Perdue AgriBusiness Announces Collaboration with ZeaKal

Illustrating a shared commitment to improve the value and sustainability of food production, Perdue AgriBusiness and ZeaKal announced a multi-year development agreement to raise more sustainable poultry through improved soy genetics and feed quality.

ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed® trait technology increases photosynthetic capacity, converting more carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy for the plant. In soybeans, this has consistently resulted in improved oil and protein content while improving the sustainability index of the crop. As the main protein source in poultry feed, U.S. farmers and food companies have been eager to secure access to...

Meat Institute to House Ag Chair Scott: Packer Margins Since 2015 Due to Increased Herd Size

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today answered questions asked of meat and poultry industry companies by House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott during a hearing on beef and cattle markets:

“The analysis of beef and cattle market margins from 2015 are not in dispute,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Cattle prices hit record highs in 2014 and 2015, when the overall cattle herd was at its smallest since 1952 (for context, that was during the Truman...

Applications Being Accepted for New Poultry Industry Innovation in Safety & Health Award

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council is currently accepting applications for a new Innovation in Safety & Health Award program. The program is open to National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) members and is intended for poultry and egg industry members that have made a significant advancement in operational excellence in a safety and/or health innovation.

Award applications can be entered in the industry categories of Poultry Processing (NAICS 311615), Poultry & Egg Production (NAICS 1123)...

Rising Retail Prices Will Increasingly Test Consumers’ Appetite for Meat

Full effects of producer price inflation will become apparent in grocery meat cases

U.S. consumer demand for retail meat remains exceptionally strong despite higher prices stemming from increased production costs and supply chain limitations. However, once the full effects of producer price inflation finally hit retail meat cases, consumer demand for meat will be tested again, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

“Retail meat prices will remain elevated throughout 2022,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “The sharply higher costs for feed..."

McDonald's USA Helps Fans Unleash Their McNugget Persona with In-App Deal on April 27

There's no wrong way to enjoy Chicken McNuggets® – whether you use them as a delicious way to get to your fave dipping sauce, eat all the McNugget shapes in a specific order, or swear by your own menu hack (like dunking your McNuggets into a McFlurry®... IYKYK).

Some people may not understand the way you roll, but we do. Take the McNuggets Personality Quiz to find out if you're the Creative Type, Sauce Superfan, Shape Connoisseur or Sharer. Then, test out your...

Poultry Quarterly Q2 2022: Strong Market Conditions Continue, Despite Impact of War in Ukraine

Global poultry demand and trade will remain strong this year. The industry, however, will face challenges related to historic high cost inflation and logistic disruptions, which will especially impact low income countries.

Report summary
In most regions, supply is relatively tight and prices are strong. The war in Ukraine has led to an increase of 20% to 40% in global grain prices, and the poultry industry will be challenged to pass on all of these higher costs to consumers. This will likely be possible in developed...

U.S. Considers Vaccines to Protect Poultry from Deadly Bird Flu

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking into vaccines as an option to protect poultry against deadly bird flu, the agency's chief veterinary officer said as the country faces its worst outbreak since 2015.

Supporters say vaccines could help keep poultry alive, prevent financial losses and control food costs, though shots would be too late to stop the current outbreak that has wiped out 22 million chickens and turkeys in commercial flocks since February.

Previously, the United States has eschewed vaccines, worried that importers will ban U.S. poultry shipments because...

NTF in Focus: Women in the Turkey Industry

Women play a major role in the turkey industry and throughout agriculture. Whether it’s on the farm, working the line in the plant, sampling products for quality assurance, developing animal health solutions in the lab or performing a plethora of essential duties, our mission of delivering safe, nutritious products to the table wouldn’t be possible without the women in the turkey industry. Women do it all!

We’ve always said what makes NTF great is its people. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight a few of the talented...

Statement on HPAI in Jennie-O Turkey Store Supply Chain

Jennie-O Turkey Store announced today that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in its supply chain. The issue currently involves one farm operation in Minnesota.

