Mechanicsburg, PA — Farm Credit is proud to announce the launch of its Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Grant Program, a new initiative designed to invest in the future of agriculture by empowering emerging farmers and strengthening rural communities. The program will award ten $20,000 grants to eligible farmers, providing critical funding for on-farm improvements, innovation, and business growth. 

“We work with farmers every day, and we see what it takes to get started and keep going,” said Johanna Rohrer, Horizon Farm Credit Member Education & YBS Program Officer. “We’re proud to support young, beginning, and small farmers with opportunities like this, especially when we know those investments can make a real difference in helping their operations move forward.” 

The Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Grant Program reflects Farm Credit’s deep commitment as a cooperative to support agriculture at every stage. Whether farmers are launching a new operation, growing their business, or adapting to new challenges, young, beginning, and small farmers play a critical role in ensuring the long-term strength of the industry. 

To apply, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• Young Farmers: Between 18-35 years of age, or 
• Beginning Farmers: 10 years or less of reported Schedule F income, or 
• Small Farmers: Less than $350,000 in annual gross cash farm income 

Applicants must live within Horizon Farm Credit's territory, may apply individually or with a co-applicant, and may farm full-time or part-time. Applicants do not need to be a Farm Credit customer to apply. 

The deadline to submit an application is August 21, 2026 at 4 p.m. 

For more information and to apply, visit horizonfc.com/ybs. Contact learning@horizonfc.com or give a member of our team a call at 888.339.3334 with questions about this program or the application. 

Mechanicsburg, PA — Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Horizon Farm Credit – the Farm Credit Associations serving Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland – made a recent collaborative donation totaling $17,500 to the State FFA Associations for Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland in honor of Give FFA Day, taking place on February 26, 2026 during National FFA Week.

National FFA Week (February 21-28, 2026) serves as a dedicated period to amplify the organization’s impact in developing future leaders and advancing agricultural education on a national level. Give FFA Day is a 24-hour fundraising endeavor that takes place annually during FFA Week to support the next generation of agricultural leaders. Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Horizon Farm Credit are thrilled to provide this joint donation during Give FFA Day to help advance the efforts of Virginia FFA, West Virginia FFA and Maryland FFA. The three Farm Credit Associations recognize the importance of FFA in their communities and are pleased to sponsor and attend local FFA programs and events throughout the year, as well.

Paul Franklin, CEO of Colonial Farm Credit, shared, “It’s an honor to support FFA and its mission to develop leaders in agriculture. FFA is ‘near and dear’ to my heart, having served as a chapter officer, and competed in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and crops judging. The skills, leadership, and relationships fostered by FFA ensure that our rural communities have a sustainable and thriving future.”

“FFA is an organization that is incredibly special to many of us here at Farm Credit of the Virginias. Many of our team members, including myself, have fond memories of wearing the blue jacket and competing in various FFA contests, so we are proud to be able to support the dedication of this organization to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said Pete Cypret, CEO of Farm Credit of the Virginias.

“Supporting the next generation of agriculturalists is core to the Farm Credit mission,” said Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit. “FFA continues to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and hands‑on experiences they need to strengthen the future of agriculture in our region and beyond. We’re proud to partner with fellow Farm Credit Associations by investing in the students who will lead our industry forward.”

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About Colonial Farm Credit

Mechanicsburg, PA — Horizon Farm Credit, a member-owned cooperative and part of the national Farm Credit System, recently reported strong financial results in its 2025 annual report.

The Association’s accruing loan volume grew to over $7.7 billion, an increase of approximately 6.9% compared to over $7.2 billion at the end of 2024. Net interest income for 2025 was $206.8 million, an increase of 5.8% compared to $195.4 million for 2024. Net income decreased to $121.6 million, a 7.7% decrease compared to $131.8 million in 2024. The unfavorable impact of 2025 net income is principally related to an increased provision for credit losses and increased expenses related to technological investments and servicing. Credit quality continues to remain strong with acceptable credit quality at 94.6% for the end of 2025.  

