U.S. red meat exports last month slowed moderately from the pace established in March, but were still significantly higher year-over-year, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports reached 99,000 metric tons in April, up 13 percent from a year ago, valued at $550.4 million. For January through April, beef exports were up 14 percent in volume and 18 …
Backyard Flocks Sickening Hundreds of People
The Centers for Disease Control says more than 370 people have reported Salmonella infections from backyard flocks this year, and more than one-third of them were children under five years old. The CDC is reporting eight separate outbreaks across 47 states in backyard flocks. These outbreaks are expected to continue for the next several months, according to a public warning …
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Egg Lawsuit Against California
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition by Missouri to hear a case against California by six states. Led by Missouri, the states sought to overturn a California law setting requirements for housing egg-laying hens. California voters approved the law in 2008, but Missouri, along with Nebraska, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kentucky and Iowa challenged the law. In 2015, the American Farm …
Maryland Joins California in Banning Routine Antibiotics Use in Livestock
A bill passed by Maryland’s legislature makes the state the nation’s second to ban the routine use of antibiotics in livestock. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports the Keep Antibiotics Effective Act prohibits administration of antimicrobial drugs to cattle, swine, and poultry that are not sick, a practice public health experts say can fuel the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The law …
Four New PEDV Cases Confirmed in Manitoba
Agriculture officials in Canada announced four new cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, or PEDV, bringing the total number of cases to nine confirmed cases since the beginning of May. National Hog Farmer magazine reports Manitoba Pork, the Provinces Pork Association, will hold a telephone town hall for producers Friday to discuss biosecurity protocols aimed at preventing the spread of …
Ractopamine Found in Pork Shipment from Canada to China
A shipment of pigs’ feet to China from Canada was flagged for containing ractopamine. Ractopamine is a banned growth drug by China and may impact future exports by Canada. China views the tainted shipment as a “systemic failure” of Canada’s program that certifies pork sent to China is free of ractopamine, and the situation “could affect future pork exports,” as …
Halstrom Announced as Next USMEF President
The U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced that Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice president for marketing, will become the new President and CEO later this year. Joe Schuele has the details. From: U.S. Meat Export Federation Halstrom joined USMEF as senior vice president for marketing in 2010, overseeing promotional activities for U.S. red meat managed through …
First Cases of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed in Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in coordination with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, announced that the University of Florida has confirmed seven cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus, a.k.a. “dog flu.” Six additional results for the virus are pending. All dogs being treated are in stable condition. There is no evidence that H3N2 canine …
Use Food Thermometers to be Food Safe this Summer
Summer is a time for family vacations, backyard barbecues and plenty of outdoor activities with food as the centerpiece. But before those steaks and burgers go on the grill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) wants to remind consumers to keep their family and themselves safe from foodborne illness by using a food thermometer …
Some Southeast Pastures Still Suffering
While USDA’s latest report shows pastures and rangeland conditions are good in most of the country, there are still exceptions. And according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, some of those are right here in the Southeast. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Helps to Support Forage Development and Management PracticesMarch 6, 2026CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsMarch 1, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …