Import Cargo’s Peak Season Not Over Yet

This year’s extended peak season is continuing, with a final bump expected this month that could push September just over the line to be the busiest month of the year for import volume at the nation’s major container ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“We thought the peak season would be mostly behind us by now, but that’s not the case,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Some of the shift...

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...

ISM Names Neal Couture as Next CEO

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) has named Neal J. Couture, CAE, FASAE, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing more than 25 years of association leadership experience to the organization as supply-chain professionals navigate technology shifts, workforce changes and continued economic uncertainty.

Couture will take over October 1, succeeding interim CEO Debbie Fogel-Monnissen, who will work with him during the transition.

Most recently, Couture served as CEO of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. According to the announcement, during his...

Wingstop Kicks Off Football Season with New Lemon Pepper Trio and Its First-Ever Wing Pass

Football season is back, and Wingstop is bringing more flavor to fans' game day rituals with the Lemon Pepper Trio, alongside new ways to fuel the watch party all season long.

For the first time, Wingstop is taking its iconic Lemon Pepper beyond the original dry rub with two bold new expressions crafted by Wingstop's Flavor Experts, giving fans three ways to get their Lemon Pepper fix:

• Original Lemon Pepper: Zesty lemon and cracked black pepper, the iconic...

QDOBA Signs 17-Unit San Diego Development Deal as Franchise Expansion Accelerates

QDOBA Mexican Eats is adding 17 restaurants in San Diego County under a new development agreement with Hyperion Brands LLC, a San Diego-based multi-unit operator, as the Mexican fast-casual chain continues to push franchise-led growth.

The deal expands QDOBA’s presence in California and follows an agreement announced earlier this year with an experienced QSR operator to develop restaurants in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

QDOBA currently has approximately 875 restaurants systemwide and is targeting roughly 2,000 locations, with plans to open about...

Cargill Helps Food Manufacturers Accelerate Product Development Processes 

Cargill met with industrial food manufacturers at Foodist Istanbul 2026, held at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center from September 1 to 4, 2026. Bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retail purchasing representatives and decision-makers from different areas of the food industry, the fair provided Cargill with an opportunity to strengthen existing customer relationships and establish contacts for new collaborations.

As they respond to changing consumer expectations, manufacturers need to pursue multiple objectives simultaneously, including controlling costs, developing clean-label products with improved nutritional value, maintaining production efficiency...

Circana, DoorDash Partnership Aims to Measure Incremental Value of Retail Media

Circana has entered into a new partnership with DoorDash to provide independent measurement of advertising performance on the delivery platform, giving consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands a way to assess whether Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands are generating incremental sales.

The collaboration comes as retail media advertisers increasingly look for standardized measurement that connects ad exposure with actual purchasing behavior.

"As retail media matures, most networks offer incrementality solutions for their own ecosystem, but marketers also need measurement they can compare and contrast across networks...

Fortifi Expands Separation Portfolio with SEPAmatic Acquisition

Fortifi Food Processing Solutions is widening its processing technology lineup with the acquisition of Germany-based SEPAFood Solutions GmbH, known in the market as SEPAmatic.

The deal adds a well-established supplier of separation and processing equipment for red meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, cheese and dairy to Fortifi’s portfolio. For seafood processors, the move strengthens Fortifi’s position in a key part of the value chain: recovering more usable product while protecting quality.

SEPAmatic is best known as a global supplier of low-pressure belt...

The Retail Rundown: Meat Case Momentum Meets Football Season

Labor Day has come and gone, but summer is still lingering in much of the country. Warm temperatures are keeping grills in use even as consumers turn their attention to football, back-to-school routines, and heartier fall meals. 

For retailers, that overlap creates an opportunity to keep grilling staples prominent while gradually introducing the roasts, chops, and other cuts that typically gain momentum as temperatures drop. 

The 2026 NFL season officially starts today, putting game-day favorites such as wings, burgers, hot dogs, and ribs in the spotlight. Football promotions...

Factor Expands Retail Presence to More Than 800 Target Stores

Factor, a ready-made meal delivery brand, has expanded its retail presence to more than 800 Target stores across 47 states, nine months after launching in more than 70 Target locations in the Midwest.

