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 As of March 1, 2022, FSIS Notice 34-21 requiring masks was rescinded.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 …
Florida Lawmakers Hoping to Finalize Budget Issues
As Florida lawmakers continue to finalize many issues in week eight of the Florida Legislative Session, the budget continues to be the major topic of discussion. According to Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard, negotiators from both the House and Senate have been working out some of the high profile spending issues in what is being described as a …
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 Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Targeted Research for Florida Cattle IndustryFebruary 20, 2026Florida …
Deadline to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage is March 25
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds dairy producers the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and the new Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for 2022 is March 25, 2022. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC and SDMC signup in December 2021 to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities. Producers …
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 …
SLE Rodeo Two Weeks Away
It’s about rodeo time in Montgomery, Alabama as the 2022 Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo and Junior Livestock Exposition is just two weeks away. And according to SLE Director of Rodeo Programs Sarah Hunter, the scheduled has changed a little bit this year. The SLE is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of farming and ranching by creating opportunity for youth through rodeos, livestock competitions, …
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 …
Dairy Checkoff Collaborating with Mayo Clinic
The dairy checkoff announced a five-year collaboration with Mayo Clinic to explore research and consumer outreach efforts to improve public health and advance dairy’s benefits. The memorandum of understanding with Mayo involves Dairy Management Inc., the National Dairy Council, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “This is a milestone moment for dairy farmers who made this possible through their …