Migratory waterfowl have been the primary carriers of HPAI, ultimately exposing domestic poultry to the virus. While farms supplying turkeys to Jennie-O Turkey Store have not had any confirmed cases until now, many regions, producers and companies have been impacted since February. Cases have included numerous chicken and turkey commercial farms, as well as smaller backyard flocks...

Panera Announces New Chef's Chicken Sandwiches

Today, Panera is announcing new Chef's Chicken Sandwiches, available at Panera bakery-cafes nationwide on March 30. The addition to the menu will feature two new seared, chef-crafted chicken sandwiches elevating even the highest of chicken sandwich expectations with each bite. To satisfy every craving, Panera is unveiling two takes on the Chef's Chicken Sandwich: the "Signature Take" and the "Spicy Take." Both handcrafted masterpieces will be available starting at $10.99;* and Panera is confident the combination of its chefs' sandwich expertise along with high quality, Clean ingredients** is worth it, and...

North American Meat Institute to House Agriculture Committee: Asked and Answered

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today issued the following statement regarding House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott’s announcement of an upcoming hearing on the beef industry and food prices:

“The Meat Institute and its members have already made themselves available to Chairman Scott and all Members of Congress on several occasions to help improve the understanding of the beef markets,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “This hearing will be no different. The questions have been asked and answered...”

Carolina Pride Refreshes Packaging with Updated, Classic Look

Carolina Pride, a leading regional producer of Bacon, Hot Dogs, Sausage and Lunchmeats, has unveiled a new logo and visual identity along with new packaging for their Carolina Pride Meats brand.

Carolina Pride's new branding provides a more contemporary look for the brand, while continuing to honor a 100-plus year heritage of delivering "true Southern taste" loved by generations of loyal consumers. The new look will incorporate the redesigned logo and visual identity across print and digital collateral, including their website (coming soon) and packaging, which will appear on grocery...

CBP Officers Seize 124 Pounds of Prohibited Fresh Pork, Poultry Meat at Laredo Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry in a single enforcement action seized over 120 pounds of prohibited fresh pork and poultry meat.

“This significant prohibited meat seizure exemplifies the importance of CBP’s agriculture mission in preventing the spread of potential animal diseases that could risk public safety and inflict harm on our nation’s agricultural economy,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The interception occurred on Tuesday, March 15 when a white minivan...

New Study Highlights Benefits of the Partnership Between Contract Farmers and Chicken Companies

The National Chicken Council today released a study that presents the results of a recent broiler industry survey designed to capture key live chicken production statistics. In addition, the study summarizes several key trends in broiler production efficiency, returns and loan quality data.

“Raising chickens under contract is one of the best and most reliable sources of cash flow that helps keep families on the farm,” noted agriculture economist and the study’s author, Dr. Thomas Elam, president of FarmEcon LLC. “The business partnerships between chicken farmers and chicken companies are mutually beneficial, viable and profitable. The real winner is the American consumer, though, who benefits from the healthiest and most affordable protein in the meat case.”

Jennie-O Shares National Survey Results Showing How Americans Feel About Cooking at Home

Jennie-O Turkey Store, one of the most beloved turkey brands in the world, today announced the results of its latest national survey showing how Americans feel about cooking at home, recipe boredom during the last couple years, and compelling and unusual ways people are finding inspiration in the kitchen. There was also interesting data about how and why people use turkey in their meal planning. The survey of 2,004 consumers was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Jennie-O...

Chipotle Launches Pollo Asado in the U.S. and Canada

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced its all new Pollo Asado is available at restaurants in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. Pollo Asado is grilled fresh in Chipotle's kitchens using classic cooking techniques to build bright, craveable flavor. The protein is available at participating locations and via the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, and third-party delivery partners.

An Entirely New Chicken Experience

Chipotle's first chicken menu innovation in its 29-year history, Pollo Asado's elevated flavor profile offers a new take on your go-to order. Grilled fresh and...

Analysis Finds Meat Shoppers Seek Cooking Inspiration from Digital Sources

The 17th annual Power of Meat report released today reveals nearly all American households (98.5%) purchase meat, a trend supported by an increase in volume sales (up 3.9% for all meat compared to pre-pandemic levels). This increase is due, in part, to several grocery shopper trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased home cooking, record-high online shopping, and a shift to digital sources for recipe inspiration.

