(NPPC) — The impact of COVID-19 has caused hog values to plummet, creating a financial disaster for pork producers nationwide who face a collective $5 billion loss for the remainder of the year. At a press briefing, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) outlined the crisis as described by producers and the immediate relief they are requesting from the administration …
Livestock Groups Send Letter Advocating for Needs of Rural Healthcare Providers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
(NCBA) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to request rural healthcare providers have resources and funding to properly respond to the COVID-19 virus. “Rural healthcare providers have unique needs …
Meatpacker Closings Hard on Food Supply Chain
(NAFB) — Smithfield Foods will close its pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, until further notice because of employees who tested positive for the coronavirus. It’s just one of several major agricultural facilities temporarily closing operations due to the pandemic. Virginia-based Smithfield Foods says the closures are a trend that may eventually put a dent in the U.S. …
Rapid Response May Have Limited Avian Influenza Problems in the Carolinas
Fast action may have limited highly pathogenic avian influenza problems in the Carolinas. And as Gary Crawford reports, that discovery may not result in the world banning U.S. poultry products, as the response will likely be regionally targeted. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical …
FDA Issues Temporary Policy Relaxing Egg Labeling Requirements
(NAFB) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is relaxing egg labeling and packaging requirements to meet consumer demands. Generally, egg cartons must include a statement of identity, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor, nutrition labeling, the net quality of contents and safe handling instructions. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer …
Outlook for Meat Animal Forage and Feed
The outlook for meat animal forage and feed costs for producers is somewhat mixed. Rod Bain has the story. 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 Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle …
Demand for U.S. Beef and Pork Strong in Overseas Markets
(NAFB) — Despite various travel bans and other restrictions, foreign markets still have a large number of consumers who want American pork and beef. Clay Eastwood is Director of International Marketing for the National Pork Board. She says the most recent export numbers for American pork include almost record-setting amounts. “January was the second-highest export month in history as we …
Coronavirus Safety Fact Sheets for Workers
Author: E. Vanessa Campoverde, UF/IFAS (UF/IFAS) — I have received several questions regarding what to do if you have employees or work with others during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in agricultural operations and related businesses. While there is plenty of information about how the virus work, how to protect yourself and others, etc. I compiled some information (with images) that can …
Raising Chickens and Ducks Together
Cathy Isom has several things for you to consider if you have the idea of raising chickens and ducks together. That’s coming up on This Land of ours. If you’ve ever thought about starting your homestead with baby chicks and ducks at the same time, one question might come to mind… Will these adorable little ducks integrate with your chicken …
NPPC Cancels 2020 World Pork Expo
Next Year’s WPX Set for June 9-11, 2021 (NPPC) — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced that its board of directors has decided to cancel the 2020 World Pork Expo in June due to COVID-19 human health concerns. World Pork Expo 2021 is scheduled for June 9-11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. “While deeply disappointed to cancel this year’s …