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 …
Alabama Farm Honored with Environmental Stewardship Award
It was announced back in February during the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, that Carter Cattle Company, LLC, in Pintlala, Alabama, was selected as one of seven regional winners of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The farm represents the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Region Two. Then this week, during the annual NCBA’s Fly-in Legislative Conference in Washington D.C., it was announced that Carter …
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 The Food and Drug Administration announced it is reopening the public comment period on draft guidance for labeling plant-based products.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 …
May Beef Month in Georgia Kicks Off Monday
May Beef Month in Georgia officially kicks off next Monday, and the Georgia Beef Board (GBB) staff is ready to get the annual event underway. GBB Director of Public Relations, Taylor Evans, explains what all they have planned this year. To learn more about May Beef Month in Georgia, contact the GBB office in Macon at 478-474-1815. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of …
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 Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement …
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 Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical Role To Extend ResearchNovember 7, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Alabama Cattlemen in Washington D.C. This Week
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is hosting their annual Fly-in Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. this week. It’s an opportunity for producers from across the country to advocate for the beef cattle industry. And according to Erin Beasley, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) executive vice president, ACA members are on hand to represent the state of Alabama. The 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) overall winner will be …
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 Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
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 …