The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of the USA” label, which will inform a forthcoming rulemaking on this topic. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said “American consumers depend upon accurate, transparent labels to obtain important information about the food they consume. American farmers and ranchers depend upon those same labels to convey information about …
Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle Appointed as Georgia’s Next State Veterinarian
(ATLANTA/July 13, 2021) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black has appointed Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle as Georgia’s next State Veterinarian, succeeding Dr. Robert Cobb, who retired in June 2021. Hennebelle has served as Assistant State Veterinarian since September of 2016. In her new role, Hennebelle will oversee the Animal Health Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture while managing staff …
Strong Variety Meat Demand Drives Record Month for Red Meat Exports
We told you last week that for the month of June, both U.S. beef and pork export values shattered previous records that were set back in May. Joe Schuele, with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), has details on how strong variety meat demand helped drive the record month. A detailed summary of red meat export results is available on …
Meat Institute Opposes Government Intervention in Meat Market
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) opposed recent action to make changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act. In a statement, the organization says, President Biden’s executive order calling for the Department of Agriculture to change the Packers and Stockyards rules will have unintended consequences for consumers and producers. Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts states, “Government intervention …
Deadline Nearing to Apply for ADAI Relief Program
Back in April, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) announced they were administering the Alabama Agriculture Relief Program (AARP) to provide USDA relief funds to farmers who suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael in 2018. While the original deadline to apply was June 25th, they want to remind those who experienced necessary expenses related to losses of beef …
USDA Supporting Expanded Meat Processing Capabilities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced intentions to make significant investments to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and poultry processing to make agricultural markets more accessible, fair, competitive, and resilient for American farmers and ranchers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA will be investing $500 million in American Rescue Plan funds to expand meat and poultry processing …
NIFA Invests $14 Million in Animal Health and Disease Research
The Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced an investment of $14 million in research to protect agricultural animals from disease. The grants are part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Diseases of Agricultural Animals program area priority. NIFA director Carrie Castille says, “This research will help better understand, diagnose, control and prevent diseases in …
Broad-Based Growth Drives U.S. Beef and Pork Exports to New Heights
According to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), both U.S. beef and pork export values shattered previous records set back in May. Fueled by impressive growth in a wide range of destinations, beef exports also reached a new volume high in May, while pork export volume was the …
Signup Now for Georgia Beef Board Updates
The Georgia Beef Board (GBB) continues to work in various ways to get the message about the Beef Checkoff out to producers. And according to Taylor Evans, GBB director of public relations, they are now doing that through a newsletter. To learn more, contact the GBB office in Macon or go to their website. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember …
Florida Beef Council Promoting Checkoff Videos
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) continues to work in various ways to get the message about the Beef Checkoff out to producers. And according to FBC Director of Beef Marketing and Promotion, DeAnne Maples, this includes new videos which can be found through social media. For more information on Beef Checkoff activities, visit the Florida Beef Council website. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator …