ANALYSIS: Turkey - Potential Production Progress Report

About a month ago we took a look at turkey egg sets which had plummeted to some of the lowest seasonal figures on record...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Turkey Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., Russellville, Ark. and Marshall, Mo. establishments, are recalling approximately 276,872 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken and turkey bowl products because the products may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The scope of this recall has been expanded to include Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chicken Feta & Farro Bowls, Healthy Choice Power Bowls Unwrapped Burrito Scramble Power Bowls, and Healthy Choice Power Bowls Turkey Sausage & Egg Scramble Power Bowls produced on various dates. The products were produced at two different establishments.

The following additional products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Tom Breast Meat: A Seasonal Assessment

Following a sluggish start to this year’s meat trade environment, marketers are finally embracing the return of...

Nestlé Introduces New Life Cuisine 

Nestlé is introducing Life Cuisine, an exciting new brand delivering delicious and satisfying meal solutions to match the approach to eating well. From gluten-free to high-protein, Life Cuisine is made with flavorful ingredients that help power your day.

Over the years, the definition of wellness has evolved from calorie-conscious eating to a more holistic approach that extends well beyond just what's on your plate. Once-niche dietary trends like gluten free and meatless meals have also...

Hormel Natural Choice Lunch Meat Announces New Hardwood Smoked Product Line 

The makers of Hormel Natural Choice premium lunch meat have launched a new line of slow-smoked products called Natural Choice hardwood smoked lunch meats. These expertly crafted products – smoked in netting over real wood chips for over four hours – include exciting flavors like applewood ham, applewood turkey with garlic and herbs, pecanwood ham with sweet black pepper and pecanwood ham with brown sugar.

"We leaned into the real smoke and premium ingredients with this line and are offering consumers that great hardwood smoked flavor, without having to fire up the smoker," said Samantha Hovland, Natural Choice brand manager. "Lunchtime is a busy time for people, so we're helping...

ANALYSIS: Seasonal Draw, or Supply Side Flaw?

As the immediate shock of COVID-19 begins to subside, market participants look to the stats in an attempt to...

Consumers Continue to Purchase Meat from Restaurants and Retail Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Fear of the unknown proved to be true when observing consumers’ reaction to the emergence of COVID-19. When the virus first made its way to the United States, panic ensued. Grocery store shelves were depleted, and necessities like toilet paper were nowhere to be found. Consumers have come accustomed to finding resourceful solutions and are willing to be more flexible than ever before.

However, the coronavirus has thrown yet another curveball, with many meatpacking plants either temporarily closing or reducing operations. While consumers have stocked up on meat, there seems to be less panic this time around.

When Datassential asked consumers what best describes the way they eat today, nearly 69% described themselves as...

Applegate Farms Unveils Well Carved Product Line

Applegate introduced a new line of organic blended burgers and meatballs designed to satisfy consumers who are mindful of their meat intake. The new, chef-crafted Well Carved product line combines meat with whole vegetables, legumes and grains, and continues the brand’s mission – Changing The Meat We Eat.

“The Well Carved product line is a bold, direct challenge to the newly established wisdom that the only way to eat meat responsibly is to settle for a highly processed soy or pea-based burger—or to not eat meat at all,” said John Ghingo, president of Applegate. “Well Carved products offer a way for consumers to enjoy the real, clean meat they crave along with the vegetables that promote health and a healthier planet.”

To that end, all Well Carved products are made exclusively with organic meat and vegetables, and none of the...

Jennie-O Turkey Store to Reopen Willmar Facility

Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc., announced that it has reopened its Benson Avenue facility, in Willmar, Minn., following a voluntary pause due to impact of COVID-19 in the area. The company restarted operations yesterday with a core group of team members and plans to ramp up production over the next few days.

Steve Lykken, president of Jennie-O Turkey Store said, “We remain committed to our industry-leading efforts to maintain and enhance safety protections for our team members and this community. We are glad to be reopening this facility and are working on our plans for reopening our other facilities including another location in Willmar and in Melrose, both in Minnesota. We have put the safety of our staff first throughout this pandemic and...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production: As Goes One

Between sluggish foodservice and QSR demand patterns and the increased prevalence of plant worker absenteeism, it is safe to say...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: It’s a Matter of Perspective

COVID-19’s widespread impact on the protein market landscape has certainly tested the wits of turkey buyers and sellers...

Industry Reacts to President Trump’s Executive Order to Keep Meat Plants Operating 

President Trump intends to sign an executive order to ensure meat processing plants remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. The executive order will call on the Defense Production Act recognizing the facilities as a part of the United States’ critical infrastructure. This comes as concerns rise that the food supply chain will be disrupted as the virus spreads.

Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute, said, “By keeping meat and poultry producers operating, the President's Executive Order will help avert hardship for agricultural producers and...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume II

View the full report HERE.

ANALYSIS: Heavy Birds Ground Breast Meat Values

Although the impact that COVID-19 has had on the turkey industry is continuing to develop, one of the most severe implications of the virus, so far, has been...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production: Getting Back to Basics

Amidst the unpredictable set of circumstances that the turkey industry has been forced to contend with lately, this week, we thought it would be a good opportunity to get back to basics and instead, focus on some known variables...

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H7N3 Avian Influenza in a Commercial Flock in South Carolina 

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2017. It appears this HPAI strain mutated from a low pathogenic strain that has been found in poultry in that area recently.

No human cases of this H7N3 avian influenza virus have been detected and there is no immediate public health concern. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to...

Two New COVID-19 Cases Reported at West Liberty Foods Facility 

West Liberty, Iowa-based West Liberty Foods reported today that two additional team members at its West Liberty, Iowa facility have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases at the facility to three. To the company’s knowledge, no team members working at any other West Liberty Foods location have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our first priority is the health and well-being of our team, and we will continue to take precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of illness,” said Ed Garrett, CEO.

“Upon learning of the positive cases, we immediately activated our COVID-19 response protocols to identify other team members who may have been...

ANALYSIS: February Turkey Exports: Bittersweet

With February marking the second month of YoY reductions in total turkey export volume, it's safe to say that early year selling sentiment has been...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Thigh Meat and Pork Hams: Feeling the Export Pressure

Marketers of turkey thigh meat and boneless pork hams are certainly no stranger to some cross-protein competition...

Perdue Farms Confirms Positive Case of COVID-19 at Georgia Production Facility 

Perdue Farms learned that an Associate at the Perry, Georgia Cook Plant, who has not been to work for more than a week, has tested positive for COVID-19. Perdue is unable to disclose additional details around this individual in accordance with privacy laws. Upon receiving this notification, the company immediately enacted its pandemic response protocols, which follow strict guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:

• Notifying and coordinating response procedures with all pertinent parties (local health officials, onsite USDA inspector, Perdue HR and Wellness Staff, Coronavirus Response Leader, and facility Director of Operations...

ANALYSIS: Heightened Buyer Urgency Contributing to Reduced Turkey Stocks

Despite the pre-occupation with COVID-19 and its impact on the global protein markets as a whole, turkey freezer stocks are providing...

Meat Sales Surged 77% the Week of March 15 Amid Growing COVID-19 Cases

The week ending March 8 saw a fast acceleration of meat sales in dollars, units and volume. As the number of school closures, social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 related measures significantly sharpened the subsequent week, sales surged along with it. Thanks to the heroic efforts of everyone in the meat and poultry industry, the supply kept flowing. Retailers restocked their meat cases again and again as shoppers across the country stocked up on meat and poultry to feed their families nutritious meals.

Meat department sales without deli meat were up an incredible 76.9% over the week ending March 15, 2020 versus the comparable week in 2019, according to data insights firm IRI, and deli meat sales advanced...

ANALYSIS: January Turkey Exports: Ups and Downs

Upon first glance, the latest turkey export data for the month of January appears to follow closely in the wake of December’s choppy year-end close...

ANALYSIS: Whole-Body Toms: A Q1 Assessment

A central focus of turkey market participants has been whole body birds, and with good reason. Frozen turkeys have begun to...

ANALYSIS: A Turkey White Meat Conundrum

Those on the turkey white meat side of the business are no stranger to the ebb and flow of seasonality...

ANALYSIS: Whole Bird Stocks Bolster Processor Enthusiasm

Following last month’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report which drew some skepticism from market participants, the January report sends a jolt of optimism to sellers, especially those...

National Turkey Federation Announces 2020 Leaders

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) announced today the 2020 officer team and Executive Committee.

Ron Kardel, an Iowa turkey grower and vice chairman of West Liberty Foods, LLC, was elected 2020 NTF chairman. Phil Seger of Farbest Foods, Inc. steps into the role of vice chairman, and Ronnie Parker of Circle S Ranch will serve as secretary-treasurer. Kerry Doughty, former CEO of Butterball, LLC, becomes immediate past chairman.

“No matter your role in the turkey industry – grower, processor or supplier – we are all in this together,” said Ron Kardel, 2020 NTF chairman. “As a farmer, I’m an optimist by nature. There are a number of opportunities ahead for the industry as we work to...

ANALYSIS: And the Year-End Export Figures Are...

The most recent release of the USDA’s export data paints a fairly choppy year-end picture to the turkey side of the business...

Kerry Doughty Receives NTF Lifetime Achievement Award

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) and its members congratulate Kerry Doughty, 2019 NTF chairman and former CEO of Butterball, LLC, as the recipient of the 2020 NTF Lifetime Achievement Award.

Doughty received the NTF Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony at NTF’s 2020 Annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, February 15. Randy Day, a longtime friend and current CEO of Perdue Farms, presented Doughty with the award. Several members of Doughty’s family, including his wife, Jan, were present as well as close friends and former colleagues.

During the presentation, Day said: “Kerry and I worked together for many years. During that time, I came to admire his strong work ethic, his devotion to friends and family and...

ANALYSIS: Checking In On February’s Turkey Prices

Those in attendance at the National Turkey Federation Meeting this week are sure to be discussing the current state of the market and...

ANALYSIS: The Seasonal Price Floor of Whole Body Toms

Each year following the International Production and Processing Exposition (IPPE), players get down to business...

Avian Flu Spreads to New Province in Poland, According to Poland’s Veterinary Services

The highly pathogenic avian flu virus (HPAI) that has been spreading in Eastern Europe since early 2020 has now reached a new province in Northern Poland, the country’s Chief Veterinary Officer said in a press release on January 27th.

“Outbreak No. 2020/15 was designated on a farm where 23,351 turkeys for fattening were kept, located in the town of Rąbity, in the commune of Zalewo, in the Iławski poviat, in the Warmian-Masurian province” according to the press release.

The HPAI of the H5N8 subtype was first diagnosed on December 30th, 2019 at a poultry farm in Poland in the Eastern Polish province of Lublin, which borders on both Belarus and Ukraine. About 15 cases have been reported in...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Thigh Meat and Boneless Pork Ham Values: Raising the Bar 

While turkey thigh meat and boneless pork hams typically trade independently of one another here in the States, upon moving south of the border, these two proteins often...

Butterball Launches New Premium Snacking Line

Over the past two years, Butterball emphasized a renewed focus on innovation in the turkey space with a newly created Innovation team to focus solely on new product development and identifying unmet consumer needs in the turkey space.

“There has been a significant demographic shift in recent years and the buying power of younger consumers means companies have to be constantly innovating to adapt to the changing demands and desires,” said Jeff Mundt, Butterball vice president of research & development and innovation. “It’s an exciting time to be innovating for a storied brand like...

Industry Applauds Senate Ratification of the USMCA 

The Senate passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, by a bipartisan vote of 89-10. The USMCA will advance United States agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness. The agreement builds upon existing markets to expand U.S. food and agricultural exports while supporting food processing and rural jobs. Canada and Mexico are the first and second largest export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products, totaling more than $39.7 billion food and agricultural exports in 2018, supporting 325,000 American jobs. Now, the USMCA will be heading to President Trump's desk for his signature.

Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said, "We’ve long waited for this day and now USMCA will finally head to the President’s desk. The passage of USMCA is great news for America’s farmers and ranchers. With Congressional consideration now complete...

ANALYSIS: An Off-Season Breast Meat Assessment

Turkey breast meat is no stranger to seasonal fluctuations in value. From an historical perspective, spot prices tend to reach their annual peak in late Q3 and...

What the Trade Agreement with China Means for the Meat and Poultry Industry

The Phase One economic and trade agreement signed by the United States and China on January 15, 2020, will provide U.S. exporters of beef, pork, and poultry, as well as live breeding cattle with expanded access to China’s rapidly growing market.

Market Overview: As incomes rise in China, demand for protein in diets increases as well. Chinese demand for imported beef, pork, and poultry is growing at a rapid rate, made more acute due to domestic pork supply constraints in China as a result of the ongoing outbreak of African swine fever. When China partially re-opened its market to U.S. beef and beef products in 2017, following a 13-year ban, many unscientific restrictions remained, including...

Industry Reacts to Phase One Trade Agreement with China 

President Donald Trump signed a Phase One trade agreement with China today. The agreement says that China will increase purchases of U.S. manufacturing, energy, and agricultural goods and services by at least $200 billion over two years. As part of the deal, the Trump Administration scrapped tariffs initially set to take effect in December, and agreed to cut tariffs on $120 billion in products to 7.5%. However, tariffs on another $250 billion in Chinese goods will remain in place for now. Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary, stated a second phase could include more tariff relief.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association applauded the signing of the deal with China, saying the agreement will lay the groundwork for American-produced beef to be highly competitive in the world's most populous market. “The Phase One Agreement with China will be a game changer for the U.S. beef industry. For many years, Chinese consumers have been...

U.S. Per Capita Availability of Red Meat, Poultry, and Seafood on the Rise

After falling from 148.6 pounds in 2004 to 133.5 pounds in 2014, the per capita supply of red meat, poultry, and fish/shellfish available for Americans to eat after adjusting for losses rose to 143.9 pounds in 2017. Red meat (beef, pork, veal, and lamb) accounted for 51 percent of 2017’s 143.9-pound total, compared with 42 percent for poultry (chicken and turkey) and 7 percent for fish and shellfish.

ERS calculates per capita loss-adjusted food availability in a given year by taking per capita supplies of food available for human consumption and adjusting for some of the spoilage, plate waste, and other losses in grocery stores, restaurants, and homes to more closely approximate consumption. Over 2015-17, beef had the...

ANALYSIS: A Turkey White Meat Comparison

From an historical standpoint, fresh breeder meat is currently enjoying a price relationship with fresh tom breast meat that is closer than it has been for most of the past decade...

Del Taco Brings Back Ground Turkey For a Limited Time

Del Taco Restaurants invites guests to eat (and spend) well with Del in the new year with the return of fan-favorite seasoned ground turkey, available for a limited time. Beginning today, guests can get two Turkey Del Tacos for just $3 at the company’s more than 580 locations nationwide.

Loaded with seasoned ground turkey, freshly grated cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and fresh chopped tomatoes, all stuffed in a crunchy corn shell, the Turkey Del Taco offers the same craveable Del Taco flavor as the original. In fact, Del Taco’s lean turkey has all the flavor with 40 percent less fat than our seasoned beef.

“At Del Taco, we’re committed to offering menu options that allow guests to reduce the fat, without reducing the flavor – something that we know our guests are seeking...

ANALYSIS: Whole Body Turkeys: Testing the Seasonal Floor

Although the focus of consumers has shifted away from whole body toms and hens and back toward competing proteins, turkey industry participants remain...

ANALYSIS: Weighing in on Toms

One of the more perplexing characteristics of the 2019 breast meat market is the fact that since the year opened, no seasonal appreciation in value developed. What makes it more interesting is...

ANALYSIS: Evaluating the Post-Thanksgiving Turkey Trade Environment

With the Thanksgiving dust starting to settle, turkey market participants have begun to shift their attention toward the road ahead as they ponder...

Blue Grass Quality Meats Recalls Pork and Turkey Products 

Blue Grass Quality Meats, an Erlanger, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 121,083 pounds of pork bacon and ready-to-eat turkey products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product labels.

The Cajun style bacon and ready-to-eat Cajun style turkey breast items were produced on various dates from Oct. 29, 2018 to Nov. 19, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

President Trump Welcomes NTF & National Thanksgiving Turkey to the White House

National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Kerry Doughty presented the National Thanksgiving Turkey named “Butter” to President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation. “Butter” and his alternate, “Bread,” received a formal pardon from the president and will now reside at Gobblers Rest on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a time-honored American tradition, which started in 1947.

