Beef Quarterly Q4 2022: As the US Goes, So Goes the World

Beef markets are still performing well, but macroeconomic pressures are building up beneath the surface. Cattle prices are generally favorable, supported by seasonal conditions and consumer demand. But consumer confidence is waning, given the slowing economic backdrop, which may yet cause demand to soften. We see emerging supply-side dynamics that will also influence markets. The central question is whether beef markets are shaped more by demand-side or supply-side pressures as we head into 2023...

ADM and Partners Awarded Field to Market’s Collaboration of the Year Award 

ADM and its partners, Keurig Dr Pepper, PepsiCo, and Practical Farmers of Iowa, have won the Field to Market: Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture™ 2022 Collaboration of the Year Award for their regenerative agriculture project supporting Nebraska farmers. The award, one of Field to Market’s Sustainability Leadership Awards, recognizes an outstanding collaboration and cross-sector partnership in advancing continuous improvement in sustainable agriculture at the field and landscape level.

The project, “Supporting Nebraska Farmers to Boost Resiliency Via Cover Cropping,” provides farmers with technical assistance, peer support networks...

Lineage Logistics Extends U.S. EPA SmartWay® Transport Partnership

Lineage Logistics, LLC, the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has renewed its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership, a program that provides a framework to assess the environmental performance and energy efficiency of goods moving through supply chains so partnering companies can reduce their environmental footprint.

Launched in 2004, the SmartWay program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking and improving freight transportation efficiency. Moreover, the program also helps companies select more efficient...

Blue Apron Is Now Available in the U.S. Amazon Store Without a Subscription

Blue Apron is now offering meal kits without a subscription in the U.S. Amazon store. This is a continued expansion of the company’s third-party channel strategy to increase exposure to a wider pool of potential customers outside of its ecosystem.

“Our customers regularly tell us how much they love our meals. By offering a selection of products in the U.S. Amazon store, we are able to provide Amazon customers the opportunity to buy a range of chef-curated meals that will arrive quickly to their door...” 

CDFA Finalizes Proposition 12 Regulations—What Lies Ahead?

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has finalized the Proposition 12 implementation rules, which can be found here. The finalized regulations are similar to the second modified text, which was released in June of this year. 

According to an FAQ on CDFA's website, Proposition 12 is a "ballot initiative passed in 2018 by California voters that prohibits confining farm animals (egg-laying hens, veal calves and breeding pigs) in a cruel manner and prohibits the sale of products (eggs, veal meat and pork meat) from farm animals confined in a cruel manner into California commerce."

The law mandates minimum housing space requirements for breeding pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens and was originally set to begin on January 1, 2022. However, a ruling earlier this year delayed Proposition 12 for 180 days after the final rules went into effect...

Urner Barry Releases August Pulse Protein Report

As of August 8, Ethiopia remains in the top spot of the dried pea export value chart. China still holds the fourth spot, and a 90% decrease in value year-over-year was noted. Meanwhile, Canada is in the first spot for lentils again, however with a 19% decrease in value. Peru is maintaining the fifth-place spot for lentils, keeping India out of the top five countries in the export value chart. Pakistan continues to hold the top spot for dried chickpea exports this August, with an 84% decline in value year-over-year.

The U.S. exports to over 70 countries and has been a net exporter of dry peas and lentils for at least three decades. However, the 2021/22 marketing year is anticipated to be...

Lineage Logistics acquires Cold Storage Nelson for major expansion into New Zealand

Lineage Logistics, LLC., the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has acquired leading New Zealand cold storage business, Cold Storage Nelson Limited (“CSN”). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“CSN has industry-leading skills in inventory control, compliance and traceability,” Mr. Jeff Rivera, Lineage’s Global Chief Operations Officer, said. “CSN’s facilities, combined with our industry-leading technology and innovation, will assist New Zealand customers to navigate increasing supply chain demands in New Zealand and internationally..."

Urner Barry Releases July Pulse Protein Report

Dry pea supplies in 2021/22 are tight with production down 60% year-over-year. The USDA reported that dry pea stocks were down by about 50% in December from the previous year, the lowest levels since 2012. Lentil supplies are also lower than the year prior, with production down 55%.

According to the National Weather Service, a massive heat wave is engulfing much of the Midwest and into the Southern tier of the United States. Excessive heat warnings were in effect last week, with...

