Bacon Sales: Trends and Insights
TL;DR: Bacon sales have declined over the past year, with total revenue dropping by 6.7% to just under $5.9 billion. Despite a decrease in unit prices, consumer purchasing habits shifted, particularly due to high egg prices influencing choices. Bacon bits emerged as a growth category, with sales increasing significantly. Going forward, the focus for bacon […]
Labour Challenge in the Meat Industry: Intensifying Workforce Shortage
TL;DR: The meat and poultry industry faces a deepening labour shortage exacerbated by rising production costs. Despite an increase in processing plants, workforce growth remains stagnant, with BLS predicting little change in employment rates. To address these issues, the industry is reforming visa programs, enhancing worker amenities, and improving training and recruitment strategies, aiming to […]
Cattle Feedlot Analysis: April Report
TL;DR: April’s cattle feedlot report shows a 1.49% increase in inventory despite fewer cattle, with feedlots slowing turnover to maintain high inventories and heavier carcasses expected. The latest report for April reveals that cattle inventories in feedlots have reached 11.82 million head, marking a 1.49% increase compared to last year. Despite a general decrease in […]
Beef Market Trends: A Closer Look
TL;DR: Recent beef price declines have raised concerns about falling demand. However, increased domestic production and shifts in import-export dynamics suggest a more complex market situation with more beef available rather than a straightforward drop in demand. Context Matters Recent data on beef prices might initially seem concerning, but a deeper analysis provides a clearer […]
Progress on the 2023 Farm Bill
TL;DR: The 2023 Farm Bill progresses, aiming to strengthen safety nets and maintain SNAP funding, with final approval potentially delayed until 2025 due to political complexities. Update from Washington The 2023 Farm Bill is finally making significant progress. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson announced that a draft of the bill should be ready before […]
Addressing Labor Challenges in the Meat Industry
TL;DR: HR leaders from the meat industry discussed labour shortages at a conference, emphasising the need for effective retention, leadership development, and flexible work policies to address ongoing challenges and ensure sustainable workforce management amidst evolving market demands and the impact of recent global disruptions like COVID-19. Labour Shortages and Their Impact At the recent […]
Analysing US Trade Dynamics: Risks and Opportunities for New Zealand
TL;DR: US sanctions against China could force New Zealand to choose trade partners carefully, impacting relationships with major markets. New Zealand’s strategic moves with the US and AUKUS might leverage benefits but also risk backlash, particularly with China, influencing future economic and trade dynamics. US Sanctions and New Zealand’s Trade Dilemma The potential of US […]
Success in Policy Advocacy
TL;DR: Federated Farmers report successful policy changes, improving support and revising regulations for New Zealand’s farmers. Federated Farmers are celebrating progress in policy changes with the new Government. Six months post-election, an update revealed a positive shift on numerous policy fronts crucial for restoring confidence among farmers. Significant achievements include adjustments to nine out of […]
Controlling the Climate Narrative: Challenges for the Beef Industry
TL;DR: Covering Climate Now trains journalists to preemptively counter misinformation, affecting beef industry coverage. Critics argue this method overlooks important scientific nuances and fosters bias, complicating public understanding of the beef industry’s environmental impact and climate change discussions. Preemptive Tactics in Media Covering Climate Now, an organisation aimed at improving climate coverage, recently conducted a […]
CERES Tag: Enhancing Compliance with EU Deforestation Laws
TL;DR: CERES Tag technology aids livestock producers in complying with EU deforestation laws and reducing Scope 3 emissions, enhancing sustainability and market competitiveness. Introduction to CERES Tag Technology CERES Tag technology significantly helps livestock producers meet the European Union’s stringent deforestation supply chain laws and Scope 3 emissions reporting requirements. This advancement boosts overall sustainability […]
