Quaker Steak & Lube Introduces New, Limited-Time Menu Items

With the weather heating up and the days getting longer, it can only mean one thing: a much-needed summer is right around the corner. To celebrate, Quaker Steak & Lube is introducing a brand-new "All-American Summer" menu complete with its twists on classic BBQ favorites and seasonal-inspired cocktails.

Here is the food lineup Quaker Steak & Lube will feature on its All-American Summer menu...

Atlast Raises $40M to Expand Production of Whole Cut Plant-Based Meat

Atlast Food Co., the mycelium food company growing the future of plant-based meats, announced a $40M Series A round to develop and supply whole cut plant-based meat to partners around the globe, including directly to consumers through its own brand MyEats. Viking Global Investors led the round with participation from 40 North, AiiM Partners, Senator Investment Group, Stray Dog Capital, Footprint Coalition Ventures, and others. Also joining were the leaders and founders of food and CPG companies, including Applegate, Stonyfield, and Whole Foods. This funding will support the further development and scaling of this technology and team.

"This investment will allow us to meet the incredible demand we've felt for our product," said Stephen Lomnes, President of Atlast Food Co. "We are building the largest mycelium production facility in the U.S. to...

NCBA Delivers Introduction of House Companion HAULS Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) endorsed the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021. Introduced in the House by Rep. Rose (R-TN-06) and Rep. Soto (D-FL-09), the bipartisan bill would deliver much-needed flexibility for livestock haulers. The House bill introduced this week is a companion to S.792, which NCBA worked to get introduced in the Senate last month.

“In times of crisis and in times of normalcy, livestock haulers are a critical part of the supply chain keeping grocery stores stocked with beef. The full year of disruption due to COVID-19 has only underscored the need for further flexibility in livestock hauling regulations,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. “NCBA is encouraged by...

Nathan’s Famous Launches Value Menu Featuring Old Favorites and New Items

Nathan’s Famous announced the launch of its new value menu, featuring items from the current menu, as well as new recipes, all between $4 and $7. The launch of the Nathan’s Famous value menu provides expanded premium menu options for value conscious customers, making Nathan’s Famous more accessible for any occasion and any budget.

"For more than 100 years, Nathan’s Famous has been one of America’s top destinations for great food fast, and our goal with this new value menu launch is to make it accessible too,” states James Walker, Senior Vice President, Restaurants. “We’ve spent the past two years evolving the menu to focus on premium offerings that are memorable, craveable and Instagrammable. These new value menu items offer that same level of appeal, but...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

February Red Meat Exports Below Last Year, but 2021 Outlook Remains Strong

February exports of U.S. beef and pork remained below the rapid pace established in early 2020, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). However, exports were consistent with USMEF’s February projections and the federation still expects 2021 beef exports to increase substantially year-over-year, while pork exports are projected to narrowly surpass the 2020 record. ​

Beef exports totaled 103,493 metric tons (mt) in February, down 8% from a year ago, valued at $669.5 million (down 2%). This was due mainly to a decline in variety meat exports, as beef muscle cuts were steady with last year in value at $597.9 million on a volume of 82,530 mt (down 3%). Through February, beef exports were...

ANALYSIS: Boxed Beef Cutout Surges at Record Pace to Start Year

Boxed beef prices have remained elevated to the start the year. In fact, demand has been...

ANALYSIS: Cash Cattle Slow to Rise Despite Soaring Beef Prices

Around this time last year, the pandemic drastically altered consumer buying behavior due to dining restrictions and...

Beyond Meat Expands U.S. Retail Distribution within Multiple National and Regional Grocery Chains

Beyond Meat announced several major product expansions within its existing footprint at retailers nationwide. As demand for plant-based meat continues to rise, this increased distribution strengthens the company’s expansive retail presence at approximately 28,000 retail outlets across the U.S. in which consumers have made their preference for Beyond Meat clear: Beyond Meat was the #1 selling plant-based meat brand in the refrigerated category at grocery stores and across foodservice.

The expanded retail product availability includes...

