Newer, Better, Bacon-ier: Butterball® Brand Introduces Updated Turkey Bacon

Butterball, LLC, the company known for the most recognized and loved* turkey brand in the U.S., today announced its new and improved Butterball Original Turkey Bacon and Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon, bringing consumers a more flavorful, tastier experience at breakfast and beyond.

The refreshed turkey bacon features a smoky flavor more like traditional bacon, balancing savory and sweet in each bite, as well as a new appearance that more closely resembles traditional bacon. The new offerings follow extensive testing and product development by Butterball, LLC, informed...

Outback Steakhouse Revamps Steak Lineup with New Cuts, Preparation Standards

Outback Steakhouse is putting a renewed focus on its core menu category with the launch of “Best Steaks Ever,” a steak-focused initiative that introduces new cuts and updated preparation standards across the brand.

The program includes enhanced cut specifications, hand-trimming techniques, seasoning standards and preparation methods designed to improve tenderness and flavor consistency.

"Outback has always been a place where mates can come as they are and enjoy a great steak," said Pat Hafner, president of Outback Steakhouse. "But with 'Best Steaks Ever,' we challenged ourselves....

ANALYSIS: US Turkey Cold Storage Slips in August as Whole Bird Supplies Stay Historically

Total cold storage of US turkey meat was down 2.2% year-over-year (YOY) in August at 394.0 million pounds. This was a 3.1% month-over-month (MOM) decline from July, when the 5-year average MOM change is an increase of 0.2%. Much of this change can be attributed to whole birds. Whole bird stocks during this time of year typically make up between 55% and 60% of the total frozen inventories, so any changes in those inventories tend to significantly...

How JBS USA Is Growing Its Prepared Foods Business: A Q&A with Sergio Nahuz

At JBS, prepared foods is one of the most important growth priorities. Through continued investment in products, brands and capabilities, we see this business as a significant driver for the future. Sergio Nahuz, President of Prepared Foods at JBS USA and Pilgrim’s, provides his insight about where the prepared foods business is headed – and why he believes the biggest chapter is still ahead.

Article Snapshot:

• Prepared foods is a key growth priority for JBS USA, with investments in brands, innovation and...

GSF Earns Wendy’s 2026 Good Done Right Award

Golden State Foods received the 2026 Good Done Right Award from its customer, Wendy’s, and the Quality Supply Chain Co-op (QSCC), earning recognition as Wendy’s Supplier of the Year during the 2026 Wendy’s Convention & Supplier Show in Las Vegas. The award honors one supplier partner each year for advancing Wendy’s corporate responsibility pillars of Food, People and Footprint.

The recognition reflects a strong partnership that reaches across every area of the business. Teams from operations, R&D, culinary, supply chain, project management and commercialization, quality assurance...

Subway Rolls Out New EMEA Restaurant Format to Support Expansion

Subway is rolling out a new restaurant concept across Europe, the Middle East and Africa as it looks to modernize the guest experience and nearly double its footprint in the region over the next five years. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, all new Subway restaurants and remodels across EMEA will follow the company’s new Blueprint format, which updates restaurant design, ordering technology, menu offerings and branding.

The first Blueprint locations opened this summer in the Netherlands and the UK. Subway said elements of the format will be adapted based on market and site demand.

Eggs Up Grill Extends Franchise Growth Streak With 11 New Commitments

Eggs Up Grill, the fastest-growing and largest daytime restaurant franchise in the country, continued to attract experienced multi-unit franchise operators in the third quarter of 2026, signing 11 new restaurant commitments across four franchise groups while extending its positive same-restaurant sales growth streak to 23 consecutive quarters.

The quarter reflects an important evolution in Eggs Up Grill's franchise growth strategy as the brand increasingly attracts multi-unit, multi-brand operators looking to diversify their portfolios. Three new franchise groups joined...

2027 Latin American Poultry Summit to Explore Innovation and the Future of Poultry Production

Poultry industry leaders from across Latin America and around the world will gather for the 2027 Latin American Poultry Summit, held in conjunction with the 2027 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta. Under the theme, “Poultry Leads the Way in Animal Protein,” the Summit will explore the technologies, strategies and market opportunities shaping the future of poultry production.

