USDA Announces New Funding to Connect Farmers to Local Markets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it has awarded over $26.8 million to grant projects through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). The program helps local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. LAMP includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)...

Day 11: Trump Says Iran War Could End “Very Soon,” But Not This Week

On the 11th day of the US–Israel war on Iran, Tehran endured what officials described as some of the heaviest overnight bombardments so far.

Speaking on Monday, US President Donald Trump commented that the war could end “very soon,” but noted that it would not be over this week. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that Iran would continue fighting for as long as necessary, casting doubt on Trump’s claim that the war may cease in the near future.

Crude oil prices fell more than 10% Tuesday...

Tyson's Jimmy Dean Breakfast Brand Takes Center Stage at Stagecoach Festival

Tyson Foods has teamed up with Stagecoach to spotlight its Jimmy Dean breakfast brand at the nation's largest country music festival, a three-day event in Indio, California.

“Stagecoach brings together a passionate community of country music fans in a setting where food, music, and lifestyle intersect, providing a powerful opportunity for us to meet new consumers where they are,” said Kristina Lambert, Chief Growth Officer at Tyson Foods. “Jimmy Dean offers protein-forward breakfast options to fuel busy lifestyle needs, whether at a festival or at home.”

Applebee's Reintroduces the Big Easy Menu featuring New Bayou Shrimp Bowl and Big Easy Burger

Applebee's has reintroduced its Big Easy Menu, capturing the bold Bayou flavors of New Orleans. Specials start at $11.99 and are available for a limited time.

This year, Applebee's has unveiled its NEW Big Easy Burger and NEW Bayou Shrimp Bowl. The menu also includes fan favorites like Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Skillet, Bourbon Street Steak, and the Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger.

The NEW Bayou Shrimp Bowl features blackened shrimp, smoky Andouille sausage, Spanish rice, garlicky green...

United Natural Foods Reports Strong Profit Growth Amid Strategic Transitions in Q2

United Natural Foods (UNFI) has announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, revealing both challenges and opportunities ahead.

The company reported a 2.6% decline in net sales, bringing the total to $7.9 billion. This decrease was largely attributed to optimization actions, which impacted sales by nearly 500 basis points. A noteable factor in this shift was the transition out of the Allentown, Pennsylvania distribution center during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, leading to an anticipated drop...

New $45 Million Program Launched to Fast-Track Feedlot Innovation and Adoption

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched the Feedlot Research for Accelerated Adoption Program (RAAD), a $45 million, five-year investment delivered as a strategic partnership with The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) through the MLA Donor Company (MDC) to drive commercially focused innovation across Australia’s feedlot sector.
 
The program is a clear demonstration of MLA and the feedlot sectors commitment to delivering on the ambitions set out in the MLA Strategic Plan 2030, particularly its focus on accelerating the adoption of proven tools and technologies that improve livestock productivity, animal wellbeing and business resilience...

Import Cargo Volume Expected to Be Down in First Half of 2026, But Too Soon to Tell Impact from Iran

Imports at major U.S. container ports are expected to remain below last year’s levels for the first half of 2026 amid ongoing tariff uncertainty, but it is too soon to gauge the impact of the conflict in Iran, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“The Supreme Court has struck down IEEPA tariffs but other tariffs have already been announced and others will be coming, so uncertainty continues for retailers...

Maple Leaf Foods Announces 2030 Financial Targets

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. ("Maple Leaf Foods" or the "Company") (TSX: MFI) today announced its financial targets for 2030 as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, brand-led consumer packaged goods company. Additional details on the Company's 2030 financial targets, strategic Blueprint, and growth initiatives will be shared at its Investor Day later today.

2030 Financial Targets

The Company expects the following in 2030:

• Revenue: Revenue to grow to approximately $5 billion, driven by proven growth...

Secretary Rollins Pens Op-Ed “One Farmer, One File Ushers in a New Era of Service at USDA”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins published an opinion piece in the Des Moines Register highlighting the need to modernize and streamline federal processes for producers, emphasizing the USDA’s new “One Farmer, One File” initiative, which replaces hundreds of outdated systems with a single, unified digital record designed to cut red tape, accelerate approvals, and deliver program funds to farmers more efficiently.