NCBA Delivers Preserving Family Farms Act: A Permanent Solution to a Generational Issue

The Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021 was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and Jackie Walorski (IN-2). NCBA has long supported efforts to reduce undue tax burden on farmers and ranchers. This bipartisan legislation to expand IRS Code Section 2032A would allow cattle producers to take advantage of the Special Use Valuation and protect family-owned businesses from the devastating impact of the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the Death Tax.

“We thank Representatives Panetta and Walorski for their leadership and dedication to protecting future generations of agricultural producers through the introduction of the...

Australian Beef Seasonal Outlook: Green Grass and Empty Pens

With breeding cattle inventory recovering from the lowest levels in over 30 years, there’s a unique opportunity to assess and then act on the future for the Australian beef industry. A number of challenges currently confront the Australian beef industry, including high cattle prices, low supplies, and China trade access. Australia’s position in the global protein world needs to be considered in rebuilding the herd.

Is Australia to be a supplier to high-quality niche markets, commodity supplier (of lean beef) to global trade, exporter of live cattle, or exporter of value-added beef to trade markets? “Any or all of these options may apply, but choosing one sets a path for the future. Decisions taken this year are not just about...

Beyond Meat Opens Manufacturing Facility in China 

Beyond Meat announced the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Jiaxing Economic & Technological Development Zone (JXEDZ) near Shanghai. As Beyond Meat’s first end-to-end manufacturing facility outside the U.S., the cutting-edge plant in Jiaxing is expected to significantly increase the speed and scale in which the company can produce and distribute its products within the region while also improving Beyond Meat’s cost structure and sustainability of operations.

Designed to serve China’s growing plant-based meat market, the facility will produce Beyond Meat’s innovative range of plant-based pork, beef and poultry products, including Beyond Pork™, the company’s first innovation created specifically for the Chinese market. By producing closer to the consumer and...

Study Confirms U.S. Beef Industry is the Most Sustainable in the World

A research paper released confirmed U.S. beef production is the most sustainable production system in the world, a fact long understood by America’s cattle producers, who between the 1960s and 2018, reduced the carbon footprint of the industry by 40 percent while producing 66 percent more beef.

“We already know a growing global population will require and demand high-quality food, which means we need ruminant animals, like beef cattle, to help make more protein with fewer resources,” said NCBA president and Kansas cattleman, Jerry Bohn. “Cattle generate more protein for the human food supply than would exist without them because...

Plant-Based Food Sales Surpass $7 Billion, Sales Up 27% in 2020

According to the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA), U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods continued to increase by double digits in 2020, growing 27% and bringing the total market value to $7 billion. This sales growth was consistent across the country, with more than 25% growth in every U.S. census region.

In the past two years, plant-based food sales have grown 43%, which is nine times faster than total food sales. In 2020, about 57% of all U.S. households purchased plant-based foods, up from 53% in 2019 totaling 71 million households.

PBFA also found that the value of plant-based meat, while the second-largest plant-based category, hit $1.4 billion in 2020. That represents sales growth of 45% from 2019. The plant-based meat category grew twice as fast as...

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 11

This week on UK Beef Chats, Market Reporter Mike Nesbitt explains the uptick in seasonal demand for the summer months, touches on the reopening of dining across the UK, and more!

Impossible Foods Launches First National Advertising Campaign, "We Are Meat"

Impossible Foods is launching its first national advertising campaign as the leading food tech startup accelerates growth and takes advantage of mounting economies of scale.

The campaign, titled “We Are Meat,” features TV spots with the meaty images and sizzle of the company’s award-winning burgers. Produced by Portland, Ore.-based Wieden+Kennedy, the advertisements claim that Impossible Burger, which contains no animal ingredients, is meat for meat lovers — made from plants.

The first national integrated campaign for Impossible Foods kicks off today with...

Blue Apron Partners with Chef Roy Yamaguchi to Create a Hawaii-Inspired Menu

Blue Apron is partnering with James Beard award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi to bring his culinary expertise to kitchens around the country. Available to order starting today, the Blue Apron x Chef Roy Yamaguchi menu features Hawaii-inspired recipes, representing a blend of French and Japanese cooking traditions using fresh ingredients typically found in Hawaii cuisine.

