Frozen Turkey Inventories 24% below 3-year Average

Remembering to defrost the turkey might not be the only challenge families face as they try to get that perennial centerpiece onto the Thanksgiving table this year. As of August 31, 2021, inventories of frozen whole turkeys and turkey parts were 24 percent lower than three-year average volumes, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. Stocks of frozen turkey meat typically …

Report: U.S. Animal Protein Needs Trade Negotiators Back at the Table

A report from CoBank shows animal agriculture needs trade negotiators at the table to build export markets. The report says the recent nomination of a chief agriculture negotiator with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is an important step forward. However, Elaine Trevino has yet to be confirmed by the Senate. U.S. animal protein exports have grown from $7.4 …

Combatting Heating Fuel Concerns for Poultry Growers

Propane and natural gas are the primary heating fuels used by commercial poultry growers across Alabama and the southeastern broiler belt. Heating fuel is often a significant portion of the farm’s variable expenses, and we’ve been hearing reports about the expectations of higher prices this winter. So, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) encourages poultry producers to pay attention to price changes and …

High Demand for Meat Translates into Mostly Higher Prices

High demand for meat is translating into mostly higher prices. Stephanie Ho has more details. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into …

Potential Propane Problems Should Prompt Producers to Plan Ahead

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is continuing to urge producers to take steps now to ensure they have adequate supplies of propane this winter, with reports of near-record prices and historically low stockpiles of the gas. NPPC is working with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) to monitor supplies, which are adequate but may be less plentiful in the Midwest, according …

Increase Expected for Beef and Poultry Production, Decrease for Pork

USDA’s latest forecast shows production of two major meat types moving in opposite directions. According to World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski, beef production is expected to increase. But, he says they reduced the pork production forecast. And when it comes to poultry production, Jekanowski says USDA is forecasting year-over-year growth. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses …

Larger Livestock Loans Boost Farm Lending

Demand for livestock loans grew in the third quarter, boosting agricultural lending activity. However, demand for operating loans was more subdued, and total non-real estate lending remained near its average of the past decade. The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Wednesday said the average size of loans for some livestock categories reached an all-time high and contributed to the increased …

Stay Vigilant on Handwashing and Hygiene

If you visited any public building or restroom during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have noticed an increased focus on handwashing and hygiene principles reflected in an abundance of signage on doors and in hallways. While it is great that public awareness has increased in the last 18 months, these have always been important principles, especially for all food-related businesses. …

Checkoff Dollars Important for Red Meat Exports

We told you this week that U.S. beef exports set a new value record in August, topping the $1 billion mark for the first time. Plus, pork exports saw another strong month in August remaining ahead of the record pace set last year. This is great news for the red meat industry, and checkoff dollars had a part in achieving …