Following last week’s high-level Japanese tariff negotiations in Washington, D.C., a new chapter in the U.S.-Japan trade and investment agreement is taking shape—one that promises ongoing stability for U.S. red meat exports. According to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom, the finalized deal is a critical step in preserving long-term market access in one of the …
Peanut Checkoff Upcoming Plans
National Peanut Board Announces Strategic Plans to Boost Peanut Demand Nationwide Peanut farmers across the U.S. contribute annually to a checkoff program designed to promote peanuts and peanut products on a national scale. This program is led by the National Peanut Board (NPB), headquartered in Atlanta, and the organization recently held a planning meeting with a number of exciting updates …
National Pork Producers Supports Save Our Bacon Act
Save Our Bacon Act Targets Farm-Killing Regulations NPPC Supports Bill to Protect Family Pork Producers The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has endorsed the Save Our Bacon Act, introduced by U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa. The bill aims to protect family farms from what the NPPC calls a “dangerous and chaotic web” of conflicting state mandates — most notably …
Florida Commissioner of Ag Encourages Drinking Pasteurized Milk
Florida Commissioner Urges Support for Florida Dairy Farmers, Highlights Safety of Pasteurized Milk Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is urging residents to choose pasteurized milk products from Florida Dairy Farmers, following a recent health update from the Florida Department of Health regarding illnesses linked to raw milk. As concerns rise over raw milk safety, Commissioner Simpson emphasized the importance …
USMEF President Reviews Exports of Pork and Beef in June
June Beef and Pork Exports: USMEF Highlights Growth in Latin America Despite China Challenges The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) released its latest June beef and pork export data, revealing contrasting trends between the two proteins. While U.S. pork exports saw notable growth, beef exports declined, primarily due to limited market access in key destinations like China. According to USMEF …
Livestock Producers Eye Upcoming MAHA Report with Optimism
The second Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report is expected to be released soon, and livestock producers are watching closely. We spoke with Sigrid Johannes, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), to get insight on what the cattle industry should anticipate from the upcoming publication. Johannes notes that the first MAHA report, released in …
Public Comment Period Opened on Major Department Reorganization Plan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially opened a public comment period on its recently announced department reorganization plan, signaling a significant structural shift intended to decentralize operations and increase efficiency. The plan, unveiled in July, is part of a broader initiative backed by President Trump to move portions of the federal government outside the National Capital Region. According …
Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Hosts Annual Steak Cookout with Auburn Football Team
The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association is once again sharing the beef story through its annual steak cookout with the Auburn football team. We spoke with Josie Jones of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association for details on this highly anticipated event. “Last night was a super fun night in Auburn,” Jones shared. “We do an annual event with the Auburn football team and …
NCBA Supports HELP Act to Protect Livestock Haulers from Burdensome Regulations
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has voiced strong support for the newly introduced Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act, a legislative effort led by Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado. This critical bill addresses growing concerns within the livestock transportation industry by seeking to permanently exempt livestock haulers from burdensome Hours of Service (HOS) rules and Electronic Logging Device …
Tyler Clarkson Confirmed as USDA General Counsel, Earning Praise from Ag Leaders
The U.S. agriculture community is responding positively to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Tyler Clarkson as General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Clarkson’s appointment, finalized last week, marks a return to a familiar leadership role for the seasoned legal expert who previously served at USDA during the first Trump administration. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the …