Urner Barry Releases June Pulse Protein Report

Dry bean exports during the current marketing year were at a record low for the first 6 months of the September-February timeframe. Exports are currently averaging 44% below the previous year at 278 million pounds. Historically, the 2021/22 volume is 36% below the 32-year average. Also, the six-month export volume in 2004/05 was the only marketing year that was lower than the current one over the past 32 years.

Although slightly improved from the pandemic-related conditions of 2020, international trade markets remain hindered by port congestion, internal shipping delays, container availability, and trade route challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, pea producers in some Russian regions face losing...

USDA to Invest up to $65 Million in Pilot Program to Strengthen Food Supply

President Biden joined leaders from across the Western Hemisphere to present the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection at the Summit of the Americas. The Declaration seeks to mobilize the entire region around strong actions to bring the historic migration crisis under control. The Declaration is organized around three key pillars: (1) stabilization; (2) legal pathways and protections; and (3) humane migration management. In preparation for the Summit, the United States and other countries in the region developed a suit of bold new...

Urner Barry Releases May Pulse Protein Report

For pulses like dry edible beans, prospective area declines are anticipated to continue in 2022. Spring weather is an important factor and is posing threats again this year with dry conditions across several dry bean growing regions. April 2022 marked the seventh month of the 2021/22 dry bean marketing year which began in September 2021 and will end in August. Although planting decisions have been made, a variety of factors can influence the final crop mix well into the spring and early summer.

In addition to dry spring weather, key economic factors affecting reduced dry bean area include surging input costs for items like fuel and fertilizer, and elevated prices for...

Blue Apron Provides Details Regarding Next Phase of Strategic Plans 

- Introduced Next Phase of Strategy Towards Path to Adjusted EBITDA Profitability in 2023 and Free Cash Flow Generation in 2024
- Highlighted Drivers of Success Behind Eight Straight Quarters of Elevated Customer Metrics
- Outlined Plans to Drive Customer Growth Through Targeted Marketing Spend, Product Innovation, Customizations, Add-ons, and Non-Subscription Offerings
- Targeted Long-Term Steady-State Variable Margin of 40% and PTG&A of 20% of Revenue
- Discussed Strategy to Responsibly Deploy Recent Equity Capital Raised to Invest in Platform to Help Execute Its New Strategy

Blue Apron hosted...

Perdue AgriBusiness Announces Collaboration with ZeaKal

Illustrating a shared commitment to improve the value and sustainability of food production, Perdue AgriBusiness and ZeaKal announced a multi-year development agreement to raise more sustainable poultry through improved soy genetics and feed quality.

ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed® trait technology increases photosynthetic capacity, converting more carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy for the plant. In soybeans, this has consistently resulted in improved oil and protein content while improving the sustainability index of the crop. As the main protein source in poultry feed, U.S. farmers and food companies have been eager to secure access to...

Domino's Pizza and Crave InfoTech to showcase SAP BTP-powered solution at SAPPHIRE 2022

Domino's Pizza has partnered with Crave InfoTech to automate some of their supply chain processes. Crave InfoTech, an SAP partner, has structured and helped deploy Domino's solution using the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

Domino's Pizza and Crave InfoTech would attend the SAPs Sapphire 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Domino's Enterprise Systems IT and Crave Infotech, at Sapphire 2022, will highlight how they were able to jointly deliver favorable outcomes and savings for Domino's Supply Chain.

Shrikant Nistane, CEO, Crave InfoTech, said, "We are always keen to..."

Rising Retail Prices Will Increasingly Test Consumers’ Appetite for Meat

Full effects of producer price inflation will become apparent in grocery meat cases

U.S. consumer demand for retail meat remains exceptionally strong despite higher prices stemming from increased production costs and supply chain limitations. However, once the full effects of producer price inflation finally hit retail meat cases, consumer demand for meat will be tested again, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

“Retail meat prices will remain elevated throughout 2022,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “The sharply higher costs for feed..."

Meat Institute to House Ag: More to Beef & Cattle Markets than Packers & Producers

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the beef and cattle markets are complex, driven by supply and demand and have more participants than packers and producers who add value at each step in production.

“Too often, the policy debate around the cattle and beef industry is an overly-simplified discussion limited to cattle producers versus beef packers. It is imperative policy makers remember: packers don’t buy fed cattle from cow-calf producers; nor do packers sell beef to consumers,” said Julie Anna Potts...

