USDA Launches Effort to Strengthen Substantiation of Animal-Raising Claims

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. This action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy. “Consumers should be able to trust …

USMEF Pleased with Tentative Agreement at West Coast Ports

Good news this week for U.S. red meat exporters concerning the West Coast ports. Wednesday night, the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union has announced a tentative agreement on a six-year contract. U.S. Meat Export Federation’s John Herath has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop …

Underutilized Cuts Key to Expanding U.S. Lamb Exports to Caribbean

 While the Caribbean is the largest export destination for U.S. lamb cuts, the region is extremely competitive, attracting large volumes of lower-priced lamb from Australia and New Zealand. U.S. Meat Export Federation’s John Herath. Has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Production ResearchMay 8, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities to Develop Preliminary Data For Future Grant ProjectsMay 1, 2026Florida …

Disaster Assistance Application Process Soon Taking Place

$3.7 billion dollars has been set aside as part of USDA’s Emergency Relief and Emergency Livestock Relief (ELRP) programs for producers who suffered weather related disaster losses in 2022. Rod Bain reports that applications will soon be accepted. Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) – provides livestock producers, who have approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program for forage losses due to …

Broad-Based Growth for April Pork Exports; Beef Exports Trend Lower

Exports of U.S. pork, during the month of April, saw gains in a wide range of markets. That’s according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). But, beef exports were below the very large totals posted a year ago, despite the fact export value per head of fed slaughter was the highest in eight months. …

NPPC Speaks Up on Policy Priorities at World Pork Expo

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) hosted a policy panel this week at the 2023 World Pork Expo. NPPC board officers and experts discussed the pork industry’s current priorities vital to protecting producers’ livelihoods and ensuring pork production remains a pillar of the U.S. economy. NPPC President Scott Hays says, “Advocating for reasonable public policy, expanding exports, protecting our animals from foreign …

West Coast Labor Dispute Affecting Red Meat Exports

Contract negotiations between West Coast longshoremen and container terminal operators faced a breakdown last Friday, as work stoppages effectively closed the Port of Oakland and slowed operations up and down the coast. And that is affecting the shipping of agricultural products, including red meat. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO, Dan Halstrom, explains why the West Coast port labor impasse is of …

35th World Pork Expo Coming This Week

The World Pork Expo returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines June 7-9. Presented by National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year’s event will mark a major milestone for the world’s largest pork-specific trade show. Pork producers and industry professionals will be able to celebrate 35 years of the event with the best programming, educational seminars and networking opportunities in …

Bill Would Make Feral Swine Eradication Program Permanent

A group of Senators recently introduced the “Feral Swine Eradication Act” to extend it for five years and make a pilot program permanent that would eliminate wild hogs to safeguard public health and protect agricultural crops and lands and wildlife habitat. Those Senators include Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA). Similar legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House. …

NPPC Applauds USDA Pork Purchase

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is pleased with the recent news that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed plans for a Section 32 purchase of $50.1 million of pork for distribution to various food nutrition and assistant programs. Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make commodity purchases, entitlement purchases, and disaster …