The full-day program will bring together poultry executives, researchers and technical experts to address topics including genetics, bird health, precision...

Fatburger Launches First-Ever Loyalty Program, Fatburger Rewards

Fatburger, the Hollywood-favorite brand known for its made-to-order burgers and owned by OHG Brands, is giving fans even more reasons to make Fatburger their next burger stop. The chain has officially launched its first-ever loyalty program, Fatburger Rewards (fatburger.com/rewards), giving members the chance to earn points with every eligible purchase, while turning their Fatburger cravings into rewards they will love.

With Fatburger Rewards, members earn one point for every $1 spent on eligible purchases and can redeem $5 off for every...

Datassential Sees Familiar Flavors, Global Specialties Shaping 2027 Food and Beverage Innovation

Some of the food and beverage trends expected to shape 2027 are not entirely new. According to Datassential, several familiar menu items that have already reached broad adoption are gaining renewed momentum as operators find new ways to use them.

In highlights from its 2027 Trends Report, the market research firm said items such as banana, anchovy, mango, deli salads and the old fashioned are seeing a comeback, even though they are already well established. The company said these concepts are being refreshed through...

USDA Announces Record Payments of $13.8 Billion for 2025 Crop Year Revenue and Price Safety Net Programs

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the Farm Service Agency’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) will generate approximately $13.8 billion in gross payments to eligible agricultural producers for the 2025 crop year; the largest annual payout by far since these key safety net programs were established in the 2014 Farm Bill.

“President Trump has been the biggest champion for American farmers, and today's announcement delivers nearly...

QSR Report Finds that AI Boosts Drive-thru Efficiency, but Slips on Hospitality

Artificial intelligence is playing a bigger role in quick-service restaurant drive-thrus, but new research suggests operators may be sacrificing parts of the guest experience as automation takes over more of the ordering process.

The 2026 QSR Drive-Thru Report, produced by QSR in partnership with Intouch Insight, found that hospitality-related employee behaviors declined when AI handled the ordering interaction. The findings point to a potential trade-off for restaurant operators looking to improve efficiency...

APHIS Issues Revised New World Screwworm Response Playbook

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has released revised versions of the New World Screwworm Response Playbook and associated supplemental documents. These updates reflect the feedback and priorities discussed during the first Quarterly NWS Playbook Review meeting held on Sept. 9.

Stakeholder input is essential to ensure that the playbook and supplemental materials remain clear, practical and responsive to operational needs across states, industry and federal partners.

Key updates this quarter

August Beef Exports Above Year-Ago, but Pork Trended Lower

Fueled by a near-record performance in Taiwan and a rebound in South Korea, August exports of U.S. beef increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). August pork exports were lower than a year ago, primarily due to a sharp decline in shipments to Mexico compared to the large totals posted in August 2025.

Beef exports reached 86,362 metric tons (mt) in August, up 4% from a year ago, while export value climbed 13% to $785.9 million...

The Grocery Bill Is Telling a Bigger Story About America’s Economy

For millions of households, the challenge isn’t simply that groceries are expensive. It’s that incomes, food prices, and supply shocks are colliding in ways that make the trip to the supermarket increasingly difficult to navigate.

Perhaps the most revealing number in the latest WalletHub analysis of grocery costs may not be the price of a gallon of milk or a pound of ground beef, but the percentage of a household’s income that disappears at the checkout counter.

In Detroit, residents spend an average of 4.03% of median monthly household...

ANALYSIS: Australian Beef Export Growth Cools in Q3 2026 as China, Korea Shipments Retreat

Australia's beef export growth lost momentum through the third quarter of 2026 as safeguard restrictions across two major North Asian markets began to chisel away at the strong gains recorded earlier in the year.

Third-quarter exports totaled 404,454 metric tons (MT), down 4.8% year-on-year (YOY) from 425,016 MT in Q3 2025 and 8.1% from Q2's 440,179 MT, according to data from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The contraction was heavily concentrated in China and Korea. Shipments to China plunged...