“Our results this year reflect the strength, resilience, and perseverance of the farmers and rural communities we serve,” said Tom Truitt, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Farm Credit. “Keeping our mission top of mind, we’re proud to continue building a strong and dependable foundation for agriculture to rely on, especially in challenging economic conditions.”

Members’ equity as of December 31, 2025, totaled $1.32 billion, an increase of 4.8%, compared to $1.26 billion in 2024. This strong equity position allows the Association to finance members’ growth even during industry challenges. In 2026, Horizon Farm Credit will be distributing $62.1 million of its 2025 earnings in cash patronage directly to its member-borrowers.

“As a cooperative, reinvesting in our members through patronage is how we share success and support the people and communities who work to carry agriculture forward for generations to come,” said Truitt. “Serving the people behind agriculture is a responsibility we’re proud to carry, and returning profits back to our members is one of the many ways we ensure the vibrancy of agriculture.”

For more information about the 2025 financial results and to view the Association’s 2025 Annual Report, visit horizonfc.com/about/financials.

Horizon Farm Credit has announced its 2026 first quarter financial results. Net accruing loan volume for the first three months of 2026 was $7.9 billion, an increase of 7.9% compared to the same 2025 period. Net interest income for the first quarter of 2026 was $54.3 million, a 7.4% increase from the same time period in 2025.

Net income for the quarter was $35.5 million, a 17.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025. The favorable impact of the 2026 first quarter results is principally related to loan volume growth across the entire portfolio.

“Strong first-quarter results like these are driven by the determination and resilience of our memberborrowers,” said Tom Truitt, Horizon Farm Credit Chief Executive Officer. “As a member-owned cooperative, their success shapes our purpose and reinforces our mission to support agriculture by providing dependable and long-term access to capital.”

Members’ equity at March 31, 2026, totaled $1.4 billion, up 2.4% from December 31, 2025. The increase in members' equity was primarily driven by current year's net income.

Total Regulatory Capital Ratio was 14.33% as compared with the 10.5% minimum mandated by the Farm Credit Administration, the Association’s independent regulator. The Association recorded patronage distribution of $62.1 million to its member-borrowers in the first quarter of 2026. The member-borrowers received their patronage distribution in April 2026.

For more information about the financial results and Horizon Farm Credit, visit horizonfc.com. 

Mechanicsburg, PA — Horizon Farm Credit is distributing $62.5 million in cash to its members this spring through its patronage program, reflecting the cooperative’s strong financial performance and continued commitment to the membership it serves.

“This distribution underscores the Farm Credit cooperative model and long-standing focus on reinvesting earnings back into our membership and local communities,” says Tom Truitt, Horizon Farm Credit Chief Executive Officer. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and sharing our success with them is one of the most important ways we fulfill our mission.”

Horizon Farm Credit is a part of the national Farm Credit System. Each Association determines its patronage payout, which is based upon its total income, expenses, market conditions, and the Association’s bylaws. All patronage distributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors, whose objectives are to ensure financial stability, fund future growth, and maximize returns to members.

“Returning over $62 million in patronage is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to our members and the agriculture industry,” says Brian Rosati, Horizon Farm Credit Chief Financial Officer. “We are proud of our Association’s unwavering dedication to supporting those we serve.”

To learn more about Farm Credit’s patronage program, please visit horizonfc.com/patronage.

Horizon Farm Credit and Maryland Farm Bureau recently hosted members of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and University of Maryland chapters of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) for an immersive educational and networking experience at the Maryland Farm Bureau headquarters on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The visit introduced students to career pathways in agriculture and agribusiness while strengthening relationships between students and industry professionals. Highlights of the visit included career exploration discussions and a beginning farmer panel, which featured real-world insights into launching and sustaining an agricultural career. Students also participated in an interactive agricultural entrepreneurship workshop that challenged them to think critically about farm business decision-making, problem solving, and innovation.

