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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida 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, 2026

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 ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle …

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 …

Vilsack on State of the Livestock Industry

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently expressed to lawmakers his views on the state of the livestock industry and explained USDA efforts to address challenges. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application …

Livestock and Poultry Report on World Markets and Trade

Tuesday, the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their quarterly Livestock and Poultry Report on World Markets and Trade. This report includes data on U.S. and global trade, production, consumption and stocks, as well as analysis of developments affecting world trade in livestock and poultry. It covers beef and veal, cattle, pork, swine and chicken meat. This new USDA report shows that China …