Tyson Fresh Meats Leader Testifies About Beef Industry at Senate Hearing

Shane Miller, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats, the beef and pork unit of Tyson Foods, testified about the beef industry during a hearing held today by the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Below is Miller’s written testimony:

Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Grassley, members of the Judiciary Committee, thank you for inviting me here today.

I proudly represent Tyson Foods, a company based in Springdale, Arkansas, and founded nearly a century ago by John W. Tyson, who started this business trucking chickens to markets across the Midwest...

USDA Statement on Confirmation of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic through an existing cooperative surveillance program.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has numerous interlocking safeguards in place to prevent ASF from entering the United States. Pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic are currently prohibited entry as a result of existing classical swine fever restrictions. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasing inspections...

Pork Quarterly Q3 2021: Looking for Growth Amid Uncertainties

Great volatility in Chinese hog and pork prices is rippling through the global market. China’s slaughter rates were unexpectedly high in Q2, pushing pork production up 35.9% YOY in 1H, according to official data. The sudden supply increase resulted in a sharp price decline and negative results in both farming and trading in 1H, pointing to low pork imports into China in Q3. While we expect hog and pork prices to rebound in Q3, the estimated high frozen pork inventory will impose a lot of downward pressure on prices. We expect the slowdown of imports in the coming months will reduce full year imports from 2020’s record levels by 10% to 20%. This will lead to a redistribution of pork trade in the global market and could place downward pressure on pork prices in exporting regions.

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Breakfast Bowls and Reformulated Deli Slices Nationwide

Plant-based foods innovator Sweet Earth Foods is announcing the nationwide launch of their new heat-and-eat Breakfast Bowls and reformulated, ready-to-eat Deli Slices. As consumers return to on-the-go busy lifestyles, these prepared meal and plant-based protein offerings provide quick plant-based solutions.

The three new Sweet Earth Breakfast Bowls meet this demand and are inspired by classic regional scrambles, all while offering between 17 - 20 grams of plant protein and three to five grams of fiber in every bowl. New flavors found in the frozen meals section include...

NPPC Urges Congress To Address Comprehensive Labor Reform

The U.S. pork industry is suffering from a labor shortage that could increase production costs and consumer food prices if not addressed through visa reform to provide better access to the foreign-born workers on which it depends, according to National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jen Sorenson, who testified today before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

U.S. pork production is a year-round effort, requiring a hardworking and dedicated workforce on farms and in processing plants. Pork producers offer jobs with good pay and benefits...

7-Eleven Celebrates National Hot Dog Day All Month Long With $1 Hot Dogs

National Hot Dog Day is approaching on July 21, and 7-Eleven wants Americans to "Seize the Dog" (Latin: Carpe Canis). The world's largest retailer will celebrate the humble frankfurter by offering its beloved Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% beef hot dog for just $1 at participating stores. And because July is National Hot Dog Month and when 7-Eleven® stores sell the most hot dogs, the promotion will go on the entire month of July—that's just how we roll...

Green Dining Table, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pork Dumplings Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Green Dining Table, Inc., an Alhambra, CA establishment, is recalling approximately 183,330 pounds of frozen pork dumplings due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk and coconut, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 

The frozen pork dumplings were produced between March 22, 2021 and July 14, 2021. The following products are subject to recall [view labels here]...

USDA Announces Livestock, Poultry Producer Assistance for COVID-19 Related Losses

Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of access to processing can apply for assistance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in remarks at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

PLIP is part of the USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Producers can apply for assistance on losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) starting on July 20...

In-Store Research Focuses on Ground Pork Placement

National Pork Board and partners launched a Checkoff-funded research project to understand how ground pork’s placement in the meat case influences purchases.

Making a Difference in the Meat Case

Ground pork continues to grow in popularity with consumers. National Pork Board (NPB) launched a Checkoff-funded test and learn research project with Hy-Vee and Iowa Pork Producers Association. The goal is to understand how ground pork’s placement in the meat case can impact and encourage additional purchases.

Retailers Benefit from Higher and More Frequent Spending in their Stores...