“Recently USDA rolled out the “One Farmer, One File” initiative, which puts Farmers First by improving how they interact with USDA. This modernization effort replaces an antiquated system...

Cattle Raisers Applaud Construction Contract for Texas Based Sterile Fly Production Facility

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) today announced a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas:

“Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association applauds the swift action taken by Secretary Brooke Rollins and her team in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Today’s announcement in awarding the contract for a sterile fly production facility in South Texas marks an important step as we...

USDA and US Army Corps of Engineers Advance NWS Preparedness with New Texas Sterile Fly Facility 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) today announced a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. This facility is a key component in Secretary Rollins’ sweeping 5-prong strategy (PDF, 1005 KB) to fight New World Screwworm (NWS), as it will expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, bolstering protection for U.S. livestock, wildlife, and public health.

USACE is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering, and construction of the facility...

AFBF Calls for Intervention to Prevent Food Supply Shocks

U.S. farmers are bracing for a system shock resulting from the disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the impact on fertilizer availability and prices. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today urged President Trump to intervene in a letter that lays out several recommendations.

The letter states, “Like oil, global fertilizer markets are highly vulnerable to disruptions in maritime transit routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor for key fertilizer materials and finished fertilizer. Further, the recent energy production halts in the Middle...

Crude Oil Set for Record Daily Surge as Iran War Enters Tenth Day

On Monday, the United States and Israel continued their attacks on Iran during the tenth day of the war, with Israeli strikes on oil facilities in Iran causing toxic smoke across Tehran. 

Meanwhile, Iranian forces sustained their retaliatory strikes on US military assets and other key infrastructure in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The latest Iranian attacks on Bahrain have damaged a water desalination plant.

More than a week after the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes...

Kroger Brings Back Customer Appreciation Week with Special Savings

The Kroger Co. today announced the return of its mega-sales event honoring customers with the retailer's hottest deals and exclusive savings during Kroger's Customer Appreciation Week running March 11-17.

"Customer Appreciation Week is one of our biggest savings events of the year, featuring can't-miss deals, special offers and exclusive discounts for our customers," said Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant and Marketing Officer. "Whether families are preparing for spring celebrations or stocking up for spring break, Kroger is committed...

TGI Fridays™ Accelerating Global Growth Momentum

Sugarloaf Management, LLC today announced the signing of a Development Agreement with PrideIn Hotels and Resorts, marking TGI Fridays' official entry into Kenya and a significant milestone in the brand's international growth. The agreement represents TGI Fridays' first expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa, opening a new chapter for the brand in a high-potential region.

The agreement, signed with Paradise Sea Investments Ltd., part of PrideIn Hotels and Resorts, establishes a long-term development partnership to grow the TGI Fridays brand across Kenya...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Rebounds Sharply as Demand Surges 

The cage-free market, along with conventional, has seen a sharp rebound over the past week, with the rest-of-market cage-free quote climbing 46.8% to $1.16/dozen. The turnaround has been driven in part by renewed HPAI concerns, stronger retail demand across much of the US, and earlier-than-usual Easter-related procurement, prompting suppliers to hold product more confidently as additional sales channels have opened. 

A notable shift in retail pricing has played a key role...

ANALYSIS: Uruguayan Beef Exports Fall Sharply in February 2026, Down 19.2% MOM and 30.4% YOY

The latest data released by Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate showed that fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports reached 23,838 MT in February 2026, down 11.4% from the previous month and 30.4% lower than the same period in 2025.

China kept the lead at 9,066 MT, despite a 16.8% monthly pullback from January, and a steeper 25.7% contraction on a year over year (YOY) basis. Despite the decline in absolute volumes, the country accounted for 38.0%...

GCCA Joins Forces with Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration to Enhance Food Safety Awareness

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has joined the Food Industry FSMA 204 Collaboration to increase awareness of the United States (US)  Food And Drug Administration's (FDA's) Food Traceability Rule, a key part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) focused on improving food tracking systems.

