oklahoma

Oklahoma Case Highlights Growing Focus on Poultry Litter Management

A major environmental settlement in Oklahoma could have implications for poultry-producing states across the Southeast. After more than two decades of litigation, Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond has announced a nearly $44 million settlement with six poultry companies over pollution concerns in the Illinois River watershed. The lawsuit originally filed in 2005 accused poultry growers and integrators of contributing to nutrient …

drought

Improved Drought Conditions Increase Pasture and Rangeland Health

Droughts have affected several parts of the country, causing decreases in pasture and rangeland conditions. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses updates on pasture conditions. “We did see a one-point increase in the very poor-to-poor ratings for pastures nationally,” said Rippey. “Now 36 percent, up from 35 percent a week ago. The good-to-excellent rating dropped a point from 34 percent last …

BLT season

BLT Season to Help Lean Hog Numbers

The bacon, lettuce, and tomato season is going to help an already surging pork trade. Meanwhile, cattle trade battling three-month lows. We’re starting to see more fresh produce stands along the roadsides as we move deeper into July. Lean hog futures at four-week highs now in mid-July, even with ample supplies and heavier weights. BLT season certainly going to help, …

Livestock Forage

USDA Expands the Livestock Forage Disaster Program

The USDA is expanding the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, giving cattle producers faster access to financial assistance when drought reduces available grazing. The Livestock Forage Disaster Program, commonly known as LFP, provides payments to eligible livestock producers who suffer grazing losses because of qualifying drought or wildfire. One of the biggest changes announced by the USDA affects how quickly producers …

livestock-indemnity-program

USDA Makes Changes to Livestock Indemnity Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making significant changes to the Livestock Indemnity Program, providing additional financial protection for livestock producers who suffer eligible animal losses. Administered through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, the Livestock Indemnity Program, or LIP, helps compensate producers when livestock deaths exceed normal mortality because of eligible weather events, disease, or predator attacks. One of the biggest …

nppc

NPPC Releases Statement on USMCA

After the statement released to not renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) shared their thoughts, saying, “Amidst the many uncertainties that come with pork production, trade has remained a bright spot for U.S. pork producers, whose neighbors to the north and south represent a third of all U.S. pork exports. Ensuring USMCA remains intact is vital …

poultry processing plant

Small Processor’s Action Plan Aims To Improve Aspects Of Livestock Processing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is launching a new initiative aimed at strengthening America’s meat and poultry processing sector, with the goal of creating more opportunities for livestock producers and increasing competition throughout the supply chain. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced the department’s new Small Processor Action Plan, which is designed to reduce regulatory burdens, improve access to technical …

meat science

New Meat Science Facility in the Works for UF

Recently, Southeast AgNet was able to sit down with Dean Pringle to have a conversation about the University of Florida’s Apex facility in the works. “So, the Apex Center will be kind of an addition to our meat science facilities at the University of Florida Animal Sciences. And if you think about the beef industry and the beef chain in …

quarterly

Quarterly Reports for 2nd Quarter

The end of June brings another round of quarterly reports as the second quarter comes to a close, and that starts today, the quarterly hogs and pigs report. By the way, I wonder if pork is going to be on the menu at the White House today. President Trump hosting farmers and ranchers from 12 states at a dinner in …

pork exports

U.S. Meat Export Federation Reports U.S. Pork Exports

U.S pork exports maintained a steady movement in April. According to the USDA and U.S. Meat Export Federation this “was led by broad-based growth in Asian and Western Hemisphere markets.” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom reported pork exports totaled 257,212 metric tons in April, 8% above last year, while value increased 6% to $718.1 million. April’s strong performance reflected …