USDA Announces New Livestock Tagging Rule
TL;DR: The USDA mandates electronically readable tags for certain cattle and bison moving interstate to enhance disease traceability. This rule, effective six months post-publication, aims to improve response to outbreaks and maintain market stability, with free initial tags provided to ease the transition for producers. Electronic Tagging Introduced The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has […]
Unlocking Opportunities in Southeast Asia
TL;DR: Southeast Asia offers vast opportunities for NZ exporters like Fonterra due to its growing middle class and economic potential. Fonterra aims to tap into this market through innovation and strategic partnerships. Exploring Potential Markets Southeast Asia harbours immense potential for New Zealand exporters, including Fonterra. With a burgeoning middle class, the region’s 640 million-strong […]
Bacon Sales: Trends and Insights
TL;DR: Bacon sales have declined over the past year, with total revenue dropping by 6.7% to just under $5.9 billion. Despite a decrease in unit prices, consumer purchasing habits shifted, particularly due to high egg prices influencing choices. Bacon bits emerged as a growth category, with sales increasing significantly. Going forward, the focus for bacon […]
Labour Challenge in the Meat Industry: Intensifying Workforce Shortage
TL;DR: The meat and poultry industry faces a deepening labour shortage exacerbated by rising production costs. Despite an increase in processing plants, workforce growth remains stagnant, with BLS predicting little change in employment rates. To address these issues, the industry is reforming visa programs, enhancing worker amenities, and improving training and recruitment strategies, aiming to […]
Cattle Feedlot Analysis: April Report
TL;DR: April’s cattle feedlot report shows a 1.49% increase in inventory despite fewer cattle, with feedlots slowing turnover to maintain high inventories and heavier carcasses expected. The latest report for April reveals that cattle inventories in feedlots have reached 11.82 million head, marking a 1.49% increase compared to last year. Despite a general decrease in […]
Beef Market Trends: A Closer Look
TL;DR: Recent beef price declines have raised concerns about falling demand. However, increased domestic production and shifts in import-export dynamics suggest a more complex market situation with more beef available rather than a straightforward drop in demand. Context Matters Recent data on beef prices might initially seem concerning, but a deeper analysis provides a clearer […]
Progress on the 2023 Farm Bill
TL;DR: The 2023 Farm Bill progresses, aiming to strengthen safety nets and maintain SNAP funding, with final approval potentially delayed until 2025 due to political complexities. Update from Washington The 2023 Farm Bill is finally making significant progress. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson announced that a draft of the bill should be ready before […]
Addressing Labor Challenges in the Meat Industry
TL;DR: HR leaders from the meat industry discussed labour shortages at a conference, emphasising the need for effective retention, leadership development, and flexible work policies to address ongoing challenges and ensure sustainable workforce management amidst evolving market demands and the impact of recent global disruptions like COVID-19. Labour Shortages and Their Impact At the recent […]
Beef Safety in European Imports: A Recent Study
TL;DR: European study finds imported beef mostly safe, though some samples exceed EU health standards. A recent study highlights that beef imported into Europe is generally safe. Detailed Examination Between November 2021 and May 2022, researchers tested beef at Hamburg Harbor, Germany. Samples were sourced from Brazil (53), Argentina (33), Uruguay (12), and Paraguay (2). […]
US Cattle Report: Key Insights
TL;DR: March cattle numbers are down, and placements and marketings fall below last year’s figures. The latest USDA NASS report reveals a decline in cattle numbers for March. Main Findings Additional Insights Long-term feed exceeds three months, reaching 3.1 million heads, the highest since July 2020.