“As we gather this week with loved ones across our land, we give thanks to God for the many gifts he has bestowed upon us,” said President Trump during the presentation. “Today, we also come together to...

FSIS Releases List of 172 Poultry Plants Approved to Export to China 

Since China has announced it will lift its ban on imports of all U.S. poultry products, 172 U.S. poultry processing plants have been approved to export to China. The list of processing plants has been published on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service portal. United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stated that China is an important export market for America's poultry farmers, and estimates indicate that more than $1 billion worth of poultry and poultry products will be exported to China each year.

Find the complete list from the FSIS here...

National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony

On Monday, November 25th, President Donald Trump will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey at the White House. This year, the 72nd anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation will be celebrated at the President reviews our Nation's traditions and wishes all Americans a happy holiday.

After the pardoning, the turkeys will reside at Virginia Tech's "Gobbler's Rest," custom-built enclosure in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, students and veterinarians care for the turkeys, and...

Missa Bay, LLC Recalls Salad Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Missa Bay, LLC, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 97,272 pounds of salad products that contain meat or poultry because the lettuce ingredient may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The salad products items were produced from October 14, 2019 through October 16, 2019. The products subject to the recall can be found on the following spreadsheet. FSIS will likely update the poundage as more information becomes available. FSIS will also post product labels on its website once they become available.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 18502B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution locations in...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Retail Ad Exposure on The Rise

With just over one short week to go before Thanksgiving is upon us, it’s safe to say that turkey marketers have their hands full as they work to box and ship fresh bird commitments and fulfill any last-minute orders of frozen toms and hens...

American Poultry Farmers Regain Access to China 

Today, China has announced it will lift its ban on imports of all U.S. poultry products. China has banned all U.S. poultry since January 2015 due to an avian influenza outbreak in December 2014, even though the United States has been free of the disease since August 2017. The United States is the world's second largest poultry exporter, with global exports of poultry meat and products of $4.3 billion last year.

According to an Urner Barry chicken analysis, China was the number two trade partner with the U.S. poultry industry before the ban. Prior to the ban, China was pulling in about 195.7 thousand metric tons of U.S. chicken annually. Of that tonnage, approximately 77.7 thousand metric tons were...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Export Volume Continues to Outpace 2018

Despite a 6.06 million-pound decline in total turkey export volume from the month prior, September marks the sixth consecutive month of YoY advancements in overall export tonnage...

Whole Foods Market and Amazon Bring Back Popular Turkey Deals

Starting on Wednesday, Amazon and Whole Foods Market will offer special savings on organic and classic turkeys in celebration of Thanksgiving. All customers can choose from select organic ($3.49/lb) and classic turkeys ($2.49/lb), and Prime members will save even more on turkeys ($2.99/lb for organic and $1.99/lb for classic).

All turkeys sold at Whole Foods Market must meet the grocer’s strict quality standards, including no antibiotics ever, no animal by-products in their feed, and animal welfare audits by third-party certifier programs like Global Animal Partnership. The turkey offer runs from Nov. 13 through Nov. 28 while supplies last.

“We know our customers care about where their food comes from, and our turkeys meet some of the highest quality standards in the grocery industry. We are excited to...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Price Check: Looking Up

Despite the stable and uneventful state of the turkey market, it might be surprising how fruitful a year it’s been for those on the selling side of the equation...

Butterball Launches Limited Edition Premium Oven-Ready Stuffing

Consumers have trusted Butterball for Thanksgiving turkey for more than 60 years—in fact 1 in every 3 turkeys on the Thanksgiving table is a Butterball. Not only does Butterball offer the highest quality turkey for holiday gatherings, but the brand will now offer a line of premium stuffing to complement any holiday meal.

Butterball Premium Stuffing comes in two delicious flavors: Traditional Savory Herb and Cornbread with Turkey Sausage. Pre-packaged in an oven-ready tray, this stuffing offers made-from-scratch taste with none of the preparation or hassle—it goes straight from freezer to oven. Both flavors are prepared from Butterball’s classic homestyle recipe, combining hearty breadcrumbs, real turkey broth and classic ingredients like...

