Latest News From Industry

JBS SA, whose meatpacking plants in Brazil and in the United States have been hit by coronavirus outbreaks, said it was donating 700 million reais ($120 million) to initiatives aimed at combating the pandemic.

Meatpacking facilities have resumed operations this week following the President's Executive Order directing facilities to implement CDC and OSHA guidelines created for the meat sector response to COVID-19.

Retail sales data show U.S. meat department sales were up substantially in dollar value and volume during the seven weeks from March 8 through April 26.

Austin Egolf, a graduate student at South Dakota State University, is evaluating how feeding increasing levels of DDGS to growing-finishing pigs impacts growth performance, carcass characteristics and belly quality.

The National Swine Registry announced the decision to cancel The Exposition scheduled for June 7-13 in Indianapolis, Ind.

A look back at the 2019 agricultural community.

Health is the most important asset for any operation, says Sean Brotherson, an Extension specialist at North Dakota State University. He shares a few ways to prioritize your health, especially in times of crisis.

President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday he has asked the Justice Department to look into allegations that U.S. meat packers broke antitrust law.

The judge said that while he took workers’ concern for their safety seriously, the court couldn’t ignore the authority of OSHA and USDA over coronavirus guidance, or steps Smithfield took to reduce risk of outbreak.

Concerns about the livestock and poultry sectors are well founded. The process of transforming live animals into the wide array of edible products demanded by consumers is a complicated one.

U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue sent two letters to Governors across the nation and leadership of major meat processing companies outlining expectations for the implementation of President Trump's executive order.

A new report from CoBank says even if the reduction of processing capacity is temporary, it will likely have a lasting impact on meat processors, livestock producers, retail stores and consumers. 

Swine industry leaders like Lynsee Pullen are making sure that kids get to #FarmOn and continue their ag education despite the many changes they are experiencing in their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Melanie Trenhaile-Grannemann, a Ph.D. student at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, is studying how management practices influence sow conformation and how to incorporate structural traits into selection programs.

Tyson Foods is suspending operations at its pork packing plant in Madison, Neb. The northeast Nebraska plant was running at a reduced capacity on Friday and Saturday while testing its workforce for COVID-19. 

Program will Recognize 1,000 COVID-19 Responders with Pork Care Package.

The coronavirus crisis will continue to idle U.S. meat plants and slow production, Tyson Foods Inc said on Monday.

Employees at Triumph Foods in St. Joseph, Mo., were tested for COVID-19 last week. Of all the positive test results received thus far, Mark Campbell, Triumph Foods CEO, says over 90% have been from asymptomatic people.

Farmers and ranchers are facing a time of unparalleled uncertainty and disruption. No one is left unscathed by the effects of COVID-19. Dealing with stress during a time of social distancing makes the challenge greater.

The heavy financial and emotional weight is growing as more packing plants slowed or shut down last week. With nowhere to go with their pigs, some pork producers are making 'last resort' decisions.

The American Royal has partnered with some of the best pitmasters and barbecue experts in the world to bring viewers engaging, unique content during the month of May for National Barbecue Month.

Following outbreaks of COVID-19 in multiple plant facilities, the agencies have issued new recommendations for employee safety and to reduce risk of spread.

Illinois pig farmer Tammy Brink has been using her talents to sew over 1,300 masks for her community during the COVID-19 pandemic and doesn't show signs of slowing down.

40% of the pork packing capacity is currently idled, and even with the President's Executive Order, increased safety measures and social distancing at plants means processing capacity won't be back to 100% anytime soon.

The coronavirus pandemic has already inflicted its wrath on America’s protein industries and the recovery will be slow. Slower still if you have cattle and hogs that need to be harvested.

Following outbreaks of COVID-19 in multiple plant facilities, the agencies have issued new recommendations for employee safety and to reduce risk of spread.

At Belstra Milling, Nick DeKryger cultivates a younger and strengths-based team.

Tyson Foods announced it is doubling bonuses, increasing short-term disability coverage and implementing additional health screening measures as part of its efforts to support frontline workers during the pandemic.

Senator Jerry Moran and the Farm Journal Livestock team react to President Donald Trump's order to keep packing plants open.

A bipartisan letter was sent the FTC to investigate the growing concentration in the meatpacking and processing industry, and any anticompetitive behavior resulting from this concentration.

A full-page ad in the New York Times this week sparked a nationwide question: Is the food supply chain actually breaking? Agricultural economists disagree.

Today on Farm Journal Live, Senator Jerry Moran and the Farm Journal livestock team respond to President Donald Trump's order to keep meat packing plants open.

Cattle and hog feeding margins declined significantly the week ending April 25, 2020, as harvest capacity at both beef and pork facilities was significantly reduced by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is the journey we are on right now,” says Matt Carstens CEO of Landus Cooperative.

President Donald Trump plans to use the Defense Production Act to mandate that meat processing plants owned by Tyson Foods Inc and other companies remain open.

Smithfield Foods responded to misinformation asserted by some media about the company’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up about the hard decisions they have made during this crisis.

Smithfield Foods Inc, the world's largest pork processor, has been accused in a lawsuit of failing to adequately protect workers at a Missouri plant.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. will proactively suspend operations at its Monmouth, Ill., pork processing facility on April 27 and until further notice after a small number of its 1,700 employees tested positive for COVID-19.

As more packing plants shut down, and consumers fear a shortage of protein at their grocery store, COVID-19 is causing a rush for demand for locally raised beef and pork.

The Indiana Packers Corporation will temporarily suspend operations at its pork processing facility in Delphi, Ind., until further notice on April 27. It is the second pork plant in Indiana to shutter due to COVID-19 .

Unless immediate changes are made, America's food processing and meatpacking workers are in danger—and so is America's food supply, UFCW International president says.

Farmers are wired to step up, especially in times of crisis. It’s no wonder that in caring for their communities, their families, animals and their land, that farmers can neglect themselves a little in the process.

In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus in meat packing plants, Kansas authorities are considering making housing at junior colleges and other facilities available to packing plant employees.

Photojournalist Russ Hnatusko introduces us to both a butcher and a family business in LaPorte County, Indiana working hard to keep up with demand.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report recommending Smithfield Foods make changes at its Sioux Falls, S.D., pork processing plant, which has been shut down since April 12 due to COVID-19.

On today's Farm Journal Live, a look at new plans to keep Kansas packing plants open and a conversation with Feeding America about the challenge of keeping America's food banks stocked.

Amy Asmus with Asmus Farm Supply, Harold Cooper of Premier Ag, and Henry Holloway of The Mill share their experience and takeaways from helping farmers get off to a strong start in 2020.

Farm Journal Economist Chip Flory and John Nalivka of Sterling Marketing looked at how producers are managing throughput throughout the chain on Wednesday’s Farm Journal Live newscast.

As the first virtual shows dance their way across social media feeds in the livestock world, more and more people are thinking about trying out one of these new experiences.

Although no experience can match what it feels like to step into the show ring, exhibitors of The American say their first virtual hog show was one they’ll never forget.