North American Meat Institute Urges Massachusetts to Delay Enforcement of Animal Confinement Law

With less than five months before the Commonwealth of Massachusetts intends to enforce its proposed Regulations Implementing the Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals (the Act), the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute), the largest and oldest trade association for packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey, has urged the Commonwealth to delay enforcement and allow time for the proposed rule to be made final so livestock producers and packer processors can understand the final rule and make any required changes to their operations.

In comments submitted to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General on the proposed act, Mark Dopp, Chief Operating Officer of the North American Meat Institute said:

“Before addressing the problems attendant with the proposed rules, the ‘elephant in the room’ needs addressing. The Act provides that the ‘The Attorney General shall promulgate rules and...

Tyson Foods Integrating the Five Domains Animal Welfare Framework Across Global Operations

Tyson Foods is evolving its approach to animal welfare by integrating a new welfare framework across its global operations, known as the Five Domains.

Tyson’s Office of Animal Welfare plays an important role in ensuring the company’s vision for animal welfare becomes a reality: to be the world leader in animal welfare through compassionate care based in sound science. Part of being a leader means being open to creative thinking, innovation, and evolving knowledge and practices. The Five Domains, as devised by Professor David Mellor and colleagues...

JBS Releases 2020 Sustainability Report 

JBS USA, a leading global food company and the majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation released its 2020 Sustainability Report: Celebrate Your Foodprint, which includes new aggressive global targets and completion of its 2020 sustainability goals. The report transparently details the company’s sustainability actions across its global operations in North America, the UK, Continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

“Our sustainability promise is stronger than ever, as we deliver on our goals and continue to raise the bar for more sustainable food production,” said Andre Nogueira, JBS USA CEO. “We have established a new vision...

Maple Leaf Foods Releases 2020 Sustainability Report

Maple Leaf Foods, a leading North American producer of high-quality, sustainable meat and plant-based proteins, announced the release of its 2020 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company's key initiatives, milestones and accomplishments in 2020 on its journey to become the most sustainable protein company on earth.

Throughout the challenges of 2020, Maple Leaf Foods remained committed to leading in sustainability, born out of a recognition of the enormous and essential role that the protein industry plays in nourishing billions of people, and the resources required to create nutrient-dense foods. While prioritizing the health and safety of its employees and the stability of its food supply, the company championed a more...

Pilgrim’s Shares 2020 Sustainability Achievements

Pilgrim’s announced the release of its 2020 Sustainability Report, which includes the five-year results of its 2015 sustainability goals and aggressive new global targets that will guide the company’s sustainability strategy over the next decade and beyond. The report transparently details the company’s progress in key priority areas – animal care, team members, environment, communities, customers and consumers, and suppliers – across its operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Mexico and the United States.

Pilgrim’s has established sustainability as core to its business strategy, adopting industry-leading initiatives that build on the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable food production. Pilgrim’s is the first major global meat and poultry company to offer a sustainability-linked bond tied to...

Conagra Brands Accelerates Transition to 100% Cage-Free Eggs

Conagra Brands announced the company's plans to accelerate its transition to 100% cage-free eggs, converting 100% of its egg usage to cage-free by the end of fiscal year 2024, one year earlier than its original commitment to directly source 100% cage-free eggs by 2025.

Conagra plans to convert approximately 20% of its egg usage to cage-free by the end of fiscal year 2021; approximately 45–50% to cage-free by the end of fiscal year 2022; approximately...

What Does Prop 12 Mean for Egg, Veal, and Pork Producers in 2022?

Set to begin on January 1, 2022, there has been much pushback and controversy surrounding the State of California’s Proposition 12: The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative, which California residents first voted to pass in 2018.

Under the new rule, veal calf producers are required to provide their animals with at least 43 square feet of usable floor space per calf. Sows must have a minimum of 24 square feet of usable space per animal and laying hens are required to be cage-free. Prop 12 prohibits the sale in California of meat, poultry, and eggs not raised in compliance with these regulations. Many industry participants and producers have voiced concerns that Prop 12 could...

Cargill Joins U.S. CattleTrace Program with Aim to Develop Infrastructure for Disease Traceability

Cargill announced that it has joined U.S. CattleTrace as an official packer member. Cargill is the second beef processor to invest in the effort formed by multiple state cattlemen’s organizations to develop a national infrastructure for animal disease traceability in the U.S. cattle industry.

“Reducing the impact of disease is critical for the U.S. Beef herd which is why we’re excited to join the U.S. CattleTrace program and champion its efforts to improve global competitiveness and food safety across the value chain,” said Jarrod Gillig, business operations and supply chain lead for Cargill’s North American protein business. “At Cargill, we’ve long been focused on enhancing the traceability and resilience of our supply chains and...

West Liberty Foods Releases 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

West Liberty, Iowa-based West Liberty Foods has released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting major achievements in environmental sustainability, animal welfare, food safety, social responsibility, and community involvement. It is the 2nd CSR report the company has released in the past 3 years.

“Creating and maintaining sustainable practices is of the utmost importance at West Liberty Foods,” said Brandon Achen, President. “But, it is our team members who are at the heart of our sustainability successes. This report combines...

