Coming off a record-breaking performance in 2021, U.S. beef exports remained red-hot in January, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports continued to trend lower in January despite another outstanding month for exports to leading market Mexico. Beef exports totaled 119,066 metric tons (mt), up 13% …
FDA Approves Food Products from Gene-Edited Animals
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it made a low-risk determination for the marketing of products, including food, from two genome-edited beef cattle and their offspring. The IGA results in the equivalent genotype, or genetic make-up, and the short-hair coat trait seen in some conventionally-bred cattle, known as a “slick coat.” The agency says the decision underscores its …
Support to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $215 million in grants and other support are being made available to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas. As Rod Bain reports, this funding opportunity is one of many actions that USDA is taking to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and …
FSIS Removes Mask Mandate for Meat Processing Facilities
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) this (last) week removed mandatory mask requirements at federally inspected meat processing facilities. As of March 1, 2022, FSIS Notice 34-21 requiring masks was rescinded. FSIS-regulated establishments are no longer subject to suspension or withdrawal of inspection services for failure to require their employees to wear masks when FSIS inspection program personnel are …
Meat Production and Price Forecast for 2022
While 2021 was a record year for U.S. meat and poultry production, some wonder if 2022 production can even approach the record the levels set last year. Rod Bain has a story looking at that and what price producers might receive for their products this year. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester …
Updates on Packers and Stockyards Act Rule Amendments
Last June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they were beginning work on proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the 100-year old law that was originally designed to protect poultry and hog farmers and cattle ranchers from unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive practices in the meat markets. This week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered the latest …
Florida Beef Council Pleased with Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300
The Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300 was run last month at the Daytona International Speedway, and the event was a major promotion for the beef industry. The Florida Beef Council (FBC) was of course very involved in the overall event and FBC Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman it went fantastic. For more information about this and other Beef Checkoff …
Georgia Beef Ambassadors Preparing for Ag Day
National Ag Day this year will be held on March 22nd, as the day was designed to remind Americans how agriculture provides the nation with a safe, sustainable and bountiful food supply. And according to Taylor Evans, director of public relations for the Georgia Beef Board (GBB), they will be celebrating the day with help from their Beef Ambassadors. For more information about this and …
Being Social About Your Beef Operation
One of the speakers during the recent Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Convention was Amanda Radke, a fifth-generation rancher from South Dakota. She is known to many in the beef industry tackling hot topic issues. During an interview with Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman, Radke talked about the importance of beef producers being social about their operations. Radke believes food security is national security …
$215 Million Committed to Enhance the Rural American Food Supply Chain
Department Will Make Available $215 Million for Projects That Will Promote Competition and Increase Resiliency and Create Economic Opportunity in Rural America (USDA/WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2022) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is making available up to $215 million in grants and other support to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply …