2022 Census of Agriculture Unveils Key Trends in US Farming
TL;DR: The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2022 Census of Agriculture on February 13, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of American agriculture. The census, which collects data down to the county level, indicates a continued decline in the total number of farms in the United States but […]
Cargill Enhances Partnership with Alternative Protein Producers Enough
TL;DR: In a significant move towards sustainable food production, Cargill has deepened its collaboration with the alternative meat startup, Enough, formerly known as 3F Bio. This partnership, announced on February 16, 2024, by Brooke Just, marks a pivotal step in the development of alternative meat and dairy solutions, with Cargill participating in Enough’s Series C […]
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 […]
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 […]
Canadian Meat Industry Forms Coalition to Challenge UK Trade Proposals, Demands Fair Deal
TL;DR: In a strategic move, the Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has raised the flag of concern over the trajectory of trade negotiations with the United Kingdom. Aligning with a consortium of animal protein sectors, the CPC is pushing for a critical reassessment of the UK’s aspiring membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific […]
USDA’s WASDE Report Adjusts 2024 Meat Production Forecasts: Beef Up, Pork Down, and Poultry Mixed
TL;DR: The USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report has updated its projections for 2024, indicating a notable adjustment in beef production forecasts. The report outlines a year of two halves for the cattle industry, with a deceleration in slaughter rates expected initially, before transitioning to a heightened activity involving steers and heifers […]
USDA Secretary Vilsack Foresees Regulatory Challenges with California’s Proposition 12
TL;DR: During a recent gathering with state agriculture department officials on the USDA patio, Secretary Tom Vilsack voiced apprehensions regarding the implications of states enacting regulations akin to California’s Proposition 12. This legislation, which prescribes specific housing standards for pork sold within California regardless of the production location, has sparked a debate on the extent […]
NASDA Calls for Renewed Federal Support to Sustain State Meat Inspection Programs
TL;DR: During the 2024 Winter Policy Conference, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) highlighted the urgent need for renewed federal support for state meat and poultry inspection programs. NASDA members unanimously agreed on an action item that seeks to secure a full federal cost-share, underscoring the critical role these programs play in […]
Global Pork Market Faces Headwinds in Q1 2024 Amid Production Slowdown and Trade Challenges
TL;DR: As we step into the initial months of 2024, the pork sector is threading through a maze of complexities. The latest insights from Rabobank’s Global Pork Quarterly sketch a scenario where the industry’s pulse slows, attributed largely to a shrinkage in the breeding grounds that form the backbone of pork production. This scenario is […]
