The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) calls 2017 an “interesting year” that saw a significant number of policy wins. However, there’s a lot of work ahead in 2018. One of the biggest policy victories of last year was a 90-day delay in the electronic logging device mandate that was scheduled to go into effect for all delivery haulers, including those …
Florida Farmers Brace for Cold Weather
Florida farmers were preparing Thursday for continuing cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop into the 30s overnight as far south as Fort Myers and Homestead. Many of Florida’s crops cannot handle freezing temperatures for long periods. Citrus and strawberry farmers are preparing harvests ahead of time, often running irrigation systems to create small layers of ice over the fruit …
No Link Between Small Wild Birds and Rodents to 2014-15 HPAI Outbreak
A study by Iowa State University found no evidence that small wild birds and rodents were possible sources of the avian influenza virus that decimated Iowa poultry flocks in 2015. The study investigated wild birds and rodents around poultry operations to see if they carried the virus or had been exposed to it. Avian influenza is caused by Type A …
Demand Supporting Hog Prices
U.S. hog prices are being supported by strong demand, according to Purdue University economist Chris Hurt. He says pork production is expected to rise by three percent in the first-half of 2018 and by near four percent in the last-half of 2018. The theme for the pork market in 2017 was higher production and higher prices when pork production rose …
A Look Ahead to Livestock Markets in 2018
Livestock producers are heading into 2018 with both increasing production and demand. However, exports are critical to keep that trend moving. Mike Zuzolo (Zoo’-zuh-low) of Global Commodity Analytics says for beef producers, the path of least resistance for market prices is lower. Beef International demand remains strong for pork, with U.S. production increasing. He says export demand and slaughter capacity …
World Meat Congress U.S. Bound In 2018
For the first time in more than 20 years the United States will host the World Meat Congress. The event will take place in Dallas, Texas, May 30th through June 1st. U.S. Meat Export Federation CEO Emeritus Philip Seng says the meeting, which occurs every other year, is a gathering of different trade associations, government officials as well as private …
Report Shows 2014-15 HPAI Impact
A new report by the Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service found the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States was not as big an effect as the closing of key export markets. The report studied the poultry industry during the 2014-15 HPAI outbreak, and concludes that trade restrictions during and after the outbreak affected all …
Pork Checkoff Reaches Millennials – Part 1
The Pork Checkoff is partnering with the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) on a unique digital food platform called Tastemade. National Pork Board vice president of strategic communications, Kevin Waetke, says this effort highlights pork recipes. Recipes Tastemade is a global digital food and travel network. More than half of Tastemade views happen on mobile devices or connected TVs. …
Beef and Pork Production Hit Record High Numbers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says domestic red meat, beef, and pork production all hit new monthly highs in November. In fact, for the first 11 months of 2017, red meat production is three percent ahead of last year’s record pace, totaling 47.571 billion pounds so far this year. Year-to-year beef production is four percent higher and pork production is …
Packer Capacity an Ongoing Concern
Packer capacity has been an ongoing concern with the large hog supplies. Steve Meyer of EMI Analytics says this has been a historic time. Historic A small plant opened in the fall of 2016 in Missouri and another facility opened in Minnesota this past April. Facilities Another addition to U.S. packer capacity is expected to be online in the fourth …