USDA Study: Piglets Pay the Price of Mom’s Heat Stress

Piglets born to heat-stressed sows may carry the burden of their mom’s discomfort later in life in the form of health complications and diminished performance. Now, this so-called "in utero heat stress" may also hypersensitize the piglet’s immune system, potentially doing more harm than good to the young animals, a team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists has learned.

Pigs are more susceptible to heat stress due to an inability to sweat. This places them at greater risk of health and production problems that can add up to millions of dollars annually in revenue losses to swine producers.

Research has shown that pigs experiencing heat stress during pregnancy can predispose their offspring to...

African Swine Fever Virus Vaccine Candidate Now Produced in a Cell Line

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced that an African Swine Fever Virus vaccine candidate has been adapted to grow in a cell line, which means that those involved in vaccine production will no longer have to rely on live pigs and their fresh cells for vaccine production.

“This opens the door for large-scale vaccine production, which is a valuable tool for the possible eradication of the virus,” said senior ARS scientist Dr. Manuel Borca.

African Swine Fever is known to cause virulent, deadly outbreaks in wild and domestic swine, causing...

Niman Ranch Announces Partnership with Fortune Fish & Gourmet

Niman Ranch, a leader in humanely and sustainably raised beef, pork and lamb, announced a new partnership with Fortune Fish & Gourmet, one of the country’s leading processors, distributors and importers of quality seafood, meats and gourmet products. With this new partnership, Niman Ranch has expanded their footprint of geographic availability, now serving sustainability-focused and quality-driven restaurants and select retail outlets in major markets including Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Omaha, Birmingham and everywhere in between.

“We are excited to partner with Fortune as we bring the finest tasting meat from Niman Ranch to new markets across the country,” shared John Flynn, Niman Ranch’s Vice President of Sales. “We are especially happy to now serve areas of the country in our farmers’ backyards, so they can enjoy the meat they work so hard to raise at some of...

Regulatory and Policy Update: What the Change in Administration Could Mean for the Meat Industry

With the change in administration, participants in the meat industry are closely eyeing what new leadership at USDA and other regulatory bodies could mean for areas including food safety, worker safety, and animal welfare. 

In the virtual 2021 Annual Meat Conference, a panel of leading experts in regulatory and policy issues discussed updates on these factors and what industry participants at all levels might need to be prepared for in 2021. 

Panelists included Casey Gallimore, Director and Scientific Affairs, North American Meat Institue; and Andrew Harig, Vice President, Tax, Trade, Sustainability & Policy Development, FMI.  

Harig kicked off the panel by noting how Washington in March 2021 is drastically different from Washington in March 2020...

NCBA Secures Introduction of Bipartisan HAULS Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) endorsed the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021. Introduced by Sen. Fischer (R-NE), Sen. Tester (D-MT), Sen. Wicker (R-MS), and Sen. Smith (D-MN), the bipartisan bill would deliver much-needed flexibility for livestock haulers.

“One year after COVID-19 began to disrupt daily life across the country, U.S. cattle producers continue to prove each day that they are committed to keeping grocery stores stocked with beef. Livestock haulers are a critical component of the beef supply chain and flexibility in livestock hauling regulations remains...

US Pork Supply Chain Locked in Limbo as Producers Await Legal Ruling

The US pork supply chain faces significant disruption in 2022, when California’s animal welfare regulations (Proposition 12) take effect. With less than 4% of US sow housing currently able to meet the new standard, Rabobank expects a shortfall in compliant pork to bifurcate the US market, leaving California with a severe pork deficit (and high prices), while generating a surplus in the rest of the US market.

“Producers are reluctant to make the costly investments needed to comply with the new regulation, unless compensated with long-term premium guarantees. Packer processors and end users are unwilling to enter into long-term supply arrangements, given outstanding legal challenges to the California rule and...

Chipotle Announces Executive Compensation Metrics Tied to Sustainability Goals

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it has introduced a new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metric that ties executive compensation to ESG goals. The objectives, which are categorized by Food & Animals, People, and the Environment, will hold Chipotle’s executive leadership team responsible to make business decisions that cultivate a better world.

Ten percent of officers’ annual incentive bonus will be tied to the company’s progress toward achieving the company’s goals.

“We are passionate about inspiring real change in people, food, and the environment every day,” said Laurie Schalow, Chief Corporate Affairs & Food Safety Officer. “The compensation plan...

Popeyes Announces New Quality and Sustainability Commitments

Popeyes has announced new food quality commitments for the next 5 years as part of the Restaurant Brands for Good sustainability plan. The commitments are part of the brand’s work to serve responsibly sourced, high quality and great tasting food every day while continuously working to reduce its environmental footprint.

Real Ingredients - Popeyes® is working on removing colors, flavors and preservatives from artificial sources from fried chicken menu items in the U.S. by the end of 2022, starting with its famous Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich.

Antibiotics - Popeyes® is eliminating antibiotics important to human medicine from their chicken supply chain in the US and Canada by the end of 2021. This new sourcing policy supports...

