Industry Leaders Rally Against EATS Act, Defending State Agricultural Regulations
TL;DR: In a significant move, over two dozen key players in the poultry and meat processing, marketing, and distribution sectors have collectively voiced their opposition to the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act through an open letter addressed to Congress. This act, aimed at centralising regulatory authority over agriculture within state and local governments sans […]
US Beef Exports to South Korea Soar, Hitting Record Consumer Confidence
TL;DR: US beef exports to South Korea have been thriving, setting records in recent years. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has unveiled optimistic findings, indicating a bright future for these exports. In a significant leap of consumer confidence, December saw a record high of over 70% among Korean consumers regarding US-imported beef, a stark […]
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, […]
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, […]
2023 Witnesses Unprecedented Surge in US Pork Exports Amidst Mixed Fortunes in Meat Trade
TL;DR: In a year of fluctuating fortunes within the meat export sector, the United States set a new benchmark in pork exports, achieving an all-time high in 2023. Detailed figures released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and analysed by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reveal that pork exports not only flourished in […]
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, […]
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. […]
Florida’s Stance on Agriculture and “Fake Meat”
TL;DR: Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has expressed strong support for traditional agriculture methods, leading to legislative efforts aimed at prohibiting the production and sale of alternative meat products within the state. During a news conference focused on rural broadband access in Hardee County, DeSantis emphasised the importance of real meat to Florida’s diet and […]
Cargill Expands Meat Processing Operations with Acquisition of Two Plants
TLDR: Cargill has bought two meat processing plants from Infinity Meat Solutions, a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize USA. The goal is to meet the growing demand for affordable protein in the United States. The purchased plants are located in North Kingstown, R.I., and Camp Hill, Penn. The move is part of Cargill’s strategy to expand […]
McDonald’s Chicken Sales Soar to Match Beef, Company Plans Expansion Amid Affordability Focus
TL;DR: McDonald’s Corp. has reached a significant milestone, with its chicken products now matching beef burgers in sales, each contributing $25 billion annually to the company’s revenue. This revelation came from CEO Chris Kempczinski during a discussion on the company’s fourth-quarter performance. Kempczinski also shared plans to boost McDonald’s presence in the chicken market by […]
