Major HPAI Outbreak Leads to Culling of Over 1 Million Birds in Ohio
The United States is currently grappling with a significant outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has led to the culling of over 1 million birds in Ohio alone. This outbreak was first detected in a commercial table egg layer flock in Union County, Ohio, on November 21. As a result, approximately 1.35 million […]
USDA’s FSIS Announces Extension for High-Speed Pork Processing Trial
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has recently extended the experimental phase for a select group of pork processing facilities operating under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS). This extension is pivotal as it allows these plants to continue functioning without the constraints of standard line speed […]
USDA’s New Poultry Contract Rules Aim to Enhance Fairness and Transparency
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to introduce a final set of rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act, designed to support contract poultry growers and promote transparency in their dealings with major processing companies. These rules, scheduled for publication in the Federal Register today, will initiate 75 days before becoming effective. […]
Hastings Endorses WR Reserve Beef Plant Expansion
Hastings, Nebraska, has unanimously supported the expansion of the WR Reserve beef plant. This project aims to double the plant’s processing capacity. The Hastings City Council’s decision to seek over $1 million from a state agency marks a significant step in this direction. Noah’s Ark Processing, known as WR Reserve, plans to invest $43 million […]
Beef Cow Slaughter Numbers Decline, Yet Herd Growth Remains Stagnant
Recent data indicates a decline in beef cow slaughter numbers, but according to University of Missouri livestock economist Scott Brown, this does not necessarily signal an expansion of cattle herds among producers. This trend deviates from the usual pattern where a decrease in slaughter numbers might suggest producers are retaining beef cows for herd growth. […]
Forecast for North American Food and Beverage Market: A Return to Normalcy in 2024
The North American food and beverage market, after enduring nearly four years of economic upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, labour shortages, and severe inflation, is showing signs of returning to a state of normalcy by 2024. However, this ‘normal’ is more indicative of market predictability rather than universal benefits. Circana, a […]
USDA’s Strategic Investment in Agricultural Supply Chain and Market Development
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Biden administration, has recently announced a pivotal investment of $196 million. This move is a part of the broader initiative by the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, aimed at reinforcing the nation’s agricultural supply chains and reducing the overall cost of food. Agriculture Secretary […]
Congressional Focus: Agricultural and Security Funding in the Limelight
This week sees Congress, with the Senate already active and the House soon to join, facing a significant gap in their schedule concerning actions on vital appropriations bills. These bills are indispensable for the funding of various government departments, including the Agriculture Department, for the upcoming fiscal year. Senate’s Immediate Agenda: Since Monday, the Senate […]
USDA Advances New Rules for Poultry Farm Contracts to Enhance Transparency
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a significant step forward in promoting transparency in the poultry industry. On November 28, the USDA published detailed information in the Federal Register about updated rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act. These rules are designed to provide clearer disclosures and information that live poultry dealers, […]
Bacon Market Dynamics: Navigating Inflation and Consumer Trends in 2023
In 2023, the bacon category in the American meat market continues to adapt to the challenges posed by inflation and its impact on consumer purchasing habits. According to recent data from Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh, a market research firm based in Chicago, bacon sales reached $5.96 billion over 52 weeks ending August 13, with volume […]
