ANALYSIS: Nothing Average About Turkey Weights

This year being what it is, or has become as the case might be, there is not a protein offering on the street that has not had its traditional market world uprooted. Demand patterns have...

ANALYSIS: Whole Body Turkeys: A Return to the Norm?

Turkey processors are once again shifting into high gear as they prepare for the anticipated return of fill-in demand leading up to the big holiday...

USDA Updates the National Poultry Improvement Plan

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) to align with changes in the poultry industry and to incorporate new scientific information and technologies into the NPIP. These updates are consistent with the recommendations approved by representatives from across the poultry industry at the 2018 NPIP Biennial Conference.

In this update, APHIS is...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Holdings--In Tune With the Times

The most recent release of the USDA’s cold storage report helps to support the current standing of most major lines within the turkey complex while, at the same time, reflects...

Blue Apron to Introduce First-Ever Thanksgiving Feast

Blue Apron is introducing its first-ever Thanksgiving feast, featuring chef-designed recipes created for an unforgettable, stress-free, and delicious Thanksgiving Day meal.

Known for its unique take on everyday recipes, Blue Apron's Thanksgiving-inspired, southern-style menu will give options to suit every holiday table for parties up to eight people. Complete with a step-by-step guide on how to organize, prepare, and cook a Thanksgiving meal, Blue Apron will also support its home cooks by sharing tips on its social channels to help make the holiday as fun as possible.

"Thanksgiving is going to be different for many families this year, and we're happy to join them in the kitchen by creating...

ANALYSIS: Tidying Up Toms

It was only a few years back that the turkey industry was lamenting the state of the affairs in the whole bird market...

ANALYSIS: As Temperatures Rose, So Did Turkey Export Tonnage

Following three consecutive month-over-month reductions in total turkey export tonnage, July bucked the trend with outward volume increasing by 9.5 million pounds or 25.2% above...

ANALYSIS: Tension In the Turkey White Meat Complex

In keeping with this year’s unusual and often precarious set of market conditions, a large differential has begun to...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume IV

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. 

Now, as reopening efforts are underway, the latest business environment is a completely new venture for the food industry with its own learning curve. Both retail and foodservice have been forced to make sweeping changes in their respective sectors and adaptability remains key. Production setbacks were arguably one of the biggest challenges the meat industry faced in the last few months of the pandemic, but capacity has since largely returned to normal.

As we near the end of summer, seasonal shifts are also in play...

Dr. Praeger’s Introduces New Plant-Based Turkey Burger

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has introduced their newest meat-alternative patty — the Perfect Turk’y Burger.

The Perfect Turk’y Burger was created to have the look, taste, and texture of a turkey burger without the meat. Packed with 20g Pure Plant Protein and infused with carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, the Perfect Turk’y Burger is plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO project verified.

“At Dr. Praeger’s we’re always innovating and looking to create new products that fill the needs of our ever-evolving community,” said Dr. Praeger’s CEO Larry Praeger. “As the average consumer seeks out more options for...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: Traversing Along a Bumpy Seasonal Path

The latest release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report not only helps to speak to the solid supply positioning of major turkey lines, but it also highlights...

Jimmy Dean to Launch New Breakfast Products this Fall 

Jimmy Dean, is bringing two new products to tables, counter tops and desks to enjoy this fall. Jimmy Dean Casserole Bites and Jimmy Dean Delights Breakfast Wraps will join the brand’s product portfolio, delivering new warm and satisfying breakfast options, no matter the morning routine.

“Breakfast plays a comforting role in people’s lives and daily routines, especially as many of us continue to navigate...

ANALYSIS: Tallying up Turkey Tonnage

Today we thought it would be a good opportunity to take a step away from the day-to-day in favor of a broader look at the production side of the turkey equation...

Eckrich Debuts New Packaging for Deli Products in Stores Nationwide

Eckrich is introducing bold new packaging for the Deli collection which will begin rolling out in stores nationwide this month.

