Jason Franken, agricultural economist at Western Illinois University and contributor to the University of Illinois farmdoc team, weighs in on the USDA’s December Hogs and Pigs report.

Despite guidance from international health organizations stating imported food shipments are an unlikely source of COVID-19 transmission, the Chinese government implemented sample testing procedures at ports of entry.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the USDA will purchase an additional $1.5 billion worth of food for nationwide distribution through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

China has suspended imports from a Brazilian pork plant operated by privately owned Aurora Alimentos over coronavirus concerns, according to a statement from a meat trade group.

When it comes to meat export markets, particularly pork, 2020 was a year to remember. Here’s why 2021 holds promise for both U.S. pork and beef export opportunities.

Line speeds at some poultry plants were increased last year, a move critics claim also increased the spread of the coronavirus among poultry plant workers. The administration seeks to make the rule permanent.