Broiler Chick Numbers Tick Up, Egg Sets Dip a Bit, Says USDA
So, here’s the latest scoop from the USDA: There’s a bit of a shuffle happening in the broiler chicken world. Last week, the number of broiler chicks being prepped for meat production hit 190.988 million. That’s a nudge up from last year by 1%. These little cluckers are set to be ready for the market […]
Automated Process Control Revolutionises Meat Industry, Enhancing Jobs and Quality
The meat industry is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the advent of automated process control, as exemplified by Pineland Farms Natural Meats’ cutting and processing plant in New Gloucester, Maine. Opened in March 2020, the plant has evolved from offering primarily entry-level positions to creating more advanced, technology-driven roles. At Pineland, the introduction of […]
USDA Report Indicates Modest Increase in Cattle on Feed
The latest Cattle on Feed report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), released last Friday, shows a 3% year-over-year increase in the number of cattle on feed. This rise is primarily due to slower marketing in recent months. From January through June, daily average marketings were at 87,000 heads, which slightly decreased to […]
A Brief Look at Meat and Health
The link between our diet and health, especially when it comes to eating meat, is a complex but important topic. It’s key in managing diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Meat and Health Risks In the past, people were advised to eat less meat to prevent heart disease, focusing on cutting down on saturated fats. […]
Philippines Extends Reduced Tariffs on Pork Imports Until End of 2024
In a move to stabilise pork supplies and enhance food security, the Philippines has extended the lowered tariffs on pork imports through to the end of 2024. This decision, as reported by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), is a continuation of measures first introduced in 2021 following the impact of African swine fever (ASF) […]
Nebraska’s Cattle Community Zooms in on Traceability for 2024
Heading into 2024, there’s a buzzword echoing through Nebraska’s cattle circles: traceability. At the heart of recent discussions, especially at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Convention, is this growing focus on keeping tabs on cattle movement. It’s all about nipping any potential animal disease outbreaks in the bud. Laura Field, who’s steering the ship at Nebraska Cattlemen […]
Grain Rail Crossings Back in Action, US Farmers Breathe a Sigh of Relief
In Washington, there’s a bit of good news for the farming community. Those critical rail crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas, are open again after a four-day hiatus. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had shut them down, needing extra hands on deck for migrant custody duties. This closure, kicking off on […]
Legislative Progress on Xylazine Usage: House Approves Key Bill
The House of Representatives has recently passed the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, a decision welcomed by the Meat Institute. This act includes provisions specifically targeting the misuse of xylazine in humans while ensuring its continued availability for veterinary purposes. Xylazine, a drug sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use […]
Call for Immediate Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act
A group of 62 organisations, spearheaded by the National Farmers Union (NFU), has sent a letter to President Biden, urging prompt action on the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). This law established a hundred years ago, is essential for protecting farmers and ranchers from the dominating power of large monopolies in the livestock industry. […]
Interruption in U.S.-Mexico Rail Link Affects Grain Transport
The closure of a key railway connection between the United States and Mexico is causing substantial delays in grain exports, impacting several American states. This development, highlighted by the National Grain and Feed Association, is particularly concerning due to the lack of a clear timeline for the resumption of services. Mike Seyfert, the Association’s President, […]