Johnsonville Rolls Out Sausage Strips Nationwide 

Rolling out to grocery stores nationwide this summer are Johnsonville Sausage Strips - a new product line of fully cooked smoked sausage that looks and cooks like bacon, but is sausage.

After a successful launch in 2020 among Midwest consumers, Johnsonville Sausage Strips are now available to consumers nationwide at additional U.S. retailers including...

Ruby Tuesday Introduces Libby’s BBQ for Summer

Ruby Tuesday has announced the addition of Libby’s BBQ with a new feature menu this summer. Originally crafted in the Ruby Tuesday kitchen as a delivery-only concept, Libby’s BBQ offers smoky, tender, saucy BBQ entrees and is now available to order at all Ruby Tuesday locations for dine-in, Ruby TueGO and delivery for a limited time only.

Now through September, Ruby Tuesday guests can try Libby’s BBQ entrees starting at $9.99. The all-new Libby’s BBQ menu includes tender, smoked beef brisket and...

Prestage Farms to Construct $150 Million Processing Facility in South Carolina

The South Carolina division of poultry and pork firm Prestage Farms is set to make a $150 million investment to construct a new processing facility in Kershaw County.

The new plant, located at the Governor’s Hill Industrial Park in Camden, will create 292 new jobs and will be the second facility in the county for Prestage.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce said the new operation will process poultry products using state-of-the-art technology and high levels of automation. The facility will utilize...

Broad-Based Growth Drives U.S. Beef and Pork Exports to New Heights

Fueled by impressive growth in a wide range of destinations, U.S. beef and pork export value shattered previous records in May, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports also reached a new volume high in May, while pork export volume was the third largest on record.

“The outstanding May performance is especially gratifying when you consider where red meat exports stood a year ago,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The industry faced unprecedented, COVID-related obstacles at all levels of the supply chain, and...

Awareness and Retention Rate for Plant-Based Protein on the Rise in China

According to China Plant-based Protein Topical Report from The NPD Group, plant-based proteins are gaining acceptance in China as Chinese consumers seek more protein in their diets, and plant-based foods become more available and appealing. Although plant-based protein currently has a small serving share compared to meat proteins in China, awareness has reached 90%; and the retention rate for plant-based proteins is on the rise, increasing from 53% in October 2020, to 68% in January 2021.

“There is no doubt that consumers in China view plant-based proteins as healthier alternatives to traditional meat protein,” said Gimantha Jayasinghe, Senior Vice President of APAC Foodservice at The NPD Group. “Though these products have a long way to go in terms of...

Subway Debuts Largest Menu Update in Brand's History

Subway restaurants announced the biggest changes in the brand's history, making improvements to almost every core menu item and introducing important digital upgrades that elevate the guest experience. The Eat Fresh Refresh™ arrives in U.S. restaurants nationwide on July 13, and is marked with unprecedented moments, including participating Subway restaurants across the country closing for a Refresh Break and a one million sub sandwich giveaway to encourage people to come see and taste the changes.

Starting on July 13, the Eat Fresh Refresh comes to life in all U.S. Subway restaurants. The more than 20 menu updates include...

NPPC Launches Campaign for Labor Reform 

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) introduced a campaign, “Year-Round Pork Needs Year-Round Workers,” highlighting the vital role of foreign-born workers across the U.S. pork industry and the critical need for comprehensive labor reform to address a labor shortage.

“The U.S. pork industry is highly dependent on foreign-born workers who make tremendous contributions in their jobs and communities,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “Unfortunately, current visa programs don’t provide access to...

Grubhub Releases Third Annual State of the Plate Report

As we approach a new normal and restaurants reopen, there's a lot to look forward to for the rest of the year. Before looking ahead, let's rewind to see how diners ate their way through the last six months. Grubhub, part of leading global online food delivery marketplace Just Eat Takeaway.com, launched the third annual "State of the Plate" report. Looking at trends from hundreds of thousands average daily orders, Grubhub's mid-year report checks in on what has shaped 2021 thus far, including the top trending foods, popular restaurants across the country, and what we can expect to see more of in the second half of the year.

Unlike 2020, diners opted for the plant-based versions of delivery classics so far in 2021. And while last year's top food, the wildly popular...

