Memphis Meats, a new meat-production startup, is one of a group of companies working to grow meat in labs.

The 2016 forecast of total red meat and poultry production is raised from last month as higher forecast pork and broiler production more than offsets reduced forecasts for beef and turkey.

Changes are being made to the livestock futures markets in an effort to limit volatile conditions and there is hope it will lead to enhanced markets.

Beef exports were below year-ago levels in December and posted the first full-year value decline since 2009.

Hof Haus, a family meat products company, is undergoing a major expansion in Chicago.

Farmers who raise and sell their meat locally have more control over their marketing decisions, and receive higher prices for their product than those selling to buyers outside their regions, says USDA.