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...

Montana Passes Landmark Bill Advancing Hemp as Animal Feed

Governor Greg Gianforte signs HB 396, a bill authorizing hemp food ingredients as commercial animal feed. This bill is a major step forward for the developing U.S. hemp grain industry, opening additional markets for farmers and again establishing Montana as a key leader in production and opportunities for industrial hemp grain. Features of this bill include:

• Clarifying hemp seed food ingredients and substances derived from hemp are included in the definition of commercial feed.
• Providing authority for hemp for use as commercial feed for pets, specialty pets, and horses.
• For other livestock, effectiveness contingent upon...

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...

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...

Study Finds Consumers are Hopeful About Agriculture’s Ability to Positively Impact Climate Change

When it comes to climate change, consumers view agriculture as a part of the solution rather than the problem. Among participants in Cargill’s recent global Feed4Thought survey, those who indicated climate change as important to them also rated livestock and agriculture lowest in negative impact compared with other industries generally regarded as significant contributors. More than one-third of respondents expressed confidence in the industry’s ability to limit its contributions to climate change.

“Farmers are critical to feeding the world sustainably and responsibly,” said Ruth Kimmelshue, who leads Cargill’s animal nutrition & health business. “With a growing population and rising consumer interest in climate change, they are also part of the solution to address...

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...

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...

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...

APHIS Adds India to List of Regions Affected with African Swine Fever

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) added India to the list of regions we consider to be affected with African Swine Fever (ASF.) We took this action on May 13, 2020 when the disease was confirmed and are now publishing notice in the regulations. Pork and pork products from India, including casings, are subject to APHIS import restrictions designed to mitigate the risk of ASF introduction into the United States.

ASF is a devastating, deadly disease of pigs that is not currently found in the United States. USDA's actions will...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Food Price Surge is Unlikely to Revert

Agricultural commodity prices have surged almost 50% since mid-2020, causing concerns over food price inflation around the world and sometimes resulting in increased export taxes and quotas by producers at a time when importing countries want to import more.

Rabobank can identify four major factors driving the surge across agri commodities that will remain active in 2021: 1) US dollar weakness: Rabobank forecasts the US dollar to remain soft through 2021 (US dollar index -7% lower since mid-2020), but no further weakness is expected. 2) Weather: La Niña could extend into the US spring planting season. 3) Global demand: Good global demand (either for animal feed or storage) to continue through...

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...

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...

NPPC: Bill Addressing Agriculture Labor 'Step In the Right Direction'

Legislation introduced on Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, would reform the H-2A visa program to address the agricultural labor shortage. Among other provisions, it would amend the H-2A program to allow a capped number of visas for farmworkers to work year-round. The following statement is attributable to National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa.

“The U.S. pork industry is suffering from a serious labor shortage, negatively impacting farms and processing plants. Unfortunately, the current H-2A visa program is designed for seasonal agriculture, ignoring the needs of...

Urner Barry Releases March Pulse Protein Report 

Purchases of North American yellow peas for Chinese pork feed formulations have contributed to yet another consecutive month of increased yellow pea prices. On February 16th, the USDA reported an average increase of $2.30/cwt to $12.30/cwt in whole yellow peas offering producers some of the...

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...

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...

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...

NAMI Asks Supreme Court to Review Case Against California’s Prop 12

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) filed a petition for a writ of certiorari asking the Supreme Court of the United States to review an earlier ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the Meat Institute’s challenge to the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12: The Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (Prop 12 or the law). The Meat Institute opposes the law because it is unconstitutional and will hurt the nation’s food value chain by significantly increasing costs for producers and consumers. The petition may be found here, appendix here.

“Prop 12 hurts the family on a budget by causing higher prices for pork, veal and eggs, and unfairly punishes livestock producers outside of California by forcing them to...

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...

APHIS Reflects on 2015 HPAI Outbreak and Addresses the Importance of Biosecurity

In a recent webinar hosted by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Dr. Dale Lauer, Dr. Rocio Crespo, and Dr. Denise Heard reflected on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak of 2015, and steps that can be taken to protect poultry flocks going forward.