Piggly Wiggly Food For Less Launches eGrowcery Platform to Boost Customer Engagement

Piggly Wiggly Food For Less, owned and operated through McDaniel Family Investments in Florida, Alabama and Georgia, is upgrading the eCommerce experience for its shoppers through eGrowcery, developer of the leading retail food industry eCommerce platform for grocers. Piggly Wiggly Food For Less is taking advantage of eGrowcery’s customized search functions, time-saving fulfillment approach, fully integrated loyalty experience and best-in-class client support.

"Our shoppers want a fast and easy way to get their groceries, and that's exactly what this upgrade delivers...

CKE Restaurants Expands Executive Leadership Structure to Support Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Growth

CKE Restaurants is expanding its executive leadership structure under CEO Joe Guith, creating dedicated leadership for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s as the company looks to accelerate growth across both brands.

Alisa Gmelich has been named President of Hardee’s, joining Iwona Alter, President of Carl’s Jr., in leading the two chains. CKE said the move is part of Guith’s effort to establish dedicated brand leadership while sharpening focus on operational performance, franchisee profitability and long-term brand relevance...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Illegally Imported Chicken Vienna Sausages from Jamaica

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for canned chicken Vienna-style sausage products that were illegally imported from Jamaica.

FSIS said the issue was identified during routine surveillance of imported products in commerce. Jamaica is not eligible to export meat or poultry products to the United States, and the agency has launched an investigation into how the items entered the country.

The alert covers 140-g cans of “GRACE READY TO EAT CHICKEN...

FMI Report Shows Prepared Foods are Becoming Part of How Shoppers Build Meals at Home

The Food Industry Association (FMI) has released the 11th edition of its annual report series examining consumer behaviors and shopping patterns around deli-prepared foods in grocery stores.

The latest findings in The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2026 suggest grocery prepared foods are now a regular part of how consumers approach meals at home, with many shoppers blending store-prepared items with home cooking rather than treating foodservice as a separate occasion. The survey was conducted online using Qualtrics...

Cargill Expands Renewable Electricity Portfolio in the Central United States

Cargill is expanding its renewable electricity portfolio in the United States through solar and wind projects in Oklahoma and South Dakota. By focusing on regions where it operates, the company is working to reduce emissions from how food is produced and processed while supporting more resilient and efficient operations.

Cargill has entered into a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for 87 megawatts (MW) of wind power from the Sweetland Wind project in South Dakota. The 12.6-year agreement is expected to generate approximately 392,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity annually, supporting a reduction of approximately 162,000 metric tons (MT) of...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Demand Patterns Reshape Protein Markets

October sparks a shift in the retail space as consumers move beyond grilling toward heartier meals. The seasonal transition creates opportunities for retailers to promote roasts, ground beef, pork shoulder, and other cuts used in soups, chili, and other comfort-food applications. 

With October also serving as National Pork Month, promotional activity is picking up steam. USDA’s latest Weekly Grocery Store Pork Feature Activity report shows the national pork feature rate at 92.3%, up about ten points from the previous week.

Circana reported advertised prices of $2.22/lb. for pork...

FMI Applauds the Administration’s Announcement on Diesel Prices

The Food Industry Association welcomed the White House announcement yesterday evening regarding actions to address diesel prices. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Harris offered the following statement.

“FMI appreciates efforts by the White House to lower diesel prices and address cost pressures in the supply chain. Diesel fuel is the lifeblood of food production and distribution and impacts every step of the process from field to shelf. Any relief from the pressures associated with getting food to store shelves is welcome as our members remain focused on delivering...

OpenTable and Visa Extend Their Agreement in the US, Mexico and Canada

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, and Visa, a world leader in digital payments, today announced a renewed agreement across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The next phase will broaden the Visa Dining Collection in Mexico and Canada and deliver an expanded events program, giving eligible Visa cardholders more ways to discover and book memorable dining experiences across the three countries.

The Visa Dining Collection Grows Across Canada and Mexico

The Visa Dining Collection will continue as part of a new...