Market Trends to Watch Ahead of Independence Day

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals.

Access the latest UB Market Briefing HERE.  

PLANT PROTEIN: Get to Know Players in the Plant Protein Market: Atlast Food

Stephen Lomnes, a very “fun-gi” and President of Atlast Food, said, “We are scaling up very fast to “meat” the tremendous demand we’re seeing from our products.” Atlast Food was founded in 2020 and is a spin-off of Ecovative, a leader in the mycelium-based biomaterials sector. After successfully procuring $40 million in their latest round of investment seeking, Atlast is certainly making the most out of mushrooms. That is where MyBacon comes in.

“We believe that nature has already created the best plant-based meats with gourmet, exotic mushrooms that have been growing in the wild for thousands of years. However, these particular exotic mushrooms that mimic the taste and texture of meat are often hard to find, only grow during...

United States and Taiwan Hold Dialogue on Trade and Investment Priorities

The United States and Taiwan held the eleventh Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting yesterday under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO). Assistant United States Trade Representative Terry McCartin and Jen-ni Yang, Deputy Trade Representative from Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations, co-led the discussions, which were held virtually and focused on enhancing the longstanding trade and investment relationship between the United States and Taiwan. Other U.S. participants and contributors included AIT and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Labor, State and Treasury.

The TIFA establishes TIFA Council meetings as the key mechanism for trade and investment dialogue between the U.S. and Taiwan authorities, and covers a broad range of issues...

US Obtains Consent Decree Against Chinatown Retail Seller for Violating Federal Meat Inspection Act

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) Food Safety and Inspection Service (“FSIS”), announced the entry of a consent decree against defendants YIN GONG CORP. and YONG XING WANG (“Defendants”) for violations of the Federal Meat Inspection Act at Defendants’ places of business in New York, New York’s Chinatown.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Consumers should be able to have confidence in the safety of the food they buy. Here, Defendants repeatedly sold uninspected pork products to retailers in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, designed to ensure that... 

NPPC Urges Administration to Appeal Damaging Court Ruling Before August Deadline 

A federal district court ruling striking down faster harvest facility inspection speeds allowed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) goes into effect June 30, 2021. The Biden administration has until the end of August to file an appeal. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) urges the administration to appeal this damaging ruling – which will quickly lead to increased pork industry concentration and packer market power – and seeks waivers for the impacted plants until a longer-term solution, acceptable to all industry stakeholders, is realized.

The ruling eliminates 2.5 percent of pork packing plant capacity nationwide and will result in $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers this year alone, according to...

Maple Leaf Foods to Purchase Four Saskatchewan Pig Farms

Maple Leaf Foods announced that it has reached an agreement to purchase four pig farms in central Saskatchewan from a group of companies known as Polar Pork. The acquisition will enhance Maple Leaf Foods' overall pig supply and substantially increase its pig production capacity in the province.

The purchase, which is expected to close in June 2022 subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, includes two sow barns and two nursery barns with the potential to supply approximately 140,000 pigs to Maple Leaf Foods. The security of supply that this strategic acquisition provides to Maple Leaf Foods is directly tied to its plans to continue to grow production at its flagship pork processing plant in Brandon, Manitoba in order to increase...

Conagra Brands Launches Extensive Summer Line-up of New Product Innovation

Conagra Brands is kicking off summer with additions to the company's portfolio. From meals and sides to new plant-based offerings, Conagra's latest foods deliver great taste, convenience, and value.

A Fresh Look at Frozen

Conagra offers a collection of brands within single-serve frozen meals, with new dishes coming from Healthy Choice®, Banquet®, Marie Callender's ® and...

Fourth of July Cookout Cost Stable Compared to Year Ago

U.S. consumers will pay just a few cents more for their favorite Independence Day cookout foods compared to last year, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, pork & beans, strawberries, potato chips, fresh-squeezed lemonade and vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Farm Bureau analysis reveals the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people remains affordable at $59.50, or less than $6 per person. The cost is up just 16 cents (less than 1%) from last year, but...