FSMA Rule 204 requires thorough tracking of high-risk foods on the FDA's Food Traceability List (FTL) to enhance outbreak response and supply chain transparency. With supply chains growing complex, the cold chain sector plays a vital role in ensuring not...

Meat Institute: Economists and Experts Pan Schumer Bill

Meat and Poultry Industry experts and economists universally pan U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) bill, the so-called “Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act”:

Hyrum Egbert: You can’t legislate the cattle cycle

Beef supply chain economic expert Hyrum Egbert says, “This bill is being marketed as consumer relief and rancher fairness. But the assumptions underneath it, about how prices form, how retail behaves, and what happens when you force structural breakups in a capital-intensive chain, don’t line up with the actual mechanics...

NCLA Asks Court to End USDA’s Illegal Rule Mandating Electronic ID Eartags for Cattle and Bison

The New Civil Liberties Alliance asked the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota for summary judgment today in R-CALF USA, et al. v. USDA. Representing ranchers, farmers, and livestock producers, NCLA urges the court to vacate an unlawful rule promulgated by USDA and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that requires electronic identification (EID) eartags for certain cattle and bison transported across state lines, in place of long-used visual tags. The court should end this unauthorized, expensive mandate that USDA instituted in 2024 to replace an already...

Including Hot Rotisserie Chicken in SNAP Receives Bipartisan Support During Farm Bill Mark-Up

As the House Agriculture Committee worked to mark-up and approve the Farm Bill on Wednesday, members of the committee debated whether hot rotisserie chicken should be available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), after an amendment offered by Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR). SNAP already covers cold rotisserie chicken.

“I want to thank Rep. Crawford and the committee members for their debate and bipartisan support for including hot rotisserie chicken in the SNAP program,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “Although the provision was ultimately not included in the bill, we appreciate the committee’s commitment to...

NCBA Hosts Stop on UK Embassy Farm Tour

This week, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hosted a stop on a United Kingdom Embassy Farm Tour at Whitestone Farm in Loudoun County, Virginia. The event included a round table with stakeholders from Virginia and the United Kingdom, including Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs Rt. Hon. Emma Reynolds MP, Virginia Agriculture Secretary Katie Frazier and Virginia Deputy Agriculture Secretary Ben Rowe as well as leadership from U.K.’s National Farmers Union, and the Virgina Farm Bureau.

US-Israel War on Iran Enters Seventh Day Amid Ongoing Strikes and Regional Fallout

The US-Israel war on Iran has entered its seventh day, with strikes continuing across the Middle East. 

Regional impacts are mounting. In Kuwait and Bahrain, missile attacks from Iran were intercepted, with a fire contained at a Bahraini oil refinery. The UAE and Qatar faced multiple missile and drone strikes, while Tel Aviv was targeted in Iran’s attacks.

Israel intensified its bombardment in Lebanon, and Azerbaijan suspended cross-border traffic following drone attacks...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Jefferson County

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County.

DATCP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) animal health officials are working together in a joint incident response. The affected premises has been quarantined to restrict movement of poultry and poultry products. Birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.

The H5N1 HPAI virus has continued to circulate in both wild and domestic birds in North America since December 2021...

American Egg Board Applauds USDA’s Continued Focus on Real Food and Protein Access 

The American Egg Board (AEB) commends the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of new staple food requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the launch of Dietary Guidelines for Americans Strategic Partnerships. Both efforts prioritize real food and ensure American families have access to affordable, nutrient-dense options like eggs. 

The new SNAP stocking standards nearly double the number of healthy food options available to recipients, with a clear focus on protein...

Meat Institute: Schumer Bill will Decimate Meat and Poultry Industry

The Meat Institute today said Senator Schumer’s bill will destroy the meat packing industry, sending costs for consumers soaring, reducing union jobs, and harming livestock and poultry producers.

“This proposal is absurd,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Schumer’s bill and other efforts to villainize meat packers is simply reckless election year pandering that threatens to damage a crucial industry at the center of every American meal. If the Senator is trying to make meat and poultry more affordable for consumers, this is the wrong approach. It will have the opposite effect...