McLane Fresh Foodservice Programs Win Two Major Industry Awards

McLane Company Inc., one of the nation’s largest distributors and an industry-leading partner to retail and restaurant brands nationwide, was recently named a winner in two 2026 best new product competitions. CSP and Convenience Store News recognized McLane Fresh foodservice programs Prendisimo with Duo Slice Pizza and HiBird chicken strips.

Prendisimo Duo Slice Pizza, which McLane unveiled at CSP’s Convenience Retailing University in February, won the Foodservice: Pizza category of CSP’s 2026 Retailer’s Choice Best New Products Contest. Designed for convenience retail, Duo...

KFC® Puts a Snackable Spin on its Iconic Bucket with $3.49* Go Buckets

KFC is introducing Go Buckets, a new way to KFC that brings its signature Finger Lickin' Good® chicken to snacking occasions and moments beyond the traditional meal. Designed for on-the-go occasions, Go Buckets pair a choice of KFC chicken with fries or wedges, starting at just $3.49.

The new menu addition comes as snacking plays a bigger role in how Americans eat throughout the day. In fact, 87% of consumers reported snacking outside traditional mealtimes, according...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know

The New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, has re-emerged as a major animal-health threat in the Americas after spreading northward through Central America and Mexico.

Federal and state authorities have expanded surveillance, quarantines, and sterile-fly releases in an effort to prevent the pest from becoming re-established in the country.

Expana is closely tracking the situation—see below for related coverage and an updated factsheet with the latest developments...

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of Poultry Meat and Products from Areas in US and UK Suspended

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 24 190 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 20.2 million poultry eggs from the US, and about 340 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat from the UK in the first six months of this year.

"The CFS has contacted the American and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said...

Farmers Grateful for Diesel Tax Relief 

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tonight applauded the executive order signed by President Trump to ease limits on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel to give farmers a break.

"We thank President Trump for recognizing that what happens at the fuel pump directly affects what happens on the farm and therefore at dinner tables across America. Allowing dyed diesel fuel to be used over-the-road will bring welcome relief for farmers because every cent per gallon matters when you're running a fleet of grain trucks or hauling cattle hundreds...

Secretary Rollins Release Statement on President Trump Dyed-Diesel EO Signing

Today [October 5, 2026], U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a statement on President Trump’s new executive order to provide relief for our farmers and ranchers by lifting taxes on dyed-diesel. Today’s action expected to represent approximately $640 million in combined federal and state savings across about 224.6 million harvested acres.

“President Trump is the most pro ranching and farming president in our lifetime. Energy dominance is at the core of putting farmers and ranchers first. This administration has unleashed American energy dominance, and we are now the largest energy producer...

Global Fast Food Market Seen Reaching $2.57 Trillion by 2031, Report Says

The global fast food market is projected to reach $2.57 trillion by 2031, up from $1.78 trillion in 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence. Its latest research report points to convenience, digital ordering and changing consumer preferences as key growth drivers.

The study shows that technology is playing a bigger role in restaurant operations. Mordor Intelligence cited Domino's March update to its Tracker, which added an AI-powered system designed to provide more accurate ready-time estimates and better order visibility. Domino’s said the...

Albertsons Names Cody Perdue Interim CFO

Albertsons Companies has appointed Cody Perdue as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Oct. 5, as the company searches for a permanent successor.

Perdue, who currently serves as Senior Vice President (VP) of Treasury, Investor Relations and Risk Management, will continue overseeing those functions while serving as interim CFO.

He succeeds Sharon McCollam, who previously announced plans to retire. McCollam will remain with Albertsons in an advisory capacity through the end of the company’s fiscal year on Feb. 27, 2027, to support the transition...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Completes Refinancing to Strengthen Financial Foundation

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a casual dining restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced it completed the refinancing of its secured credit facility (the "Credit Facility") on October 2, 2026. The new facility replaces the Company's prior credit agreement and follows the substantial completion of its refranchising transactions, the first step in strengthening the balance sheet under the First Choice Plan.

As announced on September 1, 2026, Red Robin completed...

Freddy's Announces First Southeast Asia Development Agreement with Five-Unit Deal in the Philippines

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the fast-casual restaurant concept, has signed a five-unit development agreement to bring the brand to the Philippines, marking Freddy's first development agreement in Southeast Asia.