“The Power of Meat shows Americans continue to count on meat’s taste, quality, convenience, and value throughout..."

Sanderson Farms Family Farmers Awarded for Sustainability

Three Sanderson Farms family farmers in Texas, Mississippi and North Carolina have been recognized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards at the International Production & Processing Expo. The awards are given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

"It is a privilege to recognize these family farms for the excellent job they do in being good stewards of their land," said Greg Hinton, outgoing chairman for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and vice president of sales for Rose Acre Farms...

Church's Chicken® Brings Back Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp For a Limited Time

Church's Chicken® is taking customers to the Great State of Flavor™ by bringing back two fan favorites and introducing a new and sweet soon-to-be favorite. The Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp, which made its debut in 2021, is returning for a second year along with the Strawberry Blast drink option. To accompany the limited-time meal, Church's is also introducing a brand-new Banana Pudding dessert topped with classic Nilla® Wafer cookies.

The Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp...

Zaxby's offers 'Get One, Give One' Boneless Wings Meal on Random Acts of Kindness Day

Zaxby's, the premium quick-service restaurant known for its Chicken Fingerz™, wings and signature sauces, is celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day with a special 'Get One, Give One' online-only deal all day long on Feb. 17, while supplies last. Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal features five, tender, tasty boneless wings tossed in new Buffalo Garlic Blaze or another one of nine different sauces and is served with Texas Toast, crinkle fries and Ranch sauce.

"We wanted to serve up some kindness for our..."

"Boneless" on Valentine's Day? Wingstop Has You Covered

Wingstop is celebrating those who are proudly single this Valentine's Day – flipping the switch from couples in love, to the self-love that only a flavor fix can provide. On Feb. 14, Wingstop is rewarding singles who embrace their Boneless Valentine's Day with a promotion of $0.70 boneless wings and orders of regular Thigh Bites – juicy, breaded, bite-sized boneless chicken – for $4.49.

With over 1,600 locations worldwide, Wingstop's made-to-order, sauced-and-tossed wings are reliable – never ghosting and incapable of heartbreak...

Sanderson Farms Director Earns National Poultry Award

Sanderson Farms' director of development and engineering, Bob "Pic" Billingsley, has been named a recipient of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's annual Lamplighter Award during the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo. The award pays tribute to individuals demonstrating sustained and exemplary service to the poultry and egg industry.

"We value the commitment and support of this year's Lamplighter Award recipients," said Greg Hinton, outgoing chairman for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and vice president of sales for Rose Acre Farms. "They have enthusiastically dedicated themselves to contributing to the poultry industry, and..."

Justice Department & USDA Start Program for Farmers, Ranchers to Report Anticompetitive Practices

Today, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture (USDA) launched farmerfairness.gov, a new online tool that allows farmers and ranchers to anonymously report potentially unfair and anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. The launch of the new portal will advance the goals of Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, including by creating more competitive agricultural markets that are fairer to producers and consumers. As part of the agencies’ enforcement partnership, the agencies are...

Tyson Foods Invests in Bowling Green, Kentucky with State-of-the-Art Facility

Tyson Foods leadership, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and city officials from Bowling Green broke ground today on the site of Tyson’s new $355 million bacon production facility. Once operational in late 2023, the 400,000 square foot facility will employ 450 people and help meet growing demand for the company’s iconic Wright® and Jimmy Dean® brands.

“Tyson Foods announced this tremendous investment in Warren County just over three months ago, and I am thrilled to join the company’s leaders for today’s..."

Americans Projected to Eat 1.42 Billion Chicken Wings for Super Bowl LVI

Football fans might be surprised at the matchup, but one thing is not surprising: America’s love for chicken wings. This is never more apparent than on Super Bowl weekend, when wings are at their hottest. Americans are anticipated to devour 1.42 billion wings while watching the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams battle for the Lombardi Trophy, according the National Chicken Council’s (NCC) 2022 Wing Report.

