Meat & Livestock News

Ohio Detects HPAI in Dairy Herd

TL;DR: Ohio reports first HPAI case in dairy cattle; milk supply safe, no quarantines issued. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has confirmed the state’s first case of HPAI in dairy cattle, a finding supported by the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory. This comes after a dairy operation in Wood County received cattle from a […]

Baltimore Bridge Collapse Affects US Agriculture and Poultry Trade

TL’DR: The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore has minimal impact on US agriculture trade, with slight concerns for poultry exports and equipment shipments during the spring planting season. Baltimore, MD — The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, caused by a container ship accident on March 26, has had limited impact on […]

Purina Unveils Major Pet Food Plant in Eden

TL;DR: Purina opens a $450 million pet food plant in Eden, NC, marking a major investment in technology, sustainability, and job creation, and strengthening community partnerships through charitable contributions. Eden, NC — Nestlé Purina celebrated the opening of its new pet food manufacturing site on March 26. This event marked the end of over three […]

US Meat Exports Boost Corn and Soybean Markets

TL;DR: In 2023, beef and pork exports valued at $18.1 billion significantly boosted US corn and soybean markets, according to a study by The Juday Group. Denver — In 2023, beef and pork exports, totalling $18.1 billion, significantly boosted the corn and soybean sectors. This was highlighted in a study by The Juday Group, commissioned […]

New Funding for Ohio Meat Processors

TL;DR: Ohio announces $14 million funding for local meat processing improvements. Columbus, Ohio — The state’s Development and Agriculture Departments have announced a $14 million funding boost for the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program. This effort aims to enhance and grow meat processing across Ohio. Lydia Mihalik, the Development Director, stated, “This investment supports our […]

AFN Sets Regenerative Beef Standards

TL;DR: AFN announces USDA-approved regenerative beef standards focusing on soil health and ethical consumer choices. Seattle — American Farmers Network (AFN) announced on April 4 its new standards for regeneratively raised beef, now approved by the USDA. This mark can now be found on beef products in retail chains nationwide. “Leading the regenerative movement,” said […]

Dairy Cows Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

TLDR: HPAI was detected in older dairy cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico. Commercial milk supply is safe due to pasteurisation. Wild birds are likely the source. 10% of affected herds impacted, low mortality. Limited milk loss. Farmers implementing biosecurity. U.S. dairy industry minimising trade impacts. Sen. Marshall: No human health concern. Federal Agencies […]

Indifference at the Checkout: The Gap Between Animal Welfare Concerns and Consumer Behavior

TL;DR: A recent study in Germany reveals a disconnect between consumers’ stated interest in animal welfare and their purchasing decisions. Despite different in-store marketing strategies to highlight animal welfare standards, researchers found no significant impact on the choice of meat products with higher welfare certifications among 630 participants. This suggests a gap between consumer attitudes […]

Bird Flu Outbreak in Texas Dairies: A Close Look

TL;DR: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announces the mysterious dairy cow disease in the Texas Panhandle as a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), affecting dairies in Texas and Kansas. Despite the challenges, there’s no public threat or expected supply shortages, thanks to strict safety and pasteurisation measures. Texas dairies are adopting rigorous biosecurity […]

Earmarking Progress: Congress Allocates $15 Million for Cattle eID Tags

TL;DR: In a significant move, Congress has approved $15 million for the implementation of electronic identification (eID) tags for cattle, aiming to enhance disease traceability across the industry. This funding, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024, has sparked mixed reactions within the beef sector, highlighting the ongoing debate over the balance between innovation and […]