"I am thrilled to partner with Blue Apron to shine a spotlight on Hawaii-inspired cuisine and its roots," said Chef Roy Yamaguchi. "In collaboration with their culinary team, we created recipes that highlight...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Wendy's Bacon Double Stack is Back in the Biggie Bag

Wendy's is giving consumers a chance to #SecureTheBag with the return of the Bacon Double Stack in one of its best deals - the $5 Biggie Bag. The Bacon Double Stack – featuring two beef patties, Applewood smoked bacon, cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickle and onion – is back in this ultimate meal deal. With the Bacon Double Stack, customers will get 4-piece chicken nuggets (Spicy or Crispy), small fries and a small drink for just $5.

The $5 Biggie Bag is available now at participating Wendy's restaurants nationwide. Wendy's is always customer-first when it comes to value. From introducing...

Rong Shing Trading Recalls Ineligible Beef Products Imported from China

Rong Shing Trading Inc., a Brooklyn, N.Y. firm, doing business as Double R Trading Inc., is recalling approximately 3,365 pounds of Chinese style hot pot base products containing beef tallow. The products were imported from the People’s Republic of China, a country ineligible to export beef to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The Chinese style hot pot base products were imported on or around February 14, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Washington Man Pleads Guilty to $244 Million Ghost-Cattle Scam

A Washington man pleaded guilty to defrauding Tyson Foods Inc. (Tyson) and another company (Company 1) out of more than $244 million by charging them under various agreements for the purported costs of purchasing and feeding hundreds of thousands of cattle that did not actually exist.

According to court documents, Cody Allen Easterday, 49, of Mesa, used his company, Easterday Ranches Inc., to enter into a series of agreements with Tyson and Company 1 under which Easterday Ranches agreed to purchase and feed cattle on behalf of Tyson and Company 1. Per the agreements, Tyson and Company 1 would advance Easterday Ranches the costs of buying and raising the cattle. Once the cattle were slaughtered and sold at market price, Easterday Ranches would...

CME Grain Markets Surge Following Friendly USDA Reports

Grain markets on the CME surged Wednesday following a wave of bullish USDA data in the latest Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports. 

The annual Prospective Plantings report estimated corn planted area for all purposes in 2021 at 91.1 million acres, up less than 1 percent from 2020 and below the average of analysts’ expectations. Meanwhile, soybean planted area for 2021 was estimated at 87.6 million acres, up 5% from last year but below the average trade estimate at around 90.1 million acres. 

The quarterly Grain Stocks Report showed corn stocks at 7.70 billion bushels, down 3% from last year. Soybeans stored in all positions on March 1, 2021 totaled 1.56 billion bushels...

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 10

This week on UK Beef Chats, UK Beef Market reporter Mike Nesbitt speaks about the squeeze on processor margins and the expectation for trimmings leading up to grilling season...

Canada’s Sofina Foods Buys Eight Fifty Food Group, Owner of Young’s Seafood

Eight Fifty Food Group, the owner of Young’s Seafood, is being sold to Sofina Foods, a leading Canadian multi-protein producer. The sale has been agreed upon by CapVest partners, an international private equity firm. The amount of the sale has not been disclosed.

CapVest acquired leading UK pork processor Karro Food Group in 2017. Two years later CapVest acquired the UK’s iconic seafood business, Young’s Seafood, creating Eight Fifty Food Group. Eight Fifty Food Group later consolidated five other protein businesses from across Europe to become a...

Sonic Introduces New Bacon Jam Cheeseburger for a Limited Time 

SONIC® Drive-In introduces a complete bacon experience with the new Bacon Jam Cheeseburger.

The Bacon Jam Cheeseburger starts with a quarter-pound, 100% pure beef patty, layered with American cheese, crispy bacon and a sweet and savory bacon onion jam, topped with mayo and mustard, all on a toasted brioche bun.

“As the star of the show, our new bacon onion jam is a magical culmination of flavors with bacon, brown sugar and caramelized onions,” said Scott Uehlein, vice president of product innovation and development for SONIC. “Topped with...

Cargill Initiative Aims to Conserve Canadian Prairies through Collaboration with Ranchers

Beef farmers and ranchers play an important role in providing quality food, but few people know they also play an essential role in protecting Canada’s land, water and wildlife. With the urgency of unprecedented environmental challenges, like climate change, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has teamed up with McDonald’s Canada and Cargill to support rancher-led work through a $5-million CAD Forage Program. The program will work to return 125,000 acres (50,585 hectares) of cropland to grass and pasture by 2025.

In response to growing climate concerns, returning less productive annual cropland to perennial grass helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Collectively, the impact of this program is comparable to removing...

NCBA: Grassley Bill Not Solution Industry Needs

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a response to the introduction of legislation commonly referred to as “50/14,” led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in the U.S. Senate.

“NCBA has and will continue to work alongside our affiliates, Congress, and USDA to increase price discovery and improve the business climate for producers across the country. However, simply put, Senator Grassley’s bill misses the mark. The industry – from leading livestock economists to NCBA state affiliates – agrees that any legislative solution to increased price discovery must account for the unique dynamics within...

BC Food LA, LLC Recalls Ineligible Beef Products Imported From China

BC Food LA, LLC., a South El Monte, Calif. firm, doing business as B & C Food Co., is recalling approximately 1,643 pounds of Chinese style hot pot base products containing beef tallow. The products were imported from the People’s Republic of China, a country ineligible to export beef to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The Chinese style hot pot base products were imported on or around June 24, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Key Takeaways From COVID-19 and the Supply Chain

The pandemic has far-reaching effects throughout the entire supply chain. From processing plant disruptions to shifts in consumer behavior, industry participants are learning how to improve efficiency and reconfigure the workplace.   

During a virtual panel sponsored by Kayem Foods, Inc titled ‘COVID and the Supply Chain: Farm to Distribution’, a group of experts including producer and packer representatives discussed their key learnings for both live animal production and meat processing. 

Panelists included Brad Freking, New Fashion Pork; Colin Woodall, CEO, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; and KatieRose McCullough, Director, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, North American Meat Institute. 

McCullough began the panel by reviewing the drastic effects that COVID-19 had on the nation's meat and poultry processing plants. In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. The ability to process cattle and hogs in...

Meat Purchases and Confidence at Record Highs

Americans are buying more beef, pork, poultry, and lamb than ever as increased time at home during the pandemic sent meat grocery sales soaring by 20% (IRI) from 2019 to 2020.

The national analysis released shows that three out of every four Americans agree meat belongs in healthy, balanced diets (up by nearly 20% since 2020), and 94% say they buy meat because it provides high-quality protein.

Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts commented...

Tyson Foods to Hold Employee Vaccination Event at Dakota City Beef Plant

Tyson Foods, Inc. is expanding its free, onsite COVID-19 vaccinations to team members working at its Dakota City, Nebraska, beef plant, the largest of its six U.S. beef operations. March 26, the company will hold a vaccination event to ensure the company’s more than 4,000 Dakota City employees have convenient access to the vaccine.

The vaccines are being provided in conjunction with the local health department. Food manufacturing workers are among the priority groups now eligible for vaccination in Nebraska.

“We’re pleased to offer our team members convenient access to the vaccine and are committed to a long-term strategy that ensures any team member...

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...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Beef and Lamb Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for products produced without the benefit of federal inspection by One Meat Corp., doing business as Eastern Asia Trading Corporation, a La Puente, Calif. firm. A recall was not recommended because it is believed that the affected products are no longer available to be purchased by consumers.

The beef and lamb products subject to the public health alert are:

• 1-lb packages of Eastern Asia Trading Corporation “BEEF OMASUM TRIPES.”
   
• 1-lb packages of Eastern Asia Trading Corporation “GROUND LAMB” with “Production date” 12/26/2020...

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...

