International Trade: Why It’s Important to U.S. Pork Producers

May is World Trade Month, and in honor of that, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is highlighting the important role international trade plays for U.S. pork farmers and the U.S. economy. “U.S. pork farmers have built a global reputation for providing domestic and foreign markets with high-quality, safe, and affordable pork products,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC’s President-elect and pork producer from …

U.S. Pork Growing in the Japanese Market

National Pork Board (NPB) representatives recently met with two of Japan’s largest importers of U.S. pork and one of the country’s top retailers. NPB says the meetings were a sign of stronger partnerships and trust established in the market. One of Japan’s largest retailers committed to increasing their purchases of U.S. pork, replacing Canadian pork in the meat case. Also, …

U.S. Meat Production and Price Forecasts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released their April outlook for meat production, prices, and trade. Rod Bain notes the report provides a couple of tidbits regarding pork production and hog prices compared to the previous month. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses …

NPPC Second Quarter Economic Update

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) released its second quarter pork industry economic update that provides a snapshot of top pork industry issues, current trends, and market conditions impacting pig farmers. Some of the key takeaways include: “The United States is a worldwide leader in pork production and a significant contributor to the U.S. economy,” shared Duane Stateler, NPPC vice president and …

NPPC Urges Quick Passage of the Beagle Brigade Act

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging quick passage of the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023. The Act, H.R. 1480 and S.759, was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The legislation would provide permanent authorization for the USDA’s National Detector Dog Training Center. NPPC notes this is important as safe and reliable food production is critical to …

African Swine Fever Surging Again in China

African Swine Fever (ASF) is making a resurgence in China and will potentially push prices higher for the most popular protein in that country. Bloomberg says multiple outbreaks have shown up in different parts of the country throughout the winter. Rabobank expects the most recent wave of ASF to significantly lower production capacity and push prices higher during the second …

Grant Awarded to the Alabama Agricultural Development Authority for Meat and Poultry Processing

(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/March 17, 2023) — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $15 million to the lender Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) to support meat and poultry slaughter and processing businesses in Alabama. The USDA Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) is awarded to the lender, AADA, in the form of a grant. Businesses engaged in the processing of …

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 …