The expansion represents a broader move by Factor beyond its direct-to-consumer subscription model and into physical retail. The company said demand during the initial Target rollout supported expanding the offering to additional stores nationwide.

“Expanding nationally with Target allows us to meet consumers in more moments, while delivering the same quality, taste and convenience they expect from Factor,” said Adam Park, CEO of Factor...

Australia: Shoalhaven City Council - Third Bird Flu Case Confirmed in Shoalhaven

A third case of H5 bird flu has been detected in the Shoalhaven, with a deceased seagull at the Vincentia Boat Ramp testing positive for the disease.

Council is reminding residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid contact with sick or dead birds and wildlife.

Acting Mayor Peter Wilkins said the detection highlights the importance of community awareness and responsible pet management when visiting beaches, foreshore areas and public reserves.

"While the risk to human health remains low, this latest detection is a timely reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of disease and protecting local wildlife," Cr Wilkins said..

Grassley Welcomes Trump Administration Actions to Support American Beef Producers

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, welcomed new actions from the Trump administration to stand with family farmers and deliver relief to beef producers across Rural America.

The executive orders signed by President Trump today build on longstanding Grassley priorities, including robust enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, more options for shipping inspected meat across state lines and a renewed focus on mandatory country-of-origin labeling.

“Iowa family farmers are in need of some good news, and today the Trump administration delivered just that. For years...

Prime Line Distributors, Inc. and Ferrarini USA, Inc. Recall Imported Ready-To-Eat Pork Guanciale 

Prime Line Distributors, Inc., a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., firm, and Ferrarini USA, Inc., a Hoboken, N.J., firm, are recalling approximately 1,513 pounds of imported  ready-to-eat (RTE) pork products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today [Sept. 06, 2026].

The imported RTE dry-cured pork jowl (“guanciale”) products were produced at Est. 1937L Bome SRL in Italy on May 21, 2026, and imported into the U.S. on various dates within July 2026. The following products are subject to recall: 

Prime Line Distributors, Inc.:    

USDA: President Trump Signs Executive Orders, Cementing Status As Most Pro-Rancher Administration

Today [September 4, 2026], President Donald J. Trump signed two Executive Orders supporting America’s ranchers and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins made additional announcements protecting our nation’s cattle herd and providing transparency for consumers. American ranchers embody the ethos of our nation’s founding 250 years ago and should be provided with the tools to rebuild our Great American Cattle Herd.

In addition to the two Executive Orders, USDA also announced four additional actions it is taking to follow-up on the USDA Plan to Fortify...

Meat Institute Statement on Trump’s Executive Order to Explore Mandatory Country-of-Origin-Labeling

The Meat Institute issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s Executive Order to explore implementing Mandatory Country-of-Origin-Labeling (mCOOL) for beef products.

“The Meat Institute appreciates the Administration’s continued focus on strengthening the U.S. beef supply chain and exploring ways to bring beef prices down for consumers. However, the President’s Executive Order to explore implementation of mCOOL raises concerns about revisiting a failed policy that the United States has already tried and that Congress ultimately repealed in 2015. We should allow the free market...

Duvall Comments on Meeting with President

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on his meeting with President Trump and the executive orders signed today [September 4, 2026], which address several issues impacting America’s ranchers.

“I had the important opportunity today to speak with President Trump after the Oval Office event to let him know that the plan to increase beef imports is hurting farm families. I shared with him that we have witnessed significant price drops for cattle across the country. It has caused a setback to rebuilding the U.S. herd. We’ll continue to urge the administration...

NRF Joins PACT AI as Founding Member to Build Trust in the AI Economy

The National Retail Federation announced that it is a founding member of the newly established Partnership for Assurance, Credibility, and Trust on AI (PACT AI), a coalition dedicated to building the shared infrastructure and standards that the AI economy needs to earn and sustain public trust.

As AI redefines how NRF serves its members and retailers serve consumers, NRF is committed to responsible deployment of this technology. With AI models advancing and new capabilities emerging, PACT AI helps build the trust and accountability needed to ensure confidence in AI keeps up with rapid innovation while providing deployers a voice in the policy...

Texas Releases Additional New World Screwworm Infested Zones

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has released additional New World screwworm (NWS) infested zones in Texas, with concurrence from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This action comes after State and Federal subject matter experts confirmed that the areas met all requirements outlined in APHIS’ New World Screwworm Response Playbook for zone release. 

