flights, surveying over 23,000 animals for signs of the flesh-eating parasite. As of Aug. 12, officials had confirmed 45 cases in domestic animals across South Texas and New Mexico, primarily in cattle and sheep, while using thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras to identify potentially infected animals
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Ag Briefs: Wisconsin Cheese Group fined $237K for Clean Water Act violations
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer | USA TODAY Network
