U.S. Meat Export Federation Pushes for Trade Barrier Reforms The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is calling on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take decisive action to address persistent trade barriers in several African and Caribbean nations that are restricting U.S. red meat exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom highlighted key market access challenges, …
USDA Reveals Plan to Address Foodborne Illness
New Food Safety Laboratory Opens with National Strategy to Protect Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat foodborne illness with the recent opening of its modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the plan enhances the Department’s approach to food safety, particularly concerning meat, poultry, and egg products. …
USDA Announces Shutdown of Regional Food Business Centers Program
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers Program, a USDA initiative launched during the pandemic under the Biden Administration. The decision marks a major shift in how the agency plans to support regional food systems moving forward. Program Faced Operational and Funding Challenges The program, administered through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service …
Black Vulture Relief Act Advances Through House Committee
The House Natural Resources Committee has advanced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025, bringing cattle producers one step closer to improved protection for their herds. The bill is a response to growing concerns over black vulture attacks on newborn livestock across the southeastern United States. Simplifying Predator Control for Ranchers If passed, the Black Vulture Relief Act would allow …
USDA Raises Cotton Production Forecast for This Month
USDA Raises July Cotton Forecast for U.S. and China The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has adjusted its cotton production outlook upward in the July report, citing both domestic improvements and favorable conditions abroad. The update was shared by Mark Jekanowski, Chair of the USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board, in a report via Southeast AgNet. U.S. Cotton Output Grows by …
Florida Beef Council Recaps Process For Next Year’s Checkoff Initiatives
Florida Beef Council Participates in National Beef Industry Planning Each summer, the cattle industry gathers for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Summer Business Meeting. This year’s event, held in San Diego, brought together leaders from across the country, including representatives from the Florida Beef Council, to help shape the direction of the beef checkoff program for the upcoming fiscal …
Georgia Beef Board Highlights Long Range Plan
At the recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) summer business meeting in San Diego, industry leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the state of the U.S. beef sector. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the updated five-year Long-Range Plan for the beef industry. Georgia Beef Board (GBB) Chairman Robert Fountain shared the strategic priorities …
ACA’s Michael Smith Shares His Goals for the YCLP Program
Michael Smith Shares His Vision for Young Cattle Producers Earlier this year, Michael Smith joined the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association as a new staff member. Now several months into the role, Smith is reflecting on his experiences and outlining ambitious goals for the Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program (YCLP). A Focus on Statewide Networking for Young Producers Smith emphasized that his top …
USMEF Talks Beef Trade at NCBA Summer Business Meeting
The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) spoke to the attendees at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Summer Business Meeting in San Diego this past week and USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom provided some thoughts on the meeting. USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror shared details on key policy issues impacting beef exports Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet reporting. Sponsored …
USDA/FSA Director Outlines Supplemental Disaster Relief Program
Natural disasters take a toll on agricultural production and producers in the southeast often deal with them each year. With the US Department of Agriculture’s announcement last week of expediting the implementation of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA/FSA) Administrator Bill Beam outlines the details of the program. Dale Sandlin with Southeast AgNet reporting. Sponsored ContentWhat …