Packer Capacity an Ongoing Concern

Packer capacity has been an ongoing concern with the large hog supplies. Steve Meyer of EMI Analytics says this has been a historic time. Historic A small plant opened in the fall of 2016 in Missouri and another facility opened in Minnesota this past April. Facilities Another addition to U.S. packer capacity is expected to be online in the fourth …

United States Hogs and Pigs Inventory Up 2 Percent

As of December 1, there were 73.2 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up 2 percent from December 2016, but down slightly from September 1, 2017, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Other key findings in the report were: Of the 73.2 million hogs …

Beef, Pork, and Turkey Production

While the forecast for beef production continues to climb, steer prices are going the other way. Gary Crawford has a report that looks at the latest USDA forecasts for the beef, hog, and turkey sectors. Beef, Pork, and Turkey Production Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Resources To Researchers For Applied ResearchJune 12, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into …

NPPC Applauds Withdrawal Of Organic Rule

Listening to the farmers it would have affected, Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue announced that his agency will withdraw a proposed organic rule for livestock and poultry, a move hailed by the National Pork Producers Council. The Obama-era regulation – the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule – would have incorporated into the National Organic Program welfare standards that were not …

FDA Report on Antibiotics Released

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its 2016 summary report on antimicrobial use in food producing animals. National Pork Board vice president of science and technology Dave Pyburn says this research confirms reduced use of antibiotics at the farm level. Antibiotics This is a milestone in antibiotic stewardship. Pyburn credits the success back to pig farmers and their …

Pilot Program Gives Canada Beef and Pork Exports Expanded Access to China

A pilot program is allowing exporters of Canadian beef and pork expanded access to China. The bilateral pilot project announced Monday will expand access to China for Canadian chilled beef and pork, and commit China and Canada to “fully implementing” an agreement reached last year to expand market access for Canadian frozen bone-in beef, according to AgCanada. Canadian beef exports …

Pork Checkoff Invests in Consumer Research

Each year, the Pork Checkoff invests in consumer research. National Pork Board CEO Bill Even says the latest study offered unique insight into what happens at the meat case. Consumers Secondly, consumers have been confused with the names used for pork cuts. Cuts There is a rule of thumb for any business—ignore the customer at your own peril. Customers For …

Latest Pork Export Figures Released

The latest export numbers are out. October U.S. pork exports are up over one year ago. U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President of Communications Joe Schuele says sales rebounded in the sales to Mexico. Mexico Mexico is a significant market for U.S. ham. Ham U.S. pork currently has duty-free access to the Mexican market. The Pork Checkoff partners with the …