HPAI can be spread from bird to bird through direct or indirect contact with infected birds including feathers, bodily discharge, or from the equipment, hands, shoes, and clothes of caretakers. Signs of the disease include depression, decreased feed and water intake, runny eyes and nose, and swollen head. The disease can affect an entire flock and has a death rate up to...

Reports of PRRS and PEDv Pose Latest Challenges to U.S. Hog Producers

Despite being deeply overbought technically, lean hog futures continue to climb. Hog futures hit fresh contract highs across the board in early trading action today. Along with expectations of solid domestic and export demand as China continues to rebuild its hog herd, hog futures appear to be pricing in the possibility of short market-ready supplies heading into the spring and summer.

Market managers and livestock dealers note that producers in western and eastern hog states are currently contending with an outbreak of PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome), as well as...

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...

ANALYSIS: Q1 Production Outlook Lends Credence to Industry Expectations

The latest release of the USDA’s Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook Report is slow to raise any eyebrows as the ready-to-cook (RTC) production forecast of most key lines continues to...

ANALYSIS: Tightened Supplies Help Push Cash Hog Prices Higher

Following a tumultuous year of predominately negative returns, the tides appear to be turning for...

Extreme Winter Weather and Bitter Cold Disrupts Meat Processing Plants

Millions of Americans are currently under winter weather advisories as extreme weather continues to bring unprecedented low temperatures across parts of the southern Contiguous United States. Record cold temperatures, mainly in the South Central U.S., are expected today and can range between 35 to 45 degrees below normal, according to the National Weather Service. The Arctic air mass is forecast to modify on Wednesday with fewer record cold temperatures, but temperatures will still remain well below normal. 

These dangerously low temperatures not seen in decades coupled with snow and ice have created treacherous situations for the central and southern parts of the country. In Texas, millions of power outages have resulted from...

ANALYSIS: Steer Carcass Weights Begin 2021 in Contra-Seasonal Uptrend

Cattle feeders are currently contending with a large number of front-end supplies, as highlighted by the most recent USDA carcass weight data. The latest available information for the week ended January 23 showed...

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...

NCBA Works to Improve Business Climate for Cattle Producers with 2021 Policy Priorities

On February 4, the executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s top 2021 policy priorities with a continued focus on advocating for a business climate that increases opportunities for producer profitability.

“There is no doubt the past year has been difficult for cattle producers and it’s crucial that we work to implement sound policy and focus our attention on the legislative and regulatory areas that will give U.S. cattle producers the most added value,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. “I am looking forward to collaborating with volunteer leadership, state affiliates and stakeholders across the country to tackle the most pressing issues facing our industry...

Kansas Cattleman and Veteran Jerry Bohn Becomes New NCBA President

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) concluded its virtual Winter Business Meeting with the election of Jerry Bohn, a cattle producer from Wichita, Kan., as NCBA president.

Bohn, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, has been a part of the cattle industry his entire life. Bohn has had an expansive career in the cattle industry since his early days of custom grazing cattle with his family in Flint Hills, to his time on Kansas State University’s award-winning...

Urner Barry Releases February Pulse Protein Report

Purchases of North American yellow peas for Chinese pork feed formulations have contributed to another consecutive month of increased yellow pea prices. On January 19th, the USDA reported an increase of $1.25/cwt to $10.00/cwt in whole yellow peas- offering producers some of the highest prices to date. North American green peas and garbanzo beans have also seen similar price increases- though comparatively weaker green pea demand is expected to...

NCBA Delivers House Introduction of Bipartisan DIRECT Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the introduction of bipartisan legislation to create new opportunities for cattle producers and processors to market beef products.

Introduced by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R - At-Large, S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D - 28th Dist., TX), the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act of 2021 would allow retail quantities of meat processed under state-inspection to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, providing beef producers and local processors alike with more options to...

