USCA Urges Strong, Comprehensive Tariffs on Brazilian Beef at USTR Section 301 Hearing

United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) appeared today [July 6, 2026] before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to testify in support of strong, comprehensive trade action against Brazilian beef under Section 301, following USTR’s determination that Brazil’s acts, policies, and practices are unreasonable and burden U.S. commerce.

Testifying on behalf of USCA, Director of Policy & Public Affairs Jenna Stanton called for additional tariffs on all Brazilian bovine products—including carcasses, cuts, trim, and edible offal—citing systemic illegal deforestation, coerced labor, and corruption in Brazil's...

Freddy's Targets 60 Openings in 2026 as Prototype Expansion Supports Franchise Growth

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is on track to open approximately 60 restaurants in 2026 as the brand approaches the 600-unit milestone.

The company said continued franchisee reinvestment, combined with expanded development options through new endcap and in-line prototypes, is supporting growth across domestic and international markets.

Existing franchisees remain a key driver of expansion, with roughly one-third adding additional territories. Freddy's said the new restaurant formats provide greater real estate flexibility, enabling development in a wider range...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know So Far

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...

ANALYSIS: Brazil's Beef Exports Reach 279,678 MT in June, Lifting YTD Volume Up 16.2% to 1.49M MT

The latest data from Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services revealed that Brazilian beef exports reached 279,678 metric tons (MT) in June 2026, representing a 16.0% increase year-over-year (YOY) and a 6.8% rise month-over-month (MOM). The result marks the highest monthly volume of 2026 so far and sustain the strong upward trajectory observed throughout the year. The year-to-date (YTD) total through June 2026 stands at 1,494,851 MT, up 16.2% compared with the same period in...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s June 2026 Beef Exports Pull Back From Record Highs as China Safeguard Kicks In

Australia's outbound beef shipments retreated from record highs in June 2026, with total export volumes easing to 146,798 metric tons (MT), according to the latest trade data from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The result follows May's all-time record of 152,438 MT, falling short of that peak by 5,640 MT as volumes slipped 3.7% month-over-month (MOM).

Despite the pullback, the underlying trend remained firmly positive, underpinned by strong domestic production sustaining the supply pipeline that pushed exports to...

International Dairy Queen Hires Phil Crawford as Chief Technology Officer

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) today announced Phil Crawford joined the company as executive vice president and chief technology officer, reporting to the president and CEO. He leads IT and retail technology for the company and its more than 7,800 DQ^® restaurants worldwide.

“Technology plays an increasingly critical role in empowering our business for our employees, franchisees and fans,” said Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen. “Phil’s proven success as a restaurant business and technology leader positions us for continued growth as we...

Beyond Meat® to Introduce Beyond Steak® Filet at Meijer This Month

Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND), otherwise known as Beyond The Plant Protein Company™, today announced that Beyond Steak Filet will begin rolling out to Meijer stores this month, expanding its retail presence following recent launches at Wegmans and H-E-B.

Since debuting on the brand's direct-to-consumer site in October 2025, Beyond Steak Filet has quickly become the site's #1 selling product¹, earning enthusiastic consumer reviews for its delicious taste, great texture, and strong nutritional profile. Made with mycelium and heart-healthy² avocado oil...

Survey Finds Summer BBQ Costs Are Changing The Way Americans Host This Season

As summer gatherings get underway, a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of affordable grocery app Flashfood found that rising food prices are forcing Americans to rethink how they host backyard BBQs, cookouts, and summer gatherings.

According to the survey, more than half of Americans (53%) are concerned about the cost of hosting summer events this year because of food prices. Meanwhile, an overwhelming majority (85%) expect hosting a BBQ or cookout to be more expensive this summer compared to last year.

The findings...

Zoetis Receives European Commission Marketing Authorization for Poulvac® Procerta® HVT-ND

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for Poulvac® Procerta® HVT-ND, a recombinant vector vaccine for the protection of chickens against Newcastle disease (ND) and Marek’s disease viruses. The vaccine can be administered either in ovo or by subcutaneous injection at hatch, providing protection against both diseases with a single dose.