"Experiences like this give students the opportunity to connect what they're learning in the classroom to real-world careers in agriculture," said Johanna Rohrer, Member Education & YBS Program Officer at Horizon Farm Credit. "Building financial awareness, expanding professional networks, and engaging directly with industry leaders are critical steps in preparing students for long-term success. Seeing their curiosity and engagement throughout the day was incredibly rewarding, and we're proud to support and invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders."

"We were very happy to work with Horizon Farm Credit to make this event happen. Programs like this give students a better understanding of the possible career paths in the agricultural industry," said Katie Walker, Operations Coordinator at Maryland Farm Bureau. "These students' passion and ambition give me confidence that the future of Maryland agriculture is in good hands."

The event reflected a shared commitment Horizon Farm Credit and the Maryland Farm Bureau to invest in the next generation of agricultural professional by fostering leadership development, industry understanding, and career readiness.

The acronyms SCO and ECO refer to add-on coverage options within federal crop insurance that increase protection beyond what a standard policy provides. They work differently than your underlying policy coverage, and that difference affects when and how you get paid.

Here's a breakdown of what SCO and ECO are, how they work, and whether they might make sense to add onto your policy.

What are SCO and ECO?

SCO (Supplemental Coverage Option) and ECO (Enhanced Coverage Option) are endorsements (add-ons) attached to an existing crop insurance policy. They increase the percentage of expected revenue or yield that is protected under the policy. 

• SCO is a county-based base coverage protection of up to 86% of expected revenue or yield.
• ECO is county-based protection even higher, protecting up to 90% or 95% of expected revenue or yield.
• These follow the protection plan your underlying policy has either revenue protection or yield protection. However, there must be a county-wide loss to trigger indemnity payments. When indemnities are triggered, they are paid at your individual crop value. 

The biggest difference between traditional crop insurance and SCO and ECO endorsements

Unlike your underlying policy, both SCO and ECO provide indemnity payments (the compensation paid when coverage is triggered) based on the county’s average revenue or yield, not your farm’s individual results. 

This means that the government: 

• Calculates the average performance for all insured acres of that crop in your county.
• If that county average falls below the selected coverage level, an indemnity is paid. 
• If it does not, no indemnity is paid, even if your farm experienced an individual loss. 

How SCO Works

Think of SCO as coverage that fills the gap between whatever % your underlying policy covers and 86% of expected county revenue or yield. The federal government covers 80% of the SCO premium, making it a cost-effective way to add a layer of coverage.

Here's a simplified example of how it layers on top of an existing policy:

• Your underlying policy might cover you at the 75% level, meaning you start receiving a payment when your individual loss drops below 75%.
• The gap between 75% and 86% is normally unprotected.
• SCO covers that gap, but only when the county also experiences a loss that drops below 86%.

How ECO Works

ECO functions similarly to SCO but offers a higher level of coverage and a bit more flexibility. ECO is designed to sit above SCO, covering the gap from 86% up to 90% or 95% of expected county revenue or yield, depending on what premium you select. 

Because of this broader protection band, ECO premiums are higher than SCO, but the government still subsidizes 80% of the premium for both coverage levels. 

Like SCO, ECO is based on county performance rather than individual farm performance.

SCO vs ECO: A Quick Comparison

Who Can Qualify for SCO and ECO Endorsements

SCO and ECO are available to producers who:

• Have a qualifying underlying crop insurance policy (such as Revenue Protection or Yield Protection)
• Are growing an eligible commodity. The list of eligible crops has been expanding in recent years, so even if you checked a few years ago and weren't eligible, it may be worth asking again
• Purchase the endorsement by the sales closing date for their primary policy

Why Producers Are Paying Attention

A few factors have made SCO and ECO especially relevant in recent years:

1. Commodity price volatility. When prices swing dramatically, even well-managed farms can face revenue shortfalls. County-level endorsements provide another layer when whole regions are affected.
2. Input cost pressures. With higher input costs, the margin for error is tighter than it used to be. Reducing the deductible gap — what you're exposed to between your policy coverage level and 86% or 95% — can make a real difference.
3. Expanding eligibility. More crops are becoming eligible for SCO and ECO, meaning more producers than ever have access to these tools.
4. Relatively low out-of-pocket cost. With the government covering an increased portion of the premium, the cost-benefit equation can be favorable — especially in years when county-wide events like drought or flooding affect broad geographic areas. It is the cheapest risk-management option on the market. 