Bell & Evans to Transition 50,000 U.S. Acres to Certified Organic with Cargill, Rodale Institute

U.S. grain farmers have a new incentive to transition from conventional to organic practices, and Bell & Evans banks on many making the change.

Premium poultry producer Bell & Evans is experiencing significant growth in its organic chicken program, increasing its need for U.S. grown organic-certified corn and soybeans used in its organic chicken feed. The family-owned producer finalized a long-term sourcing agreement with global ag leader Cargill to exclusively secure its organic grain and increase domestic organic grain supply. Under the agreement, Cargill will incentivize...

NPPC Submits Comments on Proposed USDA Rule for Gene-Edited Livestock

For more than two years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has dragged its feet on the development of gene-edited livestock, an emerging technology with tremendous promise for livestock agriculture,causing American agriculture to fall behind in the global race to advance its development. Thankfully, under a recently proposed rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have primary regulatory jurisdiction, which “will foster innovation, allow for producer access to this technology, and preserve the preeminence of American agriculture globally,” the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) wrote in comments submitted Wednesday to the agency.

Gene editing is used to make specific changes within an animal’s own genome. Gene editing will allow us to produce animals that are more disease-resistant, require fewer antibiotics and with...

International Dairy Queen On Track to Meet Cage-Free Egg Commitment in 2025

International Dairy Queen Corporation (IDQ) announced it is on track to meet its cage-free egg commitment in the U.S. and Canada for shell eggs, liquid eggs and DQ® proprietary products by 2025.

“In 2016, we made a commitment to animal welfare when we announced our transition to cagefree eggs in the U.S. and Canada by 2025,” said Steve Min, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at International Dairy Queen. “As we continue to make progress toward our goal, we reduced...

Survey: Meat Will Be a Key Ingredient for Americans Resolving to Eat Better in 2021

As many Americans are into week one of a new eating regimen, Applegate found that 72% of those surveyed believe meat should be part of a healthy diet and that 55% are resolving to cut back on sugar.

Despite the rising popularity of plant-based trends and lab-created “meat” substitutes, the survey found 58% of adults have no plans to consume less meat in 2021 and illustrated how consumers are seeking natural and organic meat products with...

UK Government Consults on Ending Live Animal Exports for Slaughter

Plans to ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening have been unveiled by the Environment Secretary today, in the start of a renewed push by government to strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader on animal welfare.

These proposals form part of an eight-week consultation, launched in England and Wales, seeking views on how to better protect animal welfare during transport.

Live animals commonly have to endure excessively long journeys during exports, causing...

USDA: Amino Acid Helps Shore Up Defenses of Swine

A third round of feeding trials conducted by a team of USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists has again shown that a dietary supplement called L-glutamine can naturally promote growth and wellness in pigs.

Jay S. Johnson, an animal scientist with ARS's Livestock Behavior Research Unit in West Lafayette, Indiana, and his Purdue University collaborators are investigating L-glutamine as a natural alternative to using dietary antibiotics. Swine producers had used antibiotics to...

Perdue Farms Shares Progress on Industry-Leading Animal Care Goals, New Initiatives

Perdue Farms hosted its fifth annual Animal Care Summit, held virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since announcing the company’s Commitments to Animal Care in 2016, the summit has been a key part of Perdue’s animal care strategy.

“Now in our company’s 100th year, we are proud to continue making advancements and leading our industry in the standards to which we raise our animals,” said Mark McKay, President of Perdue Poultry and Meat. “Strong animal husbandry and stewardship keep our animals healthier and, importantly, we believe translate to a better product for consumers.”

During the 2020 meeting, Perdue subject-matter experts shared the latest updates on the company’s industry-leading animal welfare goals and initiatives, including...

FAO and OIE Kickstart Global Initiative to Stop Spread of Deadly Pig Disease

As African swine fever (ASF) marches swiftly across countries affecting food security and livelihoods of some of the world's most vulnerable populations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) are calling on all nations and partners to join forces to keep this deadly pig disease at bay under a new initiative.

The Global Control of ASF Initiative, recently launched under the GF-TADs umbrella, supports actors at every level to coordinate and strengthen control measures to minimise the impact of this complex and challenging disease.

Bringing together governments, industry and specialists, FAO and OIE will present...

Cargill Study Shows Consumer Support of Farmers Grows As a Result of COVID-19 Challenges

A recent Cargill study found a majority of consumers stand ready to rally around farmers in support of their efforts to put food on tables around the globe. Consumer recognition for the challenges and expectations farmers face grew amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as processing and transportation bottlenecks, especially in the protein industry, stretched the global food supply. In the latest Feed4Thought survey, Cargill found nearly one-third of consumers in the U.S., Brazil, Vietnam and Norway have a renewed appreciation for animal agriculture.

“Farmers and ranchers have faced tremendous pressures caused by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. And those pressures came on top of the multitude of challenges farmers already faced as they worked to feed the world in...

USDA Updates the National Poultry Improvement Plan

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) to align with changes in the poultry industry and to incorporate new scientific information and technologies into the NPIP. These updates are consistent with the recommendations approved by representatives from across the poultry industry at the 2018 NPIP Biennial Conference.

In this update, APHIS is...