ANALYSIS: Reaping Rewards: A New Time For Turkey

As October winds down, naturally more attention is being paid to toms and hens as the seasonal spotlight once again casts some light onto the turkey industry...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Holdings Tell a Seasonal Tale

Keeping in line with what spot market activity suggests, the latest release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report paints a seasonal picture...

George's Prepared Foods Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork and Turkey Products

George’s Prepared Foods, a Caryville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,444 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork sausage patty and turkey sausage patty products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat pork and turkey sausage patty items were produced on April 19, 2019, April 27, 2019, May 7, 2019 and May 9, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: A Return to the Seasonal Norm

As we inch towards Thanksgiving and participants eagerly await fill-in business to develop, the return of seasonality this year has caught the attention of industry veterans who were beginning to forget what it looked like...

YOUBITE, LLC Recalls Pork Sausage and Turkey Sausage Products Due to Mislabeling

YOUBITE, LLC, a Camarillo, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,197 pounds of raw and ready-to-eat, pork sausage and turkey sausage products that contain either natural sheep or natural pork casings that were not declared on the product label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw and fully cooked, ready-to-eat, pork sausage and turkey sausage items were produced on various dates from Oct. 9, 2018 to Oct. 9, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Natural Grocers Expands Meat and Seafood Department

Natural Grocers recently refreshed its Meat and Seafood Department selections in all its grocery stores across 19 states. The new and improved Meat and Seafood Department features high-quality and exotic varieties of grass-fed meat, pork, poultry, fish and seafood. Customers can expect a wide variety of offerings including, bison, beef, yak, wild boar, elk, venison, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, ostrich, cod, mahi mahi, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tuna, pollock, rockfish and sole.

"Our standards ensure that all of our meat is naturally and humanely raised and our seafood is sustainably sourced, which we believe is the best for...

ANALYSIS: Tallying Up Turkey Export Tonnage

With August marking the fifth consecutive month of YoY advancements in total turkey export volume, it’s safe to say that, so far, 2019 has proven to be...

Butterball Debuts Inaugural Social Responsibility Report

Today, Butterball launched its inaugural corporate social responsibility report, “The Butterball Way,” which showcases how Butterball delivered responsible, sustainable food and agriculture practices in 2018. This first report also outlines goals for continued growth in the years ahead.

“We’ve seen an increasing demand for greater transparency in sustainable business practices from those who serve, sell and consume Butterball products. Publishing this first public-facing corporate social responsibility report underscores our commitment to responsible food production and agricultural practices,” says Butterball President and CEO, Jay Jandrain. “We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence for how we do business, from our commitment to our people and the care and well-being of our turkeys to our stewardship of the environment and...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production Tug of War

As we enter Q4, and without any significant hurdles between now and Thanksgiving, marketers of retail packaged turkeys are gearing up for a seasonally hectic pace associated with fulfilling and delivering voluminous holiday orders...

ANALYSIS: Keeping Tabs on Frozen Turkey Inventory

Monday’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report for the period ending August 31^st marks the fifth consecutive month of YoY reductions of total frozen turkey holdings...

National Turkey Federation Testifies on Capitol Hill 

Today, Ron Kardel, Vice Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Capitol Hill. Kardel updated the Committee on the state of the turkey industry, including topics such as exports, disease prevention and response, immigration, and research concerns. Kardel began with thanking the Committee for the opportunity, informing those at the hearing that there were more than 244 million turkeys raised in the United States last year. Kardel added that the USDA projects 5.8 billion pounds of turkey production to take place this year. The turkey industry generates 441,000 jobs, and in order to support these jobs, Kardel explained that policies coming out of Washington must maintain America's ability to thrive. Kardel spoke on behalf of the turkey industry when he expressed the anticipation of working with Congress and the Committee to address these issues.

Kardel mentioned the importance of exports to the turkey industry, stating that expanded trade would lead to significant growth and reducing uncertainty is imperative. Therefore, Kardel strongly urged Congress to pass the USMCA this fall, as this should not be a partisan issue. Kardel mentioned that the turkey industry has a fantastic relationship with...

