Import Cargo To Hit 2 Million Containers For First Time Since Last Fall

Next month’s inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to top 2 million units for the first time since last fall as imports grow despite new supply chain challenges, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“U.S. imports are continuing to increase despite another disruption impacting U.S. ports,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “As retailers have adjusted to limits...

Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 8 - Global Supply Chain Situation

ANALYSIS: A Seasonal Snapshot of Christmas and Easter's Boost to Lamb Leg Sales

As Easter approaches, the demand for lamb legs in retail stores noticeably rises, spurred by holiday traditions. Consumers, particularly those of the Catholic faith, often buy lamb legs for Easter as a symbol of renewal. Similarly, lamb is a popular choice during Christmas for some households. This trend leads to a significant uptick in both discounted and non-discounted sales at the retail level, highlighting the cultural impact of these occasions on the protein markets. To meet this surge in demand, suppliers and retailers diligently ensure an...

Cleveland-Cliffs to Idle Weirton Tinplate Facility Following Unfavorable ITC Ruling

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced today that it will be indefinitely idling its tinplate production plant located in Weirton, West Virginia in April 2024. The need to idle the Weirton plant is a direct result of the unanimous decision issued by all four members of the International Trade Commission (ITC) negating the implementation of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on tin mill products calculated by the Department of Commerce. A WARN notice is being issued today to approximately 900 impacted employees...

USDA Announces $270 Million Awarded to Build Food Supply Chain Resiliency

Secretary Vilsack visits with state agriculture leaders at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference to highlight grant funding available through federal-state partnerships

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to date, has awarded over $270 million through cooperative agreements with state departments of agriculture to build resilience across the middle of the food supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems. The funding is being awarded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program which...

USDA Partners with Illinois to Award Over $5 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Illinois under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Illinois are working together to offer over $5 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Illinois is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through March 15, 2024.

In May 2023, USDA announced the availability of up to $420...

USDA Partners with Oklahoma; Awards Over $6.3 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Oklahoma under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Oklahoma are working together to offer over $6.3 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Oklahoma is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through Feb. 23, 2024.

In May 2023, USDA announced the...

How Yum! Brands is Making its Supply Chain More Sustainable

The KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill parent company is investing in partnerships with dairy, beef and poultry suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and develop more resilient agricultural practices.

The effects of climate change can have a major impact on the global food system. That’s why Yum! Brands aims to be part of the solution and is working with suppliers to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“We rely on healthy agriculture systems to support sustainable crop yields and livestock productivity,” said Yum! Chief Sustainability Officer...

El Florido Boosts Its Supply Chain with Infor WMS

Infor®, the industry cloud company, today announced that El Florido supermarket chain has chosen Infor WMS (Warehouse Management System) solution to optimize its operating times throughout the supply chain. The solution will be implemented by Infor partner Cerca Technology, a leader in cutting-edge technology for supply chains in Latin America.

The supermarket chain, located in Baja California Norte in Mexico, dedicated to the commercialization of meat-based products and groceries, aims to streamline the times for the assortment in stores...

USDA Makes $123 Million in Grants Available for Meat and Poultry Processors

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, partnering with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, has made $123 million in grants available through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) Phase 2. 

The first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program began in November 2022, when the Biden-Harris Administration invested $73 million in 21 grant projects. 

MPPEP provides grants to help eligible processors expand their processing capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the MPPEP "to encourage competition and sustainable growth in... 

Food Retailers & Suppliers Continue to Innovate as Inflation, Workforce, Supply Chain Issues Persist

Food retailers and suppliers, facing formidable challenges with a changing workforce, inflation, The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2023supply chain hurdles, intense competition and shifting consumer buying habits, are investing in more creative and proactive approaches to future-proof their businesses, according to FMI—The Food Industry Association’s annual comprehensive research analysis The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2023.

The 74th annual report finds the food industry is prioritizing innovation to increase efficiency and foster redundancies across product supply and assortments; investing in technology for worker recruiting, training... 

Imports Building Toward August Peak as One Labor Dispute Ends But Others Develop

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to climb toward an August peak this summer, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. But even though a tentative contract agreement has been reached at West Coast ports, retailers are closely following labor disputes at ports in western Canada and a potential Teamsters strike against United Parcel Service.

“We were relieved that labor and management at West Coast ports reached a tentative agreement last month...

Proposition 12 Has Been Upheld — What We Know So Far

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

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

Quick Facts:

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