Labelling Dispute: Mexico and Canada Challenge U.S. “Product of USA” Standards
TL;DR: Mexico and Canada have voiced strong objections to the United States’ new “Product of USA” labelling guidelines for meat products, asserting that the rules could unfairly disadvantage North American producers. The disagreement centres on the voluntary label’s criteria, which demand that products must come from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed entirely in the […]
A Bold Move to Protect American Beef: Senate Halts Paraguayan Beef Imports
TL;DR: In a decisive action, the Senate voted 70 to 25 to halt the import of Paraguayan beef, challenging a recent USDA rule due to concerns over health standards and the protection of American consumers and producers. The bipartisan resolution reflects deep worries over animal health standards and aims to safeguard the quality of beef […]
US Beef Makes Inroads in Angola with USMEF and USDA Partnership
TL;DR: In a concerted effort to tap into the burgeoning African market, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has partnered with the USDA on a strategic trade mission to Angola, aimed at promoting U.S. beef. With Africa’s positive economic and demographic outlook, this collaboration seeks to address challenges and unlock new opportunities for the U.S. […]
USDA Forecasts Surge in Australian Beef Exports to Key Markets
TL;DR: The USDA’s latest report anticipates a 9% increase in Australian beef exports, buoyed by a recovery in herd numbers following the drought from 2017 to 2019. Key export destinations, including the U.S., South Korea, China, and Japan, are expected to benefit from this expanded supply. Additionally, a significant uptick in live cattle exports, estimated […]
Navigating Automation Challenges in the Meat and Poultry Industry
TL;DR: The meat and poultry processing sector faces unique challenges in adopting automation technologies, primarily due to the natural variability and complexity of its products compared to other food items. Experts from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Tyson Foods highlight the difficulties of automating tasks that require adaptability to the inherent differences in animal […]
‘Product of USA’ Labelling Rule Gains Support and Faces Criticism
TL;DR: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently introduced a rule concerning the “Product of USA” label, sparking a variety of responses. This rule specifies that labels such as chicken, beef, pork, and other animal proteins can only use the patriotic “Product of USA” packaging if the entire production process, from conception to the […]
President Biden Proposes $29.2 Billion Budget for USDA to Enhance Agricultural and Pork Industry Health
TL;DR: In a move that underscores the administration’s commitment to agriculture and food safety, President Biden has earmarked $29.2 billion for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in his fiscal 2025 budget proposal. This represents a $2 billion increase over the 2023 funding levels, highlighting a focused effort to enhance the nation’s agricultural sector […]
GOP Senators Query Vilsack and Tai on Agricultural Export Strategies
TL;DR: A consortium of Republican senators has formally requested Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Trade Representative Katherine Tai to delineate their strategy for augmenting U.S. agricultural exports in the forthcoming year. This initiative, led by Senator John Thune of South Dakota, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, who is the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture […]
Empowering Small Producers: A New Horizon in Taos, New Mexico
TL;DR: In Taos, New Mexico, small livestock producers have long faced challenges in achieving financial viability. However, the Taos County Economic Development Corp. (TCEDC) is set to change this narrative with an innovative solution slated for operation by autumn. The TCEDC has secured grants for constructing a modular slaughter and processing plant on city-owned land […]
U.S. Pork and Lamb Exports Surge as 2024 Begins
TL;DR: In Denver, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), has reported a promising start to 2024 for U.S. pork and lamb exports. Despite a slight dip in beef export volume, the overall value has seen a significant uptick, showcasing the global demand for U.S. meat products. Pork […]