The Makers of Hormel Mary Kitchen Hash Announce New Frozen Varieties

The makers of Hormel Mary Kitchen hash, America's No. 1 selling hash, announced today the launch of an innovative meal solution for the frozen breakfast foods aisle – the brand's first offering outside of the can since first coming off the production line 70 years ago.

The new items include two varieties of frozen hash – corned beef hash and turkey sausage sweet potato – and include more than 9 grams of protein in each serving. Made with a hearty blend of quality meats, roasted potatoes, onions, red bell peppers and a touch of select seasonings, Hormel Mary Kitchen frozen hash is sure to satisfy your craving for breakfast.

"Our new Hormel Mary Kitchen frozen hash products are a perfect way to...

ANALYSIS: Checking In On The Turkey Hatch

When it comes to turkey poult placements, 2019 has consistently trended below 2018 levels and August was no exception...

ANALYSIS: Beefing Up Turkey Exports

Despite positive performance in the latest turkey export figures, they still fell short of the buoyed expectations fueled by the Japan trade agreement back in...

ANALYSIS: Balancing the Supply and Demand Scale

Without any major food-oriented holidays left between now and Thanksgiving, whole bird market participants turn their attention toward November in anticipation of what’s to come... 

ANALYSIS: Gearing Up for Turkey Season

As we enter the final stretch of Q3, turkey market participants put their game faces on as whole bird season gets its second wind...

Mrs. Ressler's Food Products Acquires Emils Organics 

U.S. Poultry, Egg Industries Welcome Announcement of Japan Trade Agreement

U.S. poultry and egg organizations welcome the announcement of a trade agreement between the United States and Japan, an achievement that stands to benefit our industry.

“Frozen chicken, turkey, and processed egg products will receive favorable tariff reductions enabling our products to compete more effectively with those of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and United Egg Producers (UEP) said in a joint statement issued Monday.

“While this is just the first stage of a bilateral agreement, it is welcome news and we would like to thank President Trump, Secretary Perdue and Secretary Lighthizer for...

Analyzing Genomes to Improve Disease Control in Poultry

Marek's disease—a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpesvirus—is a constant threat to poultry worldwide. It is also one of the most preventable diseases with vaccination. However, while vaccines prevent poultry from becoming sick with symptoms of the virus, they do not prevent virus spread and mutation—considered the main reason for increased virus virulence, or severity, in field strains in U.S. commercial flocks.

To help improve the control of Marek's disease, veterinary medical officer John Dunn and his team at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory in East Lansing, Michigan, analyzed Marek's disease genomes to find out which genes are mostly associated with virulence. They sequenced DNA from 70 virus strains, collected over the years from across the United States, and identified significant genetic variants...

ANALYSIS: RTC Production: A Comparison Between Monthly and Weekly Data

As illustrated by our chart, monthly YTD ready-to-cook tonnage and the data derived from the weekly slaughter report have generally followed a similar rate of increase. The monthly data however, has consistently tended above the monthly RTC figures...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Thigh Meat and Boneless Pork Hams At a Crossroads

From an historical standpoint, marketers of turkey thigh meat and boneless pork ham are no strangers to some cross-protein rivalry...

Oregon Passes Cage-Free Egg Law 

Senate Bill 1019 has been signed into law in Oregon, requiring all eggs sold within the state border to come from cage-free facilities. Through passing this legislation in Oregon, all states on the west coast now have laws in place requiring eggs to come from cage-free hens. Similar to laws passed in California and Washington, the new law in Oregon requires that eggs produced and sold in the state come from cage-free barns that have scratching areas, perches, nest boxes, dust bathing areas, and other enrichments that allow the hens to exhibit natural behavior. These standards are based off of the United Egg Producer's Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks, and will go into effect by the end of 2023.

The term "egg-laying hen," addressed in the bill, applies to any female domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or other species of fowl that is kept for the purpose of egg production. Egg products are included in this new law, but does include products such as...