OMG Holdings OPC will lead the expansion, establishing a new foothold for Freddy's as the brand expands its international presence. Through the five-unit agreement, the group will introduce Freddy's signature menu and hospitality-driven experience to consumers in the Philippines, with the first restaurant anticipated to...

ANALYSIS: Mexico Cattle Trade Continues to Rebuild as Border Flows Expand

US cattle imports from Mexico continued to increase through September as the phased reopening allowed additional cattle to move through the border. Weekly volume reached 6,984 head for the week of September 25, nearly 80% above the 3,922 head reported in the first full week of the month...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Energy markets, supply constraints and shifting trade dynamics are creating new pressures across food and agriculture. This week’s Top Ten brings together key developments affecting global commodities, supply chains and the broader market outlook, along with insights from Expana’s analysts and contributors.

Global Markets & Supply Chains

10. A Chatham House/FSC study warns that higher oil prices are accelerating biofuel mandates and tightening global food supplies, with Expana analysts highlighting record corn use for ethanol and biofuels as a major driver of oilseed acreage growth. While electrification, advanced biofuels and deforestation...

Meat Institute Supports Nomination of Greg Ibach to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Affairs

The Meat Institute today issued the following statement in support of the nomination of Greg Ibach to be the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the US Department of Agriculture:

“Greg Ibach is a committed public servant with deep knowledge of agricultural markets, and he understands that access to new markets is especially critical to beef and pork producers and processors,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Ibach’s appointment will advance the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to break down tariff and non-tariff barriers in global markets to enable the...

TAHC Establishes New World Screwworm Requirements for Animals Moving from Affected States

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director issued entry requirements for all livestock, exotic livestock, fowl, and exotic fowl from New World screwworm (NWS) affected states outside of Texas. These additional movement requirements are placed to prevent potential introduction or spread of NWS to new areas of the state. The executive director order applies to a state where NWS has been detected and a NWS infested zone, quarantine area, or control area remains active.

In addition to all existing and applicable Texas entry...

ANALYSIS: August Pork Cold Storage Stocks Buck Seasonal Trend

US pork in cold storage volumes remains among the lowest in the last 10-years, as the recently released report showed frozen stocks totaling 436.3 million lbs. at the end of August, down 0.8% from July, but 12% above August 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The modest monthly decline masked some differences among individual pork items. Ham inventories increased 3.2% from July and 26.4% year over year (YOY), while loins climbed 12.7% month over month (MOM) and...

ANALYSIS: Weak Demand Pressures Tallow and Grease Markets

The tallow and grease markets continued to exhibit weaker tones through late September, with pressure developing as spot availability increased and demand from both the oleochemical and renewable fuel sectors remained subdued...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending October 2, 2026

Iran is preparing a stronger response if the United States resumes large-scale attacks, including potentially expanding targets beyond US-linked assets and involving allied groups in the region.

Tehran continues diplomatic efforts, though Iranian officials say an agreement with Washington appears unlikely. The prolonged war and economic pressure are raising concerns about Iran’s economy and possible domestic unrest.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s closely contested election between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro is drawing attention over fiscal policy and market impacts, alongside upcoming elections in other countries, including the US.

Below is Expana’s...

ANALYSIS: French Poultry Industry Calls for Tighter Controls on Thai Imports

In September 2026, the French poultry industry association has called on the European Union to suspend poultry imports from Thailand and halt the introduction of new preferential tariff quotas until Thai authorities can demonstrate full compliance with EU sanitary requirements.

The call follows the publication of a European Commission audit on September 10, 2026, which identified significant shortcomings in Thailand’s animal health and food safety control systems. Despite the concerns raised by the audit, the French poultry association said that no formal measures to suspend Thai poultry imports had...

Smashburger Gives Its Signature Smash the New York Deli Treatment with New Pastrami Lineup

Bell is partnering with language-learning platform Duolingo to expand National Taco Day into a global celebration on Oct. 6, introducing a limited-edition sauce, promotional offers and brand activations across multiple international markets.