National Beef to Expand Iowa Premium Facility

National Beef Packing Company, LLC, a leading beef processor in Iowa, announced plans to increase capacity and add a second production shift at its Iowa Premium beef processing facility located in Tama, Iowa. Total investment will be more than $100 million and will double the capacity of the plant to approximately 2,500 head per day.

“We are pleased to be making this investment in the growth of the Tama facility, and we appreciate the support of the local communities and the state of Iowa as we work together to make this expansion a success,” said Tim Klein, National Beef President and CEO. “This project will increase our capacity to...

Tyson Foods Expanding Case-Ready Meat Production with South Carolina Plant

As part of its strategy to increase production of consumer ready products, Tyson Foods, Inc. is expanding its case-ready meats business by repurposing plant capacity in South Carolina.

The company plans to reopen an idle Tyson-owned facility in Columbia and convert it into a meat-cutting facility that will produce retail ready, portioned packages of sliced, fresh beef and pork, as well as ground beef, for grocery and club stores in the eastern U.S.

“We’re pleased to bring operations back to Columbia and are very grateful for the strong state and local support we’ve received for this project,” said Nate Hodne, senior vice president and general manager of the...

REPORTER: St. Patrick's Day, The Irish Way

This article was originally featured in the Spring 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

It’s no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day piques consumer interest around the world. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations date as far back as the late 1700’s. However, instead of being the social holiday it’s now known as, up until the late 1900’s St. Patrick’s Day was a religious holiday to commemorate the life of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Before the 1990’s most of the country of Ireland was closed to celebrate the holiday. But due to tourism in the country there was a shift and guidelines began to change. This is when most of the festivities became focused on food and celebrations. The country of Ireland knew they had a lot to offer and show off surrounding the holiday and instead of closing down, they used the day to showcase and share the Irish culture...

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 8

ANALYSIS: All-Fresh Beef Retail Averages Record High in 2020

All-fresh beef retail values, the measure of prices of all beef quality grades in grocery stores as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, averaged...

ANALYSIS: Year-to-Date Veal Slaughter at All-Time Lows

Veal slaughter has continued to witness lower than average slaughter since mid-March 2020 when COVID-19 began affecting...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Cattlemen Support the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021

The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 was introduced this week by U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota and U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Jason Smith (R-MO). The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued the following statement in support of bipartisan legislation to repeal the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the death tax.

“The estate tax disproportionately harms cattle producers because with few options to pay off tax liabilities, many farm and ranch families are forced to make tough choices at the time of death – and in worst case scenarios, must sell off land to meet their federal tax burden,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn.

An estimated 2,000 acres of agricultural land is paved over, fragmented, or converted to uses that compromise agriculture each day in the United States. With more than 40 percent of farmland expected to transition in...

Taco Bell Brings Back Iconic Limited Time Offer: The Quesalupa

Taco Bell is no stranger to rocking the quick-service restaurant industry with its innovative menu items, and the 2016 introduction of the Quesalupa was no exception. After years of perfecting the recipe, Taco Bell is bringing it back. During its debut, the Quesalupa was one of the brand's biggest limited-time offers in history. Now it's back, with 50 percent more cheese inside its double-layered shell.

The journey of transforming a chalupa to Quesalupa starts with stuffing the crispy chalupa shell with a blend of melted pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses from edge-to-edge. Inside are Taco Bell's signature flavors including seasoned beef, crispy lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh diced tomatoes and...

Beyond Meat Expands Product Distribution 

Beyond Meat announced its latest expansion of product offerings at Walmart. Starting this week, within the approximately 2,400 Walmart locations nationwide in which Beyond Meat products are currently sold, Walmart will be adding Beyond Sausage Hot Italian® to the fresh meat aisle at more than 400 stores as well as expanding the frozen Cookout Classic value-pack to approximately 500 stores.

This increased distribution at Walmart is Beyond Meat’s second in the past year and is part of Beyond Meat’s effort to increase worldwide accessibility to simple, plant-based meat products made without GMOs or bioengineered ingredients. As demand for plant-based meat continues to rise, this increased distribution complements the company’s expansive retail presence at approximately...