Sysco Announces CFO Transition Process

Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY) (“Sysco” or the “company”) today announced that Kenny Cheung, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will step down to accept an opportunity at a Fortune 10 company in a different industry. Effective March 6, 2026, Sysco has appointed Brandon Sewell, a long-serving and accomplished leader within Sysco’s finance organization, as Interim CFO. Cheung will remain with the Company until April 17, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition.

Sewell joined Sysco in 2014 and has held various management roles of increasing responsibility within Sysco’s finance organization, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and CFO...

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Appoints Lisa Ingram to Board of Directors

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXRH) announced today that Lisa Ingram has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors.

Ms. Ingram is the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors for White Castle System, Inc., which is based in Columbus, Ohio.

White Castle currently has 340 restaurants in 14 states. In addition, the company owns and operates 6 manufacturing plants that supply products to its restaurants and its consumer product goods, which are sold in grocery stores in all 50 states.

NPPC Inducts Pork Industry Titans to Hall of Fame

The National Pork Producers Council is proud to announce the induction of Ken and Julie Maschhoff and Sam Carney into the NPPC Hall of Fame during the 2026 National Pork Industry Forum. This prestigious award recognizes individuals with a lasting impact on the industry because of their dedication to advancing pork production.

A Legacy Built Together: Ken and Julie Maschhoff

For more than three decades, Ken and Julie Maschhoff have stood at the helm of one of the largest and most influential pork production companies in the United States. Under their leadership, the family operation grew to span multiple states and support the livelihoods of hundreds of people...

OKFB Congratulates Sen. Mullin, Thanks Him for Service in US Senate

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Stacy Simunek issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced the selection of U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as Homeland Security Secretary.

“Oklahoma Farm Bureau members extend a warm and well-deserved congratulations to Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin on his selection as the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary.

“Throughout his time in Congress, Sen. Mullin has been a steadfast advocate for rural Oklahoma and our family farmers and ranchers. As both a senator and house member, he has served...

Statement on Introduction of the “Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act”

Today, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced the “Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act” that aims to deconsolidate the U.S. beef-packing industry, address foreign ownership of beef-packing facilities, and focus on eliminating unfair and unjustly discriminatory pricing practices in retail and wholesale meat markets.

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement in response to the legislation.

“For decades, R-CALF USA has been rigorously fighting on behalf of cattle feeders and ranchers for free and fair competition in the cattle markets. We welcome...

Researchers Evaluate Utilizing Carbonized Feathers for Poultry Odor Control

USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation announce a newly finalized research project which uses feather-derived activated carbon and visible-light photocatalysis to reduce ammonia and odors in commercial poultry houses. Tested in a full-scale broiler facility, the system achieved consistent ammonia reductions under commercial conditions. This innovative approach, led by a team of researchers from Georgia Southern University, supports improved bird welfare, worker safety, environmental sustainability and circular use of poultry byproducts. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program encompassing all phases of poultry and...

ANALYSIS: January Production Down 2 Million Birds From 2023, Complicating Market Outlooks

The turkey industry began 2026 with the lowest January harvest on record. At just 15.0 million head, the total sits 9.0% below the five year average, while average live weights were only 0.2% higher than the five year norm. Persistently low poult placements continue to signal constrained production potential in the months ahead, and a record low harvest to begin the year has amplified concern among market participants regarding near term supply availability.

Interestingly, even as harvest volumes remain well below historical standards, a price correction is unfolding across the parts and raw materials complexes. Record high pricing for items...

ANALYSIS: January Chicken Cold Storage Highlights Robust Demand Across Major Categories

Cold storage data for January reveals a generally robust call for chicken that directly correlates with the market conditions observed throughout the month. The overall picture shows inventory levels declining month over month (MOM) across all major categories, with total chicken stocks down 3.7% from December and 1.2% below year-ago levels.

Whole bird inventories present the most notable anomaly, showing a substantial 15.1% year over year (YOY) increase. Still, there was a 3.3% MOM decrease which contrasts with the five-year average trend of a 5.6% MOM increase from December to January in frozen holdings of whole birds. Last year's whole bird...