SCO & ECO Work Best Against Widespread Events

SCO and ECO aren't for everyone. Because they're triggered by county-level performance, they work best as protection against widespread events rather than isolated farm losses. Since these are activated by county-level results, they function most effectively as safeguards against broad occurrences, not individual farm damages. 

That said, these endorsements can work very well in certain situations, so the decision really comes down to whether they make sense for your specific county and risk management needs.

Talk to Your Agent 

SCO and ECO crop insurance endorsements can be valuable tools, but they're not one-size-fits-all. The right combination of underlying policy, endorsement level, and farm program election depends on your specific crop mix, your county's loss history, and your risk tolerance.

Your Farm Credit team is here to help you think through the options. We offer free current policy reviews to help you better understand your existing coverage and explore how SCO and ECO may fit into your overall risk management plan. Reach out to your local crop insurance agent to find out if SCO, ECO, or both make sense as part of your coverage plan this year.

Crop insurance is sold and serviced by licensed agents. Coverage options and eligibility may vary by crop, county, and policy type. Consult your agent for details specific to your operation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as a substitute for the advice of qualified professionals.

The information presented reflects assumptions, source materials, and conditions as of the time of preparation and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or subject to change. Horizon Farm Credit does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided by third‑party sources referenced in this content.

Nothing presented here constitutes, or should be construed as, a commitment to lend or to provide any financial product or service. In no event shall Horizon Farm Credit be liable for any actions taken or decisions made in reliance upon, or use of, the information contained in this content

Markets move sharply as headlines and global uncertainty continue to shape the agricultural economy. In this Ag Econ Update, Tyne Morgan is joined by Arlan Suderman, StoneX Chief Commodities Economist, to discuss what is driving grain, livestock, and input markets — and how producers can approach marketing decisions as the 2026 growing season unfolds.

Below are the key takeaways from the conversation. 

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Video

Grain Markets Respond to Headlines

Grain markets react day-to-day to headlines, especially those tied to conflict in the Middle East and concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping route for energy and fertilizer.

Suderman explains that disruptions in this region reduce energy and fertilizer availability, creating long‑term inflation risk and lowering future production capacity. While this is not an immediate supply issue, it remains a concern beneath the surface.

Even if conflict eases and shipping routes reopen, Suderman notes that energy and fertilizer prices take time to normalize, keeping longer‑term risks in play.

Large Supplies Limit Price Rallies

Current supply levels make sustained price rallies difficult unless new threats emerge.

• Corn: A carryout near 2.1 billion bushels limits upside potential based on historical pricing patterns.
• Wheat: Domestic and global supplies remain large, even with drought affecting parts of the U.S. hard red winter wheat belt.
• Soybeans: Supplies remain adequate, though recent biofuel policy announcements provide some support to the soybean complex.

When crude oil prices fall or war‑related concerns fade, Suderman says markets often pull back. 

Inflation Still Influences Markets

Inflation risk continues to affect commodity markets, even when it does not dominate headlines.

Suderman explains that when investment funds believe inflation matters, they buy commodities with the strongest historical connection to inflation — namely grains and oilseeds, followed closely by energy. When inflation fears ease, funds tend to exit just as quickly. 

Weather Creates Potential — but Not Today's Focus

Weather remains one of the few forces capable of pushing prices higher if it threatens production.

Suderman notes forecasts calling for El Niño, possibly a strong one, but reminds producers that weather models can be wrong.

Based on his comments, El Niño typically:

• Favors good growing conditions in the U.S.
• Increases risk in the North China Plain
• Raises concerns for Australia
• Looks relatively favorable for Brazil

He says this makes it difficult to worry about corn or soybeans right now, though wheat may become more sensitive depending on Southern Hemisphere conditions. 

Wheat Markets Watch the World, Not Just the U.S.

