Proposition 12 Has Been Upheld — What We Know So Far

Following several years of contention, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to uphold Proposition 12 on May 11, 2023. Proposition 12 is a California law that sets animal-welfare standards for meat sold within the state. Click here for the ruling.

Below is a fact sheet on Proposition 12 as it pertains to pork and hogs compiled by Urner Barry's market reporters. Urner Barry will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when possible.

Quick Facts:

• California defines “confined in a cruel manner” as a breeding pig with less than 24 Sq ft of room
  • California represents ~12-13% of US pork demand
  • There were only six farms in CA in 2017 that sold more than 5000 hogs...

Meat Institute Hires Kelsey Carlson as Strategic Content & Programming Director

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) has hired Kelsey Carlson as a Strategic Content and Programming Director where she will be responsible for developing education and training for Meat Institute members and other stakeholders through live and digital channels. Kelsey well also be involved with implementation of the Protein PACT for the Meat Institute, an effort to strengthen animal protein’s contributions to healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.

“Kelsey’s experience at Tyson Foods and her...

Global Animal Protein Outlook 2023: Deciding How to Grow Amid Challenges and Opportunities

Even though global animal protein production is expected to grow modestly in 2023, it will be another year of change for the sector. The industry will face high costs along the full supply chain, swings in consumption, and other areas of uncertainty for producers, such as elevated disease pressure and regulatory and market-driven changes. As a result, margins will be squeezed as buyers push back on higher production costs. But opportunities still exist, although they will be more restricted.

Global summary

USMEF Conference Concludes with Election of New Officers, Overview of Current Trade Landscape

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference wrapped up Friday in Oklahoma City with the election of a new officer team. Dean Meyer, a corn, soybean and livestock producer from Rock Rapids, Iowa, is the new USMEF chair.

In addition to raising corn and soybeans, Meyer’s diversified operation – which he oversees with his three sons – includes a cattle feedlot and a farrow-to-finish hog facility. This provides him with a deep appreciation of the diverse range of agricultural sectors that make up USMEF...

WNY Tops & Wegmans Adds New Sahlen's Cocktail Wieners

Sahlen Packing Co., the family-owned and operated food manufacturer founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1869, announced that its newest product, Sahlen's Skinless Smokehouse Cocktail Wieners, is now available at all Tops Friendly Markets and Wegmans locations across Western New York. This comes after two months of slowly rolling the product out to two of the regions biggest shopping markets.

The public demand for a smaller, bite-sized version of Buffalo's own hot dog had been growing over the past several years. As a result, Sahlen implemented new food manufacturing processes...

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat and Cheese

Deli meats (cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs, and pâtés sold at the deli) and cheeses are known sources of Listeria illnesses. This is because Listeria can easily spread among food on deli countertops, deli slicers, surfaces, and hands. Listeria is a hardy germ that can be difficult to fully remove once it is in the deli. It can survive and grow at cold temperatures in the refrigerator.

September Pork Exports Continue Upward Trend; Pace Cools for Beef

U.S. pork exports topped year-ago totals for the second consecutive month in September, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). September beef exports were below last year for the first time in 2022, but exports remain on a record pace through the first three quarters of the year.

Pork exports reached 222,202 metric tons (mt) in September, up 1% from a year ago. Export value increased 9% to $664.8 million – the highest since June 2021. Through September, pork exports were...

Meat District Partners with Los Angeles Rams to Introduce The Champ Burger

Meat District, the creator of butcher-crafted premium fresh and frozen burgers, and the defending Champion Los Angeles Rams are proud to announce a multi-year partnership that kicks off with the introduction of "The Champ" Burger which is now available across Southern California.

The Champ Burger, made from the very best premium steak cuts of Chuck, Brisket and Short-Rib Angus Beef, will be easy to find in the meat aisles as it features Meat District's unique and attractive co-branded packaging with a striking neon...

The Largest Ever Giant Mortadella in the Big Apple: 661 lbs in Weight 6.4 ft in Length

In Italy, the land of culinary excellence, mortadella is synonymous with good food and the joy of life. Veroni, the first brand for the Italian charcuterie* in the US, celebrates the mortadella tradition and taste, bringing the largest one ever seen in the US to the Big Apple's biggest culinary Festival.