“There will be no wing shortage,” said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. “Like almost anything else you buy right now, wings might be..."

New Organization Launches Promoting Women in the Meat and Poultry Industry

Meat and poultry industry leaders from all sectors have come together to create the Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN) to educate, develop, promote, and retain women working in the industry.

“I am very proud to be in the company of a distinguished and talented group of women working in the meat and poultry industry who want to share their knowledge with other women pursuing careers in our fields,” said Heidi Buske, Chair of WMIN. “I look forward to WMIN providing a more formal support system that...”

North American Meat Institute to House Judiciary: Meat & Poultry Industry not to Blame for Inflation

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said consumers saw increased meat prices in 2021 because of labor shortages, greater consumer demand, supply chain problems and other factors experienced by most sectors of the economy.

“Inflation is hurting consumers by erasing the wage gains workers received due to the tight labor market and the pandemic,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute. “It is no wonder the Biden Administration and some members of Congress would rather hold press..."

Cargill Expands Portfolio of AI Powered Innovations to Give Poultry Producers Actionable Insights

Poultry producers are always looking for ways to improve the efficiency and health of their flocks. Advancements in technology, like artificial intelligence, can help accelerate these improvements, identify previously unknown problems and anticipate outcomes. Cargill is assembling a portfolio of AI-driven innovations through proprietary development and strategic partnerships to go beyond nutrition and help customers optimize their operations with actionable insights.

Galleon Microbiome Analysis – a comprehensive broiler microbiome health assessment tool

There is an interdependency between the condition of the gut microbiome and the flock’s health...

2022 IPPE Proceeding as Planned with Updated Safety Measures

The 2022 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) will be held inperson from Jan. 25 – 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta with updated safety measures in place. IPPE’s show management’s goal is to safely bring the industry back together to evaluate new products, technologies and services while reconnecting participants with their colleagues and friends.

IPPE is a critical part of the poultry, animal food and meat industry's continuing development, offering timely and important educational information and an efficient way for producers and processors to find...

Church's Chicken® Shows Customers How They Do Val-YOU as the Holiday Season Wraps

As customers begin to think of ways to save following a busy holiday season of spending and giving, Church's Chicken® is showcasing its commitment to providing value. To continue the season of giving even after the holidays, Church's is providing a variety of value options for customers to save on the bold, craveable flavors from its made-from-scratch menu.

Offering both value and quality, Church's 10-piece chicken leg and thigh deal starts at $10.99 or the 3-piece chicken deal...

Pure Prairie Farms Breathes New Life Into Midwestern Chicken Plant

New premium chicken integrator, Pure Prairie Farms Inc., completed its long-anticipated purchase of a former Simply Essentials chicken processing plant last week. The former plant, which previously closed in August of 2019, is a state-of-the-art retail tray-packaging facility and features air-chill technology, an under-represented and underserved attribute in the market. In addition to organic offerings, additional product features include all natural, highly trimmed products, made from chicken flocks in which antibiotics have never, ever been used, and that have been fed a...

Poultry Markets Bullish on Demand Recovery and Challenging Supply

Global poultry markets are expected to be strong in 2022, on the back of reopening economies, increasing vaccination levels, and stronger economic conditions. This improving global market context will be a bumpy road, though, with ups and downs following Covid-19 developments. The industry will need to be ready to adjust sales channels in response to government measures. The operational side will also see challenges, as feed and other input costs, like freight and energy, are expected to stay high. The availability and cost of labor has become a big issue...

USAPEEC Appoints Greg Tyler to Succeed Jim Sumner as President & CEO

The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) Executive Committee has appointed current Chief Operating Officer Greg Tyler as the council’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jim Sumner who will be retiring from the position in June 2022 after 32 years leading the organization.

The announcement was made today at the 2021 USAPEEC Winter Meeting.

Under Sumner, the percentage of U.S. chicken production that is exported tripled to about 18 percent, and in 2020 U.S. broiler exports reached 3.6 million metric tons, up 589 percent from 1990...