USPOULTRY Releases Report of Antimicrobial Use Across U.S. Broiler Chickens and Turkeys

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association announced last week the release of the U.S. poultry industry’s first-ever report quantifying antimicrobial use on broiler chicken and turkey farms. The new report shows dramatic reductions of turkey and broiler chicken antimicrobial use over a five-year timeframe. As part of its commitment to the transparency and sustainability of a safe food supply, the poultry industry aims to strike a balance between keeping poultry flocks healthy and the responsible use of antimicrobials, especially those medically important to human health.

Under the research direction of Dr. Randall Singer, DVM, PhD, of Mindwalk Consulting Group, LLC, this report represents a five-year set of data collected from 2013 to 2017 regarding the use of antimicrobials in U.S. broiler chickens and turkeys throughout their lifetime, from hatchery to day of harvest. It was prepared through a systematic collection of on-farm antimicrobial use data to capture the...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Demand Drives YoY Export Advances

As evidenced by the USDA’s most recent turkey export data, June turned out to be a fruitful month for those on the sell side of the equation...

ANALYSIS: Adding a Spring to Turkey’s Summertime Stride

Following what many players would term as a sluggish start to this year’s seasonally anticipated turkey white meat rally, marketers are finally embracing the return of some noteworthy seasonal underpinnings...

Hormel Foods Launches New Single-Serve Lunchmeat

The makers of Hormel® Natural Choice® deli meats announced today the addition of new single-serve lunchmeat options, further expanding the brand's growing portfolio of 100 percent natural deli meats, snacks and bacons made without artificial preservatives or ingredients.

Packaged with 2 ounces – or five slices – of 100 percent natural* deli meat, the new offering provides additional, convenient choices for consumers to enjoy their favorite lunch meat.

"We've received feedback from consumers that smaller households sometimes struggle to get through the entire package of lunchmeat, so we wanted to provide...

ANALYSIS: Tallying up Turkey Tonnage

Monday’s release of the latest Cold Storage Report closely aligns with the market undercurrent and trade sentiment about which Urner Barry has been reporting...

Early Bird Pricing Ends SOON for Global Protein Summit in Chicago

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is hosting a brand-new event specifically designed for those in the beef, pork, and poultry industry on October 6-8, in Chicago.

Urner Barry’s Global Protein Summit has been designed to bring clarity and insight into the increasingly complex business of food and agriculture, with a two-day agenda packed with intel from the foremost experts on economics and agribusiness. Throughout the event, hear from top speakers and analysts on China and other global trade partners, African Swine Fever, alternative proteins, changing consumer demands, and what to look out for as we move forward. A few speakers now include...

ANALYSIS: A Bird’s Eye View of Poult Placement Figures

Monday’s release of the USDA’s Turkey Hatch Report continues to shed light on 2019’s declining poult placement trend...

ANALYSIS: An Updraft in May’s Turkey Exports

By the looks of the USDA’s most recent data, May proved to be a lively month for those involved in turkey exports...

NTF to Address State of Turkey Industry on Capitol Hill 

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) released a statement today on the announcement of a hearing before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. The hearing will feature testimony from several producers from the livestock and poultry industries. John Zimmerman, a Minnesota turkey grower and NTF Executive Committee member, will represent the turkey industry.

“NTF is honored to have the opportunity to testify before the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee on issues affecting the turkey industry and where we find ourselves in today’s rapidly changing landscape,” said Joel Brandenberger..."

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Mirrors Market Ups and Downs

Last Friday’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report closely coincides with the day-to-day experiences and overall trade sentiment of most turkey market participants...

Boston Market Launches New Summer Sandwich Menu 

The first day of summer – and longest day of the year – is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: time to sack the sad sack lunch. While the nation gears up for summer Fridays and weekend picnics in the park, we quickly forget that lunch is arguably the most important meal of the day, and no one deserves a subpar sandwich. To help guide the way (well, minus the "sub") toward more mouth-watering midday options, the rotisserie everything experts at Boston Market® are debuting four new sandwich offerings this month that must be tasted to be believed – literally.

Friday, June 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Boston Market is inviting everyone to leave that corner bakery and/or cafe in the dust and enjoy a free sandwich on the house – pitting "theirs" against ours in a full-on sandwich throwdown. Simply bring in your current favorite sandwich and taste the difference fresh, never frozen (and never "fil-a'd") rotisserie chicken can make. You'll be hooked. Guests are then invited to vote for...