The zone(s) being released are: 

• Infested zone 01.B
• Infested zone 05

Releasing infested zones removes NWS‑related movement requirements for livestock and pets within the released areas. All interstate movement requirements and international export...

Rep. Gabe Vasquez to Introduce BEEF Act to Protect American Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices

On September 4, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced that he will introduce the BEEF (Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef) Act, legislation to stop the Administration's latest expansion of foreign beef imports and advance a long-term strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, strengthen domestic beef production, and lower costs for consumers.

This bill is in response to the Administration's announcement that it would import an additional 300,000 metric tons of foreign lean beef trimmings into the United States, hurting ranchers and raising prices for consumers. Vasquez has repeatedly opposed...

Trump Orders Rancher Support Measures, Including Food Processing Overhaul 

President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order aimed at supporting US ranchers, directing his administration to review federal regulations, expand producers' ability to process and sell their own products, consider changes to wolf protections, and examine mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the initiative would enable small and medium-sized businesses to sell directly to consumers rather than relying on middlemen.

Trump also said the administration would seek to streamline federal health and safety rules governing food processing and production. He described the effort as the largest government initiative to date to overhaul federal rules in support of ranchers...

Brazil Advances Toward Resuming EU Poultry and Honey Exports After Successful Audit

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) announced on Friday that the country had advanced in the process of resuming poultry and honey exports to the European Union following the conclusion of an EU audit.

New WOTUS Rule Provides Certainty for Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Army Corps) proposed Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.

“Farmers share the goal of protecting the nation’s natural resources and we’re pleased the EPA and Army Corps put forward a new Waters of the U.S. rule. It respects farmers’ ability to responsibly use their land while ensuring regulations align with the framework established by the Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling.

“The new WOTUS rule provides a clear understanding of federal jurisdiction, which is...

Beef Export Value Remained Strong in July; Pork Exports Below Year-Ago

July exports of U.S. beef climbed 6% year-over-year in value while volume was steady, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Although restrictions related to a finding of pseudorabies virus (PRV) were removed in mid-to-late July, pork exports – especially pork variety meats – were still significantly impacted, which contributed to July results trending lower than a year ago.

Beef exports totaled 89,139 metric tons (mt), steady with last July, while value was 6% higher at $796.7...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

The latest headlines point to a food and agriculture market under pressure from several directions at once. From rising input costs and weather-driven disruptions in Europe to changing crop demand in India and continued uncertainty across global food and commodity markets, the stories highlight how interconnected forces are influencing the outlook heading into autumn. This list is in no particular order.

Find archives recaps, here. 

Pressure Builds Across European Agriculture

10. AGF Nitrogen, Europe’s No. 2 fertilizer and nitrogen products producer, said it is considering cutting ammonia output as higher...

Cramer Joins Colleagues in Emphasizing Policies Promoting Certainty for American Beef Producers

As the U.S. cattle industry experiences a 75-year low inventory and ranchers recuperate their losses after more than a decade of challenging conditions, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and more than 50 lawmakers are asking President Donald Trump to implement true “America First” policies. They are calling on the administration to pursue policies driving long-term stability in the domestic cattle industry, including expanding overseas markets for American beef.

Like other agricultural commodities, cattle prices rise and fall with the market due to well-known economic principles of supply, demand, and substitution. However, some...

Texas Modifies New World Screwworm Infested Zone in Texas

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has modified a New World screwworm (NWS) infested zone in Texas, with concurrence from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This action comes after state and federal subject matter experts confirmed that portions of the area met requirements outlined in APHIS’ New World Screwworm Response Playbook for zone release. 

The zone being modified is: 

• Infested Zone 06

Modifying infested zones removes NWS‑related movement requirements for livestock and pets within certain areas. All interstate movement requirements and international export requirements will still apply...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending September 4, 2026

The US and Iran exchanged their heaviest fire since July, heightening concerns that the escalation could continue to disrupt energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and add to global inflationary pressures.

At the same time, stepped-up US efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports and sanctions evasion are worsening Tehran’s economic strain. Falling oil revenues, a record-low rial, and accelerating inflation could increase pressure on Iran to negotiate, while also raising the risk of further escalation.

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on...

National Restaurant Association Releases New Public Safety Guide to Help Restaurants be Always Ready

The National Restaurant Association today released Always Ready: Public Safety, a new resource designed to help restaurant operators and employees prepare for, manage, and recover from public safety incidents.

Restaurants are built on hospitality and openness, serving as gathering places for families, friends, and communities. While that accessibility is essential to the industry, it can also create vulnerabilities. From robberies and customer altercations to break-ins and active threats, restaurant operators face a range of public safety challenges that can arise with little warning...

Zachary Nunn - Nunn Presses Trump Administration to Develop Plan for Iowa Cattleman

Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) joined 51 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging the Administration to prioritize market stability for American cattle producers and to consult closely with them before enacting decisions that move livestock markets. The letter comes after the Administration moved to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of imported beef into the United States over the next 90 days.

"Iowa cattle producers raise the best beef in the world. We share the goal of bringing down prices for American families, but after seven straight years of a shrinking American cattle herd, flooding the market with foreign beef is the wrong answer...

ANALYSIS: Australia's Aug 2026 Beef Exports Slide as Twin North Asian Safeguards Bite

Australia's outbound beef exports contracted further in August 2026, with total volumes falling to 128,346 metric tons (MT), according to the latest trade data from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

August marked a second consecutive year-on-year (YOY) decline, with volumes down 5.3% from August 2025 and 10.8% from July, as Australia's two largest North Asian markets were simultaneously constrained by safeguard tariffs for the first full calendar month.

Korea accounted for the sharpest deterioration. Volumes fell 39.2% month-on-month (MOM) to 17,685 MT as August captured the first...

ANALYSIS: Has the Chicken Wing Market Outgrown Seasonal Patterns?

Does seasonality still have an impact on the wing market? This is a question that participants throughout the chicken industry are pondering. Over the past five years, there has been some extreme volatility when it comes to wing availability and pricing. At the same time, seasonal expectations have frequently been left unmet.

In 2021, wing prices spiked to an all-time high in May and held that value until then end of September as COVID influenced market patterns. However, once the value fell, it fell rapidly until the values at the...

Building Brand Identity for US Prime Grade Beef in Japan

With U.S. beef priced higher in Japan than competing imported product, USMEF is implementing a campaign to differentiate Prime grade U.S. beef. One of the campaign’s strategies is to position Prime beef as an appealing alternative to the domestic Wagyu beef that Japanese consumers know and love.

USMEF has heightened efforts to promote Prime cuts that are underutilized in the U.S. but can command a premium in Japan’s retail and foodservice sectors, such as round and chuck cuts, strip loins and coulottes.

Steak Gusto, a nationwide steak restaurant chain, recently...

Wendy’s Brings Back Boo! Books, Adds New Frosty Frights for Halloween

Wendy’s is preparing for spooky season with the return of a familiar fundraising promotion and a new round of Kids’ Meal collectibles, giving operators another seasonal hook for family traffic.

The chain’s Boo! Books fundraiser is now available at participating US restaurants. For $1, each coupon book includes five free Jr. Frosty coupons and one $1.99 Kids’ Meal with purchase coupon. Wendy’s said 90 cents from every Boo! Books purchase will support the Dave Thomas Foundation for 

ANALYSIS: US 2026 Trump’s 300,000 MT Beef Import Quota - What the Market Needs to Know

President Trump's proclamation, signed August 26, increased the 2026 in-quota quantity for eligible lean beef trimmings by 300,000 MT, with the additional volume divided into three 100,000 MT tranches beginning September 1. The administration cited tight US cattle supplies, a herd at its lowest level in 75 years, lower expected beef production, and continued demand as reasons for the action. The additional quantity was allocated entirely to "other countries or areas" and did not change...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production Rises Year to Date, but Support Builds in Parts Market

The number of turkeys harvested in July was down 4.7% year-over-year (YOY), but the year-to-date (YTD) headcount is up 2.2%. YTD headcount still sits 6.6% below the 5-year average...

Kroger Names Mark Ibbotson EVP, Chief Store Operations Officer

The Kroger Co. is bringing in veteran retail executive Mark Ibbotson as Executive Vice President and Chief Store Operations Officer, effective Sept. 14.

Ibbotson brings decades of experience across large-format and grocery retail, including leadership roles at Walmart, Asda and Sainsbury’s. He has held positions spanning loss prevention, productivity, retail and operations, ultimately serving as chief operating officer.

Most recently, Ibbotson spent more than a decade with Walmart US, joining in 2015 as senior vice president of innovation. In that role, he was tasked with simplifying store...

Chipotle Set to Enter Asia With First South Korea Location

Chipotle will be opening its first restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, its first Asian location, marking the latest step in the company’s international expansion.

The restaurant will be located at 423 Gangnam-daero in Seocho-gu and is being launched in partnership with Sangmidang Holdings, formerly SPC Group. The companies said South Korea will serve as a base for Chipotle’s broader expansion in Asia.

"South Korea, in particular, is an ideal market to introduce Chipotle to the region, and we see tremendous...

Northern Beaches Council - Local Case of H5 Bird Flu Confirmed

The NSW government had confirmed the first case of H5 bird flu in a greater crested tern at Warriewood on the Northern Beaches.

H5 bird flu and how it is spread

H5 bird flu is a viral disease of birds that is found globally and is currently impacting all parts of the world.

H5 bird flu differs from other avian influenza strains and has caused mass mortalities in poultry and many wild birds overseas, as well as some mammals, particularly marine mammals...

New Product Concept with US Beef and Pork Gaining Traction in Colombia

With beef prices high for popular middle meat cuts in Colombia, USMEF has been working to identify what it considered to be an “opportunity cut” for U.S. beef in the market. A cut with strong flavor, good value and competitive costs, that could compete with domestic beef. U.S. chuck roll fit the bill and for U.S. pork in Colombia, Boston butt is the opportunity cut that USMEF has been showcasing. Even better, USMEF’s Colombia team developed a new concept to promote both at the same time in foodservice...

Congressman Davis Stands with North Carolina Cattle Producers Amid Move to Expand Beef Imports

Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, spoke on the House floor in support of cattle producers in eastern North Carolina and across the country following the President’s August 26 proclamation waiving out-of-quota tariffs on up to 300,000 metric tons of imported lean beef trimmings. Congressman Davis warned that the added volume could pressure cattle prices and further strain American producers and family farms already facing rising costs and market...

UFU Meets MEP to Discuss Concerns Over Brazilian Beef and Poultry Imports

The Ulster Farmers’ Union today met with Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly to discuss growing concerns surrounding imports of Brazilian beef and poultry and the implications for Northern Ireland farmers under the forthcoming EU restrictions.

During the meeting, the UFU highlighted serious concerns that from 3 September 2026 the European Union, including Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework, will no longer permit imports of Brazilian beef and poultry because Brazil has not been able to demonstrate compliance with EU requirements regarding the use of growth-promoting antimicrobials...

CBP Supports Federal Response to New World Screwworm Threat

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal partners, is helping to eradicate the New World screwworm, a serious pest that, left untreated, can cause severe and even deadly harm to livestock, wildlife, pets, and, less commonly, people and birds.

“CBP is committed to supporting USDA and our federal, state, local, and industry partners in preventing the spread of New World screwworm,” said Deputy Executive Director Suzette Kelly of CBP’s Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison, Office of Field Operations. “By helping facilitate the...

SONIC Leans into Football Season with Sweeter $7 Big Deal Meal, New Athlete-led Campaign

SONIC Drive-In is tying its latest value play to football season, refreshing its $7 Big Deal Meal with a dessert addition and launching a new marketing campaign featuring Baker Mayfield and Bijan Robinson.

Available for a limited time at participating locations nationwide, the updated $7 Big Deal Meal now includes a SONIC Cheeseburger, medium drink, choice of medium tots or fries, and a vanilla sundae topped with whipped cream, a cherry and a choice of hot fudge, strawberry...

Progresso Expands its Lineup of Pitmaster BBQ-inspired Soups 

As grilling season gives way to cooler days and comforting meals, Progresso® is introducing even more backyard BBQ flavor to its smoky, savory Pitmaster lineup. No fuss or flame required with two new additions: Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup, made in partnership with Hidden Valley Ranch, and Charbroiled Bacon Cheeseburger Soup.

Progresso Pitmaster Takes the Cheeseburger Beyond the Bun

For those who love the taste of a classic burger, the new Progresso Pitmaster Charbroiled Bacon Cheeseburger Soup brings the cookout staple from the...

PepsiCo Ties Regenerative Agriculture to Crop Resilience, Farmer Viability

PepsiCo is expanding regenerative agriculture efforts across key crop supply chains to prioritize resilience, soil health, and long-term farmer viability, with implications for sugar crops like beets and cane, vegetables like potatoes, and should affect end products across the company's vast portfolio of packaged food and beverages. The goal is to show how farmers can strengthen the economic and environmental health of their farms with regenerative practices that are focused on resilience, according to VP of Sustainability, Margaret Henry.

Yum! Completes Pizza Hut Sale in $2.7B Split Deal

Yum! Brands has completed the sale of Pizza Hut, excluding Mainland China, to LongRange Capital in a deal valued at nearly $1.5 billion, subject to certain adjustments. The agreement also gives Yum! the opportunity to receive an additional $75 million earn-out by 2030 based on future performance.

The transaction follows the previously announced sale of Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, which closed on Aug. 7, 2026. Together, the two transactions complete Yum!’s divestiture of the Pizza Hut business...

Morgan Griffith - Griffith Statement on Action to Protect Ninth District Cattle Farmers and Ranchers

As a response to renewed federal attention on issues that impact American beef, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is helping lead a Congressional letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump. In the letter, lawmakers express their concerns about recent federal actions, highlight policy recommendations and reaffirm Republicans’ support for working with the Trump Administration to help America’s cattle producers.

Commenting on the letter, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Ranchers and farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District who work to feed their families and communities must...

ANALYSIS: Japan's July 2026 Beef Imports Hold Steady as China Diversion Gains Pace

Beneath a flat headline, Japan's beef import market shifted meaningfully in July 2026. Total inflows of 43,441 metric ton (MT) were broadly unchanged month-on-month (MOM), rising just 0.2% (+106 MT) from June, according to the Trade Statistics of Japan.

 The stability in overall volumes masked a broader realignment of supply flows, as the impact of safeguard closures in neighboring markets came into sharper focus.

Australia's share of the Japanese market strengthened further in...

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...

The Retail Rundown: The 2026 Labor Day Grill Balances Value and Variety

Labor Day weekend is nearly here, and retailers are putting grilling favorites front and center for one last major cookout of summer. The 2026 holiday protein mix offers plenty of variety, but pricing is influencing how shoppers build their menus, with value particularly important across meat and poultry.

Despite higher prices, beef remains a centerpiece of the backyard cookout, with retailers featuring ground beef alongside strip, sirloin, porterhouse, and other steaks, as well as roast cuts such as top round.

Recent Circana data highlights the continued price pressure...

United Kingdom: £13m to Turn Cutting-Edge Research Into Real-World, Farming Solutions

Funding will help turn cutting-edge research into practical tools for farmers, from vaccines that protect pigs from disease to technology that tackles pests and boosts crop yields

A £13 million investment will help bring new technology from the lab to the farm, giving farmers practical tools to tackle some of the challenges they face every day.

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle today (Tuesday 1 September) announced the opening of the latest Farming Innovation Programme competition, backed by £13 million to...

AEB: Supply Commentary – August 2026

In August demand continued to remain strong while supply continued to outpace demand. Wholesale prices remain depressed as a result and the outlook is unchanged from last month.

Flock Size and Production

AEB estimates the overall flock size between 340M and 345M, based on assessments through May and excluding small non-paying producers.  This estimate is higher than other published industry estimates.  Looking at total production, AEB estimates an average of 20.2M cases produced per month over the past three months.

Drivers of Total Production

Rate of lay has softened slightly, but 2026 production per hen is still projected to beat 2025, with 2027 projected higher...

Philippines: BAI Clears First ASF Vaccine for Commercial Sale

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has approved the commercial sale of AVAC ASF LIVE, the first African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine for fatteners cleared for public sale, giving the battered hog industry a new weapon as the government races to rebuild the country's swine herd.

Developed by AVAC Vietnam Joint Stock Company, AVAC ASF LIVE is a live, attenuated, gene- deleted freeze-dried vaccine designed to protect pigs against the African swine fever virus. Its approval comes nearly seven years after ASF first hit the Philippines in 2019, cutting the...