Through both qualitative and quantitative market research, Eckrich successfully created a design that breathes new energy into the heritage brand with a modern, approachable look, all with its key consumer top of mind. The designs feature a white background and crisp imagery, displaying the product and information in an organized, eye-catching way. The imagery also...

ANALYSIS: Price Sensitivity Dictating Mexican Ham Demand

Over the years turkey thigh meat, the primary component of turkey hams, and boneless pork hams, have shared a distinct and somewhat polarized relationship with one another...

215 Poultry Facilities Recognized for Exceptional Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recently recognized 215 chicken and turkey facilities with safety awards. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Award consideration was based on injury statistics over three years (2017 – 2019) and an evaluation of written applications by academia and other safety experts. Sixty-one facilities received...

NTF Supports Efforts to Provide Relief for Turkey Farmers

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds the introduction of S. 4353 by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), which would ensure independent turkey farmers are eligible to apply for future Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments. Joel Brandenberger, NTF president, released the following statement on the bill as well as other pending congressional efforts to provide relief to turkey farmers who have experienced losses related to COVID-19:

“NTF applauds Senator Smith’s introduction of S. 4353 and her ongoing efforts to support turkey farmers in Minnesota and across the country. The effects of COVID-19 have been felt throughout...

Seaboard Foods: 2019 Marked by "Uncertainty and Volatility" in Pork Division 

In a letter to stockholders in Seaboard Corporation's annual report (see below), President and CEO Steven Bresky highlighted that 2019 was a year marked by uncertainty and volatility for the pork division, oversupply coupled with flat domestic consumption and modest export growth generally kept commodity prices at bay in the turkey segment, and the grain milling segment achieved its highest revenue year ever. See the full annual report here.

Dear Fellow Stockholders,

Despite a solid year of net earnings, 2019 was a mixed bag with disappointing operating income but excellent investment income. We began the year with a $34 million first-quarter operating loss, our worst quarterly operating loss ever. In fact, over the last twenty-five years, there have only been...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Slaughter Tells a Seasonal Tale, with a COVID-19 Twist

As we approach the end of July, and without any significant changes to what has been a relatively quiet trade environment lately, turkey participants and observers are taking some extra time to...

PODCAST: Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit

Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit is a can't miss, online event, combining two of the most important shows in the protein industry. In the lastest UB Market Digest Podcast, Laura Zinger and Brian Moscogiuri discuss why this event is going to be so valuable and what to expect....

ANALYSIS: Turkey Exports in May: A Sign of the Times

Closely aligned with the real-world trade experiences of turkey market participants, May not only marks the second consecutive month of...

ANALYSIS: The Sustained Flight of Whole-Body Turkeys

In terms of turkey trade activity, there isn’t a whole lot going on here in Mid-July. Market participants continue to contend with the widespread supply and demand challenges associated with...

ANALYSIS: A Tenuous Year for Turkey Trade

Closely coinciding with the real-world trade experiences of market participants, the latest export figures bring with them no surprises as they continue to...

ANALYSIS: Chiming in on the Mid-Year Turkey Market

As we usher in Q3, and in the absence of any major deviations in this week’s overall market environment, we thought it would be a great opportunity to break away from...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume III

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. From stay-at-home directives that spurred a run on retail while foodservice operations were limited or halted all-together, to production cutbacks caused by labor shortages at the plant level, the industry has had much to contend with over the past several months.

Now, as many states have begun reopening phases, the industry is making strides in returning to a more “normal” business environment—however the face of this new normal will likely look a bit different...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: Standing Resolute

Monday’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report helps support the current standing of most major lines, and also reflects...

ANALYSIS: Tom and Hen Poults Follow a Distinct YoY Path

As stay-at-home guidelines are lifted and the foodservice sector gradually returns, turkey market participants look to the hatch data in an attempt to refine their buying and...

ANALYSIS: A Mixed Month for Turkey Exports

For the past three months, total turkey export volume has consistently trended below year-ago levels and April was no exception...

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...