Chicken Council Responds to Politicized Criticisms of Food Inflation

The most recent drumbeat from the White House National Economic Council (NEC) blaming the meat and poultry industry for their failed policies and rising meat prices came yesterday in a blog post. Let’s look at the facts according to the federal government’s own data.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.8 percent in November on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising 0.9 percent in October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 6.8 percent...

The Rise of Low-Carb, Keto, and Paleo Snack Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of consumer behavior and daily life. The grocery market experienced much faster than average growth in 2020 since people were staying at home more than usual due to remote work and schooling. Consumers are also snacking more when home more during the pandemic, and some have gained weight.

Interest in low-carb eating plans has increased as consumers are making efforts to improve their health or shed pandemic pounds. The keto and paleo diet both feature lower carb content and have a...

Tyson Foods: Outpacing a Growing, Global Protein Market

Tyson Foods is a global protein leader with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands and a clear and compelling path to growth, company leaders told investors and analysts today during Tyson Foods’ virtual Investor Day.

Chairman John H. Tyson, President and CEO Donnie King and members of the company’s senior leadership team spoke at the event. They showcased Tyson Foods’ role as a leading protein company in a growing, global market; the company’s efforts to increase value-added and overall production capacity as part of a plan to drive accelerated volume and...

NCC Submits Comments on the Labeling of Cell-Cultured Meat, Poultry Products

The National Chicken Council (NCC) believes cell-cultured products must be marketed in an appropriate manner that clearly conveys their basic nature to consumers and avoids confusion between cell-cultured protein products and traditional animal protein products.

“This approach ensures a neutral playing field wherein consumers are provided truthful information about cell-cultured products so that they may make choices as they deem most appropriate,” said NCC SVP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., in comments submitted to USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on...

Crave Launches Food Truck And Restaurants In Raleigh, N.C.

Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ is one of the fastest growing Hot Dog and BBQ restaurants in the United States. Their award-winning all beef hot dogs, hot and mild sausages, and brats, along with the pulled pork, pulled chicken and smoked brisket, it's a classic family friendly favorite with something for everyone! An array of toppings and sides are available to accompany the meal as well as desserts to include pineapple upside down cakes and toffee sticky cakes. Self-pour beer walls that use local craft beers, wines and...

Jennie-O Partners with YouTube Star and Philanthropist MrBeast to Give Away 10,000 Turkeys

Jennie-O Turkey Store, one of the largest and most beloved turkey brands in the world, teamed up with MrBeast, one of YouTube’s biggest stars, and his 501c3 organization, Beast Philanthropy, to make this Thanksgiving holiday a little brighter for those in need.

While the event officially started at noon, miles of cars filled with families from the Greenville, N.C., community were already lined up at dawn to ensure they received one of 10,000 free Jennie-O® turkeys. With a value of $266,000...

Global Animal Protein Outlook 2022: Capitalizing on Ongoing Market Disruptions

Global summary
Higher input costs for animal protein supply chains, including animal feed, labor, energy and freight, will be top-of-mind change drivers. These will be accompanied by ongoing change, driven by the transition to more sustainable animal protein, biosecurity challenges and Covid-19.

Against this backdrop, animal protein prices should remain firm in 2022 (with some exceptions), supported by ongoing supply constraints and general strength in demand. “We expect leaders of progressive animal protein companies to focus on the opportunities created by the ongoing market disruptions, rather than...

Survey Says Americans Want Chicken on their Friendsgiving Plates

Please pass the…chicken! As Americans kick-off the holiday season, many are also gearing up for Friendsgiving – a moment to appreciate our friends that matter most. And this year, friends are choosing chicken as their Friendsgiving centerpiece.

A recent survey of more than 1,000 people across America revealed 65% of people who celebrate Friendsgiving want chicken during the holidays and 77% want to create new traditions, which may include anything from who is at the table to decorations to games played. More than two thirds want...

Processed Meat Market to Reach $497.1 Bn, Globally, by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR: Allied Market Research

Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Processed Meat Market by Meat Type (Poultry, Beef, Pork, and Others), Product Type (Frozen, Chilled, and Canned), Application (Commercial and Residential), and Distribution Channel (HoReCa, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Independent Retailers, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030." According to the report, the global processed meat industry was estimated at $319.6 billion in 2020, and is anticipated to hit $497.1 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.8% from...