NAMI to Senate Ag: Cattle Prices at Seven Year Highs; Reject Costly Grassley-Fischer Bill

With cattle prices at seven-year highs following record beef production in February and March as the packing sector recovers from COVID-related labor shortages and supply chain issues, the North American Meat Institute today urged members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to reject the Grassley-Fischer bill’s mandates and federal intrusion in the beef and cattle markets.

“Leading agricultural economists have determined Grassley-Fischer bill’s latest draft remains costly to producers, especially producers in Texas..."

Urner Barry Releases April Pulse Protein Report

The USDA released its Prospective Plantings report on March 31, noting that hopes for drought relief fizzled during the first couple months of 2022. With the generally dry start to the new year, there was little overall change in the western drought depiction. Also, drought coverage across the south continued to climb, reaching 59.2% in March. By March 1, national drought coverage had been greater than 40% for 75 consecutive weeks, a 21st century record.

Besides drought, this past winter season featured notable extremes. In December, multiple severe weather conditions resulted in more than 200 tornadoes. December also ended with...

U.S. Ports Seeing Brief Slowdown From Last Year But Imports Remain High

The nation’s major retail container ports have begun to catch up with the backlog of cargo seen over the past several months, but could experience another surge this summer, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“As we entered 2022, the biggest question was when the supply chain would return to normal,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have a definitive answer. Congestion at..."

Lineage Logistics Next-Generation Automated Cold Storage Facility to Provide Food Chain Hub for JBS 

Lineage Logistics, LLC, the world’s largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced the construction of a next-generation automated cold-storage facility in Windsor, Colo., on behalf of JBS USA, a leading global food company.

Lineage designed an automated facility spanning more than 200,000 square feet that will provide JBS with expanded blast freezing and storage capacity, as well as rail access to support the shipment of export products to ports located on the West Coast. The facility...

CKE Restaurants Names Brandon Turner Chief Financial Officer

CKE Restaurants, Inc., owner, operator and franchisor of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, announced today the appointment of Brandon Turner as chief financial officer. Turner's well rounded executive leadership expertise in finance, franchising, operations, supply chain and strategy will benefit CKE as it continues to execute its growth transformation.

"We are excited to welcome Brandon to our talented Leadership Team. His entrepreneurial spirit, strong finance focus and results orientation will be perfect complements to our team," said Chief Executive Officer Ned Lyerly. "Brandon's proven track record in dynamic, multi-unit food..."

Statement on HPAI in Jennie-O Turkey Store Supply Chain

Jennie-O Turkey Store announced today that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in its supply chain. The issue currently involves one farm operation in Minnesota.

Migratory waterfowl have been the primary carriers of HPAI, ultimately exposing domestic poultry to the virus. While farms supplying turkeys to Jennie-O Turkey Store have not had any confirmed cases until now, many regions, producers and companies have been impacted since February. Cases have included numerous chicken and turkey commercial farms, as well as smaller backyard flocks...

Maersk Deploying Fleet of Electric Trucks to Provide Sustainable Supply Chain Options

Shipping giant Maersk will add a fleet of 300 electric trucks to its North America operations with delivery set between 2023-2025. The move will create the largest heavy-duty electric truck deployment to date.

The trucks will be used in the company’s warehousing, distribution and transportation business called Performance Team – A Maersk Company. The move comes thanks to a partnership with Einride, a tech company focused on freight mobility solutions.

The trucks will be operated using Einride’s digital road freight operating system and charging solutions...

February Retail Sales Rose Strongly Year-Over-Year While Monthly Pace Slowed Amid Inflation

Retail sales showed a strong year-over-year gain in February, but the monthly pace slowed compared with January as inflation drove up prices and lingering effects of the COVID-19 omicron variant affected the supply chain, the National Retail Federation said today.

“Retail sales data continues to show impressive consumer resilience,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Despite all that’s been thrown at them including inflation, supply chain constraints, market volatility and significant geopolitical events, consumers remain able and willing to spend... 

Biden–Harris Administration Announces Initiative To Improve Supply Chain Data Flow

The Biden-Harris administration is taking action to improve the supply chain. On Tuesday a new initiative was announced with the goal to speed up delivery times and reduce consumer costs.

Port congestion and delays has been a hot topic for those in and outside of the food sector. In an effort to rid the supply chain of these vulnerabilities and congestion, the Biden-Harris administration is launching Freight Logistics Optimization Works, or FLOW.

