The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it is suspending $817 million in trade preferences for Thailand under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program because the country hasn’t made sufficient progress providing the United States with “equitable and reasonable market access” for pork products. The decision follows a 2018 petition by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) asking the USTR …
Bacon Farmers Seek Immediate Covid-Relief Action
(NPPC) — President Trump expressed disappointment regarding the ongoing stalemate in the development of new COVID-relief legislation, saying his lead negotiator “hasn’t come home with the bacon.” Without immediate relief for hog farmers in crisis, the treasury secretary may not be the only one not bringing home the bacon, according to the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). “We’ve lost hog …
USDA Announces Deadline to Submit Wildfire, Hurricane Disaster Assistance Applications
Final Opportunity for 2018 and 2019 Disaster Recovery Assistance (USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, as the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses. USDA did not originally specify a deadline when the program was announced. “The physical and financial loss experienced …
Nobel Prize Serves Notice: The U.S. is Falling Behind in Race to Adopt Key Technology for Farming
(NPPC) — For more than two years, by claiming regulatory jurisdiction over gene edited livestock, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stalled the development of an emerging technology with tremendous promise for livestock agriculture, including improved animal care, production efficiency and environmental impact. The scientists who invented one of the most promising forms of this technology – the …
U.S. Red Meat Thrives in Convenience Stores as Sector Adjusts to COVID-19
In the past several years, the convenience store sector has emerged as an important outlet for U.S. pork and beef in international markets. Despite COVID-19, U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF’s) Joe Schuele reports this year is no exception. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term …
CME Group to Launch Pork Cutout Futures and Options
CME Group announced plans on Tuesday to launch Pork Cutout futures and options. The new contracts are designed to give the U.S. pork industry and export markets tailored risk-management tools on the cutout. Tim Andriesen, CME Group managing director of agricultural products, says, “As the market has evolved, our customers continue to look for new tools to manage the price …
Special Considerations When Raising Yorkshire Pigs
Some special considerations to be aware of when raising Yorkshire pigs. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. One thing about Yorkshire pigs, they look white or practically translucent which can be somewhat problematic in the heat of summer. Make sure to give them plenty of room to wallow in the mud. Mud is like sunscreen and will help …
USDA Announces Second Round of Funding for Feral Swine Program
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced this week it is accepting applications from non-federal, not-for-profit partners for projects to help agricultural producers and private landowners trap and control feral swine. This is all part of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program (FSCP), where NRCS is making $12 million available. Applications for this second round of funding will …
Are Yorkshire Pigs Right for Your Farm?
What to know about Yorkshire pigs and if they are right for your farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Yorkshire is a common breed of the domestic pig. It’s the American version of the Large White and is actually the most recorded pig breed in the country. The modern Yorkshire is large, whitish-pink in color, and with …
July Beef and Pork Exports Rebound, But Still Below Last Year
The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows July exports of U.S. beef rebounded from recent lows but remained below 2019 levels. Here is U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Economist, Erin Borror. U.S. pork exports, which are on a record pace in 2020, were also down year-over-year in July but increased compared to June. Borro says it …