Last week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) once again announced opposition to the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption, or PRIME Act. Representatives Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, introduced the bill. The legislation would allow beef processed in a non-U.S. Department of Agriculture inspected facility to be distributed interstate, posing a threat to food safety …
USDA: Meat and Dairy Production Lead Food Sector Sales
New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) shows meat processing and dairy product manufacturing are the largest components of food sector sales. Food and beverage manufacturing plants transform raw food commodities into products for intermediate or final consumption by using labor, machinery, energy, and scientific knowledge. These plants accounted for nearly $267 billion or 16.8 percent of sales, shipment …
FDA Extends Comment Period on Plant-Based “Milk” Labeling
The U.S. dairy industry is concerned about plant-based products in grocery stores carrying the label “milk.” The Food and Drug Administration announced it is reopening the public comment period on draft guidance for labeling plant-based products. “The FDA is reopening the comment period in response to requests from industry stakeholders for more time for interested people to develop and submit …
Florida Beef Council Pleased with E-Commerce Campaign
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) took part in an e-commerce campaign late last year to promote beef during the Christmas holiday period. FBC Director of Education & Promotion, DeAnne Maples, told us the numbers from that campaign recently came in and they exceeded their expectations. For more information, contact the Florida Beef Council in Kissimmee. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for …
Buying Opportunities for Cotton, Rebound in Cattle Trade
There could be some buying opportunities this week in the cotton trade. Mark Oppold looks at those possibilities, along with noting a rebound is expected in the cattle trade. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober 24, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Tracking Top Performing Ag Commodity Markets
We are close to wrapping up the fourth month of 2023, and some of you may wonder how various agriculture commodity markets are doing. Today, Mark Oppold looks at the top markets and how they’ve performed thus far this year. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …
U.S. Cattle on Feed Down 4 Percent
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 …
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 …
Alabama Beef Checkoff Supporting School Cookoff
The Alabama State Beef checkoff is proud to once again help support the annual Alabama Junior & Senior High School Cookoff. It will be held Friday, April 14th in Birmingham. Students will participate for various awards in both the junior and senior divisions. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) Executive Vice President, Erin Beasley, says it’s an event they look forward to every year. (audio) …