Newcastle disease is a notifiable disease under EU animal health regulations and a significant cause of mortality and production losses in commercial poultry, as evidenced...

Walmart and Sam's Club Lower Prices to Help Customers Make the Most out of Summer

This summer, Walmart and Sam's Club are helping customers and members save more with thousands of lower prices through Walmart's signature Rollbacks and Sam's Club offers across stores and clubs nationwide. From backyard barbecues and family vacations to pool days and neighborhood gatherings, the savings are designed to help customers and members make the most of the season while spending less on the products they need, want and love most.

Customers can expect savings across grocery, household essentials, outdoor living, toys and apparel, with lower prices on the everyday essentials and seasonal favorites families rely on most...

PAHO - Joint Declaration Reinforces Commitment to the One Health Approach in the Americas

Every July 6, the international community marks World Zoonoses Day to raise awareness about the risk of disease transmission between animals and humans and to promote measures to prevent zoonotic diseases.

Approximately 60% of known human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin, while nearly 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from domestic or wild animals.

In addition, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is estimated to cause 1.27 million direct deaths each year worldwide and is associated with nearly 5 million deaths annually. Foodborne diseases are...

ANALYSIS: US Elevated Beef Prices Shift Momentum as 2026 Choice Cutout Falls Below 2025

The 2026 Expana Choice cutout fell below its prior-year counterpart for the first time on June 24, ending a premium that had been in place since the start of the year. Elevated wholesale beef prices and a cautious buying environment has limited purchasing interest in 2026 and has many buyers purchasing in a less aggressive manner than what they typically would have the same time in 2025 despite what is typically the peak of the summer grilling...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Pork Inventories Remain Near Decade Lows

USDA's May 2026 Cold Storage report continues to reinforce the narrative of historically tight frozen pork inventories despite the typical seasonal tendency for supplies to build during the spring. Historically, total frozen pork stocks accumulate from late winter through April, the seasonal peak, and generally remain elevated through May and June before drawing down into year-end. Instead, total frozen pork inventories stand at 451.9 million lbs in May 2026, up just 0.3% from April and 0.3% above May 2025, yet approximately...

Burger King Adds Two New Original Chicken Sandwich Variants to US Menu

Burger King is expanding its Original Chicken Sandwich lineup with two limited-time offerings, the Loaded Jalapeño Original Chicken Sandwich and the Club Original Chicken Sandwich, starting July 7 at participating US restaurants.

The move builds on one of the chain’s longest-running menu items. First introduced in 1979, the Original Chicken Sandwich has remained a core product for Burger King, known for its elongated shape, lightly breaded white meat chicken, shredded lettuce and mayonnaise on a toasted...

Mars Petcare Recalls Two Lots of Pedigree Wet Dog Food after Diverted Product Enters Market

Mars Petcare US is voluntarily recalling two lots of PEDIGREE Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2oz for dogs after discovering product intended for destruction was apparently fraudulently diverted and sold in the US market, according to a recall notice reposted on the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA's) website.

The affected lots, 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC, may contain metal and plastic foreign material, creating a potential hazard for dogs including choking, lacerations or gastrointestinal blockages, the company said.

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for A Ready-To-Eat Beef Jerky Product Due to Misbranding 

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a beef jerky product due to misbranding and undeclared allergen. The product contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

The ready-to-eat beef jerky item was produced on various dates between August 7, 2025, and July 1, 2026. The following...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Last week's top headlines produced by in-house journalists highlighted the policy shifts, supply chain disruptions and demand signals shaping global commodity and food markets. From the US decision not to renew the USMCA and the collapse of a major low-carbon ammonia project in Louisiana, to Ecuador’s rapid rise in cocoa production and a significant cold storage fire in Los Angeles, the latest developments point to continued volatility across trade, agriculture, energy and food supply chains. We also track key weekly themes in retail and foodservice, where summer pricing...

