by USDA Agricultural Research Service What a pig sees when it looks into a mirror may help Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists improve livestock housing. Studying livestock behavior, stress and other well-being and production factors is the job of animal scientist Jeremy Marchant-Forde and his colleagues at the ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit in West Lafayette, Indiana. Improving an animal’s environment …
Pork Checkoff Builds Momentum for Secure Pork Supply Plan
Plan will minimize business disruption from foreign animal diseases The National Pork Board, with major support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is creating a Secure Pork Supply Plan to help America’s pig farmers respond quickly and successfully to a major threat, such as a foreign animal disease (FAD). The plan will enhance communication and coordination of all pork chain …
U.S. Meat Export Potential to Ecuador
Earlier this week, the U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador discussed market conditions in that country and ideas for expanding U.S. beef and pork exports to that market. Joe Schuele has the story. Read more about a “Surf and Turf” reception recently conducted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation at Ambassador Chapman’s Quito residence. At the event, U.S. beef and …
World Pork Expo Underway in Des Moines, Iowa
The 2017 World Pork Expo is getting underway today (Wednesday) In Des Moines, Iowa. The annual event includes the Pork Checkoff and the National Pork Producers Council and features thousands of U.S. and global pork producers, industry professionals and industry experts at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event offers learning sessions and seminars, a trade show, and a hospitality tent …
Beef and Pork Exports Moderate in April, Remain Above Year-ago Levels
U.S. red meat exports last month slowed moderately from the pace established in March, but were still significantly higher year-over-year, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports reached 99,000 metric tons in April, up 13 percent from a year ago, valued at $550.4 million. For January through April, beef exports were up 14 percent in volume and 18 …
Four New PEDV Cases Confirmed in Manitoba
Agriculture officials in Canada announced four new cases of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, or PEDV, bringing the total number of cases to nine confirmed cases since the beginning of May. National Hog Farmer magazine reports Manitoba Pork, the Provinces Pork Association, will hold a telephone town hall for producers Friday to discuss biosecurity protocols aimed at preventing the spread of …
Ractopamine Found in Pork Shipment from Canada to China
A shipment of pigs’ feet to China from Canada was flagged for containing ractopamine. Ractopamine is a banned growth drug by China and may impact future exports by Canada. China views the tainted shipment as a “systemic failure” of Canada’s program that certifies pork sent to China is free of ractopamine, and the situation “could affect future pork exports,” as …
Halstrom Announced as Next USMEF President
The U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced that Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice president for marketing, will become the new President and CEO later this year. Joe Schuele has the details. From: U.S. Meat Export Federation Halstrom joined USMEF as senior vice president for marketing in 2010, overseeing promotional activities for U.S. red meat managed through …
Use Food Thermometers to be Food Safe this Summer
Summer is a time for family vacations, backyard barbecues and plenty of outdoor activities with food as the centerpiece. But before those steaks and burgers go on the grill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) wants to remind consumers to keep their family and themselves safe from foodborne illness by using a food thermometer …
NPPC White Paper Details Benefits Of NAFTA
Following last week’s notification by the Trump administration that it will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the National Pork Producers Council released a white paper on the benefits of the trade deal among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The paper, which focuses primarily on trade with Mexico, makes the case for not abandoning the 23-year-old pact …