A new analysis of independent data for November shows that reported new COVID-19 infection rates among meat and poultry workers were more than eight times lower than the general population. Data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network says the meat and poultry sector reported an average of 5.57 new cases per 10,000 workers daily in November. Infection rates among …
Meat, Poultry, Farm Workers High Priority for Vaccine
Federal guidance suggests essential workers should be next to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, including meat packers and farm workers. A Centers for Disease Control advisory committee voted in favor of a blueprint for essential workers and people older than 75 as recipients of the vaccine in the next phase. In a news release, North American Meat Institute President and CEO …
NCC Praises Inclusion of Support for Contract Chicken Farmers in COVID Stimulus Package
Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2020) – The COVID-19 stimulus bill agreed upon today contains language that would authorize USDA to provide up to $1 billion in assistance to contract chicken growers for revenue losses sustained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund is earmarked specifically for contract growers of livestock and poultry to cover up to 80% of …
240,000 Chickens Die in Florida Fire
At least 240,000 chickens died early on Thursday morning when a fire roared through two barns in Florida owned by one of the nation’s largest distributors of eggs. The New York Times says the fire was reported at 1 a.m. by workers at the Cal-Maine Foods Facility in Dade County, Florida. Both barns destroyed by the fire contained two large …
NCC Congratulates Georgia Congressman David Scott on Being Elected Chairman of House Agriculture Committee
(NCC) — Congressman David Scott (D-GA) was chosen as the next chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress, overwhelmingly elected by the full House Democratic caucus. “On behalf of the chicken industry, I want to congratulate Congressman Scott on being named the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, a historic achievement as the first African American and …
U.S. Poultry Industry Provides 2.1 Million Jobs
Economic Impact Up 15 Percent in Two Years Updated study quantifies the economic impact of the poultry industry in the United States NCC — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, …
Cost of 2020 Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is a bit different this year because of COVID-19. But, did consumers pay more or less this year for the items that make up the traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner? Rod Bain has a story that answers that question. American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton shares the cost of some of this year’s Thanksgiving Day dinner items, per the 2020 …
Farmers Earn 12 Cents of Thanksgiving Food Dollar
(NAFB) — For every dollar Americans spend on Thanksgiving dinner this year, farmers and ranchers will earn about 11.9 cents. The National Farmers Union says that marks a slight drop from 2019 when farmers claimed 12.5 cents of the Thanksgiving food dollar. Though farmers’ smaller share of food expenditures could be blamed on dropping commodity prices in previous years, it’s …
An Uncertain Season for Producers, Retailers and Buyers of Turkeys
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought a bit of uncertainty for not only turkey producers, but also retailers and shoppers. Gary Crawford has the story. USDA livestock analyst Shayle Shagam explains why supermarkets had to pay more for turkeys this year, but did not charge more to their shoppers. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Encourages Research into Producers QuestionsJune 5, 2026Cattle …
Chicken: The No. 1 COVID-19 Protein
As Americans cooked more food in their homes than they had before over the past year, chicken became the top choice for a healthy and convenient protein that the entire family can enjoy. Approximately 75% of Americans who eat chicken say they make it at home at least once a week. During the past nine months of COVID-19, retail chicken …