Cattle producers across many areas of the county recently welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan Black Vulture Relief Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s a bill designed to give producer’s greater flexibility on black vulture management. But in Alabama, a new program through the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) starts April 1. ADAI Deputy Commissioner Hassey Brooks explained to Southeast AgNet’s Randall …
Meat Plants Employed Nearly 31% of U.S. Food Workers in 2021
The latest federal data shows that in 2021, the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing sector employed 1.7 million people, or more than 1.1 percent of all U.S. nonfarm employment. Within the U.S. manufacturing sector, food and beverage manufacturing accounted for the largest share of employees, 15.4 percent. USDA’s Economic Research Service Monday announced the data, noting that these employees help …
USDA Announces Investment in Meat and Poultry Processing Research, Expansion and Innovation
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of more than $43 million in meat and poultry processing research, innovation and expansion in support of its ongoing efforts to transform the food system at every stage along the supply chain. This investment is funded through the American Rescue Plan and the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). “Farmers rely …
Pork Exports Robust in January; Slow Start for Beef Exports
According to new data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. pork exports maintained momentum in January after a strong finish last year. But U.S. beef exports, after a record-breaking 2022, slowed late in the year and that trend continued in January. Shipments of U.S. beef were well below the large totals from a year ago. …
ASIÂ Spring Trip Dates Set for March 27-29
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) spring trip to Washington, D.C. is set for March 27-29. Sheep producers from state and national associations across the U.S. will visit our nation’s capital to meet with their congressional delegations on issues of interest to the industry. The trip will also include meetings with our ASI partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on lamb …
March Madness in the Grain and Livestock Trade
March is known for a big basketball tournament, but according to a story from Mark Oppold, it’s also known for a busy month in the grain and livestock trades. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board …
Chicken Leads U.S. Per Person Availability of Meat
Chicken has become the nation’s most available meat source. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The supply of chicken available to eat in the United States continues to outpace beef, according to new food availability data from the USDA’s Economic Research Service. In 2021, 68.1 pounds of chicken per person were available for human consumption, on a boneless, …
Grain, Livestock Futures Could Move Higher this Month
Grain and livestock analysts believe futures could move a bit higher this month. But as Mark Oppold reports, it won’t be easy. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, 2025Florida …
Electronic ID Part of New Animal Disease Traceability Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a proposed rule to amend animal disease traceability regulations. It would make electronic ID tags both visually and electronically readable. Rod Bain reports this is designed for certain cattle and bison undergoing interstate movement. USDA Chief Veterinarian Rosemary Sifford explains the proposed rule available for public comment on …
Study Shows Transition to Cage-Free Eggs Comes With Problems
A new study funded in part by United Egg Producers and the United Egg Association shows the transition to cage-free eggs will increase costs and reduce profits. It also shows that producers may not be able to make the 2026 deadline. The study says, “Conversion from conventional to cage-free housing is costly for both egg producers and final consumers.” There …