The US Approves Beef Imports from Paraguay with Conditions

The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has decided to allow fresh beef from Paraguay into the United States. This decision comes with strict rules. APHIS looked into the risks of bringing in beef from Paraguay. They say it’s safe if certain conditions are met. Before, the US didn’t allow […]
Delays at Panama Canal Due to Less Rain

The Panama Canal is facing more delays because there hasn’t been enough rain in Panama. Rich Nelson, who studies farming economics at Allendale, says ships are waiting longer to go through the canal. Before, ships waited for 21 days, but now they wait for 26 days. Nelson says this isn’t a big problem for farmers […]
China Influences Soybean and Pork Exports

Recent reports show that China’s demand has increased exports of soybeans and pork. This was especially true in the week ending November 2nd. The USDA also noted that China is buying a lot of cotton, but cotton sales have gone down compared to last week. Different Trends in Agricultural Exports Not all farm products are […]
National Chicken Council Voices Concern Over New USDA Poultry Contract Regulations

The National Chicken Council (NCC) has expressed significant reservations about the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent update to regulations that aim to enhance transparency in contracts between poultry producers and processors. The rules, announced on November 8, have been met with a mix of support and criticism from various industry associations. The NCC has […]
US Agriculture Secretary Mandates Strict ‘Born and Raised’ Criteria for Meat Procurement

In a significant move to bolster domestic agriculture, US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a new set of regulations that will tighten the criteria for meat procurement by the Agriculture Department. Effective immediately, all red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and bison procured by the department, must be sourced from animals that have been […]
A Shift in China’s Import Patterns May Impact U.S. Farm Goods, Analyst Suggests

Speaking at the Minnesota AgriGrowth Ag and Food Summit, Jacob Shapiro of Cognitive Investments offered insights into China’s evolving economic landscape and its potential effects on its import habits, particularly concerning U.S. agricultural goods. Shapiro pointed out that China’s economic focus is currently internal, with a significant transition aimed at economic stabilisation and rural wealth […]
USMEF Report: A Mixed Picture for Meat Exports with Pork Holding Ground

The latest dispatch from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) presents a nuanced landscape for American meat exports. In the pork sector, the figures for September narrate a story of resilience, with exports slightly down by 1% to 221,140 tonnes compared to the same period last year. The financial return on these exports also saw […]
HPAI Detected Anew in Iowa’s Kossuth County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture has confirmed a further incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Kossuth County. The virus has been detected on a farm housing a collection of birds, including game bird pheasants, peafowl, and commercial layer chickens. State Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Kaisand, has stated that rapid depopulation is imperative once an […]
HPAI Outbreaks Cause Turbulence in Turkey Markets

The turkey industry is facing a period of uncertainty due to the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, with processors bracing for the repercussions on the supply chain. Brian Boerigter, CEO of Michigan Turkey Producers, discussed with Brownfield the significant market volatility experienced over the last year and a half. Boerigter noted a dramatic […]
Stable Demand Underpins Strong Cattle Market Amid Supply Constraints

The cattle and beef markets are currently experiencing a surge in prices, propelled by diminishing supplies. Industry experts are closely monitoring beef demand, which has remained resilient despite various economic pressures. Despite the industry’s concerns over consumer challenges, beef demand has been notably strong post-pandemic. In 2022, per capita beef consumption maintained its 2021 level […]