PODCAST - Episode 42: Crops Under Fire, Ft. Murphy Campbell and Andrew Kanyemba

Simon Duke opens with a brief news round-up: USMCA non-renewal in favour of bilateral US trade deals with Canada and Mexico, EU Deforestation Regulation expansion to include coffee and palm oil derivatives, and Fourth of July grilling demand dynamics. The episode's focus, however, is on current grain and oilseed market dynamics.

Murphy Campbell (Grains and Oilseeds Reporter, Expana) covers the USDA's June Acreage Report — wheat planted acres at a 149-year low, corn surprising to the upside despite Iran-driven fertilizer cost spikes

Kroger Names Emilee De Martino Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced Emilee De Martino will serve as its next Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. De Martino succeeds Tim Massa, who announced he will be retiring September 18. De Martino plans to begin her time at Kroger by engaging with associates in stores, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities and offices across the country.

De Martino joins Kroger from McDonald's Corporation, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for International Operated Markets. In that role, she led...

USDA Announces Partnership with SBA to Shield Producers, Ranchers, and Businesses from Regulation

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to combat weaponized regulatory and enforcement actions against America’s producers, ranchers, and small businesses. This partnership advances Pillar 4 of the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework by building a government-wide shield against lawfare.

Secretary Rollins was joined by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich, Director of the Bureau of Land Management Stevan Pearce, Representative Harriet Hageman, Representative Eli Crane, and affected producers and ranchers, along with representatives from leading...

ANALYSIS: Broiler Expansion Holds Firm Through Mid-June as Production Gains Remain Intact

Broiler egg sets and chick placements continue to track at elevated levels, sustaining the industry's ongoing push to expand overall production. On a year-to-date (YTD) basis through the week ending June 15th, 2026, egg sets are up 2.0% year over year (YoY), while cumulative chick placements remain up 2.4% YoY,  largely consistent with the metrics reported earlier in the season. While the egg set YTD gain has edged marginally lower from the 2.2% reading through mid-May, chick placements have shown no...

ANALYSIS: US Veal Carcass Prices Reach New All-Time Highs

The US veal industry remains under significant structural supply pressure. According to the USDA, the available calf supply continues to shrink as the US dairy herd has contracted in recent years, while data from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) show beef-on-dairy breeding has become increasingly common. Today, roughly 30% of dairy breeders utilize beef genetics, reducing the number of Holstein bull calves available for veal production. At the same time, several processors have exited the veal sector over the past few years in favor of beef...

ANALYSIS: Cuts Gain Ground in US Beef Import Flow

Summer Strategies Take Shape Across Foodservice

As the foodservice industry braces for the annual summer slowdown, operators are turning to menu innovation, value offers, and seasonal promotions to drive traffic and stay aligned with shifting consumer demand. In this roundup, we highlight the latest restaurant moves to capture summer spending, along with key financial updates, expansion plans, and executive changes across the sector.

Explore more from Expana’s biweekly foodservice roundups here. 

Summer Promotions Take Center Stage

Denny’s is introducing a new summer menu, The Clock’s Off Menu, at US restaurants on June 24...

US Declines to Extend USMCA, Putting $149 Billion in Agri-Food Trade on an Uncertain Path

The United States will not renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, amid Wednesday's July 1 joint review deadline. Fox Business subsequently reported that President Trump will instead pursue separate bilateral trade deals with Canada and Mexico lasting up to 10 years. Both Canada and Mexico had pressed for a full 16-year extension. They did not get it.

The outcome was widely expected. Trump has floated withdrawing from the deal entirely, and US officials gave no...

Expana Publication Schedule for the Fourth of July Holiday Period

Expana will be observing the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 3, across its Americas offices, which will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices and news.

The European and APAC offices’ publication schedules will be unaffected by this holiday.

The Fourth of July holiday period will affect the following...