Lawmakers Ask Biden Administration to Help Hog Farmers 

Seventy lawmakers joined Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Reps. Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in letters asking the administration to stop a recent court order from harming U.S. hog farmers. The letters call on Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Acting Solicitor General Prelogar to appeal a recent federal district court striking down pork harvest facility line speeds allowed under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS). The court order, set to go into effect on June 29, will lead to pork industry concentration and increased market power for plant operators at the expense of small hog farmers. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is calling for a longer stay of the court order and/or waivers that would allow the six impacted plants to continue...

Livekindly Collective Launches in China with Two New Brands

Livekindly Collective, a collection of brands on track to become one of the world’s largest plant-based food companies, announced its launch in China with two new flagship brands, Giggling Pig and Happy Chicken. Both have been developed and manufactured locally to cater to Chinese consumer tastes and are the first brands created in-house by Livekindly Collective.

The two new brands cover a portfolio of seven innovative plant-based products based on beloved Chinese dishes, including...

NPPC: Court Ruling Undermines U.S. Pork Industry Competition 

A federal district court ruling striking down pork harvest facility line speeds allowed under the USDA’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) will lead to increased U.S. pork industry market concentration. The ruling, set to go into effect on June 29, will undermine what is currently a healthy level of industry competition as described in a paper recently prepared by two industry economists. To preserve industry competition, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is calling for a longer stay of the court order or waivers that allow the six impacted plants to continue operating at NSIS line speeds until a long-term solution acceptable to all industry stakeholders can be established.

Competition, which has fostered innovation, job growth and industry expansion, has made...

Future Meat Technologies Launches Industrial Cultured Meat Production Facility
Future Meat Technologies, an industry-leading company developing innovative technology to produce cultured meat, has opened the world's first industrial cultured meat facility. With the capability to produce 500 kilograms of cultured products a day, equivalent to 5,000 hamburgers, this facility makes scalable cell-based meat production a reality.

"This facility opening marks a huge step in Future Meat Technologies' path to market, serving as a critical enabler to bring our products to shelves by 2022," says Rom Kshuk, CEO of Future Meat Technologies. "Having a running industrial line accelerates...

Just Crack an Egg Introduces Omelet Rounds 

Just Crack an Egg is introducing Omelet Rounds: a protein-packed, baked breakfast option that can be ready in under a minute.

“We love eggs at Just Crack an Egg – is there a more perfect food? Omelets are wonderfully delicious but also tricky to make,” says Maureen O’Neill, Brand Manager for Just Crack an Egg. “With Omelet Rounds, we want to introduce egg-loving fans to a quick and easy-to-prep way to get...

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

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

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

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...

Wholestone Farms to Build Pork Processing Facility in South Dakota

Wholestone Farms, a farmer-owned pork processor, has secured property in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, located near the intersection of I-229 and Benson Road within an appropriately zoned industrial park. Wholestone Farms plans to develop the purchased land into a new, state-of-the-art pork harvest and processing facility. The project value is estimated at over $500 million and will initially employ over 1,100 people.

"Wholestone Farms and its farmer-owners have a strong culture of corporate citizenship and with many of our members currently living and doing business in the area, we look forward to...

Denny's Introduces New Menu Items for Summer 

As Americans begin to return to dining rooms, Denny's has a new set of options for those looking for a taste of summer, including the introduction of a monthly Spotlight Stack, a highlighted pancake dish from Denny's collection of fresh buttermilk pancake stacks.

First up on the menu just in time for Flag Day and July Fourth: The Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast kicks off summer with festive colors and flavors for dine in, delivery or take out. The new creation features a stack of pancakes crafted with fresh buttermilk and blueberries and topped with freshly sliced strawberries, a drizzle of cream cheese icing and a dollop of sweet, whipped cream, served up with...

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...

Strong Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports

Following a record-breaking March performance, exports of U.S. beef and pork continued to build momentum in April, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

April exports of U.S. beef set another new value record at $808.3 million, up 35% from a year ago, with export volume reaching 121,050 metric tons (mt) – up 23% year-over-year and the fifth largest on record. For beef muscle cuts, exports were the third largest ever at 94,656 mt (up 21%), valued at a record $726.7 million (up 36%). For January through April, beef exports moved 5% ahead of last year’s pace at 454,398 mt, with value up...

