The Department of Agriculture last week proposed to amend federal meat inspection regulations to repeal what USDA calls a redundant regulatory requirement for hog slaughter establishments. The Food Safety and Inspection Service says the proposed rule would remove a redundant requirement that requires hog slaughter establishments to clean hog carcasses before cutting. Establishments are required to have a Hazard Analysis …
China Steps Up Pork Inspections, Slowing Imports
China is stepping up inspections of pork imports from the United States. Ports are opening and inspecting every cargo that arrives, according to a report by Reuters, compared with inspections carried out only “randomly” in the past. Some trade experts see the move, along with other similar actions by China, as a warning to the United States in response to …
Fake Veterinarian Takes Part in Missouri Cattle Fraud Scheme
A man posing as a veterinarian admits to taking part in a $4.7 million investment fraud scheme in Missouri. A Drovers’ report says Robert D. Hawkins has consented that he aided Cameron J. Hager in defrauding more than 90 investors across 21 states in the scheme. The Missouri Secretary of State’s Securities Division says Hawkins allegedly posed as a veterinarian …
Backyard Chicken Coop Considerations
Continuing her series on raising backyard chickens, Cathy Isom gives you some important things to consider for your backyard chicken coop. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Backyard Chicken Coop Considerations For anyone who decided to take the plunge and bring home those cute baby chicks, after about six weeks you’ll need housing for them that’s a little …
Analyst: Labor Shortages and Volatile Feed Prices Ahead for Meat Industry
A Rabobank analyst says the U.S. could be on the tail end of the second longest expansion of its economy in history. Rabobank Analyst Don Close told the North American Meat Institute this week there are implications for the meat industry, including a pending labor shortage and possible volatile commodity prices ahead, according to meat industry publication Meatingplace. Close warns …
If It’s Meat, It’s USDA’s Responsibility to Make Sure It’s Safe
If a food product is labeled “meat,” Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says it is USDA’s responsibility to ensure its safety for consumers. Stephanie Ho has the story. If It’s Meat, Its USDA’s Responsibility Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida …
USDA Seeks Feedback from Growers about 2018 Crops, Stocks, Livestock Inventories and Values
During the next several weeks, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will contact nearly 700 producers across Florida to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2018. “Two of the most important and well-known surveys NASS …
Prepare for the Unexpected Raising Backyard Chickens
You have your chicken coop, and are ready for your chicks. Today, Cathy Isom gives you some tips about why you should prepare for the unexpected when it comes to raising backyard chicks. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Prepare for the Unexpected Raising Backyard Chickens Raising chicks to backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience. But it …
Raising Chicks to Backyard Chickens
You are thinking about raising your own chickens for eggs and meat. Cathy Isom has some tips for raising chicks to backyard chickens. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Raising Chicks to Backyard Chickens If this is your year to try your hand at raising chicks into backyard chickens, here are some tips to help you get started. …
FMD Vaccine Development A Restrictive Process
Last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue authorized the movement of a live, non-infectious, genetically modified strain of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus to the mainland U.S. for continued vaccine research and development. But according to a story from Rod Bain, this approval comes with restrictions to assure safety. FMD Vaccine Development A Restrictive Process But according to a story …