The confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Dominican Republic (DR) last week was the first in the Western Hemisphere in 40 years. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO, Dan Halstrom, says while the findings are concerning, the U.S. industry is well-prepared for these situations. Halstrom noted the DR is an outstanding market for U.S. pork and he does …
Producers Invited to Take Part in SE Hay Short Course
An expansion of the extension effort of the Southeastern Hay Contest has been announced. The University of Florida, University of Georgia and Auburn University forage teams are promoting a new event on hay production. It’s called the SE Hay Short Course, where producers and forage specialists from multiple states can take part in this inaugural event. Marcelo Wallau, assistant professor – forage extension …
National Farmers Market Week Underway
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture proclaimed this first week of August as National Farmers Market Week. It is a way to champion the direct-to-consumer producers, market managers, and customers that make their communities come alive during market days. According to a story from Rod Bain, highlights of the week are not only the markets themselves, but the innovations that allow these institutions to …
USDA to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program. The program aims to help producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. “While those affected are in all geographic and cultural areas, many Black farmers and other groups who have experienced historic discrimination have inherited heirs’ property,” Vilsack said. “USDA …
Experts Agree: Livestock Markets Not Broken; Affected by Supply and Demand
With cattle futures reaching new multi-year highs this week, the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) submitted testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday underscoring the supply and demand fundamentals of beef and livestock markets and opposing further government intervention that will result in unintended consequences. “Industry experts, market participants and economists testifying before three different congressional committees in the past …
Dominican Republic Confirmed Positive for African Swine Fever
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday that the Dominican Republic (DR) has confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF). The cases were confirmed as part of a cooperative surveillance program between the U.S. and the DR. The U.S. remains free of ASF, which is an animal disease affecting only pigs with no human health implications. USDA notes there …
Forecast for Beef Production Unchanged, Poultry Production Lowered
USDA’s latest forecast for beef production is virtually unchanged from a month ago. But according to a story from Stephanie Ho, USDA expects lower poultry production and slightly higher prices for broilers and turkeys, compared to last month. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Critical …
Pork Producers Urge Congress to Address Comprehensive Labor Reform
According to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the U.S. pork industry is suffering from a labor shortage that could increase production costs and consumer food prices if not addressed through visa reform to provide better access to the foreign-born workers on which it depends. And NPPC President Jen Sorenson testified Wednesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee about this shortage. …
Animal Ag Organizations Launch Protein PACT
U.S. animal agriculture groups Monday announced the Protein PACT. The coalition is the first joint initiative designed to accelerate momentum and verify progress toward global sustainable development goals across the animal protein sector. The Protein PACT was submitted to the UN Food Systems Summit as a sustainability game changer, and sustainable livestock and poultry production will be featured in a …
Sign-up Begins for New Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program
We told you last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had announced a new program for certain livestock and poultry producers, called the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). This was designed to help producers who suffered losses during the Covid-19 pandemic due to insufficient access to processing and the cost of depopulation and disposal of those animals. Signup for this program begins today …