FLOW is an “information sharing initiative to pilot key freight information...

Urner Barry Releases March Soy & Wheat Report

In the latest WASDE report, the USDA stated that the outlook for 2021/22 U.S. wheat this March is lower supplies, unchanged domestic use, reduced exports, and higher ending stocks. Projected 2021/22 ending stocks were raised by 5 million bushels to 653 million, but 23% lower than a year ago. The season-average farm price was raised $0.20 to $7.50/bu based on NASS prices and expectations for prices in the remainder of the marketing year. Despite the sharp increases in futures and cash prices recently, a significant majority of U.S. wheat has already been marketed this year, limiting the season-average farm price increase.

Globally, the 2021/22 wheat outlook is for higher production, decreased trade, lower consumption, and larger ending stocks. The 2021/22 global use forecast was lowered by...

Investors Eye Fresh Round of Russia-Ukraine Talks

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to fuel volatility in the marketplace as the conflict enters its 19th day. 

On Monday, Brent crude oil prices declined by nearly $5 to $107.72 per barrel after swelling to over $130 per barrel last week. West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil futures were down by 5.4% to $103.41 per barrel. 

Both contracts have surged since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The recent pullback in prices, however, could be attributed in part to optimism surrounding the continuing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. 

A new round of talks between Russia and Ukraine was held Monday via video link at 10:30 AM Kyiv time. Ukrainian negotiator, Mykhailo Podoliak, tweeted "[n]egotiations. 4th round. On peace, ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops & security guarantees. Hard discussion."...

U.S., Allies, Work Towards Ending Normal Trade Relations with Russia

On Friday, President Biden announced that the United States, European Union, and G7 will implement new economic sanctions “to hold Putin accountable for his continued assault on Ukraine and further isolate Russia from the global financial system.” 

The U.S. and its allies account for more than half of the global economy. According to the White House briefing, each partner will implement actions consistent with their national processes. 

Bipartisan leadership is working towards revoking Permanent Normal Trade Relations from Russia. The move will downgrade the United States’ trade status with Russia as President Biden confers with Congress to revoke Russia’s most favored nation status whilst denying Russia the benefits of its World Trade Organization membership. 

Friday's announcement delivered another severe punishment to Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The ruble is now worth less than one U.S. cent while a growing list of companies has shuttered operations in Russia. 

The G7 leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom will ensure that Russia cannot obtain financing from the leading multilateral financial institutions, including the IMF and the World Bank...

U.S. and Allies Seek to Impose Higher Tariffs on Russian Imports

Today, President Biden is expected to announce that the U.S., European Union, and Group of Seven countries will revoke Russia’s “most favored nation” trade status in yet another retaliatory measure against the country’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Bipartisan pressure has been mounting to annul what is known as “Permanent Normal Trade Relations”, or PNTR, with Russia. PNTR is a legal designation in the United States for free trade with a foreign nation. Days earlier, President Biden moved to ban imports of Russian oil, gas, and coal to the United States.

Rescinding the most favored nation status from Russia would grant the U.S. and its allies the ability to impose higher tariffs on Russian imports, exerting additional pressure on the Russian economy as Russia continues to attack its neighboring country...

Oil Prices Slump As UAE Signals Support for Increased Output by OPEC

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has incessantly continued since it began on February 24. Multiple attempts by delegates from Ukraine for a ceasefire have failed, spurring a mass exodus of over 2 million refugees from Ukraine. 

Oil prices have surged this month on exacerbated supply chain interruptions amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, climbed to $139 barrel on Monday, the highest level since 2008. On Wednesday, however, Brent crude oil slumped by 13% to $111.10 per barrel, posting its steepest one-day decline in about two years. 

The decline was propelled by indications of U.S. progress in its efforts to increase oil production from other sources. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken encouraged statements from the United Arab Emirates that they support increased oil production by OPEC+, a group of 13 oil-exporting nations...

Urner Barry Releases March Pulse Protein Report

On March 1, the USDA reported an average $41.00/cwt for U.S. #1 garbanzo beans which is a slight increase from the previous month. U.S. whole green peas averaged $23.75/cwt as of early March, steady with February’s rates. Prices for yellow peas declined by $0.83 from a month ago, totaling $26.67/cwt.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is stressing an already strained global supply chain and its economic impact is likely to be felt by consumers and manufacturers. While an increase in costs trickles down from producers to consumers, short term consequences have already arrived. Grain markets recently hit...

