The latest USDA Cattle on Feed Report shows the number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head was 11.6 million head on April 1, 2023. That is 4 percent below April 1st last year. Rod Bain has a story looking at what is behind the lower number of …
Smithfield Foods Wins Environmental and Safety Awards
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) recently held its 2022 environmental awards and worker safety recognition programs. Smithfield Foods won awards for its environmental and safety achievements. “Protecting the environment, including decreasing our carbon footprint, implementing water conservation strategies, and reducing packaging have all been Smithfield priorities for decades,” says Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield. “These priorities are …
New Grant Programs for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs. They will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain. As Rod Bain reports, applications for the programs …
NCBA Files Comments on USDA Traceability Rule
Wednesday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) filed comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed rule “Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison” to emphasize the importance of electronic animal identification to protect the cattle industry from the threat of a foreign animal disease. USDA’s proposed rule would apply to cattle 18-months or older only when moving interstate. “An …
U.S. Meat Production and Price Forecasts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released their April outlook for meat production, prices, and trade. Rod Bain notes the report provides a couple of tidbits regarding pork production and hog prices compared to the previous month. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of …
USDA Invests in Cooperative Agreements for Conservation on Grazing Lands
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $12 million in cooperative agreements for 49 projects that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. The funding is provided through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). These projects have identified barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers and …
Grazing Lands Conservation Technical Assistance
USDA recently awarded projects funding to expand technical assistance within cooperative agreements under its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). Rod Bain has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember …
ACA Tracking Livestock Bills in Alabama Legislature
The 2023 Alabama Legislative Session continues this week, and a bill to protect livestock owners from overly restrictive municipal ordinances and a bill to exempt livestock fencing materials from Alabama’s sales and use tax are closely being tracked by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA). Erin Beasley, ACA executive vice president, explains where things stand with these bills. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research …
Study Shows Livestock Auctions Are Growing in Importance
A new economic impact study shows that livestock auction markets continue to be important for the growth and vitality of rural communities. The study, which updates a study from 2017, of an average fixed-facility livestock auction market revealed the market provides approximately $2 million in total value-added dollars to its local community. This result is up from $1 million identified in the …
Efforts to Restrict Drone Surveillance of Livestock Facilities
In the state of Iowa, the House of Representatives passed a bill last week that restricts drone surveillance of livestock facilities without permission from the property owner. If Iowa House File 572 becomes law, remotely piloted aircraft couldn’t fly within 400 feet of homesteads or other areas where animals are kept. People caught in violation would face a simple misdemeanor …