The giant mortadella, the queen of Italian charcuterie, – 661 lb in weight, 6.4 ft long, and 18 inches in diameter – is ready to delight every palate during the Food Network New York...

CBP Officers Seize Bulks of Undeclared Bologna & Cheese During Separate Early Morning Encounters

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing in downtown El Paso seized 484 pounds of bologna and 285 pounds of cheese during the early morning hours of Oct. 27.

“In both these cases the travelers concealed these commodities and failed to properly declare merchandise acquired abroad to the CBP officer upon arrival and entry,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio.

The 484-pound bologna seizure occurred just after 1:30 a.m. when a 32-year-old male...

QDOBA Mexican Eats® Introduces Brisket Birria

QDOBA, a leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant, is bringing the true flavors of Mexico and the hottest trend from food trucks in the U.S. to its menu with the introduction of Brisket Birria, made with tender, shredded beef brisket slow cooked for 10 hours in chiles and garlic to infuse authentic Mexican flavors. With the new protein option, guests can create their own entrée with Brisket Birria or enjoy two new chef curated recipes: the QuesaBirria Quesadilla and QuesaBirria Burrito, both of which layer Brisket Birria with QDOBA's much loved 3-cheese queso...

SPAM® Sales Sizzle with the Help of Social Media

Spam, the square canned meat, with the iconic blue and yellow label, has been feeding families for more than 85 years. Hormel Foods says with the help of social media, it’s become even more popular.

Austin’s canned ham was made by Hormel Foods at the end of the depression in 1937 as an affordable and convenient meat option. The product, made up of only six ingredients, is now in more than 47 countries...

Holiday Plans: Desire for Food Gifting, Bigger Gatherings & Robust Food Spending Despite Inflation

New Results from Omaha Steaks' Annual Harris Poll of 2,000 Americans Reveals Insights on Holiday Attitudes and Behaviors

Americans are craving experiences and togetherness this holiday season, while also planning to spend more on holiday feasts and gather in larger groups than recent years. These are a few of the findings from the third annual Harris Poll, commissioned by Omaha Steaks gauging Americans on a wide variety of holiday-related food, entertaining and gifting plans. While 7 in 10 Americans (71%) are looking forward to time around...

Potbelly Heads into Fall with a Deli Classic

Potbelly is bringing the 'strami back! A hit with Potbelly fans, the Pastrami Sandwich made its anticipated return on Monday, Oct. 3rd for a limited time.

Layered with signature spiced and smoked beef, the savory Pastrami Sandwich is topped with Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, then served Potbelly style, always toasted at 500 degrees.

"At Potbelly, we are always putting tasty twists on classic sandwiches." said David Daniels, CMO of Potbelly. "As the temperature drops this time of year and our fans are seeking the toasty, warm comfort of our craveable..."

U.S. Red Meat Industry Commemorates 45 Years in Japan

Leaders representing the U.S. red meat industry recently traveled to Tokyo to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the inaugural U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) office, which opened in Tokyo in 1977. Japan has consistently been a top customer and is the leading international market for U.S. red meat, purchasing nearly $4.1 billion in 2021. Through July 2022, U.S. red meat exports to Japan reached $2.4 billion.

The U.S.-Japan trade partnership is highly valued by those in the U.S. pork, beef and lamb industries. While in Tokyo for meetings...

Boarderie Offers First and Only Pre-Assembled Cheese and Charcuterie Boards, Shipped Nationwide

Gift better with hand-selected artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts and chocolates artfully arranged on a keepsake Acacia wood board that arrives pre-assembled and ready-to-share

Boarderie, the first and only company delivering a delightfully simple way to give and share pre-arranged, catering-quality cheese and charcuterie boards, today announced its direct-to-consumer website is live. Founded in fall 2020 and uniting everyday convenience with gourmet artistry, their expert team sources the highest-quality, artisan inspired ingredients from around the world for...