Many producers have found added value for their cattle through marketing freezer beef in their communities. Until now, though inspected for sale by USDA, those locally slaughtered cattle have been left without valuable quality grades. Following a recent feasibility study, USDA has announced a pilot program for remote beef grading. United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, announced the remote …
NCBA Keeps Close Eye on Proposed USDA Rulemaking
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane says he’s keeping an eye on proposed USDA rulemaking for the beef industry. “We’re watching with some concern some of what we’re seeing coming out of USDA. Obviously, they continue to be very focused on what they’re calling their competition agenda,” he said. Lane said NCBA believes that competition …
Expanding Red Meat Exports in the Coming Year
by Will Jordan Part two of the conversation with Randy Spronk, a Minnesota crop and livestock producer and current chairman of the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Join us as we discuss the growth and impact of red meat exports across the U.S. livestock industry and USMEF’s strategy for export market diversification and expansion in 2024.
Adding Value in Foreign Markets
Value on the hoof correlates to value on the rail, the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) knows this best. Working closely with producers, livestock trade organizations, and the USDA, USMEF works hard to ensure that U.S. protein is found center-plate around the world. Access to foreign markets for U.S. red meat is vital for the livestock industry. Randy Spronk, …
A Friendly Reminder from the Florida Beef Council
If you owned cattle in 2023, chances are you will soon receive a letter from the Florida Beef Council (FBC) that beef checkoff assessments are due by the end of the year for any cattle you sold this year. FBC Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, has this friendly reminder for producers across the state. For more information, contact the Florida Beef Council in Kissimmee at …
Focusing on the Grain Trade
Traders are focusing on the grain trade at this time. Mark Oppold has a look at what they are watching for.
Strong October U.S. Pork Exports, Modest Rebound for Beef Exports
According to new data from USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October, led by record-large shipments to Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere. And while beef exports in October remained well below last year’s large totals, there was improvement from September led by stronger demand in Mexico and Taiwan. …
Grain and Livestock Futures Could Move Higher
Traders are hoping to see a rise in both grain and livestock futures this week. Mark Oppold has more details.
Florida Beef Council Educates from Ranch to Restaurant
by Will Jordan Educating consumers, chefs, and other food service professionals is an important part of the Florida Beef Council’s work. Sarah Childs, a Cattlemen’s Beef Board member and Florida Cattlewoman shares more on the importance of consumer education and the Beef Check-Off to Florida.
Georgia Beef Board Announces Winners from Macon Burger Week
by Will Jordan Burgers were center plate as Macon restaurants competed recently in Georgia Beef Board’s Macon Burger Week. Caitlin Jackson, GBB Checkoff Program Coordinator shares the results.