Ciscomani Announces $3.74 Million USDA Grant to Strengthen Arizona’s Preparedness Against NWS

Arizona’s ranchers, veterinarians, and rural communities are on the front lines of protecting our livestock industry, and they deserve every tool, every resource, and every advantage we can provide’

Tucson, AZ - Congressman Juan Ciscomani today [July 1, 2026] announced that the University of Arizona has been awarded a $3.74 million Grand Challenge Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen Arizona’s preparedness for New World screwworm, a parasitic pest that poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, companion animals...

Meat Institute Supports Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act

The Meat Institute today [June 30, 2026] supported House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) bill, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, to help address a persistent shortage of workers in US agriculture.

“Chairman Thompson has worked hard to address a chronic shortage of ag labor, one of the top concerns facing the meat and poultry industry,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We thank him for his leadership and his important recognition that the meat and poultry processing sector must have access to labor for the benefit of the entire value chain from...

NPPC Statement on USMCA Joint Review

The National Pork Producers Council, which represents the interests of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, released the following statement in response to the decision not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement in its current state.

“Amidst the many uncertainties that come with pork production, trade has remained a bright spot for U.S. pork producers, whose neighbors to the north and south represent a third of all U.S. pork exports.

“Ensuring USMCA remains intact is vital to continuing the mutually beneficial trading relationships U.S. pork enjoys with both Canada and Mexico...

McDonald’s Appoints Bryan Brown as US Chief Development Officer  

NRF Releases 2026 Top 100 Retailers

The National Retail Federation today released its annual list of the Top 100 Retailers, compiled by Kantar. The 2026 Top 100 Retailers ranks the industry’s largest companies according to 2025 U.S. retail sales. As the largest retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.

“Despite significant economic challenges over the past year, this year’s Top 100 Retailers list highlights a resilient group of companies,” NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. “They are adapting to meet changing consumer needs and leaning into new strategies and formats that set them apart...

New Primal Announces Nationwide Target Expansion and Snack Mates Line Refresh

New Primal, a pioneer in clean-ingredient meat snacks and maker of the top-selling chicken snack stick across the U.S., is taking over the protein aisle at Target. The brand has announced a major retail expansion, bringing a highly anticipated suite of poultry snacks to Target shoppers across the country. The launch also marks the debut of New Primal's reimagined Snack Mates packaging, unifying its kid-friendly and adult offerings under one cohesive brand identity and reinforcing its commitment to delivering wholesome, protein-packed snacks...

NPPC Pleased House Labor Bill Addresses Pork Producers’ Workforce Shortage & Other Priorities

The National Pork Producers Council, representing America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) for his introduction of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, which incorporates NPPC recommendations that allow producers to utilize the H-2A visa program.

“Agriculture needs a strong—and reliable—workforce. For pork producers, one giant step in the right direction means expanding the H-2A visa program to include year-round agricultural industries like ours,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “Thank you, Chairman Thompson, for listening to our ideas and solutions...

ANALYSIS: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detections Decline Across Europe During Spring 2026

Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) declined across Europe during spring 2026 and are expected to remain at relatively low levels throughout the summer, according to the latest quarterly monitoring report published jointly by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the EU Reference Laboratory (EURL). The report continues to assess the risk to the general public as low.

Between February 28 and June 4, 2026, EU Member States reported 186 outbreaks in poultry and captive birds, alongside...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Breaks Record Low Streak as Parts Inventory Builds

The turkey cold storage report for May showed that the market followed seasonal trends for most lines, a notable exception being MST. Total cold storage was up 2.4% from last year. This was the first time this year that inventories were not at a new record low and is likely a result of significantly diminished demand for most of the parts and raw materials. The change from April to May was an increase of 10.7%, just slightly higher than the five-year average...

Celebrate National Beef Tallow Day with Coast Packing Company and the Healthy Fats Coalition

Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States, and the Healthy Fats Coalition are inviting consumers, chefs, restaurants and food lovers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on July 13.