General Mills Names Jonathan Ness Chief Supply Chain Officer

General Mills (NYSE: GIS) today announced Jonathan Ness has been named Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective March 16, 2026. He will report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Harmening, join the company’s Senior Leadership Team and have accountability for the company's global supply chain operations.

“Jon has been a driving force in shaping our supply chain organization, leading critical strategy and transformation initiatives throughout his tenure at General Mills,” said Harmening. “He is a people-first leader and well-positioned to continue our important work driving end-to-end supply chain performance, resilience and operational excellence.”

Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 152nd Kentucky Derby®

The 152nd Kentucky Derby® is not just a feast for the eyes but also the taste buds, thanks to an innovative menu crafted by Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs.

This year's menu is a nod to both traditional and modern flavors, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The menu features locally inspired dishes like chicken paired with roasted peach chutney and Kentucky BBQ shrimp.

Chef Lopez summarized his approach saying, "Churchill Downs is always committed to...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

The United States and Mexico Launch Review Process of the USMCA

Today, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of bilateral discussions in preparation for the Joint Review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The ministers instructed negotiators to begin a scoping discussion on the necessary measures to ensure the benefits of the Agreement accrue primarily to the parties, including by reducing dependence on imports from outside the region, strengthening rules of origin, and enhancing the security of North American supply chains...

US–Israel War on Iran Escalates With New Strikes, Senate Backs Trump’s War Powers

On the sixth day of the US-Israeli war on Iran, new strikes hit Iran and the wider region, with explosions reported again in Tehran. Israel has launched attacks on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and multiple waves of Iranian missiles were fired toward Israel overnight.

The US Senate rejected a measure to limit US President Donald Trump’s war powers as Washington signaled deeper strikes in Iran, following a US torpedo attack that sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka. The war appears likely to persist, with US officials signaling operations could last weeks...

CRA Welcomes Farm Bill Progress

Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement after the House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

"The House Agriculture Committee's passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step toward delivering the certainty American farmers, refiners, and rural communities need to succeed and thrive," said Bode. "Growing the American ag bioeconomy is not just a bipartisan, bicameral effort, it's a national security imperative and an economic necessity...

America’s Pork Producers Praise Bipartisan House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill 2.0 Passage

On behalf of American pork producers of all sizes, the National Pork Producers Council praised House Agriculture Committee passage of Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s (R-PA) bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

Commonly referred to as Farm Bill 2.0, the legislation boasts relief for pork producers facing an imminent patchwork of state animal housing laws spurred by California Proposition 12, a state law that puts small farmers on the chopping block, increases the risk of industry consolidation, and undermines states’ rights. 

“Pork producers of all shapes and sizes need this regulatory relief and are grateful for Chairman Thompson’s steady commitment to providing relief from state laws outside our...

Farm Bureau Applauds Bipartisan Passage of Farm Bill in House Ag Committee

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall tonight applauds the bipartisan passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House Agriculture Committee.

“Farm Bureau appreciates the leadership of Chairman Thompson and applauds supportive members of the committee on both sides of the aisle for recognizing that a new farm bill is critical as farmers face headwinds not seen in a generation. The farm bill has a ripple effect across the country by supporting the farmers who grow the food that stocks every kitchen pantry in America...

Market Development Efforts for Beef and Pork Expand in Northern Honduras

USMEF partners with Honduran importer to expand the range of U.S. beef and pork cuts utilized in San Pedro Sula’s foodservice sector.

USMEF conducted a series of training sessions with key hotel, restaurant and café customers of Honduran importer Grupo Alza in the northern city of San Pedro Sula. With a metro area population of nearly 1.5 million, San Pedro Sula is Honduras’ primary industrial center and its second largest city after the capital city of Tegucigalpa. San Pedro Sula has an estimated 25–30% of the country’s formal restaurants, making it a key foodservice hub.

USMEF partnered with Grupo Alza to introduce new U.S. beef and pork cuts to distributors and end-user restaurants and provide further training and education...

Farmers Impacted by Fuel and Fertilizer Volatility

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on potential fuel and fertilizer supply issues following military action in Iran.