NAMI to Supreme Court: Prop 12 Not Beneficial to Consumers and Increases Sow Mortality

The North American Meat Institute (the Meat Institute) said the State of California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12 or the law) provides no benefit to consumers and increases breeding sow mortality according to the State’s own proposed rule.

“The recently proposed rule by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) admits there are no benefits to Californians as a result of Prop 12. CDFA admits deaths of breeding sows will increase. Both are unintentional consequences of a costly and unconstitutional law,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute. “Our petition to challenge the law has the support of more than...

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...

UFCW Sioux Falls Union Votes to Authorize Strike Against Smithfield

The Sioux Falls chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers union has authorized a strike at the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in South Dakota. The union met with company representatives Tuesday and said they hope to avoid a work stoppage.

The union is demanding that Smithfield increases its wages. UFCW Local 304A President B.J. Motley explained "We feel that during a pandemic year and after calling Smithfield workers heroes for coming to work on a daily basis to feed America, they haven't shown that appreciation at all during negotiations."

No deadline has been set yet for when a strike could happen. Hog slaughter operations are expected to...

ANALYSIS: Cattle and Hog Producers Weather Another Black Swan Event

In what was yet another black swan event, the cyberattack on JBS last week exemplified the severe impacts that extraordinary incidents can have on...

Neil Dierks Announces Plans to Retire from NPPC 

After 31 years of distinguished service with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), including the last 20 as CEO, Neil Dierks has announced his plan to retire from NPPC by the end of the year. The NPPC Board of Directors has initiated a search for a new CEO. Dierks will remain in his role as CEO until the search process is completed and will serve as a strategic counselor during a transition period.

“Over the last 40 years, Neil has made countless, lasting contributions to the U.S. pork industry and established NPPC as a leading national advocacy organization and the global voice of the U.S. pork industry,” said Jen Sorenson, NPPC president and communications director with...

Lawmakers Urge Administration to Challenge Damaging Court Ruling

Congressional lawmakers are spearheading two letters to the administration, urgently requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) appeal a recent federal district court ruling that, left unchallenged, will cause tremendous financial harm to American hog farmers starting at the end of this month.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging USDA and the DOJ to quickly appeal the court ruling that, unless halted, will result in a 2.5 percent loss in pork packing plant capacity nationwide, and more than...

FBI Attributes JBS Cyberattack to Russia-Linked Cyber Criminal REvil

JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company, is returning to normalized operations following a cyberattack over the weekend that affected its North American and Australian servers. 

On Tuesday evening, JBS released a press statement saying it had made “significant progress” in resolving the cyberattack and expected the “vast majority” of its plants to be operating on Wednesday. 

JBS is also a majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s Pride, a leading chicken producer. Pilgrim’s has operations in 14 U.S. states and can process...

ANALYSIS: Price Inflation Across All Urner Barry Indices

Price inflation remains top of mind for many. Supply constraints across all proteins combined with robust demand has...

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...

Update: Some U.S. JBS Operations U.S. Affected by Cyberattack Today

JBS announced that they experienced a cyberattack over the weekend, forcing some shifts at its U.S. locations to be reduced or canceled altogether today. Industry sources report that JBS will not be operating any of its U.S. cattle plants today. This is expected to trim the day’s cattle slaughter by around 28,000 head from normal. 

On the hog side, three of JBS’s U.S. hog plants are said to be down today, while two are operating at reduced capacity. While it is difficult to gauge what today’s hog slaughter could be, the common consensus is in the area of 400,000 head or potentially less. Analysts note that this Saturday’s cattle and hog slaughter could be very large to make up for the downtime...

The duration and extent of processing plant disruptions at JBS's facilities due to the cyberattack is not yet known and will be monitored day-to-day. Adequate processing capacity for the current level of supply is already an issue for the livestock industry, especially on the cattle side.

King's Command Foods Recalls Meat and Poultry Meatballs and Pork Pattie Products 

King's Command Foods, LLC., a Kent, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 20,025 pounds of fully cooked, not shelf stable meat and poultry meatballs and pork patties due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. The product contains egg, milk, and/or wheat, known allergens, which is not declared on the product label.

