Meat & Livestock News

NPPC Champions Key Initiatives to Support U.S. Pork Producers Amid Industry Challenges

TL;DR: The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is at the forefront of tackling pressing concerns for U.S. pork producers, as outlined by Cody McKinley, NPPC Vice President of Operations and State and National Relations, at the Illinois Pork Expo on January 30th. McKinley emphasised the importance of producer engagement and the council’s commitment to addressing […]

Tyson Foods Navigates Market Challenges with Optimism in Fiscal Q1 2024

TL;DR: During the first quarter earnings call of fiscal 2024, Tyson Foods, under the leadership of President and CEO Donnie King, expressed cautious optimism for the year ahead. Despite facing market challenges, especially in the beef sector, the company showcased resilience with a slight revenue increase to $13.32 billion, up from $13.26 billion the previous […]

US Cattle Herd Sees Decline, Reaching a Historic Low

TL;DR: As of January 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has reported a notable decrease in the national cattle inventory, marking a 2% reduction from 2023 to stand at 87.2 million. This figure represents the smallest cattle inventory recorded since 1951, highlighting a significant shift in the agricultural landscape. […]

Pork Industry Outlook: A Glimmer of Hope Amid Challenges

TL;DR: During a recent presentation at the Illinois Pork Expo on January 30, 2024, Steve Meyer, Chief Livestock Economist at Ever.Ag shared insights into the current state and prospects of the pork industry. “Things are looking better, but not good,” Meyer remarked, highlighting the nuanced recovery the sector is experiencing. Despite lower input costs, strengthened […]

Towards Greater Transparency: The Introduction of the FAIR Labels Act

TL;DR: In a pivotal development aimed at bolstering consumer knowledge and fairness in the meat industry, a bipartisan coalition of US legislators unveiled the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation of Labels Act of 2024 (FAIR Labels Act) on the 30th of January. This groundbreaking initiative, championed by figures such as Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and […]

Frank Mitloehner Unveils Livestock’s Role in Climate Mitigation at COP28

TL;DR: In a compelling presentation at COP28 in Dubai, Frank Mitloehner, a distinguished expert from UC-Davis specialising in livestock and air quality, shed light on an often-overlooked narrative within the climate change dialogue. During the Animal Ag Sustainability Summit, part of the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Mitloehner articulated a vision where […]

The Unseen Heroes of Urban Wildlife: City Bees

TL;DR: In the heart of the bustling city, where the dance of nature and concrete never ends, a tiny yet mighty force thrives amidst the chaos – the city bees. Often overlooked, these urban pollinators are playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of urban ecosystems and supporting the green patches that dot the […]

Rebuilding a Resilient US Cattle Herd: A Fresh Perspective

TL;DR: The US cattle industry is at a crossroads, facing the challenge of rebuilding its herd with resilience at the forefront. A recent Rabobank report sheds light on this issue, emphasising the importance of adaptability in the face of uncertainties such as labour shortages, sustainability efforts, legal hurdles, and regulatory pressures. Lance Zimmerman, a senior […]

Enhancing National Lamb Day Celebrations in New Zealand

TL;DR: New Zealand’s Ag Proud charity is setting the stage for an enhanced celebration of National Lamb Day, inspired by Australia’s fervent observance of the occasion. This initiative commemorates the historic moment on February 15, 1882, when New Zealand dispatched its first shipment of frozen meat from Port Chalmers to London aboard the Dunedin. The […]

Calls to Limit “Climate-Friendly” Meat Labelling Gain Support

A leading animal rights group has joined the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in urging restrictions on the use of “climate-friendly” labels on meat products. This move aligns with proposals currently being reviewed by the USDA, aiming to regulate such claims more strictly. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has formally requested the USDA’s Food Safety […]