Grains Supply to Argentine Export Hub Normalizing After Truckers Strike

Delivery of grains and oilseeds to Argentine export hub Rosario was slowly returning to normal on Monday after a week of protests by truckers who blocked roads leading from the farm belt to port, two industry sources told Reuters.

Drivers are demanding a review of their costs, including tolls, insurance rates, taxes and fuel prices.

They were scheduled to meet with Sergio Massa, president of the lower House of Congress, to discuss their demands while the government news site Telam reported a delay in a proposed fuel tax increase. Both gestures appeared to help calm tensions, although...

Cargill Announces Temporary Idling of Two Beef Processing Facilities for Scheduled Maintenance

Cargill announced the planned, temporary idling of two protein processing facilities for scheduled maintenance. Each facility’s idling is unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On February 4, Cargill will idle its Dodge City, Kansas location and on March 18, the company will idle its Schuyler, Nebraska facility. Both sites are primary processing operations and will be down for approximately...

USDA Offers Additional Assistance for Certain Producers Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26. Some of these changes are being made to align with the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 while others are discretionary changes being made in response to ongoing evaluation of CFAP.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure...

Contract Broiler Growers Can Begin to Apply for Federal COVID-19 Relief on January 19

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between January 19 and February 26.

Contract producers of broilers, pullets, laying hens, chicken eggs (breeders), turkeys and...

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...

PODCAST: Time for a Toddcast - Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting

This week on Market Digest we are joined by founder and consultant Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting. Laura and Todd speak about African swine fever in China, the state of...

NPPC Campaign Showcases Pork Producer Environmental Stewardship

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) introduced a multimedia campaign, “Farming Today for Tomorrow,” to showcase U.S. pork producers’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“For more than five decades, U.S. pork producers have embraced advancements that have allowed them to do more with less,” said NPPC President Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin. “Hog farmers have an excellent story to tell and...

Dietary Guidelines for Americans Solidifies the Benefits of Beef and A Healthy Diet

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for finalizing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which recognizes the role of lean beef in a healthy diet across all life stages and ages.

Updated every five years, the DGAs serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy and shape the recommendations found on USDA’s MyPlate. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, “Beef is one of Americans' favorite foods, and science consistently shows...

Anti-Meat Activist Poses as Smithfield Foods CEO on National Television 

Last week, animal activist Matt Johnson of Direct Action Everywhere, posed as the CEO of Smithfield Foods during a national television interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo. On December 23, 2020, Bartiromo thought she was speaking with Smithfield Foods CEO Dennis Organ. However, she and her audience were being misled. 

During the interview, Johnson blamed animal agriculture for new infectious diseases and made false claims that the Centers for Disease Control has data proving that the livestock industry would...

Secretary Perdue Announces Proposal to Transfer Animal Biotechnology Regulatory Framework to USDA

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a significant step in modernizing regulations of agricultural animals modified or produced by genetic engineering. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be moving forward with an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to solicit public input and feedback on a contemplated regulatory framework that would modernize our system into a scientifically-sound, risk-based, and predictable process that facilitates the development and use of these technologies for...

Meat and Poultry Industry Reacts to COVID-19 Stimulus Package 

The COVID-19 stimulus bill agreed upon by Congress contains language that would authorize the USDA to provide up to $1 billion in assistance to contract chicken growers for revenue losses sustained because of the pandemic. According to the bill, the fund is specifically for contract growers of livestock and poultry to cover up to 80% of revenue losses.

Mike Brown, President of the National Chicken Council, said, "On behalf of the chicken industry and our farm families across the country, I want to personally thank Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) for his leadership and his support in helping to secure this vital funding...

Dominion Energy, Smithfield Foods Complete Renewable Natural Gas Project in Utah

Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods, Inc., announced they have completed the first renewable natural gas (RNG) project through their joint venture, Align Renewable Natural Gas℠. Located in Milford in southwestern Utah, the project is now producing RNG from a network of 26 family farms that raise hogs under contract with Smithfield.

The project is the first large-scale effort in the state to capture methane from hog farming operations and convert it into clean energy for homes, businesses and transportation. Significantly more...