Poor wheat conditions in Texas and Oklahoma do not move prices significantly because global markets focus elsewhere.

Suderman points out that:

• The Black Sea region sets world wheat prices
• Markets react more strongly to Europe and the Black Sea than to U.S. conditions
• The U.S. holds a significant wheat surplus

The U.S. ends the marketing year with roughly 58% of a year’s supply of hard red winter wheat, allowing the market to absorb losses unless global production issues develop.

Biofuels Support Long-Term

Biofuel policy plays a key role in long‑term demand, particularly for soybeans.

Suderman explains that finalized Renewable Fuel Standard volumes do not create an immediate rally but help raise the price floor, limit downside risk, and increase sensitivity to weather‑related scares.

For corn, year‑round E15 does not solve current oversupply but supports long‑term domestic demand, especially as global fuel shortages increase ethanol exports.

China Trade May Shift Beyond Soybeans

“We have to be defensive in our marketing — knowing our margins and keeping some flexibility for when opportunities come.”
— Arlan Suderman

With markets in a lower-price cycle and rallies often short-lived, Suderman encourages producers to protect margins, focus on long-term viability, and remain flexible rather than chasing uncertain prices moves.

Looking for more market insight?

Check back for future Ag Econ Updates and expert perspectives on the forces shaping agriculture today.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as a substitute for the advice of qualified professionals.

The information presented reflects assumptions, source materials, and conditions as of the time of preparation and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or subject to change. Horizon Farm Credit does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided by third‑party sources referenced in this content.

Nothing presented here constitutes, or should be construed as, a commitment to lend or to provide any financial product or service. In no event shall Horizon Farm Credit be liable for any actions taken or decisions made in reliance upon, or use of, the information contained in this content 

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to pose a significant threat to poultry operations across the country each winter. With Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia home to a high concentration of commercial and backyard poultry farms, maintaining strong biosecurity practices remains essential to protecting flocks and reducing disease spread.

Whether you manage a commercial poultry operation or maintain a backyard flock, implementing strong biosecurity measures is your best defense against HPAI this season.

Why HPAI Is a Serious Risk for Poultry Farms

The H5N1 strain of HPAI is widespread in wild bird populations, and the stakes are especially high for poultry producers.

• Farm poultry are highly susceptible to HPAI, with mortality rates approaching 100%.
• Layer operations can experience catastrophic production losses, with sudden drops in egg production often serving as the first visible sign.
• Broiler operations can lose entire houses within 48 to 72 hours of virus introduction.
• The virus spreads rapidly in high-density operations, making early detection critical.
• Winter months are peak transmission periods as migrating wild waterfowl increase virus circulation.

Common Signs of HPAI in Poultry

Farmers should watch for these common signs of avian influenza in chickens and other poultry:

• Sudden death without prior symptoms
• Lack of energy and appetite
• Sharp drops in egg production
• Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles, and shanks
• Purple discoloration of combs and wattles
• Gasping for air or difficulty breathing
• Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
• Twisting of the head and neck
• Greenish diarrhea

How to Prevent HPAI With Strong Biosecurity Practices

The following biosecurity practices form your frontline defense against HPAI. Each layer of protection reduces the likelihood of virus introduction to your flock.

1. Control Access and Movement

The most critical step is limiting who and what enters your chicken houses.

For Commercial Operations

• Establish a single controlled entry point for each chicken house complex.
• Require all personnel to shower in and shower out if your operation has those facilities.
• Provide company-supplied coveralls, boots, and hairnets that never leave the premises.
• Consider designated footwear for each house to prevent cross-house contamination.
• Prohibit employees from keeping backyard chickens at home, or establish strict protocols if unavoidable.
• Ban all non-essential visitors, including feed company representatives, from entering houses.
• Implement a 24-hour downtime between farm visits for service technicians and veterinarians.
• Park delivery trucks outside the perimeter and transfer materials at a designated clean zone.

2. Prevent Wild Bird Contact

Wild waterfowl are natural reservoirs for avian influenza and pose one of the greatest external threats to your chickens.