January Red Meat Exports Below Year-Ago Levels Amid Transportation, Labor Challenges

U.S. beef and pork exports opened 2021 below the large volumes posted a year ago, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Beef exports totaled 105,047 metric tons (mt) in January, down 2% from a year ago, while value slipped 3% to $653 million. The decline was due mainly to lower beef variety meat shipments, as muscle cut exports were steady with January 2020 at 81,398 mt, valued at...

National Beef Begins Employee Vaccination in Kansas, Following Governor Kelly’s Announcement

More than 6,000 National Beef employees in Dodge City, Kansas, and Liberal, Kansas, are now eligible and have started receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, following an announcement that prioritizes meat processing workers for vaccine distribution in Kansas.

Governor Laura Kelly; Tim Klein, CEO of National Beef; UFCW Local 2 and other leadership groups in Kansas outlined a plan where Kansas meat processing employees and counties with meat processing plants will receive vaccine doses, earmarked explicitly for them.

"National Beef is grateful to all the partners who have helped provide vaccines for the meat processing industry's essential workers. We especially appreciate the state of Kansas, local health departments, and...

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 7

This week on UK Beef Chats, Mike Nesbitt fills us in on the UK's plan to ease COVID lockdown restrictions, the affect that will have on wholesale trading, and gives us an update on...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

ANALYSIS: Cash Cattle Prices Are Stuck in Limbo

The weekly USDA five-area direct average fed steer price last week was $114.07/cwt, steady with the previous week but $0.78/cwt less than...

Nathan’s Famous Continues International Expansion in North America and Beyond

Nathan’s Famous, Inc., announces the expansion of their products to Mexico City, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The brand will also introduce its new virtual kitchen concept, Wings of New York, in all locations, with the exception of Brazil. Nathan’s Famous and Wings of New York will be available in a multitude of ways, including brick and mortar locations, ghost kitchens or retail, depending on the market.

“This is an exciting time for Nathan’s Famous and Wings of New York,” said James Walker, SVP, Restaurants. “We are embarking on a new chapter in our company as we continue to grow the brand’s presence all across the globe...

NCBA Welcomes Discussion on Cattle Market Transparency Act

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Cattle Market Transparency Act in the U.S. Senate. If enacted, this legislation would direct the Secretary of Agriculture and the Office of the Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish regional mandatory minimums for negotiated trade of fed cattle. It would also direct USDA to establish a library of cattle formula contracts, amend the definition of “cattle committed” to expand the delivery window from seven to 14 days, and clarify confidentiality rules for administering Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR). Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-4).

“Cattle producers continue to face serious obstacles when it comes to increasing profitability and gaining leverage in the marketplace,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Leveling the playing field and putting more of the beef dollar in producer pockets remains...

Cracker Barrel Offers New Prime Rib Heat n' Serve and Creative Basket Options

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® announced the launch of its Spring Into the Season campaign, featuring a new, homestyle Prime Rib Heat n' Serve meal and Baskets for Every Occasion gift options to make the most of the Easter holiday and life's most memorable milestones. Plus, Cracker Barrel's popular classic Easter Heat n' Serve meal including spiral-sliced sugar-cured ham will be back in two sizes – Feast and Family Dinner.

"Whether you're craving a country feast, refreshing your home for Spring, or planning to give one-of-a-kind Easter baskets, Cracker Barrel is here to offer convenient and delicious ways to make new traditions at home or celebrate with us around one of our tables," said Cracker Barrel Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Tate. "This year, we're especially excited to offer...

Beef Quarterly Q1 2021: New Drivers in Cattle Innovation

Increasing awareness of the need to improve environmental and social outcomes, together with a growing appetite from investors in animal protein, are creating new opportunities and growth in cattle innovation.

“We believe that research and innovation in the beef industry will continue to evolve but we are currently enabled by two main catalysts that will stimulate this further. Firstly, new investors in the space and secondly, the sustainability drive that not only seeks production improvements but also creates...

