The USDA released a package of rules and orders seeking to increase competition in the livestock industry. That package establishes a Chief Competition Officer at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). This position will be hired as a career rather than a political appointment. The officer will help elevate and institutionalize competition-related concerns at USDA. After that announcement, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association …
USMEF Held Strategic Planning Conference in New Orleans
Last week, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) held its Strategic Planning Conference in New Orleans, where a range of topics impacting global demand for U.S. pork, beef and lamb were covered. USMEF Chair Dean Meyer, a livestock and grain producer from Rock Rapids, Iowa, welcomed attendees with a reminder of how the organization brings together diverse sectors of agriculture to work …
NCBA Opposes Beef Imports from Paraguay
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) opposes the USDA’s decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports starting next month. NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay’s access to the U.S. market. NCBA is concerned that USDA’s failure to use information from recent site visits in the risk …
September Pork Exports Fairly Steady; Beef Exports Trend Lower
According to new data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), September exports of U.S. pork were down slightly from a year ago but did maintain a robust pace. On the other hand, beef exports continued to struggle compared to last year’s record totals but showed increasing strength in the Western Hemisphere markets. Pork exports totaled 221,140 metric …
Hoping for a Rebound in the Ag Trade
Many agricultural commodities saw a tough week this week. But as Mark Oppold reports, many traders are looking for a rebound.
Traders Waiting on November Crop Report
The monthly crop report from USDA comes out Friday. And as Mark Oppold reports, many traders will be looking to see those numbers.
American Angus Association Offering Internship Opportunities
The American Angus Association is excited to offer internship opportunities for students to try a trial-run of potential career choices. The association has five internship positions available for the summer of 2024. It’s a ten-week program designed to provide an immersive, hands-on experience that helps students to grow professionally as they “dip their toes” into the workforce. The five internships …
Florida Cattlemen Preparing for Year-End Quarterly Meeting
The Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) is busy preparing for their Year-End Quarterly Meeting. The event will be held November 30 through December 1 in Marianna, FL. It all starts that Thursday morning (11-30) with meetings of the legislative committee, the FCA Executive Board of Directors and allied committee. Then at 1:00, the opening general session will take place, followed by the various …
Georgia Beef Board Ready for Macon Burger Week
A big event is coming up next week for burger lovers in Georgia. Caitlin Jackson, checkoff program coordinator for the Georgia Beef Board (GBB) has all the details about Macon Burger Week.
ACA Pleased with Bama’s Best Beef Contest
October Beef Month has wrapped up in Alabama, and so has the Bama’s Best Beef contest. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Director of Consumer Outreach, Josie Jones, says they were pleased with Beef Month promotions this year. To learn more, contact Josie at the ACA office in Montgomery at 334-265-1867 or e-mail her at josie@bamabeef.org.