Critical Actions

• Keep chickens confined during HPAI season in alignment with your integrator’s requirements.
• Eliminate puddles or standing water around chicken houses that may attract wild ducks and geese.
• Secure feed bins with tight-fitting lids and repair any holes where sparrows and starlings can access feed.
• Remove spilled feed daily from around outdoor silos and feed delivery areas.
• Install bird spikes or netting on roof peaks and beams where wild birds roost.
• Fill in low-lying areas near chicken houses that collect water after rain.
• If you have decorative ponds nearby, drain them or install netting during migration season.
• Screen all ventilation openings with 1-inch or smaller mesh while maintaining adequate airflow.
• Position automatic waterers inside houses rather than outside where wild birds can access them.

For Layer Operations

• Collect eggs frequently to avoid attracting crows and other scavengers to outdoor nests.
• Secure composting areas where wild birds might forage for insects.

3. Implement Clean and Dirty Zones

Create a “Danish entry” system with a clear physical line separating the outside world from your chicken houses.

House Entry Protocols

• Install a bench or barrier at each chicken house entrance to create a clear dividing line.
• Use one side for outside boots and the other side for dedicated house boots. Never let them cross.
• Use disposable boot covers over dedicated boots for an added layer of protection.
• Maintain footbath stations at every entrance with EPA-approved disinfectants.
• Replace disinfectant daily or whenever it becomes visibly contaminated.
• Scrub boots clean of visible manure and dirt before stepping into disinfectant.
• Provide coveralls or Tyvek suits that stay inside each chicken house.
• For multi-house operations, do not share protective gear between houses.

Hand Hygiene

• Wash hands before entering houses and after handling chickens, eggs, or manure.
• Place hand sanitizer stations at each entrance for use after handwashing.
• Keep a spray bottle of disinfectant at entrances for sanitizing clipboards, phones, or tools.

For Broiler Growers

• Maintain separate equipment for each house.
• Do not share catchers, feeders, or tools between houses.
• If equipment must be shared, clean and disinfect it thoroughly between moves.

4. Protect Feed and Water Sources

Feed Delivery Biosecurity

• Keep feed trucks outside the bird area perimeter whenever possible.
• Use dedicated augers or conveyors that do not enter the house.
• Inspect delivered feed for signs of wild bird contamination, such as droppings or feathers.
• Store feed in enclosed bins rather than open-top bulk bins.
• Clean up all feed spills immediately around silos and feed lines.

Water System Protection

• If using well water, ensure well caps are secure and screened against bird entry.
• For surface water sources, install proper filtration and consider UV treatment.
• Clean water lines regularly according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Prevent wild bird access to water storage tanks.

5. Egg Handling and Transport

• Collect eggs multiple times daily to minimize time spent in nests.
• Use dedicated egg carts or flats that are sanitized between uses.
• Never reuse cardboard egg flats because they cannot be properly disinfected.
• Establish a clean egg room separate from the chicken house entrance.
• Sanitize plastic egg flats with approved disinfectants and allow them to fully dry.
• Instruct egg truck drivers to stay in their vehicles or use designated clean zones.

6. Mortality Management

Proper dead bird disposal helps prevent disease spread and reduces scavenger attraction.

Daily Protocols

• Remove dead chickens immediately, at least twice daily.
• Use a dedicated mortality cart or container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Never drag dead birds across the floor. Use a cart or bucket to prevent virus spread.
• Dispose of mortalities promptly through composting, incineration, or burial according to local regulations.
• Keep composters covered and secure to prevent wild bird and rodent access.
• Maintain detailed mortality records so you can quickly spot unusual patterns.

Red Flags

• Mortality above 0.5% daily in healthy flocks warrants investigation.
• Any sudden spike in mortality compared to your historical average
• Pattern changes, such as mortalities concentrated in one area of the house

7. Litter and Manure Management

Between Flocks

• Properly compost litter to kill pathogens by reaching at least 130°F for a minimum of three days.
• Cover manure and litter piles to prevent wild bird access.
• Do not spread fresh litter on fields during HPAI outbreaks without proper composting.
• Clean and disinfect houses thoroughly between flocks using approved products.
• Follow proper downtime, with a minimum of 14 days empty between flocks.

