Discussing Prevention of Swine Fever in North America

During USDA’s 95th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum held last week in Arlington, Virginia, many issues were discussed by the various speakers. But there was one issue touched on by all three of the keynote speakers concerning the livestock industry. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Canadian Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay and Mexican Secretary of Agriculture Victor Villalobos all made comments about preventing the spread of African …

Gene Editing Development Stalled; NPPC Renews Call for USDA Oversight

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging the Department of Agriculture to assume regulatory oversight of gene editing for livestock. The call from NPPC follows the slow pace of developing a regulatory framework at the Food and Drug Administration. NPPC says the process is “stalled” at FDA, and that “USDA is best equipped to oversee gene editing for livestock …

ASF Could Slow Pork Consumption in China

Since African swine fever (ASF) was first discovered in China in August 2018, officials have confirmed about 100 outbreaks of the disease. And while ASF does not pose a threat to human health, some wonder if transportation restrictions on hogs and pork products and heavy news coverage of the disease could cause a slowdown in China’s pork consumption? U.S. Meat Export …

Adjustments in Meat Production and Price Estimates

What were some of the reasons behind changes in USDA’s latest outlooks for meat production and prices? Rod Bain has a story that answers that question. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Seth Meyer discusses USDA’s latest look at dairy production and price estimates. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle …

Record Pork Exports to South America

2018 was a record year for U.S. pork exports to South America, helped in part by strong increases in pork muscle cut shipments to Colombia and Peru. U.S. Meat Export Federation’s Joe Schuele has more details. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune …

Beef Exports Remain High

While the November beef export report came out a month later than usual because of the government shutdown, it still showed good things for beef. U.S. beef exports continued on a record pace in November. However, pork exports trended lower year-over-year. Statistics from USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation show that beef exports totaled more than 112,000 …

Meat Inspectors, Price Reporting Staff Still On The Job

In response to erroneous reports in the news and (mostly) on social media, the National Pork Producers Council is reminding pork producers and consumers that federal meat inspectors are working in meat packing plants despite the government shutdown. NPPC – and other livestock groups – a year ago urged Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to deem as essential USDA Food Safety …