Milky Way International Trading Corp. Recalls Canned Corned Beef Products

Milky Way International Trading Corp., doing business as MW Polar, a Norwalk, Calif., firm, is recalling approximately 297,715 pounds of ready-to-eat canned corned beef products that were imported and distributed in the United States without the benefit of FSIS import re-inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The canned corned beef items were imported on various dates between June 6, 2020 to Jan. 21, 2021. The product cans are labeled with various “Best Before” dates and the product cases are labeled with various shipping marks. The affected codes can be found...

ANALYSIS: A Glance at End-January Pork and Beef Cold Storage Stocks

USDA monthly cold storage data released last week showed combined meat and poultry stocks held in the nation's freezer warehouses at the end of January at...

Plant-Based Food Pioneers Fry Family Food Co. Announces National Launch at Sprouts

The Fry Family Food Co., a LIVEKINDLY Collective heritage brand, launched a national retail partnership in the U.S. with Sprouts Farmers Market. Fry's has been at the forefront of the plant-based movement for decades; founded in the Fry family kitchen in 1991, the brand celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

From today, five of Fry's top plant-based products will be available in the freezer aisle at all Sprouts locations: Chick'N Nuggets, The Big Fry Burger, Chick'N Patties, Breakfast Links and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 6

This week Mike Nesbitt and Jay Alletto shed light on the UK Beef Market. UK Schools opening, tight cattle supply against...

APHIS is Proposing to Classify Canada as Level One for Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to classify Canada as Level One for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. This proposed recognition is based on evaluations we have prepared in connection with this action, which we are making available for review and comment.

The Government of Canada requested that APHIS evaluate and classify Canada for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. APHIS prepared two evaluations which conclude that Canada meets the conditions to be classified as Level One for both bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, supporting adding Canada to the web-based list of Level One regions for bovine tuberculosis and the web-based list of Level One regions for...

SONIC Creates New Mesquite Butter Bacon Cheeseburger

Sonic Drive-In puts its own spin on the distinct, slow-burned flavor of Mesquite barbecue and sears butter into the burger to create its newest menu item: the Mesquite Butter Bacon Cheeseburger.

At $4.99, the Mesquite Butter Bacon Cheeseburger begins with a griddled, 100% pure beef quarter-pound burger seared with smoky mesquite butter and glazed with tangy BBQ sauce, and is topped with crispy bacon, two slices of melted American cheese, lettuce, grilled onions and pickles, all on a toasted brioche bun.

“In every bite, tangy BBQ sauce takes on a sultry-sweet twist as the nuanced smokiness of Mesquite barbecue joins forces with smooth, melty butter to elevate the classic cheeseburger with...

Beyond Meat Announces Global Strategic Agreements with McDonald's and Yum! Brands 

Following the release of its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020, Beyond Meat announced a global strategic partnership with McDonald's and Yum! Brands to offer signature plant-based menu items.

As part of the three-year global agreement with McDonald's, Beyond Meat will be the preferred supplier for the patty in the McPlant, a new plant-based burger being tested in select McDonald's markets globally. Additionally, Beyond Meat and McDonald's will explore developing other plant-based menu items together, including options for chicken, pork, and eggs, as part of McDonald's broader McPlant platform.

The announcement further solidifies the relationship between McDonald's and Beyond Meat, which began in 2019 with the test of...

While Chicken Sandwich Wars in the U.S. Intensify, Burgers Still Rule the Roost

No doubt that chicken sandwiches have gained a lot of attention over the past few years as more chicken restaurant concepts open and more chicken sandwiches appear on menus. The question is though, have these sandwich sensations knocked burgers from their perch as the top entrée item ordered at U.S. restaurants? That’s a hard “no,” says The NPD Group.

In the year ending 2020, burgers were included in 13.5% of all restaurant orders, which translated to 7 billion servings of burgers. Chicken sandwiches (breaded and grilled) were included in...

Denny's Adds New Options to Melts and Bowls Lineup

Denny's is adding all new options to its Melts & Bowls lineup for the ultimate comfort food experience.

With the addition of four new Melts & Bowls, guests have even more combinations and flavors to choose from, truly offering something for every palate. The new selections are available nationwide and include...

