President Biden Proposes $29.2 Billion Budget for USDA to Enhance Agricultural and Pork Industry Health
TL;DR: In a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to agriculture and food safety, President Biden has earmarked $29.2 billion for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in his fiscal 2025 budget proposal. This represents a $2 billion increase over the 2023 funding levels, highlighting a focused effort to enhance the nation’s agricultural sector […]
Alliance Group’s Pure South Products Shine with Gold at NZ Food Awards
TL;DR: At the recent Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, the Alliance Group’s Pure South range stood out by securing four gold medals. The awarded products include the Pure South Handpicked 55-Day Aged Beef ribeye, the whole beef ribeye, the venison five rib rack, and the French lamb rack, marking a triumph for each entry submitted […]
Beijing Opts for Sustainable Economic Growth Over Quick Fixes
TL;DR: In a strategic shift from its previous growth-at-all-costs approach, the Chinese government is setting its sights on fostering a more sustainable economy. This decision comes with an acceptance of slower growth rates, as outlined by Alistair Crozier, the executive director of the New Zealand China Council. During the annual National People’s Congress held earlier […]
Updates and Challenges in the Organic Food Sector
TL;DR: In the ever-evolving landscape of the US organic food and beverage industry, significant changes are on the horizon in 2024. Since the inception of the US Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (NOP) in 2000, the sector has witnessed substantial growth and transformation. This year, the industry is bracing for even more developments, ranging […]
GOP Senators Query Vilsack and Tai on Agricultural Export Strategies
TL;DR: A consortium of Republican senators has formally requested Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Trade Representative Katherine Tai to delineate their strategy for augmenting U.S. agricultural exports in the forthcoming year. This initiative, led by Senator John Thune of South Dakota, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, who is the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture […]
Empowering Small Producers: A New Horizon in Taos, New Mexico
TL;DR: In Taos, New Mexico, small livestock producers have long faced challenges in achieving financial viability. However, the Taos County Economic Development Corp. (TCEDC) is set to change this narrative with an innovative solution slated for operation by autumn. The TCEDC has secured grants for constructing a modular slaughter and processing plant on city-owned land […]
U.S. Pork and Lamb Exports Surge as 2024 Begins
TL;DR: In Denver, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), has reported a promising start to 2024 for U.S. pork and lamb exports. Despite a slight dip in beef export volume, the overall value has seen a significant uptick, showcasing the global demand for U.S. meat products. Pork […]
New Biosecurity Strategy to Boost New Zealand’s Poultry Exports
TL;DR: The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand is introducing a pioneering biosecurity initiative designed to bolster the export of day-old chicks and hatching eggs. This plan involves the creation of biosecure compartments within poultry companies, certified as free from specific diseases, such as avian influenza, Newcastle disease, and certain salmonella serovars. This […]
Southern New Zealand’s Sheep and Beef Farmers Confront Profit Decline
TL;DR: In a recent update from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, southern sheep and beef farmers are bracing for a significant downturn in profits. The forecast for the 2023-24 before-tax profit shows a steep 58% decline to an average of $44,500 per farm, marking the lowest January result since 2019. This downturn is primarily attributed […]
Challenges in Global Markets Impact New Zealand’s Red Meat Exports
TL;DR: The start of 2024 has brought forth challenges for New Zealand’s red meat exporters, with January witnessing a downturn in export value to $759 million, an 8% reduction from January 2023. This period has been identified as the most challenging January since 2019, according to the Meat Industry Association. The association’s chief, Sirma Karapeeva, […]