What the U.S. Ban on Russian Oil Could Mean for U.S. Consumers

On Tuesday, President Biden announced a U.S. ban on Russian oil and gas imports as a measure to target “the main artery of Russia's economy”. The ban also applies to Russian coal, according to the White House briefing. 

"We're banning all imports of Russian oil and gas energy. That means Russian oil will no longer be accepted in U.S. ports, and the American people will deal another powerful blow to Putin's war machine," said Biden. 

The ban coincides with record-high gas prices, not adjusted for inflation. According to AAA, the national average climbed to $4.25 a gallon today, up 8 cents from yesterday and a 16.3% increase from the week-ago figure. Consumers have not seen gas prices this high since the summer of 2008. Californians are currently facing the largest expense at $5.57 per gallon on average...

Near-Record Import Levels Expected at U.S. Ports as Congestion Continues

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to be at near-record levels this spring and summer as consumer demand and supply chain challenges continue to result in congestion, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Consumers are still spending and the supply chain is still working to keep up,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Growth rates have slowed down from the off-the-charts numbers we saw..."

U.S. Bans Imports of Russian Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal

Earlier today, President Biden announced that he will sign an Executive Order to "ban the import of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas, and coal to the United States". The sanction against Russia is a result of "widespread bipartisan support that will further deprive President Putin of the economic resources he uses to continue his needless war of choice". 

According to a fact sheet released by the White House, today's Executive Order bans:

• The importation into the United States of Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal. Last year, the U.S. imported nearly 700,000 barrels per day of crude oil and refined petroleum products from Russia and this step will deprive Russia of billions of dollars in revenues from U.S. drivers and consumers annually.
   
• New U.S. investment in Russia’s energy sector, which will ensure that American companies and American investors are not underwriting Vladimir Putin’s efforts to expand energy production inside Russia.
   
• Americans will also be prohibited from financing or enabling foreign companies that are making investment to produce energy in Russia...

Beef Quarterly Q1 2022: Strong Demand but Cost Headwinds Prevail

Global beef markets remain tight. Ongoing strong demand and more limited supplies have kept global beef prices high. But cost pressures are flowing into the supply chain.

Over the past two years, retail beef price movements have been phenomenal, driven largely by strong consumer demand and some supply shocks. In many cases, this increase in prices was caused by demand pull. With supply unable to keep up, the increase in demand has created an imbalance in the market and as a result beef prices have lifted...

Urner Barry Releases February Soy & Wheat Report

In the latest WASDE report, the USDA stated that the outlook for 2021/22 U.S. wheat this February is stable supplies, lower domestic use, reduced exports, and higher ending stocks. Food use was lowered by 3 million bushels to 959 million with durum accounting for the entire reduction. Seed use was revised down 2 million bushels to 64 million based on NASS seed use data for the first two quarters of the marketing year. Projected 2021/22 ending stocks were raised by...

Congested Retail Ports to See Welcome Break From Rapid Import Growth During First Half of 2022

Imports at the nation’s congested container ports are expected to grow modestly during the first half of 2022, but continued high volumes will keep up pressure that built as the economy bounced back from the pandemic last year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“We’re not going to see the dramatic growth in imports we saw this time last year, but the fact that volumes aren’t falling is a clear sign of..."

Urner Barry Releases February Pulse Protein Report

As of February 8, Ethiopia has bumped China from the top spot of the dried pea export value chart. A 78% increase in value year-over-year was noted for Ethiopia, and China holds the fourth spot with a 51% decrease year-over-year. Meanwhile, Canada holds the first spot for lentils with an 18% increase in value. India is no longer one of the top five countries in the export value chart for lentils, losing the fifth-place spot this month to Peru. Pakistan remains in the first spot for dried chickpea exports for the second consecutive month, with an 18% decrease in value year-over-year.

The USDA reported that U.S. export volume in 2020/21 for chickpeas, dry peas, and lentils varied. Export volume of chickpeas decreased about 15%, for a total of...

Justice Department & USDA Start Program for Farmers, Ranchers to Report Anticompetitive Practices

Today, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture (USDA) launched farmerfairness.gov, a new online tool that allows farmers and ranchers to anonymously report potentially unfair and anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. The launch of the new portal will advance the goals of Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, including by creating more competitive agricultural markets that are fairer to producers and consumers. As part of the agencies’ enforcement partnership, the agencies are...