Established in 2018 by the Healthy Fats Coalition, National Beef Tallow Day was created to spotlight traditional animal fats that have shaped cooking for generations. Timed to coincide with National French Fry Day, the observance celebrates Beef Tallow's role in flavor, frying performance, cooking heritage and more...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Heat Wave Tests Cookout Plans While Retailers Push Summer Favorites

The Independence Day holiday weekend has arrived, and with the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday in 2026, consumers are expected to celebrate with cookouts and gatherings throughout the extended weekend.

However, grilling plans across much of the Central and Eastern portions of the nation may be challenged by forecasts calling for extreme heat. Many consumers will be watching the forecast to determine whether conditions will cooperate for fireworks displays and outdoor celebrations. 

This week's grocery advertisements continue to spotlight popular summer and meal-time...

Single-Person Households Are Reshaping Korea's Food Market

According to the latest data from Statistics Korea, single-person households accounted for 36.1% of all households in South Korea in 2024, making them the country's most common household type. The changing demographic landscape is influencing the way Koreans eat, with more consumers looking for products that make home meal preparation quick and easy.

This is fuelling demand for Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products, meal kits and ready-to-cook (RTC) solutions, which offer convenient, time-saving food options.

Convenience food gains momentum

The convenience food segment is becoming increasingly important in Korea's food market. According to data from the Korea...

Kroger Announces Agreement to Acquire Giant Eagle

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Giant Eagle, Inc. ("Giant Eagle") today announced a definitive agreement under which Kroger will acquire Giant Eagle, a leading family-owned food and pharmacy retailer with approximately $9 billion in annual sales and 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. The transaction has been unanimously approved by Kroger's Board of Directors.

With a purchase price of $1.65 billion, comprised of $1.25 billion in cash consideration and the assumption of approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities, this transaction is consistent with Kroger's disciplined approach to capital allocation...

NCC Applauds Introduction of House Ag Labor Reform Bill

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., today unveiled a bill to expand and modernize the H-2A agricultural guest worker program.

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) would broaden access to H-2A workers for year-round agricultural employers, remove the requirement that agricultural work must be seasonal, revise the wage calculation methodology and streamline the application process.

Most notably for the chicken industry, it expands eligible agricultural activities to include portions of meat harvesting and protein processing...

Farm Bureau Strongly Supports the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act

America’s farmers are facing a labor crisis. Continued agriculture workforce shortages threaten farmers’ ability to grow the food families rely on. Many labor challenges are addressed in new legislation introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson. The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 builds on recommendations of the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group and modernizes the H-2A visa program by expanding access to a year-round workforce and eliminating unpredictable swings in wage rates, among other changes.

“The lack of available labor is among the largest limiting factors of American agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall...

Secretary Rollins Announces Program to Support Small- and Mid-Size Beef Processors

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program that will provide temporary support for eligible beef processing establishments. Under SPUR, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide up to $500 million in payments to eligible entities to support stronger and more stable market opportunities for American ranchers.

“America’s ranchers deserve a strong, competitive marketplace that rewards their hard work and preserves opportunity for generations to come,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “Today, historically tight cattle supplies, the Biden...

H-E-B Plans to Invest $700 Million to Expand Supply Chain Operations

Reinforcing its commitment to being a powerful economic driver for Texas, H-E-B has announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its supply chain operations, a project that includes refrigerated and bakery operations.

While not yet finalized, the retailer has identified its Foster Road campus on San Antonio’s East Side as a potential location for the expansion. For the project, preliminary plans include construction of a state-of-the-art bakery, refrigerated warehouse, transportation building, and additional facilities as...

Church’s Texas Chicken Adds Catering as Off-Premise Demand Continues to Grow

Church’s Texas Chicken has launched Church’s Catering, a new platform aimed at expanding its off-premise business and making group ordering more accessible across a range of occasions, from family gatherings to workplace lunches.

Available through participating locations, the program offers both pickup and delivery and reflects continued restaurant industry investment in catering and other incremental sales channels beyond traditional in-store dining.

“Our new catering program brings the signature taste of Church’s Texas Chicken to more occasions and groups of all sizes with...

