USDA, DHS Cut Ribbon on National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

Manhattan, Kan., May 24, 2023 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) officials celebrated the dedication and ribbon-cutting of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). This facility, which offers the highest level of biocontainment laboratories and safety protocols, is the first of its kind in the United States and will allow scientists to study and diagnose critical animal diseases.

“America’s farmers, ranchers and consumers count on our researchers to understand, monitor for and develop solutions to combat a variety of high-consequence animal pathogens, and a facility of this magnitude positions us to respond,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This new, innovative facility will give USDA scientists access to cutting-edge, safe and secure technology so they can continue to lead the world in animal health research, training and diagnostics to protect our food supply, agricultural economy and public health.”

The valuable scientific information delivered by researchers at NBAF will also allow America to remain a leading contributor of countermeasures that will protect agriculture, economies and citizens across the globe.

NBAF will replace DHS’ Plum Island Animal Disease Center, which is a biosafety level-3 facility in New York that is more than 68 years old. Both departments have collaborated on the requirements for this next-generation science facility since 2006, and Manhattan, Kan. was selected as NBAF’s site in 2009. DHS led NBAF’s design and construction, and USDA will own and operate the facility.

“NBAF is a historic investment for agriculture and our Nation in ensuring the health, safety and security of the U.S. food supply,” said Under Secretary and USDA Chief Scientist Chavonda JacobsYoung. “As the first facility of its kind in the United States, the innovative and cutting-edge solutions our scientists and partners can produce here will lead efforts to protect public health and address new and emerging diseases for many years to come.”

“This new facility highlights USDA’s commitment to taking every step possible to protect the United States from transboundary, emerging, and zoonotic animal diseases,” said Under Secretary for USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Moffitt. “Through investments like these, we can ensure our country has the tools to keep the American people and our agricultural animals safe, and to prevent diseases costly to farmers.”

With more than 400 employees, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will share NBAF’s operational responsibilities. ARS will primarily focus on research to understand high-consequence and emerging animal diseases and develop countermeasures, such as vaccines and antivirals. APHIS will focus on prevention, surveillance, diagnosis and response to these diseases, including the expertise to manage two vaccine banks and train state and federal veterinarians to recognize livestock diseases.

“NBAF’s Midwest location offers researchers and diagnosticians closer proximity to develop key partnerships with the animal health industry and several academic institutions,” said NBAF Director Dr. Alfonso Clavijo.

THE RUN FOR A MILLION, PRESENTED BY TETON RIDGE

Academy-Award nominee Taylor Sheridan, writer of HELL OR HIGH WATER and SICARIO, WRITER/DIRECTOR of WIND RIVER and co-creator of YELLOWSTONE, wanted to design a venue that showcased the talent of both horse and rider in one of the most demanding equine sports in existence: Reining. Sheridan has partnered with Amanda Brumley, Brumley Management Group producer of three National Reining Horse Association leading events world-wide, to create and produce this one of a kind event.

THE RUN FOR A MILLION, presented by Teton Ridge, offers the unprecedented opportunity to introduce millions of viewers to the sport of Reining. Sixteen of the industries most successful Reining Professionals will compete for a total purse of $1,000,000. In addition to the main event there will be a $150,000 Open Shoot Out, $170,000 Cow Horse Challenge, presented by Teton Ridge, and $50,000 Bull Fighters Only Fight For Fifty. On top of the tremendous prize money, the top six riders in the Open Shoot Out will be guaranteed a position in the 2023 Million Dollar Competition at THE RUN FOR A MILLION, presented by Teton Ridge.

Other performances include THE RUN FOR A MILLION, presented by Teton Ridge, Bloomer Rookie Championship, $50,000 Added Non Pro Championship. Riders can qualify for these Championships at a multitude of host events across the United States, Canada and Australia.

The goal in creating and producing THE RUN FOR A MILLION, presented by Teton Ridge, is to introduce new people to the world of western performance horses while supporting all of those who have made Reining our life’s passion. It is also intended to offer a platform for the products horsemen and horsewomen depend on that is unprecedented in its reach and value.

MILLION DOLLAR COMPETITION some of the National Cutting Horse Association’s best riders and horses to go head to head, one go, for lucrative prize money and awards. The featured performance is Thursday, August 17, 2023. Qualified riders include: Picture

KENNY PLATT - Fort Lupton, CO

AUSTIN SHEPARD - Summerdale, Alabama Summerdale, Alabama

TARIN RICE - Weatherford, TX

MATT GAINES - Weatherford, TX

MICHAEL COOPER - Weatherford, TX

ADAN BANUELOS - Weatherford, TX

MONTY BUNTIN - Lancaster, CA

WESLEY GAYLEAN - Claremore, OK

LLOYD COX - Marietta, OK

CLAY JOHNSON - Weatherford, TX

MATT MILLER - Poolville, TX

$200,000 COW HORSE CHALLENGE

Riders must qualify to compete in the $200,000 Cow Horse Challenge at either the NRCHA Stallion Stakes, Las Vegas, NV March 24 - April 4, 2023, the NRCHA Western Derby, Scottsdale, AZ May 31 - June 10, 2023, or the NRCHA Eastern Derby, Tulsa, OK July 24 - 30, 2023. The top five riders from each event will qualify to compete at TRFAM. This one-horse, one-rider competition is for Bridle horses only, based on NRCHA rules.

$30,000 COWBOY INVITATIONAL

Ten cowboys from United States Heritage Ranches, one cowboy per ranch, will compete for $30,000 in prize money. The competitors will compete a traditional reining and cow work run, and steer stopping.

Before riding for the $30,000 in prize money at The Run For A Million, in Las Vegas, cowboys from some of the country’s most historic ranches will be invited to a Cowboy Clinic to freshen up their skills. Keep and eye on NRCHA.com for updates on who will throw their hat in the ring in Las Vegas!

THE ARENA

For

Cell: 602-390-3555

EMAIL: bridleandbit@aol.com US ON FACEBOOK

Disclaimer

The Million Dollar Competition at The Run For A Million is limited to sixteen riders who have to qualify at one of two events, 2022 The Run For A Million $100,000 Open Shootout and the Cactus Reining Classic, March 25, 2023 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona. These riders will have the opportunity to participate in this one go-round, all out competition for $1,000,000, with the Champion receiving $500,000! NRHA Category 11 Approved.