World Pork Expo last week brought a highlight of pork industry priorities. The National Pork producers Council (NPPC) used the event to focus on the organization’s priorities in 2021. Those include the federal district court ruling striking down faster harvest facility line speeds. They are also challenging California’s Proposition 12, which is set to go into effect next year. It …
USDA to Begin Work to Strengthen Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they will begin working on three proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, the 100-year old law that was originally designed to protect poultry and hog farmers and cattle ranchers from unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive practices in the meat markets. USDA’s pending action was noted in the …
Strong Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports
Following that record-breaking March performance, exports of both U.S. beef and pork continued to build momentum in April, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). “Looking back at April 2020, it was a difficult month for red meat exports as we began to see COVID-related supply chain interruptions and foodservice demand took a …
Vilsack on New Initiative Helping Small Meat Processing Facilities
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 …