NAMI: COVID Protections Kept Case Rates 98% Lower Than in General Population

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today released updated analysis of publicly available data on COVID-19 transmission, showing that comprehensive protections instituted since the spring of 2020 successfully lowered transmission among meatpacking workers and held case rates today to more than 98% lower than case rates in the general U.S. population. Responding to a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts commented:

“Frontline meat and poultry workers were among the first impacted..." 

Wayne Farms Completes Divestiture of Laurel Poultry Production Complex to Amick Farms

Wayne Farms LLC, a subsidiary of Continental Grain Company, announced today that on October 17, 2021, it completed the sale of its Fresh Processing Complex in Laurel, Mississippi, to Amick Farms. The complex includes live production, hatchery, feed mill, manufacturing and production facilities. The divestiture is a key milestone towards completing the previously announced transaction which will combine Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms, Inc. under the joint ownership and control of Cargill and Continental Grain.

Clint Rivers, President and CEO of Wayne Farms LLC, said...

NCC Statement on New USDA Plans to Address Salmonella Illnesses

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced plans to undertake a new effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. The agency said it would be initiating several key activities to gather the data and information necessary to support future action and move closer to the national target of a 25% reduction in Salmonella illnesses.

USDA said it intends to seek stakeholder feedback on specific Salmonella control and measurement strategies, including pilot projects, in poultry slaughter and processing establishments.

In response to today’s...

NAMI: Meat and Poultry Industry to Assist USDA in Reducing Salmonella Infections

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new national goal of reducing Salmonella illnesses by 25 percent and committed to continue working with USDA and other groups to achieve the shared goal of reducing Salmonella infections.

“As an industry, our goal is to produce safe products without exception,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “The industry has significantly improved efforts to reduce incidence of Salmonella, and we will continue to work with..."

Cargill Launches Poultry Feed with Essential Oils for Healthy Flocks and Maximized Egg Production

Backyard poultry owners want natural, wholesome feeds that help their birds thrive, keep their eggs strong and keep coops fresh. Cargill is delivering on this demand by adding essential oils to its Nutrena® Naturewise® poultry feeds. The natural* essential oils contribute to the promotion of egg weight, size and production, enhanced palatability and a fresh aroma direct from the bag.

"We listened to what poultry owners and soon-to-become owners want most and expect from their poultry feed," said Stephanie Poupart, poultry strategic...

Blue Apron Brings Back Thanksgiving Offering in Time for Holiday Planning

Blue Apron is bringing back its popular Thanksgiving menu available to order starting on October 11, just in time for the holiday season. The offering includes a wide variety of options for customers to build a dinner experience that fits their holiday plans and dietary needs, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a friendsgiving for up to eight, all with the ease and convenience that comes from cooking with Blue Apron.

“Thanksgiving is a holiday that can be filled with great traditions and delicious meals..."

Sanderson Farms Releases 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report

Sanderson Farms, Inc. has released its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. In this report, the company was able to estimate the percentage of feed grains sourced from regions under high or extremely high water stress during fiscal year 2020, which is a metric under the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s reporting standards that the company was unable to estimate in prior years. Additionally, this report includes the Human Rights Statement adopted by the company’s Board of Directors in October 2020, and incorporates the most recently...

PERDUE® THANKSNUGGETS™ Are Back – and Now Available in Select Retail Stores Nationwide

Perdue is bringing back by popular demand its limited time only, PERDUE® THANKSNUGGETS™ just in time for the holiday. Last year it sold out online in record time, in less than three minutes. Now for the first time ever, the white breast meat with sweet potato-seasoned breading turkey nuggets will be available in retail grocery stores nationwide so everyone can get their hands on them this holiday season.

The limited-edition nuggets pair the No Antibiotics Ever turkey consumers love with sweet potato... 

North American Meat Institute to Secretary Vilsack: Scapegoating Industry Does Not Help Consumer

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the Secretary of Agriculture’s transparent attempts to scapegoat the meat and poultry industry to shift blame for inflationary prices will not help consumers.

