Now that California’s Prop 12 is in effect, hog producers around the nation are having to decide if they’re going to change their operations to comply. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Scott Hays says it’s an individual choice, and one his family farm turned down. “If you think about it from a producer perspective, most of the cost is …
Good July for Pork Exports but Slow for Beef
Building on a robust first-half performance, July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). But, beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January. Starting with the good news, pork exports in July were up 5% year-over-year, while the export value …
July Pork Exports Above Year-Ago Levels, Slow Month for Beef Exports
According to numbers released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), July exports of U.S. pork continued to outpace year-ago levels. On the other hand, beef exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume since January, but export value per head of fed slaughter again exceeded $400. July pork exports totaled 219,014 …
Alabama Application Deadline for Meat and Poultry Processing Nearing
Here’s a reminder from the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority that it is accepting loan applications under the Alabama Meat Processing Program. This program is a result of a $15 million award from the USDA through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. Applications for Phase I will close Thursday, September 14, 2023. The low interest loans are intended to support …
Idalia Kills at Least Five Million Chickens in Florida
Almost a week after Hurricane Idalia hit Florida, the livestock body count is climbing higher, especially in poultry operations. The Messenger says estimates say as many as five million chickens died from the Category Three storm. Winds were around 125 mph when the storm hit land, and the hurricane tore apart barns and fence lines and killed livestock from cattle …
ASI Board Approves Budget
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Board of Directors recently approved the association’s budgets and membership rates for fiscal year 2023-24. Voting was conducted online after preliminary approval of both the Wool Trust and Fund II budgets by the ASI Executive Board at its summer meeting in Idaho. Plus, ASI wants producers to know their 2024 Annual Convention will be held January …
Tracking Extended Price Breaks
The grain trade picks back up today after the holiday break. And Mark Oppold has a look at when we’ve seen extended price breaks. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of Florida Director Encouraged About the FutureMarch 27, …
U.S. Has Multi-Layered Programs to Handle Foreign Animal Diseases
USDA has a multi-layered approach to protecting our livestock industry from high-consequence foreign animal diseases. Gary Crawford has more details. Dr. Julie Wallin with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, talks about the mission of the National Animal Health Laboratory Dr. Wallin says USDA wants to protect all livestock operations, big and small, from foreign animal diseases. Sponsored ContentFlorida …
Around the State with Commissioner Pate
In this week’s “Around the State with Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate”, Commissioner, I understand you’d like to share with us information about a big event that took place this past weekend. For more information about the Alabama Open Horseman Association annual state championship horse show, click here. That’s our weekly Around the State with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner, …
Late Summer Drying Trends and Pasture, Rangeland Conditions
The latest USDA Pasture and Rangeland Conditions Report reflects usual late summer dryness in parts of the country and raises concerns about conditions in some areas. Rod Bain has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, 2026United Dairy Farmers of …