Shadow Robots: A Leap Towards Futuristic Processing Operations
TL;DR: The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is on the brink of revolutionising processing operations with its shadow robot system, moving closer to commercialisation. Recent developments in AMPC’s research and development have yielded positive outcomes during a plant trial at JBS Brooklyn, conducted by research partner Mimeo Industrial in October. This trial aimed to integrate […]
AI and UV Innovations Enhance Personal Hygiene in Processing Facilities
TL;DR: To bolster personal hygiene practices within processing facilities, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is nearing the completion of an innovative project. This initiative, situated at the Casino Food Co-op Retail Ready Value Add Processing Plant, a key player in the Australian retail sector, integrates advanced AI technology and UV sanitisation methods to mitigate […]
China’s Economic Transition Impacts New Zealand Exports
TL;DR: Despite facing significant headwinds, China remains a crucial market for New Zealand’s exports, thanks to the enduring fundamentals that have historically bolstered this trade relationship. A report from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) highlights the ongoing economic transition in China, marked by decreased consumer confidence attributed to rising local government […]
The Role of Soil Carbon in Offsetting Emissions: A Closer Look
TL;DR: In a recent conference in Hastings, the Hawke’s Bay Future Farming Trust shed light on the significant yet often overlooked role of soil carbon in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The “Healthy Soils … Healthy Profits” conference, attended by 140 agri-sector participants, focused on the dual challenge of improving soil health and maintaining profitability in […]
Rabobank Analyst Predicts Economic Relief Ahead
TL;DR: Economic prospects are looking up, with expectations of easing inflation and a potential drop in interest rates later this year, according to Ben Picton, a senior market strategist at Rabobank. Speaking to Rabobank’s food and agribusiness clients in Waikato, Picton shared insights into the bank’s economic forecasts, highlighting a peak in the Official Cash […]
Australian Dairy Farm to Cull 700 Cows After Milk Contract Cancelled
TL;DR: In a significant development impacting Australia’s dairy sector, Van Dairy Limited (VDL), one of the country’s largest dairy farms located in Tasmania, has announced plans to cull approximately 700 cows. This decision comes as a direct response to losing a crucial milk supply contract with Fonterra, a leading milk processor. The contract, which accounted […]
Canada’s Agriculture Sector Faces Labour Shortage Crisis
TL;DR: In an era where demographic shifts are as inevitable as the changing seasons, Canada’s agricultural sector stands at a crossroads. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has cast a spotlight on a looming challenge that could reshape the landscape of farming in the country. By 2030, the heart of Canada’s agriculture could be […]
Dispute Over Shake Shack’s “Hormone-Free” Chicken Claim Escalates
TL;DR: Shake Shack Inc. is currently embroiled in a proxy fight centred around the validity of its “hormone-free” chicken marketing claim. The fast-casual chain has sought the Securities & Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval to omit a shareholder proposal from its upcoming proxy statement, which questions the accuracy of its “hormone- and antibiotic-free” chicken sandwich claims. […]
Animal Protein Industry Unites Against EATS Act to Preserve State Welfare Laws
TL;DR: A coalition of key players in the animal protein sector, including prominent names like Whole Foods Market, Perdue, Pederson’s, duBreton, Niman Ranch, and ButcherBox, has taken a stand against the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act. This week, they addressed an open letter to the senior members of the U.S. Senate and House agriculture […]
Meat Market Trends: A Positive Start to 2024
TL;DR: In January 2024, consumers found a silver lining with the USDA forecasting a modest drop in grocery prices, despite the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization noting the lowest food price index in three years. However, the shadow of rising labour and operational costs looms large, suggesting restaurant prices might continue their upward trajectory from […]