“The Administration cannot ignore the fundamental principles of supply and demand,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Americans are experiencing firsthand what the Secretary refuses to acknowledge, the effects of COVID and lack of labor are hurting consumers, and nothing proposed by the Secretary of Agriculture on the structure of the..." 

USDA Seeks Comments on the Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products Derived from Animal Cells

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) published today an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit comments and information regarding the labeling of meat and poultry products made using cultured cells derived from animals under FSIS jurisdiction. FSIS will use these comments to inform future regulatory requirements for the labeling of such food products.

“This ANPR is an important step forward in ensuring the appropriate labeling of meat and poultry products made using animal cell culture technology,” said...

Maple Leaf Foods Completes Purchase of Ontario Poultry Plant and Associated Supply

Maple Leaf Foods completed its previously announced purchase of a poultry processing plant located near Schomberg, Ontario, together with the associated poultry supply.

The purchase was completed in accordance with the exercise of a put option by the vendors, Certm Inc. and certain related companies, which was part of a 2018 purchase and...

Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Remains Resilient

In response to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s request for comments on efforts to improve supply chains for the production of agricultural commodities and food products, The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) said the meat and poultry food supply chain remains resilient despite extraordinary circumstances.

“The pandemic that began in 2020 and continues today may be the ultimate black swan event,” said Meat Institute Senior Vice President for Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Mark Dopp. “But its occurrence does not...

NAMI and NPPC Urge the USDA and Congress to Address Port Challenges

With delays and congestion at U.S. ports hurting U.S. agriculture exports like meat and poultry products, the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) are urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Congress to confront the crisis.

The issue at hand is the continued behavior of ocean carriers to decline to carry U.S. agriculture commodity exports and instead return empty containers to Asian markets to fill them with more lucrative consumer goods to export back to the United States. Also, NAMI claims that ocean carriers and marine terminal operators are...

USDA to Begin Work to Strengthen Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin work on three proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act, the 100-year old law that was originally designed to protect poultry and hog farmers and cattle ranchers from unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive practices in the meat markets. USDA’s pending action was noted in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions released by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

USDA intends to take three actions related to rulemaking in the months ahead. First, USDA intends to propose a new rule that will provide greater clarity to strengthen enforcement of unfair and deceptive practices, undue preferences, and unjust prejudices. Second, USDA will propose a new...

JBS USA Confirms Equivalent of $11 Million Ransom Payment to Hackers

In a press release Wednesday, JBS USA confirmed it paid the equivalent of $11 million in ransom in response to the cyberattack last week which affected its North American and Australian IT systems. 

JBS USA was forced to temporarily close its beef and pork processing plants on June 1 following the Memorial Day weekend. Altogether, the company's facilities account for nearly a quarter of the total U.S. daily cattle and hog processing capacity. JBS's U.S. facilities resumed full operations by Friday and are maintaining normal operations so far this week. Week-to-date cattle slaughter is 154,000 head above the week prior. Week-to-date hog slaughter is up...

JBS Informs White House that Cyberattack is Likely from Russia

JBS informed the White House that the cyberattack on the company that impacted its cattle and hog plants in the United States yesterday likely originated from Russia. 

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said the FBI is investigating the attack and has contacted Russia’s government. Jean-Pierre explained, "the White House has offered assistance to JBS and our team at the Department of Agriculture have spoken to...

Major Cyber Attack Impacts JBS' Global Operations

On Sunday, May 30, JBS USA announced that it was the target of a cyberattack. According to a media statement, “the company took immediate action, suspending all affected systems, notifying authorities and activating the company's global network of IT professionals and third-party experts to resolve the situation. The company’s backup servers were not affected, and it is actively working with an Incident Response firm to restore its systems as soon as possible.”

JBS media contact Nikki Richardson explained that a solution will take time and that transactions with customers and suppliers could be delayed. 

JBS Foods is the world’s largest beef and poultry producer and the second-largest global pork producer. The company has locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Europe, and New Zealand...