International Dairy Queen Announces Deal to Open 20 DQ Restaurants in Puerto Rico

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), through its wholly owned subsidiary American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), a leader in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, today announced a deal to open 20 DQ Grill & Chill^® restaurants in Puerto Rico by 2036.

The agreement was signed with Caribbean Creamery LLC (Caribbean Creamery), an affiliate of Richport Restaurants LLC that owns and operates franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico. The 20 DQ restaurants will serve both hot food and treats.

“We are pleased to add Puerto Rico as a market...

ANALYSIS: US Imported Beef—Port of Entry Analysis

The United States is a major importer of beef, sourcing product from neighboring countries Canada and Mexico as well as long-haul origins including Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, to supplement domestic supply. That imported beef enters the country through a network of ports and land border crossings, each serving different trade corridors and origin markets. Understanding where product arrives — and how that distribution is shifting — offers a useful window into the broader structure of the US imported beef supply chain.

This analysis draws on US Census Bureau import data 

ANALYSIS: France's Record-Breaking High Temperatures Decimate Poultry Sector

France's record-breaking heatwave is taking a severe toll on the country's poultry sector, with industry organizations reporting the deaths of hundreds of thousands of birds. The scale of losses has overwhelmed existing animal collection and disposal infrastructure, prompting authorities to consider emergency on-farm burials across the country's largest poultry-producing regions.

The prolonged period of extreme temperatures is placing the French agricultural sector under considerable strain. According to industry reports, officials are assessing the feasibility of burying dead birds directly on farms after collection services proved unable to cope...

ANALYSIS: Downward Pressure Persists Amid Sluggish Demand in the UK Beef Market

UK beef cut-out prices continued their downward trajectory in June 2026, as subdued wholesale demand kept the market under pressure. Prices declined across most cuts, with the notable exception of steak cuts excluding sirloin, which also registered a fall. 

Market participants attribute the broad weakness to an oversupply of New Zealand and Australian beef, which has been weighing heavily on UK and Irish prices over the past several weeks...

Lineage Prepares Cleanup After Week-Long Fire Contained at LA Cold Storage Site

Firefighters have brought a major blaze under control at a Los Angeles cold storage warehouse, after flames burned for nearly a week at a facility central to the region’s frozen food supply chain.

The fire began June 17 at Lineage’s Big Bear facility in the Boyle Heights area of central Los Angeles. The site stores and distributes frozen seafood, pork, beef and poultry destined for West Coast grocery stores and restaurants, according to Lineage and local reports.

Lineage said it is ready...

Halter Launches Upgrade to Help American Beef Producers Graze Smarter and Boost Animal Performance

Halter, the ag-tech company transforming cattle ranching, has launched Beef Pro, a product designed to move American beef producers beyond just virtual fencing and into active on-ranch performance management.

Halter's existing beef product lets ranchers virtually fence and shift herds from a smartphone, without the labor of physical fencing. Beef Pro adds a data, planning and decision-making layer, helping ranchers get more from their land.

Beef ranchers can now access a wealth of data on feed demand and grazing; satellite forage signals, grazing intensity heat maps, behavior monitoring, and automated grazing...

Farmers Applaud Executive Order to Suspend Tariffs on Fertilizer

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump’s executive order to lift countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco through early next year.

“Farmers applaud President Trump’s executive order to suspend tariffs on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. Skyrocketing fertilizer costs have contributed to rising expenses for farmers who were already struggling after years of inflation, depressed commodity markets and high interest rates. In fact, 7 out of 10 farmers said, in a Farm Bureau survey this spring, that they would not be able to afford enough fertilizer for...

President Trump Takes Action to Lower Fertilizer Costs and Support American Farmers

Today [June 29, 2026], President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties (CVDs) on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, providing immediate relief to American farmers while advancing the Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen America’s fertilizer supply chain.

The temporary suspension will increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition, and help lower one of agriculture’s largest production expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons.

Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertilizer...