Missouri Farm Bureau - MOFB Calls for Reversal of Increased Foreign Beef Imports

“Cattle producers are rightfully frustrated by today’s announcement that President Trump plans to increase foreign beef imports and sell that beef below the cost of production. Americans, including farm families, are paying more for fuel, electricity, housing and nearly everything else. We understand the desire to provide relief to American families facing high grocery costs, but additional market intervention in the cattle market is the wrong approach.

After years of drought, high input costs and a historically low cattle herd, producers are finally seeing strong cattle prices...

Freddy’s Brings Back Bacon Fest With Four Limited-Time Offers

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is putting bacon at the center of its fall menu with the return of Bacon Fest, featuring four limited-time offerings from Sept. 2 through Nov. 3.

The lineup includes the returning Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack, along with three new bacon-focused items: the Smoky Bacon Steakburger Taco, Bacon Loaded Tots and Maple Pecan Concrete.

The Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack features two hand-pressed steakburger patties topped with sharp cheddar, four slices of Applewood bacon and grilled onions on a toasted King’s...

Alveo Technologies Partners with AgriNerds to Create Avian Influenza Surveillance System

Alveo Technologies, Inc., a global leader in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics for early disease detection, today [August 25, 2026] announced a strategic partnership with AgriNerds Inc, which has developed the Waterfowl Alert Network, a first-of-its-kind dynamic surveillance and awareness program that predicts historic and daily waterfowl activity around the nation's poultry and livestock farms. The partnership will pair Alveo's unique, rapid, molecular diagnostic with AgriNerds' Waterfowl Alert Network, a proprietary system that uses a combination of satellite imagery, weather radar, and telemetry...

Milk Bar Partners with Beyond Meat to Debut New Plant-Forward Options 

Over the years, Milk Bar fans have made plenty of requests - and plant-forward options have been among them time and time again. This summer, Milk Bar is answering that call with Beyond Meat.

Milk Bar's savory offerings have long held a special place in fans' hearts, and after years off the menu, they're making their highly anticipated return. In partnership with Beyond Meat, Milk Bar is reintroducing savory with two limited-edition plant-forward menu items inspired by guest feedback, giving...

OTG and The SPAM® Brand Bring the SPAM® Dog to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Airport hospitality group OTG is partnering with the SPAM® brand to give travelers a first bite of one of this year’s most anticipated fair foods.

Today, airport hospitality group OTG and the SPAM® brand announced a new partnership to bring the SPAM® Dog to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), giving travelers early access to the new menu item ahead of its Minnesota State Fair debut. Through the second week of September...

ANALYSIS: Australian Imports of Beef “Cuts” Increasing to the US?

When analyzing the subprimal, primals, and cuts, which will be referred to as just cuts for all three moving forward into this analysis, the percent coming into the US when compared to boneless trimmings has held somewhat steady over the past 5 years. Overall, the yearly average percentage has ranged from 38-50%, but since 2023 has been averaging 38% for the year. With the percentage of cuts compared to total beef (primals, subprimals, cuts, and boneless trimmings) holding roughly steady over...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand July Beef Exports Up 12.8% YOY as China's Pivot Kicks In

New Zealand's beef exports eased 23.8% month-on-month (MOM) to 40,340 MT in July 2026, a standard seasonal retreat following May's all-time record of 57,801 MT, according to the latest Stats NZ data.

The 12.8% year-on-year (YOY) gain extended the recovery from 2025's depressed base, lifting the seven-month cumulative to 322,444 MT, up 7.1% YOY.

Shipments to China's 28.5% YOY gain to 12,014 MT was the month's defining result. June's post-Australia-exclusion recovery...

Restaurants Lean on Efficiency and AI to Protect Margins, Toast Survey Finds

Toast’s annual Voice of the Restaurant Industry Survey finds operators doubling down on profitability, growth and efficiency.

The foodservice technology company led a blind survey across 676 operators from April 3–20, 2026. The data reflects that the industry holding up, with 91% saying their business is in good or excellent shape, matching last year. Inflation, cited by 27% of operators and up seven points year over year, and hiring, cited by 22% and up six points, are...

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation - WFBF Statement on Beef Imports

"President Trump's announcement last week to import more beef products and sell them substantially below market value is deeply concerning. Wisconsin beef and dairy farmers deserve better but so does all U.S. consumers.

Agriculture is facing a downturn unlike anything seen in decades. Wisconsin's beef and dairy farmers are working hard to remain viable, provide high-quality food for consumers and support rural communities across our state.

Government intervention in markets rarely produces the desired long-term results. Price manipulation is un-American when it is done by the government, regardless of the intention behind it...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Make a Final Push for Grilling

Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, signaling the unofficial end of summer and the last major grilling occasion before consumers turn their attention to school, football, and the fall holidays.

The three-day holiday weekend is a key promotional window for grocers, but the 2026 protein market presents a more challenging backdrop. Factors like tight cattle supplies and broader economic pressures are influencing both availability and consumer demand, prompting retailers to take a more strategic approach to promotions.

From a wholesale beef perspective, the market has become less favorable for retailers seeking promotional leverage. Choice and Select beef cutout values have climbed since the...

Governor Stitt Establishes Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council, Defending Cattle Producers 

Governor Kevin Stitt today [August 25, 2026] signed an executive order creating the Oklahoma Beef Industry Advisory Council to prepare for President Donald Trump's announced executive order to increase imported beef that must be sold below U.S. market rates.

Chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, the Council will meet and deliver public recommendations to protect and grow Oklahoma's beef industry following the federal government's announced plans to increase imported beef.

"If Washington wants lower prices for Americans, it should focus on free market solutions that remove barriers...

AFBF Analyzes Potential Beef Import Impacts: Urges President Trump to Reconsider

The President’s plan to facilitate record imports of beef will have a significant impact on farmers and ranchers who are rebuilding their herds devastated by drought. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the potential consequences of increased imports in the latest Farm Bureau Intel. Also today, Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reconsider his plan to flood the market with foreign beef.

President Trump announced last week that he plans to import up to 300,000 metric tons of beef over a...

US Cattlemen’s Association Responds to Latest on Beef Prices

United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is responding to President Trump’s latest social media post concerning upcoming trade actions to address US beef prices. According to the post, the Administration has decided to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef into the United States tariff–free over the next 90 days—a move USCA warns would sideline U.S. producers, threaten cattle prices, and risk undermining consumer confidence in the beef supply.

For decades, USCA has advocated for the federal government not to intervene in cattle markets, yet policy decisions have steadily moved in the opposite direction. From recent tariff exemptions for Brazil after violating deforestation standards, tariff exemptions for Argentina after violating forced labor standards...

Campbell’s and NFL Renew Partnership, Expand Into Frozen Meals

The Campbell’s Company has renewed and expanded its partnership with the National Football League (NFL), continuing a relationship that started in 1997 when Campbell’s became the league’s Official Soup Sponsor. The 29-year partnership now extends into the frozen-meal category for the first time.

The agreement includes Campbell’s Chunky®, which recently expanded beyond soup with the launch of Chunky Frozen Bowls, single-serve, microwaveable meals containing 20–28 grams of protein per bowl. 

The new offerings align with growing consumer interest in protein-focused foods and include Chili Mac, Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac & Cheese, and Philly Cheesesteak Mac & Cheese...

R-CALF USA Responds to Reported Plan to Facilitate More Beef Imports by Relaxing Tariffs

President Donald Trump announced today [August 21, 2026] on Truth Social that he plans to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of beef intended for ground beef production to enter the United States without the out-of-quota tariff for 90 days. The president said the plan is intended to lower beef prices for consumers while providing time for the U.S. cattle herd to rebuild.

In response, R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard released the following statement:

“Increasing imports doubles down on a failed strategy that has substituted foreign beef for rebuilding domestic production...

USDA Announces Harvest to Hallways Initiative to Invest in Child Nutrition Programs  

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced sweeping new efforts to strengthen school meals by connecting more American farmers with local schools, investing in school kitchen infrastructure, and giving states and school districts new tools to serve healthier, more nutrient-dense meals to America’s children.

Secretary Kennedy joined Secretary Rollins at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), alongside farmers, students, school nutrition leaders, athletes, chefs, and parents, to announce the next phase of the Trump Administration’s...

Long John Silver’s Adds Fried Pickles, OLD BAY Ranch Starting Aug. 24

Long John Silver’s is tapping into the pickle craze with a new limited-time menu item. Starting today, the chain is adding fried pickles coated in its signature batter to its offerings.

"Pickles are having a moment, but we weren't interested in making just another Fried Pickle," said Meredith Smith, director of brand marketing at Long John Silver's®. "We batter fish for a living, so putting it on pickles felt like the obvious place to start. Then we paired them...

Menu Transformation: Beverages Move from Add-Ons to Restaurant Growth Drivers

Beverages are becoming one of the most dynamic and innovative growth drivers in the restaurant industry, according to the National Restaurant Association 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends(Opens in a new window) report. The research reveals that restaurants are increasingly serving as destinations for beverage discovery, while consumers – especially Gen Z and millennials – are fueling demand for new flavors, expanded menus and beverage-centric experiences.

The report, powered by presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company, highlights the growing role beverages play in driving consumer engagement and restaurant traffic. An overwhelming...

NovoFlyTM Screwworm Strain Readied for Active Duty

American scientific ingenuity in the form of sterile fly releases helped eliminate New World screwworm from the country in the 1960s. Now, ARS researchers are combining that ingenuity with next-generation tools to counter new resurgences of the pest threatening livestock and wildlife in New Mexico and Texas.

“Releasing sterile screwworm flies is a proven, decades-old approach to eliminating populations of this pest and preventing the harm it inflicts—physically to livestock animals and wildlife and financially to the producers who raise livestock for our milk, meat...

Farm Bureau: USMCA Negotiations Must Resume

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented today [August 24, 2026] on the breakdown of trade talks between the United States and Canada, and the imposition of additional damaging tariffs.

“Canada has been one of the most important trading partners for U.S. agriculture since our first free trade agreement in 1989. We are concerned that talks with our northern neighbor around a resolution to Section 338 tariffs have fallen apart in the midst of the USMCA review. We strongly urge the U.S. and Canada to return to the negotiating table and find a resolution...

Tyson Foods Commits $1 Million to Support School Nutrition and Food Access

Today [August 24, 2026], Tyson Foods announced a $1 million commitment over the next two years in support of the Harvest to Hallways initiative, advancing efforts to improve childhood nutrition and food access.

Funding from the commitment will help expand student access to healthy school meals, support nutrition education and strengthen meal access in rural communities.

Tyson Foods will leverage its existing partnerships with GENYOUth, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) to help deliver these programs in schools and communities across the country...

Hormel Foods Announces Appointment of Ash Bhumbla as Chief Financial Officer

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced the appointment of Ash Bhumbla as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective Sept. 8. Paul Kuehneman, who has served as interim chief financial officer since October 2025, will work closely with Bhumbla to ensure a smooth transition and remain a key senior leader within the company's finance organization.

Bhumbla will lead the company's finance organization and serve as a member of the Hormel Foods senior leadership team. He will guide the company's financial strategy, capital allocation and long-term growth objectives.

"Ash is a highly accomplished finance executive...

The origin breakdown continues to highlight two key drivers. Ukrainian shipments in June 2026 stood at 12,368 tons, up 11.2% year on year (from 11,118 tons) and accounting...

IFF Report Finds GLP-1 Is Reshaping Food Choices and Eating Behaviors Among Indian Consumers

IFF (NYSE: IFF) — a global leader in flavors, fragrances and health and biosciences — released new research examining how GLP-1 use is influencing food behaviors among Indian consumers and what those shifts may mean for the future of food and beverage innovation. The study is the latest in IFF’s GLP-1 global consumer insights following the company’s 2025 GLP-1 Consumer Opportunity Outlook.

“We are seeing that a change in appetite can lead to a broader change in the relationship people have with food, from how much consumers eat to how they choose, experience and participate in eating occasions,” said Harsch Koshti, regional marketing director, IFF Taste for Greater...

Congressman Cleaver Calls on President Trump to Reconsider Importation of Foreign Beef Products

Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) urged the Trump Administration to reverse course on its plan to import 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef over the next 90 days. In a Truth Social post, the President indicated that these beef products will not be subject to out-of-quota tariffs and will allegedly be sold at 25% below current market prices. In a letter to President Trump, Congressman Cleaver acknowledged that Missourians are struggling with the rising cost of groceries, but emphasized that the importation of foreign beef fails to address the primary forces which have driven...

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Hawaii Impacted by Hurricane Lala

Agricultural operations in Hawaii have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Lala. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events.

“USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from disasters,” said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce. “I encourage impacted producers to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available...

New Study Offers Meat Processors Practical Path to Report Methane Emissions More Accurately

The Meat Institute today announced the publication of new peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in Climate that gives livestock and meat companies a practical way to better account for emissions and disclose methane’s role in their greenhouse gas inventory.

The study, “Bridging the Climate-Corporate Gap: Utilizing GWP* with GWP100 for Livestock Companies’ Greenhouse Gas Inventories”, was authored by Sarah C. Klopatek, Logan R. Thompson, Sara E. Place and Matthew R. Beck. The research addresses a challenge facing agriculture and food companies: how to report methane...

Edible Garden and Beyond Meat Using Plant Protein to Tap into Functional Beverages

As of August 24, Edible Garden and Beyond Meat are both pushing deeper into plant-based functional beverages, following the companies' separate announcements that show plans to deliver products to US consumers from the East Coast, over in the Midwest, to California, and beyond.

Edible Garden’s new partnership with Square Roots centers on ingredient development inside controlled-environment agriculture, pairing crop screening and precision growing with Edible Garden’s Farm-to-Formula platform and planned Tetra Pak-based manufacturing hub in Webster City, Iowa...

Cheez-It Brings Y2K Nostalgia to L.A. Food Court with Limited-Run Pop-Up

Cheez-It is leaning into the resurgence of mall culture with a limited-run food court stall at Westfield Topanga Mall in Los Angeles this September. The snack brand is teaming up with Chain, the American Pop Cuisine brand founded by B.J. Novak, to launch the Cheez-It Court, a branded food stall featuring twists on familiar food court fare made with Cheez-It crackers.

The pop-up will run Sept. 2-30 as part of Chain’s six-month residency...

White Castle and Garage Beer Declare “Beer Cheese Me!” the Rally Cry of the Season

This fall, White Castle and Garage Beer are taking their collaboration to the next level, bringing the partnership into restaurants for the first time. This all new limited time menu brings the iconic flavors of these brands together in a way that will leave Cravers and Garage Beer fans wanting more beer cheese. The fun doesn’t end there, as co-branded merchandise rounds out the collaboration for fans who want to rep it, too.

"Garage Beer and White Castle share the...

Nugget Lovers, Rejoice: Get 10-Piece Wendy's Nuggets for Just $1.99 with In-App Offer

Wendy's® is serving up one of its most crave-worthy deals of the year with 10-piece Classic or Spicy Nuggets for just $1.99 with purchase, available exclusively through a digital offer in the Wendy's app August 24 – September 27.**

Featuring the bold, crispy, all-white meat chicken nuggets customers crave, this limited-time digital offer makes enjoying a Wendy's favorite more affordable than ever without compromising on taste or quality.

August 24 – September 27...

Wendy’s Names Tariq Hassan Chief Marketing and Customer Growth Officer

Wendy’s has appointed Tariq Hassan to the newly created role of Chief Marketing and Customer Growth Officer. Hassan will join the company’s senior leadership team, effective immediately.

"Tariq's appointment is another meaningful step in returning Wendy's to profitable growth," said Bob Wright, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"He is a proven brand and team builder with a distinctive ability to connect culture, technology and consumer insight to drive measurable growth. He has demonstrated the impact that highly effective marketing, digital activation, menu innovation and culturally relevant...

Nigeria Now Open to a Wide Range of US Red Meat Products

In a significant market access win for U.S. agriculture, Nigeria is now open to a wide range of U.S. beef and pork products. While Nigeria previously accepted only a limited number of processed meat items, the USDA Export Library now states that U.S. red meat products can be exported to Nigeria unless they are specifically excluded.  

Nigeria still does not accept beef or pork offal or bone-in hams. Smoked, dried and cured beef and pork products are also excluded. But beef cuts and all pork cuts except bone-in hams are now eligible to be shipped to Nigeria, which has the sixth largest...

Increased Beef Imports Could Create Long-term Damage

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today [August 21, 2026] on President Trump’s plan to import an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef in addition to already record-high beef imports.

“Farmers and ranchers are extremely disappointed to learn that President Trump plans to flood the American market with hundreds of millions of pounds of foreign-raised beef. The U.S. is already importing beef at record levels. This decision would be an unprecedented move and would translate to nearly an additional 60% increase in imports over the next 90 days.

“For almost a year now, we’ve been advising the administration...

NCBA Statement on President Trump’s Truth Social Post

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s post regarding beef imports:

“NCBA is disappointed by the President’s statement. While America’s cattle producers share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for consumers, flooding the market with government-subsidized, below-market beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd. Cattle markets have already turned sharply lower this morning, to the detriment of farmers and ranchers. This is a critical time of year for cattle producers, as we approach...

ANALYSIS: China's July 2026 Beef Imports Fall 12.4% MOM as Australia Sits Out and Brazil Counts Down

The front-loading surge that defined China's record first half is fading.

China's beef imports totaled 215,254 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, down 12.4% month-on-month (MOM) and 14.0% year-on-year (YOY), according to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), as the safeguard framework progressively narrowed the field of commercially viable suppliers.

Year-to-date (YTD) arrivals of 1,745,815 MT remain 12.5% above the same period in 2025, a gap that will narrow sharply as H2 unfolds...

New Opportunities for Pork Producers: Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Grant

The Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Grant is a conservation program funded by USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers program and administered by the National Pork Board. It helps producers implement eligible sustainability practices through financial incentives and technical support. Producers can receive funding for approved conservation practices while measuring and documenting their environmental progress through the Pork Cares Farm Impact Report. Together, these resources help producers improve the sustainability, efficiency, and long-term resilience of their operations.

Yum! Brands Appoints Former HanesBrands CEO Steve Bratspies to Board of Directors

Yum! Brands, Inc. today announced the appointment of Stephen ("Steve") B. Bratspies, former chief executive officer of HanesBrands, Inc., to its board of directors, effective August 26, 2026.

"Steve is a respected business leader with extensive experience leading global consumer brands and driving operational excellence at scale," said Brian Cornell, non-executive chairman of the Yum! Brands board of directors. "His deep expertise across retail, brand management and consumer products, combined with his public company leadership experience, will bring valuable perspective to our board...

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Celebrates Grand Opening in Beverly, Massachusetts on August 22

Big Chicken is making another BIG move in Massachusetts. The award-winning concept founded by basketball Hall of Famer, Shaquille O'Neal, has officially landed in Beverly, bringing its bold flavors and larger-than-life personality to Boston's North Shore as the Brand continues to grow its Massachusetts footprint.

"Beverly has all the ingredients we look for in a Big Chicken community."

Located at 55 Dodge Street, Big Chicken Beverly will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The first 36 guests...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Named an Official Partner of the Cincinnati Bengals

Beginning this football season, Bengals fans can enjoy famous hand-breaded chicken strips from Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken at branded concession stands located in both the north and south end zones of Paycor Stadium. The multiyear partnership will also come to life at participating Lee's locations across Ohio and Kentucky, where guests will see Bengals-themed branding and promotions throughout the season.

As an Official Chicken Partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, Lee's will serve its famous hand-breaded chicken strips and potato wedges throughout the season, bringing one of Ohio's favorite chicken brands to the game day experience at Paycor Stadium.

Expana's Weekly Top 10

This week’s Top 10 spotlights how supply constraints and regulatory decisions, not so much demand, are steering markets. Tyson is overhauling its beef footprint as cattle supplies tighten, ICCAT-driven rule changes have pushed up Atlantic bluefin quotas, and sugar and dairy moves are being driven more by policy, logistics and weather risk than by volume. Price actions experience volatility as capacity and trade rules set the tone. Read more about these hot topics this week and more, below. This list is in no particular order.

Find archived recaps here. 

10. Tyson Foods...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending August 21, 2026

Iran has warned that any new US threats will trigger a "devastating” response, while Washington prepares what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the toughest sanctions in history in an effort to pressure Iran’s leadership.

Bessent said details will be announced on Monday and suggested the measures are intended to avoid a renewed large-scale military escalation.

Meanwhile, oil prices have risen amid concerns over disruptions to Gulf energy exports, with the US blockade reportedly reducing Iranian oil shipments to China, Tehran’s largest buyer. China has opposed further sanctions and...

ANALYSIS: Growing Halal Demand Reshapes US Lamb Supply

The most important change in the US lamb market is that approximately 50% of commercially processed lambs are entering the Halal market, according to market participants. These animals are generally slaughtered at 65–90 lbs live, compared with 130–145 lbs for conventionally finished lambs. Halal rules do not require lighter animals, but many customers prefer smaller, leaner lambs for traditional meals, whole-animal purchases, and religious celebrations.

Halal buyers are willing to pay a premium for lighter lambs, often purchasing them before they reach a sale barn or...

ANALYSIS: August USDA Outlook Reshapes the Q3 Protein Picture

The August USDA Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook presents a materially different picture than last month across major protein categories. Unlike previous reports, which projected year-over-year (YOY) production gains across all four proteins in Q3, the latest data shows beef contracting on a YOY basis while broilers and turkey have been revised higher. Pork retains a positive trajectory but at a more modest pace than previously forecast.

Turkey has experienced the most significant upward...

ANALYSIS: Korea's July 2026 Beef Imports Fall as Safeguard Cycle Draws to a Close

Korea's beef imports totalled 41,446 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, down 5.0% year-on-year (YOY) from 43,634 MT in July 2025, according to Korea Customs Service data. 

The result marks the first monthly YOY decline since October 2025 and was also marginally softer month-on-month (MOM), down 0.2% from June's 41,539 MT, reflecting a structural rotation in buying patterns as the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) safeguard front-loading cycle that defined H1 2026 came to a close. 

Imports from Australia reached 20,383...

ANALYSIS: June Turkey Trade Shows Growing Export Demand Amid Increased US Supply

Year-over-year (YOY) exports of US turkey meat were up a total of 0.2% during June, pointing to a greater availability of production compared to last year. While this trend wasn’t noted across all destinations, most countries took note of the relative affordability of turkey meat and purchased in substantial ...

Perdue Farms Receives National Safety Recognition from Poultry Industry

Perdue Farms’ commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement has earned national recognition, with 37 facilities across the U.S. receiving 2026 Industry Safety and Health Awards from the Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council.

Award recipients are selected through a rigorous review process that considers safety performance and workplace safety programs over multiple years. An independent panel also scores each facility based on written explanations of safety programs and processes. This year, 20 Perdue facilities were recognized with the highest honor, the Award of Distinction...

Denny’s Launches $9.99 Triple Play Combos, Adds New Burger Lineup

Denny’s is rolling out a new value-focused menu strategy nationwide with the launch of its Triple Play Combo Meals, offering customers a drink, starter and entrée starting at $9.99. The customizable three-part meals are designed to give diners more choice while allowing them to trade up to higher-priced entrées.

The lineup includes several new beef offerings, including the Diner QP, a 100% all-beef patty with 50% more beef than a quarter-pound patty, American cheese, diced onions, pickles, mustard...

Ocado Confirms Nemlig as Its Latest European Partner

Ocado Group ("Ocado") has today confirmed nemlig as the European national retailer announced as its latest partner on 21 July 2026. The partnership will support the continued development and growth of nemlig.com in Denmark.

Nemlig is the largest pure-play online supermarket in Denmark with sales of 3.3bn DKK (c.£380m) in 2025/26 (2.8bn DKK (c.£320m) in 2024/25). Nemlig has established itself as one of the most price-competitive grocers in the Danish market, currently fulfilling thousands of orders for shoppers across Denmark using manual fulfilment.

Under the agreement, Nemlig and Ocado will build a state-of-the-art Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) near Copenhagen...

ASPCA Launches Direct Support Grant to Assist with New World Screwworm Outbreak

In response to the outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S., the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has announced up to $500,000 in emergency funding that will be available through its New World Screwworm Direct Support Grant to provide support for prevention and treatment efforts in dogs, cats, and equines in states with infestations. Funding will be distributed on a rolling basis. The application is open now through October 31, 2026, or until funds are expended, whichever comes first.

Screwworm was considered eradicated in the U.S. However, the parasite has been moving north through...

Tyson Foods Reshapes Beef Footprint Amid Tight US Cattle Supplies

Late last week, major industry player Tyson Foods announced a restructuring of its beef network, a move aimed at offsetting the challenges posed by declining US cattle production and strengthening the business for the long term.

Tyson said it plans to anchor its beef operations around three strategically located plants. As part of the restructuring, the company will close its beef facility in Joslin, Illinois, and its case-ready facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Tyson is also...

Rounds Introduces RANCH Act to Help Rebuild America’s Cattle Herd

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today introduced the Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. This legislation would create a new voluntary grazing land restoration program that would open up to 20 million new acres for grazing. At full enrollment of 20 million acres, the program established by the RANCH Act would provide sufficient grazing land to support an estimated two to four million additional beef cows.

“Anyone who has spent time around cattle understands one simple truth: no grass means no cattle,” said Rounds...

Perdue Farms Named 2026 PDMA Outstanding Corporate Innovator

Perdue Farms has won the Product Development and Management Association’s (PDMA) 2026 Outstanding Corporate Innovator Award, recognizing the company's ability to create lasting value through innovation for more than a century.

Now in its 39th year, the PDMA OCI Award recognizes industry-leading processes and practices, with organizations selected from a pool of entrants from around the world. Winners are evaluated through a rigorous, highly competitive process—and Perdue is proud to be recognized in this year’s contest.

Innovation is in Perdue’s DNA. For 106 years, the company has...

Gopuff Expands Private Label Assortment and Introduces First-Ever Seasonal Product Lineup

Gopuff today unveiled new additions to its private label brands, Crave Shoppe and Basically, bringing a fresh lineup of indulgent snacks and treats to customers. For the first time, the assortment includes seasonal, limited-time offerings, giving customers new ways to enjoy the flavors of fall while supplies last.

The expansion is informed by what customers are ordering most on Gopuff. Sales of fall-flavored products rose 19.4% year-over-year last fall, signaling strong demand for seasonal favorites. In response, Gopuff developed...

CrownPoint Partners Closes Two Wendy’s Deals in Jacksonville for $4M

CrownPoint Partners has closed two separate Wendy’s property transactions in Jacksonville, Florida, totaling a $4 million investment.

The first property sold for $2.2 million in late spring and is secured by an absolute net lease with 12 years remaining. The restaurant is operated by Meritage Hospitality Group.

CrownPoint arranged the off-market transaction and represented both sides of the deal, advising a Virginia-based private investor selling the property and a Florida-based developer buying it. Both parties are repeat CrownPoint..

ANALYSIS: Scheduled Douglas Reopening Marks First Step in Mexico Cattle Trade Recovery 

USDA has scheduled imports of Mexican cattle through Douglas, Arizona, to resume on August 24, 2026, representing the latest effort to restore trade following repeated disruptions related to New World screwworm (NWS). 

ANALYSIS: China's July 2026 Meat Imports Recoil as Safeguard Walls Close In

China's total meat imports, including offal, reached 466,182 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

This represents a 12.3% decline month-on-month (MOM) from the 531,834 MT recorded in June, and 12.6% lower year-on-year (YOY).

On a cumulative basis, year-to-date volumes through July reached 3,574,717 MT, 4.3% below the same period in 2025.

Weakness was broad-based across proteins.

Structural overproduction at domestic mega-farms continued to suppress...

ANALYSIS: USDA July 2026 Cattle Inventory Shows More Replacement Heifers, Lower Female Slaughter

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its semiannual Cattle report on July 24, 2026. Total cattle and calves on July 1, 2026 were estimated at 94.2 million head, slightly up from the 94.0 million head reported on July 1, 2025. While the overall inventory has stabilized at the national level, the composition of the herd continues to reflect the pressures of a prolonged contraction cycle. Beef cow numbers declined 1...

The Retail Rundown: Promotional Calendar Looking Towards Fall

Mid-August can be a quieter stretch in the grocery calendar, but the latest retail feature data suggest the lull may be short-lived.

Promotional activity is building across beef, chicken, and pork, while eggs and dairy are seeing strong year-over-year gains as retailers prepare for fall-driven demand, including back-to-school shopping and Labor Day celebrations.

Beef posted one of the sharpest week-over-week increases. The USDA national feature rate climbed to 96.0%, from 80.2% a week earlier and 88.8% a year ago. Retailers increased advertising for...

Farm Groups' Letter Urges Farm Labor Reform as H-2A Costs Squeeze Growers

On August 10, a broad coalition of US agricultural groups urged lawmakers to swiftly pass HR 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (or SAWA) which would overhaul the H-2A farm labor program through changes to worker eligibility, wage rules, and administrative requirements. The use of foreign labor is an aspect of farming closely tied to production costs, margins, harvest timing, crop acreage, and marketable supply. 

Trade and Consumer Events in New Zealand Draw Interest in US Pork

Though more than 60% of pork consumed in New Zealand is imported, awareness of U.S. pork is limited among the trade and consumers. U.S. pork exports to New Zealand have averaged $46 million the past two years, with most product utilized in further processed items such as bacon and ham.

Access limitations affect awareness and interest in U.S. pork in the Oceania region. Both Australia and New Zealand maintain strict time and temperature processing requirements for fully cooked pork products, and Australia allows no sales of fresh U.S. pork. New Zealand restricts fresh pork imports (pork imports not bound for further processing) to packaging under three...