The collaboration includes the launch of Duo Habanero Sauce, available for a limited time at participating Taco Bell restaurants in the US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain and the UK. The campaign also features language-learning promotions, branded merchandise and in-store activations designed to...

Taco Bell, Duolingo Take National Taco Day Gwith Limited-Time Sauce

Taco Bell is partnering with language-learning platform Duolingo to expand National Taco Day into a global celebration on Oct. 6, introducing a limited-edition sauce, promotional offers and brand activations across multiple international markets.

The collaboration includes the launch of Duo Habanero Sauce, available for a limited time at participating Taco Bell restaurants in the US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain and the UK. The campaign also features language-learning promotions, branded merchandise and in-store activations designed to connect the brands through the word “taco,”...

Marco's Pizza Celebrates National Pizza Month with Chef-Curated Pairings Built for Real Cravings

October is National Pizza Month, and Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, is marking the occasion the way it knows best, by tapping Director of Culinary Innovation Chef Kathleen Kennedy to build five complete, craveable pairings that turn a Marco's order into a full flavor experience - pizza, apps, salads, dip cups, and dessert included.

With more than 40 years of culinary experience in both high-end restaurants and across brands like Kraft, Starbucks, and Walmart...

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Enters Canada with 5-Unit Franchise Agreement

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the Hawai'i-based restaurant concept known for its authentic plate lunches with more than 240 locations across the U.S. and Japan, will make its debut in Canada in 2027 through a five-unit franchise agreement with locally based Edmonton Ice District Ltd.

The agreement will bring L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to the province of Alberta, with its first restaurant planned for Edmonton.

"This milestone expansion reflects our confidence in bringing our aloha spirit and made-to-order comfort food of Hawai'i to new...

US Beef, Pork Cuts Introduced to Upscale Restaurants in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

USMEF’s mobile grill and kitchen provides great flexibility for introducing targeted cuts of U.S. red meat to new regions, new markets and new customers in Mexico. In partnership with importers and distributors, USMEF identifies cuts and variety meat items that have local potential and promotes those items by bringing the mobile kitchen directly to end-user customers, typically in locations that can accommodate large groups such as parking lots or open areas.

One such training and promotional event was held recently in Cancún, where 100 regional customers of Sigma Foodservice learned about alternative cuts of U.S. beef and....

Meat Institute Celebrates 120th Anniversary of Serving the US Meat and Poultry Industry

Milestone marks more than a century of advocacy, food safety leadership and member service

The Meat Institute this month will celebrate its 120th anniversary, marking 12 decades of representing and serving the meat and poultry industry. Several of its members recognized the historic milestone in a celebratory video.

"For 120 years, the Meat Institute has stood alongside the men and women who feed this country and the world,” said Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO. “This anniversary is a celebration of their work...

Farmers Call on President Trump to Provide Diesel Price Relief

As farmers and ranchers face record-high diesel costs, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today [October 1, 2026] called on the president to take several steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the federal highway diesel tax.

“Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year – harvest,” wrote Mr. Duvall in a letter to President Trump. “Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops...

USMEF Statement on Nomination of Greg Ibach for USDA Under Secretary for Trade

President Trump has nominated Greg Ibach to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Ibach is a former director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and was USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs during the first Trump administration.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

USMEF has been honored to work closely with Greg Ibach for many years, when he was a true champion for agricultural trade at both the state and federal levels. He has seen firsthand the returns...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Clears Key EU Audit, Potentially Paving Way for Poultry and Honey Exports

Consignments from Brazil covered by the new requirements and certified from September 3, 2026, were temporarily halted. The suspension relates to EU rules on antimicrobial use in products of animal origin.

An on-site audit by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) found that Brazil’s antimicrobial control systems meet EU requirements for broiler poultry meat and apiculture products. The mission took place from August 24 to September 4, 2026. It assessed Brazil’s competent authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). State veterinary agencies...