Biosecurity Tips for Backyard Chicken Keepers

Small flocks have also been significantly impacted by HPAI. Backyard flock owners need the same vigilance as commercial operations.

• Stop showing chickens at fairs, shows, and swaps during outbreaks.
• Do not buy new chickens from multiple sources or during active outbreak periods.
• Quarantine any new birds for 30 days before introducing them to your flock.
• Keep chickens in covered runs rather than free-ranging during HPAI season.
• Do not let chickens near ornamental ponds or bird feeders.
• Stop feeding wild birds if you keep chickens because it attracts possible virus carriers.
• Consider temporary housing modifications if your coop allows wild bird entry.

When to Report Suspected HPAI

Time is critical. If you suspect HPAI in your flock:

• Stop all bird movement immediately. Do not process, sell, or transport chickens.
• Isolate affected houses if only one shows signs.
• Contact your state veterinarian or USDA immediately using the numbers below.
• Do not move eggs, equipment, or vehicles off the property until advised.
• Document everything, including mortality counts, symptoms, and timeline.

Emergency Reporting Contacts

USDA 24-Hour Emergency Hotline

After Hours: 1-866-536-7593

Delaware

• Delaware Poultry Health Hotline: 302-698-4507 or 800-282-8685 (Delaware only)
• After-hours Animal Emergency: 302-233-1480
• Email: poultry.health@delaware.gov
• State Veterinarian: Dr. Karen Lopez

Maryland

• Maryland Department of Agriculture: 410-841-5810
• After-hours: 410-841-5971
• Email: md.birdflu@maryland.gov or animalhealth.mda@maryland.gov

Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania Bureau of Animal Health: 717-772-2852 (Press option 1 for the on-call veterinarian, available 24/7)
• Email: RA-ahds@pa.gov
• State Veterinarian: Dr. Alex Hamberg

Virginia

• Virginia State Veterinarian's Office: 804-692-0601
• Email: vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov
• State Veterinarian: Dr. Charlie Broaddus

West Virginia

• West Virginia Animal Health Division: 304-558-2214
• State Veterinarian: Dr. James L. Maxwell, DVM

What Happens After You Report Suspected HPAI

Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety during an already stressful situation:

• Sample Collection: State veterinarians will collect samples from affected birds, usually within hours of your call.
• Preliminary Testing: State labs test for H5 and H7 viruses, with results typically available within 24 hours.
• USDA Confirmation: If positive, samples are sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for official confirmation.
• Quarantine Established: A control area, typically a 10-kilometer radius, is established around your property.
• Depopulation: If confirmed, infected flocks are humanely euthanized to help prevent spread.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: Thorough premises cleaning is required before restocking.
• Indemnity Payments: USDA provides compensation for depopulated birds, which may require passing biosecurity audits.

Mental Health and Farm Support Resources

Losing a flock is devastating. The stress is real, and support is available. Do not hesitate to reach out to counseling services or farm stress hotlines in your state. If you are a Farm Credit member, you may also have access to a Member Assistance Program that offers free, confidential support for you and your household.

HPAI Prevention Starts With Biosecurity

For chicken farmers, losing a flock means lost income, empty houses, and months of recovery. The good news is that HPAI is preventable through diligent biosecurity practices.

As your financial partner, Farm Credit is here to support you not only in managing the financial aspects of your operation, but also in connecting you with resources to help protect your livelihood.

If you have questions or concerns about HPAI, contact USDA or your state-specific experts right away.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as a substitute for the advice of qualified professionals.

The information presented reflects assumptions, source materials, and conditions as of the time of preparation and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or subject to change. Horizon Farm Credit does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided by third‑party sources referenced in this content.

Nothing presented here constitutes, or should be construed as, a commitment to lend or to provide any financial product or service. In no event shall Horizon Farm Credit be liable for any actions taken or decisions made in reliance upon, or use of, the information contained in this content