"We are hearing a groundswell of concern from farmers facing increased volatility in fertilizer and fuel prices, as well as some reports of companies freezing fertilizer sales, at a critical time with planting season coming into full swing. History teaches us that energy market shocks quickly reach the farm gate and countries in and around the Persian Gulf account for a large share of fertilizer supplies our farmers rely on, so it’s a serious issue. We’ve alert...

USDA Announces New Partnerships to Advance MAHA Agenda

Today, US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy. Jr., and National Nutrition Advisor at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dr. Ben Carson announced the USDA's commencement of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Strategic Partnerships, an effort which encourages the private sector to participate in educating the American people about the importance of the Guidelines and how they serve as the foundation to better eating...

US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels 

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran for a fifth day, targeting military, government, and nuclear-related sites in and around Tehran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missiles and drones, striking energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds across the Gulf.

The conflict is expanding regionally, with heightened security alerts across Gulf states and reports of damage to civilian and economic infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, has experienced significant disruptions threatening worldwide oil flows...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Feb 2026 Beef Exports Surge Across Key Growth Markets

Australia’s beef exports soared to 130,884 metric tons (MT), the highest February volume on record, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Outgoing volumes bounced back, rising 55.2% month-on-month (MOM) by 46,541 MT as the market returned to full operations after January holidays.

Robust global demand continued to lend support to annual growth, rising 11.4% or 13,381 MT higher year-on-year...

ANALYSIS: Escalating Middle East Tensions and Potential Impacts to Brazilian Chicken Exports

Escalating Middle East tensions introduced another layer of uncertainty across many markets in that region. Initial effects include disrupting transit through the Strait of Hormuz, driving volatility across oil, freight and broader commodity markets.

Given that approximately one third of Brazilian chicken exports are directed to Middle East & North African markets, any prolonged logistical disruption, cost escalation or port level constraint could influence shipment timing, contract execution and short-term allocation decisions...

Wendy's to Build More Than 60 New Restaurants in Mexico

The Wendy's Company announced today the finalization of two new franchise agreements that will add more than 60 new Wendy's® restaurants in Mexico in the coming years. These commitments mark another significant milestone in advancing the brand's strategic priority to accelerate international net new unit growth and demonstrate that Wendy's is delivering on its stated plans for rapid expansion across Mexico.

MEXICO CITY REGION: Wendy's has entered into a franchise agreement with AJ Group to develop 50 new Wendy's restaurants in...

Tyson Foods Strengthens Razorback Partnership with Landmark Athletics Sponsorship

Tyson Foods and the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today an expanded partnership, introducing one of the first ever jersey patch sponsorships and creating one of the most visible brand integrations in college sports.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 athletic season, the Tyson Foods logo will appear on the jerseys of all 19 men’s and women’s varsity Razorback teams. Under the new multi-year agreement, Tyson Foods will also serve as the Official Protein of the Arkansas Razorbacks, helping...

Ajinomoto Foods Expands Recall to Include Additional 33,617,045 Pounds of Chicken and Pork Products

Ajinomoto Foods North America, has expanded its Feb. 19, 2026 recall of frozen not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken products that may have been contaminated with foreign material, specifically glass, according tot he updated announcement from the  the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The establishment is including approximately 33,617,045 additional pounds of various ready-to-eat (RTE) and NRTE chicken and pork fried rice, ramen, and shu mai dumpling products, for a combined total of 36,987,575...

National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) Spotlights March Frozen Food Month

As American eating habits evolve, the frozen food aisle does as well. With the rise of flexible, unstructured meals and a growing demand for snacking options, frozen foods are stepping up with innovative offerings, from globally inspired flavors to air-fryer-friendly formats and portion-smart choices.

In honor of March Frozen Food Month, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) is spotlighting how frozen foods meet contemporary consumer needs. "Frozen foods have always been a trusted solution for busy households, but the aisle...

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record

Meat sales climbed to a new record of $112 billion in 2025, up 2% from the prior year, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

The report found meat remains a near-universal staple, with 98% of US households purchasing meat. For retailers, this underscores the importance of keeping meat and poultry front and center to capture consumer spending, especially as health and wellness trends continue to drive demand for protein...