ANALYSIS: Four Months Below 47%, Female Slaughter Signals a Shift Toward Herd Rebuilding

The percentage of weekly cattle slaughter accounted for by females (cows & heifers) broke below the 47% mark in late May, dipping to 46.3% the week of May 23 after opening the period near 49%. Since briefly testing 47% again in mid-June, female slaughter has stayed under that threshold for essentially the entire summer, drifting through the mid-to-high 44% range with a low of 43.6% the week of August 29. The pattern has held for roughly four consecutive... 

ANALYSIS: US Harvest Pace Slows, Winter Wheat Seeding Lags as Storm Remnants Soak the Plains

US farmers hit a speed bump last week after weeks of running ahead of schedule, as the USDA's latest Crop Progress report showed corn and soybean harvest advancing more slowly than the prior pace amid widespread Midwest rainfall. Corn harvest reached 18% complete nationally as of September 27, matching the five-year average, while soybean harvest stood at 17%, also in line with historical norms. Crop conditions told a more cautious story: 57% of corn was rated good to excellent, unchanged from the previous...

ANALYSIS: A Widening Price Gap Between GB and Irish Cattle Prices

Difficult grazing conditions due to heatwave and low rainfall have been adding to the longer-term contraction in Irish cattle supplies. This is reflected in slaughter volumes. In 2026 to date, up to the week ending August 24, prime cattle slaughter in Ireland totalled 802,000 head according to some industry reports. This was 4% below the same period last year and well below the five-year average. Despite low cattle supplies Irish cattle prices have been trending downwards since the start of 2026.

Since December 2025, Irish and GB cattle prices have increasingly diverged. Irish prices have fallen faster than those...

President Trump Eliminates Disease-Carrying Pests and Restores Enjoyment of The Great Outdoors

ELIMINATING INVASIVE TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to eliminate invasive ticks and mosquitoes in the Federal jurisdiction of Washington, D.C. through safe and effective, non-chemical, and technology-enabled methods, and invest in pioneering approaches to eliminate these pests throughout the country.

* The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Administrator of General Services, along with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to develop and implement a campaign across Washington, D.C. to reduce...

NestFresh Reaches Major Humanely Hatched™ Milestone, Sparing 1.2 Million Male Chicks

NestFresh, a leading humane egg producer in the U.S., today announced a major milestone in its Humanely Hatched™ program: 1.2 million chicks have now been successfully hatched using in-ovo sexing technology, helping spare 1.2 million male chicks from being euthanized after birth. The company expects that number to reach 1.5 million by the end of 2026.

The milestone marks a significant step forward in NestFresh's effort to bring in-ovo sexing to commercial scale in the U.S. egg industry. While more egg companies are beginning to announce commitments to in-ovo technology, NestFresh has been actively...

California Cold Chain Laws Set to Add Costs for Industry

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed two bills into law that the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) says will add financial and regulatory burdens to the state’s food and pharmaceutical cold storage industry. Assembly Bill 817 (AB 817) and Senate Bill 716 (SB 716), signed Sept. 30, take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The measures were introduced following a June 17 industrial fire in Los Angeles that affected the Boyle Heights community and surrounding areas.

GCCA opposed both bills, saying they fall short of strengthening emergency preparedness...

USMEF Partners with Importer to Launch US Pork Boston Butt in Chile

Throughout Latin America, USMEF is enhancing market development efforts for the U.S. pork Boston butt. In Colombia, USMEF markets the Boston butt as an “opportunity cut” to the trade. In Mexico, Boston butt is the “U.S. pork cut of the year.”

The Boston butt’s versatility and flavor are suited to a great variety of menu applications and presents new opportunities to get U.S. pork on menus in the region. A recent target market for the Boston butt is Chile, where USMEF promoted it at a product launch event in Santiago. USMEF partnered with Chilean importer Almakila to introduce the Boston butt to its end-user customers...

Meat Institute Issues Statement on Pork and Beef Trade Opportunities with China

Following the announcement that beef and pork were included in the list of goods qualifying for better trade treatment as a result of ongoing negotiations with China, the Meat Institute released the following statement:

“The Meat Institute is appreciative of Ambassador Greer’s ongoing efforts to secure greater access to Chinese markets for US pork and beef,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “It was great to see the inclusion of beef and pork on the list of non-sensitive goods, which will set the foundation...