The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to invest more than $4 billion to strengthen critical supply chains through their Build Back Better initiative. The new effort will strengthen the food system, create new market opportunities, tackle the climate crisis, help communities that have been left behind, and support good-paying jobs throughout the supply chain. During a call …
World Pork Expo Returns Next Week
The World Pork Expo makes an official return to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, June 9-11, and this year marks the 33rd annual event. Thousands of producers and industry professionals will gather to learn about the latest technologies, innovations, enjoy some free pork, and much more. The trade show will feature over 700 vendor booths and span more than 30,000 …
Market Diversification Stressed at USMEF Virtual Conference
The importance of market diversification for U.S. red meat exports was a key point of emphasis at the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference, which was held in a virtual format May 26-27. USMEF Chair Pat Binger, who heads international sales for Cargill Protein North America, addressed this topic in his opening remarks. Binger said this foresight is now …
Progress Made in ASF Vaccine Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is making headway in the development of an African Swine Fever (ASF) virus vaccine. A vaccine candidate has now been adapted to grow in a cell line. Senior ARS scientist Dr. Manuel Borca said that the discovery is an important step in the process. Working with a cell line is helpful …
Lawmakers Seek Level Playing Field for U.S. Pork Producers in Vietnam
More than 70 U.S. lawmakers sent a letter this week to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai seeking her support for enhanced Vietnamese market access for U.S. pork. Vietnam represents a tremendous opportunity for U.S. pork exports, and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) appreciates the tremendous support for one of its top trade priorities. In a release, NPPC President Jen Sorenson said, “We …
Record-Breaking Performance for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports in March
U.S. red meat exports ended the first quarter on a very high note, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Both beef and pork exports in March posted the highest monthly value on record. Beef exports in March, at 124,808 metric tons (mt), was up 8% from a …
NPPC Highlights Efficiency Gains, Reduced GHG Footprint in USDA Climate Comments
In comments submitted last week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) highlighted the efficiency gains made by U.S. pork producers that has brought about significant greenhouse gas reductions and made the sector a global model for environmental sustainability. NPPC wrote, “As it considers federal environmental policies, it is critical that USDA recognize the …
Livestock Insurance Policy Updates
Last week, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced updates to the Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) and Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) policies. RMA Acting Administrator Richard Flournoy first runs through the updates scheduled to take effect next year for the LGM program. And Flournoy describes the updates to RMA’s Dairy Revenue Protection program. RMA is updating the livestock insurance policies to improve options …
NPPC Holding Legislative Action Conference
Pork producers from across the country are gathering virtually this week, taking part in the National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) Legislative Action Conference (LAC). Various topics are being discussed with lawmakers, including expanding market access to Vietnam, visa reform to address a livestock agriculture labor shortage, and foreign animal disease prevention. “Trade remains crucial to the continued success of the U.S. pork …
USDA Grant Program Needed for Local Meat Processors
The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) recently submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging them to open applications for a grant program to help local meat processors. The legislation, authorized by Congress in December, set funding aside to improve capacity at local meat lockers, but CFRA says the agency has been slow to respond. In a letter to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, …