The fully cooked, not shelf stable meat and poultry items were produced January 08, 2021, January 15, 2021, and March 03, 2021. The following products are subject to recall...

Sadler's Smokehouse Introduces Authentic Ready-to-Eat Pit-Smoked Texas Barbeque

Sadler's Smokehouse is introducing ready-to-eat beef brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken and St. Louis Ribs at select retailers this summer. The new line of Sadler's Smokehouse® products is pit-smoked low and slow, using butcher-quality cuts of meat, no artificial ingredients, Texas hardwoods and 65 years of family barbeque tradition.

"First and foremost, these products come already prepared in the tradition of real Texas barbeque, giving home barbeque enthusiasts and cooks the freedom to enjoy more time together while experiencing...

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...

Summer is Almost Here and UB Has the Scoop on Market Trends Heading into MDW

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals.

Access the latest UB Market Briefing HERE...  

Arthur Treacher’s Franchise Re-launching as Virtual Kitchen Concept

Nathan’s Famous announces the addition of Arthur Treacher’s to the brand’s portfolio, now available as a ghost kitchen concept. Arthur Treacher’s, which was founded in 1969, offers hand-dipped fish, chicken and French fries. The menu, which has been revamped by Nathan’s Famous, will highlight the brand's traditional menu items while also featuring upgraded proteins, more contemporary builds, and includes a focus on shrimp.

"We are thrilled to provide operators across the country with the opportunity to add Arthur Treacher’s to their portfolio,” states James Walker, Senior Vice President, Restaurants. “Nathan’s Famous and Arthur Treacher’s have...

ANALYSIS: Strong Demand Keeps Frozen Pork and Beef Inventories Tight 

According to the latest USDA monthly cold storage report, released Monday afternoon, frozen beef and pork stocks at the end of April remain...

Applegate Announces Partnership with The New York Yankees

Applegate has been named a Proud Partner of the New York Yankees. As a Proud Partner, Applegate will be stepping up to the plate with 100% natural deli meats, pizza toppings, and snacking options.

"The Yankees have such a rich history of being leaders in the league, with the highest of standards, and a drive to be the best," said Nicole Glenn, Applegate Vice President, Brand Strategy and Innovation. "We strive for similar standards and share a mutual drive at Applegate, which is why...

NPPC: Federal Judge Ruling Disastrous for Small U.S. Hog Farmers

Left unchallenged, a recent federal district court ruling will result in a 2.5 percent loss in pork packing plant capacity nationwide, and more than $80 million in reduced income for small U.S. hog farmers, according to an analysis by Dr. Dermot Hayes, an economist with Iowa State University. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to intervene before the ruling takes effect at the end of next month. The ruling will dramatically reduce hog farmer market power—particularly smaller producers located near impacted plants—and undermine pork industry competition.

The federal court’s decision struck down a provision of USDA’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) allowing for faster harvest facility line speeds. NSIS, initiated during the Clinton administration and evaluated at five pilot plants over 20 years, was...

Milan Provisions Recalls Jalapeno Chorizo Sausage Products

Milan Provisions Co. Inc., a Corona, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,000 pounds of heat-treated, not fully cooked, not shelf stable chorizo sausage products made using a pork ingredient produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The jalapeno chorizo sausage items were produced from April 13, 2021 through April 16, 2021. The following product is subject to recall...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Hog Slaughter

The Urner Barry hog slaughter poll for the week ending May 29, 2021, resulted in an average industry participant response of 2,392,500 head. If realized, this figure would represent a .02 percent decrease from last week and 20.8 percent growth over last year due to the Memorial Day holiday three-day weekend.

7-Eleven Rolls Out New Breakfast Taquito

7-Eleven is rolling out new breakfast taquitos that will be available 24/7.

Great for breakfast on the run or as a snack any time of day, the crispy flour tortillas are brimming with fluffy scrambled eggs, smoky bacon, diced potatoes, and a blend of cheddar, pepper jack and Monterrey jack cheeses. The suggested retail price is just $1.49, and for a limited time, 7Rewards® members will earn a 200-point bonus with each purchase of the product. Customers can also order the new taquitos...