Farmer Confidence Wanes Amid Economic Pressures
TL;DR: In the latest report from West Lafayette, Indiana, the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer indicates a downturn in farmer sentiment as we step into 2024. The January reading fell to 106, marking an 8-point decline from the previous month. This decrease reflects growing concerns among producers regarding their current and future financial situations, […]
NASDA Advocates for Renewed Federal Support to Sustain State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs
TL;DR: The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) has recently emphasised the importance of federal support for state meat and poultry inspection programs. During the 2024 Winter Policy Conference held on February 7th, NASDA passed a resolution urging for the resumption of full federal cost-sharing to sustain these crucial state programs. Blayne Arthur, […]
McDonald’s Achieves Cage-Free Eggs Goal Ahead of Schedule
TL;DR: In a significant step towards sustainable and ethical sourcing, McDonald’s Corp. announced on February 6th that it has met its target of sourcing entirely cage-free eggs across the United States, surpassing its original timeline by two years. This initiative, first pledged in 2015, underscores the fast-food giant’s commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. […]
2024: A Year of Strategic Navigation for New Zealand’s Agriculture
TL;DR: As New Zealand’s agricultural sector steps into 2024, it braces for a year that demands unparalleled strategic foresight and adaptability. Rabobank’s annual outlook, “Smooth Sailing or Choppy Waters,” casts a spotlight on the trio of undercurrents set to shape the industry’s path: the ripple effects of central bank decisions, the gradual recovery of China’s […]
National Lamb Day Celebrations Adapt to Food Safety Regulations
TL;DR: In an unexpected turn of events, five community barbecues intended to celebrate National Lamb Day across New Zealand have been postponed until next year. The rapid organisation of the event, set before Christmas, led to an oversight regarding recent changes in food safety regulations, which the organisers, including AgProud co-founder Jon Pemberton, realised too […]
Massachusetts’ Question 3 Faces Legal Scrutiny
TL;DR: In a significant legal development on February 5th, Judge William Young of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled against an exemption in the state’s Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals Act, known as Question 3. The law, initially approved by Massachusetts voters in 2016, was challenged by Triumph Foods last fall, […]
$6.5 Million AI Project Set to Revolutionise Grazing Planning for Livestock Producers
TL;DR: In an ambitious move to empower livestock producers with cutting-edge planning tools, a consortium of ten industry research and agtech stakeholders has launched Foragecaster, a $6.5 million project leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI). This three-year initiative seeks to transform grazing planning by providing livestock producers with AI-supported tools to make informed decisions amidst the challenges […]
Stock Flow Slowdown Puts Pressure on Meat Processors Amidst Abundant Pastures
TL;DR: In an unusual turn of events for New Zealand’s meat processing industry, companies like Alliance and Silver Fern Farms are finding themselves in a tight spot as the flow of stock slows down significantly. Farmers, taking advantage of an abundance of feed, are holding back lambs to achieve heavier weights, leading to a reduction […]
Significant Shift in Lamb Market Dynamics as Light Lamb Indicator Surges by 54%
TL;DR: In a notable development within the lamb industry, the light lamb indicator has experienced a substantial 54% increase since October 2023. This surge reflects a marked improvement in the outlook for the year and a significant shift in producer sentiment. Meat & Livestock Australia’s analysis reveals that processors and restockers, as the largest buyer […]
Enhancing Lamb Production with Forage Brassicas: A Case Study from NSW
TL;DR: In the southwest slopes of NSW, Rod and Nick Kershaw have made a notable advancement in their prime lamb and wool enterprise by incorporating forage brassicas into their mixed farming operation. This strategic move has not only enhanced their on-farm lamb production but also contributed to maintaining clean paddocks alongside their cropping program. The […]
