Recently several small and mid-sized meat and poultry processing facilities were awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. Undersecretary for Rural Development Glen Smith shared the four phases associated with the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. “Phase one is to support the expansion of new capacity modernization of existing processing operations. Phase …
USDA Confirms NWS in Arizona
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed a New World Screwworm case in a dog located in Arizona. This is the first New World Screwworm case in Arizona. In a post on X from USDA’s New World Screwworm Rapid Response account, livestock and pet owners are warned, saying “USDA has confirmed Arizona’s first …
Order Signed to Support American Ranchers and Expand Grazing
Recently, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretary’s Order aimed at expanding grazing opportunities, improve the health of federal rangelands, as well as provide critical support for America’s ranchers. This move is an effort at bolstering the nation’s livestock industry. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said, “Under the leadership of President Trump, we are committed to restoring …
States Reporting Poor Pasture and Rangeland Conditions
Parts of the U.S. are reporting very poor to poor pasture and rangeland conditions. U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey gives a report on conditions across several states. “Some of our specific numbers coming in this week, we still are seeing some rather low pasture and rangeland conditions in parts of the West and Great Plains,” said Rippey. …
Post-Civil War Wheat Prices Push Farmers Toward Corn and Livestock
Wheat Boom During the Civil War Gives Way to a Market Collapse During the Civil War, strong wheat prices encouraged many American farmers to plant more of the crop. With wheat bringing attractive returns, producers expanded acreage to take advantage of the favorable market. But the situation changed dramatically when the war ended. Wheat prices fell sharply, leaving farmers who …
USDA Encourages States to Review Wolf Management Policies
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins released a statement recently encouraging state partners to reassess wolf management policies, as well as strengthening engagement with livestock producers to address wolf predation. This has been spurred after President Trump’s order to, quote, support America’s ranchers. Secretary Brooke Rollins said, “For too long, America’s ranchers have dealt with wolves threatening and killing their …
USMEF August Export Report
U.S. beef exports posted a strong performance in August, while pork exports slipped compared to a year ago. According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, August beef exports totaled more than 86,000 metric tons of 4% from last year. Export value climbed 13% to nearly $786 million. Strong demand from Taiwan and a …
Ralston Purina: A New Era in American Animal Feed
From Grain Production to Better Animal Nutrition As American agriculture expanded in the late 19th century, farmers continued looking for ways to improve the production and quality of grain. But by the 1880s and 1890s, agricultural innovation was increasingly moving beyond crop production and toward livestock. Farmers and agricultural businesses were paying greater attention to animal production and meat quality, …
Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Tropical Storm
In preparation for Tropical Storm Isaias expected to make landfall in Alabama on Friday evening, the Alabama Department of Agriculture has released a press release saying, “The ADAI has been in contact with our partners to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock. Animals moving in response to Tropical Storm Isaias will be exempt from a certificate of veterinary inspection.” …
Examples of USDA Efforts in Support of Presidential Executive Orders to Boost Livestock and Meat Industries
With the recent presidential executive orders aimed at helping boost the nation’s livestock and meat industries, Undersecretary for Food Safety, Mindy Brashears, shares more details. “Some of the barriers that we face are really related to inspection and having access to inspected slaughter facilities. In some areas of the country, we’ve been told that it can take up to a …










