New data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), shows U.S. beef exports set new volume and value records in May. Exports reached 135,006 metric tons (mt), up 1% from the previous high posted in May 2021. Export value climbed 20% to $1.09 billion, breaking the March 2022 record. USMEF President and CEO, Dan …
April Beef, Lamb Exports Up, Pork Down
The latest red meat export report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show beef exports maintained a remarkable pace in April, topping $1 billion for the third time this year. USMEF Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO, Dan Halstrom, offers insight into what continues to drive global demand for U.S. beef. Beef exports totaled 124,408 metric tons (mt) in …
USDA to Provide $50 Million in Support to U.S. Cotton and Wool Apparel Manufacturers Impacted by the Pandemic
(WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a commitment of $50 million to assist eligible apparel manufacturers of worsted wool suits, sport coats, pants, or Pima cotton dress shirts; Pima cotton spinners; and wool fabric manufacturers and wool spinners. The new Cotton and Wool Apparel (CAWA) program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and the …
ASI Podcast: Recording Data during Lambing
The April edition of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Research Update podcast offers sheep producer’s information on Recording Performance Data during Lambing. This information is provided by Dr. Tom Murphy of the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. Dr. Murphy said, “An animal’s genetic value for all of its traits for the rest of its life …
CoBank: Rising Meat Prices Will Test Consumer Demand
U.S. consumer demand for meat at the retail level remains exceptionally strong despite rising prices caused by increased production costs and supply chain challenges. A new CoBank report says that may change soon. Once the full effect of increased costs of producer price inflation shows up in the retail meat case, demand will get tested. “Retail meat prices will remain …
ASI Seeking Producers to Nominate to ALB
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking nominees for the American Lamb Board (ALB) to succeed four members with terms that expire in February 2023. Nominations are needed to succeed members that include one producer with 100 or less lambs, one producer with more than 500 lambs, one feeder at-large, and one first handler. Any American producer, feeder or first handler …
Support to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $215 million in grants and other support are being made available to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas. As Rod Bain reports, this funding opportunity is one of many actions that USDA is taking to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and …
FSIS Removes Mask Mandate for Meat Processing Facilities
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) this (last) week removed mandatory mask requirements at federally inspected meat processing facilities. As of March 1, 2022, FSIS Notice 34-21 requiring masks was rescinded. FSIS-regulated establishments are no longer subject to suspension or withdrawal of inspection services for failure to require their employees to wear masks when FSIS inspection program personnel are …
Florida Lawmakers Discuss Veterinary Telemedicine
Week five of the Florida Legislative Session saw various issues discussed once again, but there is a bill that has been of interest to some in agriculture across the state. Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs, Sam Ard, explains what the bill is about and where it currently stands. The 60 day Florida Legislative session will run until March 11th. Sponsored ContentNuseed …
New Records for Beef Exports, New High for Pork Export Values
According to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. beef exports in 2021 exceeded previous volume and value records surpassing $10 billion for the first time. That same reports notes while pork exports finished slightly below the record volume reached in 2020, they did set a new value record topping $8 billion …