USDA Census Reveals Ongoing Decline in Farm Numbers and Acreage

TL;DR: The latest 2022 Census of Agriculture, unveiled by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, presents a mixed picture of the US farming landscape. The census, which offers a comprehensive snapshot every five years, reveals a 7% drop in the number of farms and ranches across the United States, from 2017 to 2022, bringing the total down […]
New Mexico Advances Meat Inspection Legislation

TL;DR: In a significant move towards bolstering food safety and supporting local agriculture, New Mexico is on the verge of enacting the Meat Inspection Act. Authored by Ryan McCarthy, this proposed legislation, known as SB 37, received bipartisan support and has successfully navigated through both the House and Senate. It now awaits the signature of […]
Cattle Market Sees Adjustment as Supply Overtakes Demand

TL;DR: This week, the cattle market experienced a notable adjustment, with direct consignment rates for slaughter cattle decreasing by 10 c/kg and larger declines observed in the saleyard system. Processors are now facing a backlog, reporting three-week delays for over-the-hooks bookings, a stark contrast to the situation just two weeks ago when slaughter space was […]
New Investment Criteria Impact Foreign Forestry Investments in New Zealand

TL;DR: Recent changes in New Zealand’s investment criteria have seen a notable decrease in the approval rate of applications by foreign forestry companies seeking to buy farmland for conversion. According to a briefing by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to the Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk, the stricter standards introduced have resulted in seven […]
Government Adjusts Biosecurity Protection Levy After Industry Feedback

TL;DR: Cattle Australia (CA) has welcomed the government’s recent adjustments to the Biosecurity Protection Levy (BPL), viewing them as a positive development. Announced during Senate Estimates, these changes reflect the government’s response to the concerns raised by grass-fed cattle producers and the wider agricultural community. Dr Chris Parker, CEO of CA, expressed satisfaction with Agriculture […]
New Zealand’s Soft Power: A Strategic Asset for Global Exporters

TL;DR: New Zealand, while not a global behemoth, wields considerable influence on the world stage through its commendable soft powers of humanity and sustainability. These attributes offer fertile ground for compelling marketing narratives, as revealed by the latest New Zealand Story market pulse consumer survey. The survey, which spanned five key markets and engaged 150,000 […]
Miami Beef Co. Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Hofmann Sausage Co.

TL;DR: On February 13, Miami Beef Co. announced its acquisition of the esteemed Hofmann Sausage Co., marking a significant expansion of its brand portfolio. Hofmann Sausage Co., renowned for its diverse range of products including beef and pork franks, smoked sausages, bratwursts, beef jerky, and condiments, will now become part of Miami Beef’s growing family […]
Westfleisch Enhances Pet Food Portfolio with Strategic Acquisition of The Petfood Company GmbH

TL;DR: Westfleisch, a leading name in Germany’s meat marketing sector and ranked second in size, has officially announced its acquisition of The Petfood Company GmbH. This move marks a significant expansion of Westfleisch’s footprint in the pet food industry, aligning with its strategy to broaden its value chain and capitalise on the growing demand for […]
Canadian Pork Council Voices Opposition to UK Joining CPTPP

TL;DR: In a bold move on February 12, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) threw its weight behind the “Say No to a Bad Deal” coalition. This alliance is steadfast in its opposition to the United Kingdom’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) until the deal is reworked to favour both […]
FAO Reports Highlight Pathways to Sustainable Livestock Production Amid Rising Global Demand

TL;DR: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recently unveiled two pivotal reports that shed light on the future of livestock emissions and the sustainable practices necessary to curb them. Amidst growing global demand for animal products, projected to increase by 20% from 2020 to 2050, these reports underscore the critical balance between […]