Hormel Deli Solutions Launches New Brand Offering Consumers a Touch-Free Dinner Experience

As more consumers shop for touch-free meal options that are not challenging or time consuming to prepare, yet still deliver on quality, taste and convenience, retailers can turn to the Hormel Deli Solutions Group for the "perfect" selection. The new Perfect Plate™ products are made to make it easy for retailers to deliver what consumers are looking for in a touch-free, convenient meal while easing the back of house challenges that may come with prepared meal products.

"Our new Perfect Plate™ products were specifically designed for retailers to capitalize on this growing trend in prepared meal options, while eliminating the need for deli staff to assemble, or even handle the food before putting it on shelf," said Megan Ward, deli brand manager, Hormel Deli Solutions Group. "The Perfect Plate™ products offer...

From Animal Meat to Fungi, U.S. Consumers Tap into A Host of Sources to Get Protein into Their Diets

The want of more protein in their diets have U.S. consumers seeking the coveted macronutrient from a variety sources, reports The NPD Group. Protein, the nutritional counterpart to fat and carbohydrates, is considered the body’s building blocks, and can be found in a long list of foods, like seafood, meat, poultry, eggs, legumes, and vegetables.

In order to get more protein into their diets, consumers are availing themselves to all of these types of foods in addition to whatever might be the trendy protein of the day, like fungi, according to NPD’s Eating Patterns in America, an annual compilation of the company’s daily tracking of U.S. consumers’ eating behaviors away from and...

GLG Trading Inc., Recalls Beef Tallow Products Imported Without the Benefit of Inspection

GLG Trading Inc., a Chino, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 96,810 pounds of beef tallow products that were imported from the People’s Republic of China, an ineligible country for beef, without the benefit of FSIS import re-inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following heat-treated shelf stable Hotpot Seasoning items containing beef tallow are subject to recall...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

PODCAST: UK Beef Chat Episode 5

This week Mike Nesbitt and Jay Alletto are joined by Joe Muldowney and Bill Smith to discuss the UK beef market. Topics include the tight cattle supply’s impact on price negotiation, social distancing at plants, and...

Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic, Meat Contraband from China Hit Record Levels

In calendar year 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of shipments containing prohibited pork, chicken, beef and duck products arriving from China intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists in Los Angeles, nearly doubled compared with the previous year.

From Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, 2020, CBP in Los Angeles issued 1,049 Emergency Action Notifications (EAN) compared to 527 in 2019, a 99 percent increase. When unmanifiested/prohibited animal products are intercepted, CBP issues...

MorningStar Farms Offers Incogmeato Giveaway for Lent

During Lent, MorningStar Farms is offering consumers a meat-free option with products that still look and taste like meat. The versatile line-up including burger patties, plant-based ground, chik'n nuggets and more makes for the perfect swap, so it's easy to enjoy classic dishes like tacos, spaghetti bolognese or even chik'n and waffles while maintaining the Lent tradition of meatless Fridays.

"During Lent, we know people miss their hamburger on Friday night. Now, with Incogmeato, everyone can still enjoy their delicious Friday favorites the plant-based way with...

Packaged Facts: Clean Labels and Ethically Sourced Foods are Mattering More to Meat Eaters

Even with the growing availability of meat alternatives, many Americans are reducing rather completely eliminating their consumption of animal proteins, with the added caveat that they are doing so while seeking out meat raised in more ethical manners with cleaner labels, reports Packaged Facts in the market research study Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian Consumers.

Packaged Facts' survey data published in the report reveal that among all U.S. consumers, twice as many (49%) consider clean label options important when grocery shopping compared to...

VIDEO: Morning Market Roundup Feb 16

Watch Urner Barry's reporters give insight into what is happening in the markets for hogs, beef, eggs and turkey....

PODCAST: An Economic Point of View - Will Sawyer of CoBank

This week on Market Digest Laura speaks with CoBank Lead Protein Industry Analyst, Will Sawyer. Will brings his expertise to the plate as they discuss holiday demand for protein items, protein supply, the beef complex, corn and soy inflation, and...