Cyberattack Leads to Shutdown of JBS’s U.S. Beef Plants

Clint Thompson General

A cyberattack on JBS SA, the largest meat producer globally, forced the shutdown of all nine of its U.S. beef plants, wiping out output from facilities that supply almost a quarter of American supplies. Bloomberg reports an official with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union noted JBS’s fed-beef and regional beef plants were forced to shutter, and all …

USCA Responds to ‘Beef Market Myths’ Report on Capitol Hill

Clint Thompson Cattle

A report titled “Common Beef Marketing Myths and Facts” from the North American Meat Institute is being circulated on Capitol Hill. U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Brooke Miller says the organization appreciates the commitment of U.S. livestock groups to expanding the capacity of the nation’s meat processing facilities. “However, it would be helpful if the meatpacking lobby, too, focused their …

May Ag Economy Barometer Tumbles

Clint Thompson Economy

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer tumbled significantly in May, dropping 20 points to an index reading of 158. It marks the lowest point for the survey since September of 2020. Producers were less optimistic about both the current conditions and the future of the agricultural economy. The potential for changing tax rules and rising input costs appeared to …

Fried ‘Ready’ to Run for Governor

Clint Thompson Florida

NSF – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, touting her campaign as “something new” and saying she will fight the “rigged system” in Tallahassee, formally entered the 2022 race for governor on Tuesday. Fried, an attorney and former medical-marijuana lobbyist who scored a narrow victory in 2018 to become the only statewide-elected Democrat, criticized Republicans’ two-decade hold on Florida government in …

Peanut Industry Seeking Solution to Non-Tariff Trade Barriers

Clint Thompson Peanuts, Trade

Concerns continue over the non-tariff trade barriers the U.S. peanut industry is dealing with. According to a story from Tyron Spearman, they are looking for solutions to solve them. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember …

Alabama Cattlemen Holding Regional Cookouts

Clint Thompson Alabama, Cattle

In an effort to see members across the state, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) will conduct Regional Cookouts over the next few weeks. ACA Executive Vice President Erin Beasley says the first one will be held next week. For more information about the Regional Cookouts, contact the ACA office in Montgomery. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and …

Hurricane Season Begins

Clint Thompson USDA-NRCS

Federal Program Protects Public Safety Hurricane season officially begins today and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) may be able to help if your area suffers damage from a natural disaster. The program can relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind­storms and hurricanes. Aid may include financial and technical assistance to remove debris from streams, …

Successful Beef Month in Georgia

Clint Thompson Beef, Georgia

May Beef Month has wrapped up in Georgia. According to Georgia Beef Board (GBB) Director of Public Relations Taylor Evans, it was a great month-long celebration leading into the summer grilling season. To learn more about Beef Checkoff funded promotions in Georgia, contact the GBB office in Macon or go to its website. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the …

Market Diversification Stressed at USMEF Virtual Conference

Clint Thompson Beef, Pork

The importance of market diversification for U.S. red meat exports was a key point of emphasis at the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference, which was held in a virtual format May 26-27. USMEF Chair Pat Binger, who heads international sales for Cargill Protein North America, addressed this topic in his opening remarks. Binger said this foresight is now …

USDA Collecting Data for the Planted Acreage Report

Clint Thompson USDA-NASS

Every year at this time many in agriculture question how many acres of what crops will farmers plant, and this season is no different. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is currently going through the huge effort to collect that data. NASS Chief of the Crops Branch, Lance Honig, says the accuracy of the upcoming USDA Acreage Report depends on …