April proved to be a solid month for U.S. beef and pork exports despite COVID-19 related interruptions in production and trade. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom says, “despite these significant headwinds, global demand for U.S. beef and pork remained strong.” Beef exports were below last April’s large totals but still topped $600 million in value. Pork …
African Swine Fever Impact Even Greater in 2020
Experts are saying that the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that continued last year could have an even bigger impact in 2020. The Guardian says that the highly-contagious virus that is fatal to pigs is still spreading at a rapid rate. While human attention is on the COVID-19 outbreak, the concern is growing around the world that countries are not …
Outlook for U.S. Red Meat Exports Remains Positive
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reports that global demand for U.S. pork and beef has remained very robust in 2020, despite COVID-19 related disruptions in many countries’ restaurant and hospitality sectors. Joe Schuele has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays Major Role In Applied Beef Cattle ResearchOctober 17, 2025FCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term …
U.S. Pork Exports Reach New Heights in March; First Quarter Beef Exports Also on Record Pace
Underpinned by record production, U.S. pork exports completed a tremendous first quarter with new March records for volume and value, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports also trended higher year-over-year in March, establishing a record first quarter pace. “March export results were very solid, …
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
(USDA/AMS) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in …
Peterson Will Draft Emergency Plan for Agriculture
Representative Collin Peterson, the Minnesota Democrat who chairs the House Ag Committee, says he will “personally see to it” that the Ag industry doesn’t suffer from a national emergency like COVID-19 again. “I can tell you as chairman of the Ag committee that this is not going to happen again on my watch,” Peterson said during a press conference in …
U.S. Pork, Beef Industries Find Innovative Ways to Communicate with International Customers
With more people across the globe working from home, spending more time at home and cooking and eating much more frequently at home, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), together with the U.S. beef and pork industries, have been working to find innovative ways to communicate with international consumers. Joe Schuele has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Plays …
Another Meatpacking Plant Suspends Operations
Tyson Foods announced it will be suspending operations indefinitely at its plant in Waterloo, Iowa, which is its largest U.S. pork plant. That plant’s closure means approximately 15% of pork processing capacity across the country has gone offline. More than 150 of the country’s largest meat plants are in counties where the rate of COVID-19 infections is already relatively high. …
USDA’s Latest Meat Outlook Shows Lower Prices Across the Board
Covid 19 is affecting many aspects of agriculture, including the prices being paid for some of those products. And that is reflected in USDA’s latest outlook for the meat sector, which according to a story from Stephanie Ho, shows lower prices across the board. World Ag Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski says USDA is forecasting a reduction in the global …
Extension Economist Offers Reassurances about Meat Supplies
(ACES) — Smithfield Foods has closed a major pork processing facility in South Dakota causing concern about meat supplies and possible shortages among consumers, industry professionals and political pundits. An economist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said consumers should think about the industry as a whole and the long-term logistics of moving not only meat supplies but also all …