U.S. pork exports for the first half of the year were down by 19% in volume and 18% in value over the same period of 2021, according to recently released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. From January through June, the U.S. pork industry shipped to foreign destinations almost 1.1 million metric tons (MT) of product valued at $3 …
Forage Producers Reminded to Enter World Forage Analysis Superbowl
Forage producers are invited to enter the 2022 World Forage Analysis Superbowl, a contest set to award over $26,000 in cash prizes. The deadline to submit entries is August 25. The $35 entry fee provides entry into the contest along with a detailed sample analysis that is sent to entrants after judging is complete. Entry forms are available at foragesuperbowl.org. Each …
USDA Boosts Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced they are investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. NRCS will accept proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers …
Tyson Foods Reports Sales Slump
Reduced domestic and international demand for pork is hitting Tyson Foods, one of the nation’s top pork producers. The Arkansas-based meatpacker reported this week that the company earned approximately $25 million from its pork business for the three months ending on July 3. That’s about 63 percent lower than the same quarter in 2021. The company reports that China, the …
South Korea Opens Duty-Free Quota for Imported Beef
South Korea is currently the leading value market for U.S. beef exports, with shipments on pace to possibly reach $3 billion this year. But rising food prices are a concern in Korea, and the government is taking steps to ease the burden on consumers. As part of this effort, Korea recently opened a 100,000 metric ton duty-free quota on imported …
USDA Takes Action to Prevent Salmonella in Poultry Products
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service announced it will declare Salmonella as an adulterant in breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. “Food safety is at the heart of everything,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This is an important first step in launching a broader initiative to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry in the U.S.” By declaring Salmonella an …
New NPB VP Suggests Volunteering, Talks Priorities
Strengthening the pork industry through volunteers. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Volunteer involvement will strengthen any organization. Bob Ruth, the newly elected National Pork Board (NPB) vice president, was ecstatic to share why producers should get involved at the local, state, or national levels. He says the passion one has for the industry magnifies the story. “I …
House Ag Chair Scott Introduces Livestock Legislation
Last week, House Agriculture Committee Chair David Scott from Georgia, introduced H.R 8590, the Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act. The legislation is designed to help small farmers and ranchers in the cattle industry. In a statement, Scott said “It’s a crisis in this nation that we’ve lost an average of 17,000 cattle ranchers per year. The drivers of the loss are complex, …
New Lamb Market Monthly Report Will Help Producers
The American Lamb Board (ALB) announced the introduction of a new monthly lamb market summary to provide the industry with increased data and analysis. The board engaged the American Sheep Industry Association to prepare the monthly Lamb Market Summary. The report will include sheep and lamb slaughter, lamb imports, sheep and lamb prices, and a market forecast. An economic overview of the …
Poultry Producers Settle Claims on Unfair Worker Treatment
Three of the biggest poultry processors in the U.S. will settle claims by the Justice Department over their alleged efforts to work together to drive down employee compensation. Reuters said Cargill, Sanderson Farms, and Wayne Farms agreed to pay a combined $84 million in restitution to workers harmed by their alleged information sharing in order to settle civil antitrust lawsuits. …