Latest News From Beef - General

Profit Tracker: Packer Losses Mount; Pork Margins Solid
Profit Tracker: Packer Losses Mount; Pork Margins Solid

Cattle and hog feeders find dramatically lower feed costs compared to last year with higher live anumal sales prices. Beef packers continue to struggle with negative margins.

Colombia Becomes First Country to Restrict US Beef Due to H5N1 in Dairy Cattle
Colombia Becomes First Country to Restrict US Beef Due to H5N1 in Dairy Cattle

Colombia has restricted the import of beef and beef products coming from U.S. states where dairy cows have tested positive for H5N1 as of April 15, according to USDA.

On-farm Severe Weather Safety
On-farm Severe Weather Safety

When a solid home, tornado shelter or basement may be miles away, and you’re caught in a severe storm, keep in mind these on-farm severe weather safety tips.

K-State Meat Animal Evaluation Team Claims National Championship
K-State Meat Animal Evaluation Team Claims National Championship

Kansas State University dominates the national Meat Animal Evaluation contest for the fourth year in a row.

 A Message to the Ag Industry about H5N1
A Message to the Ag Industry about H5N1

The livestock industry needs a comprehensive, cohesive plan to address the virus. Producers, their employees and veterinarians need clear answers and support from U.S. agricultural leadership, moving forward.

Mistrial Declared in Arizona Rancher’s Murder Trial
Mistrial Declared in Arizona Rancher’s Murder Trial

A lone juror stood between rancher George Kelly and innocent. “It is what it is, and it will be what it will be. Let me go home, okay?”

Join the Conversation Around Mental Health: You Just Might Save a Life
Join the Conversation Around Mental Health: You Just Might Save a Life

Promoting mental health involves fostering supportive environments, reducing stigma, providing access to care and resources and encouraging self-care. Here's how The Maschhoffs is helping their employees manage stress.

Plant-Based Meat Analogues Aren't Better for Your Heart, Study Says
Plant-Based Meat Analogues Aren't Better for Your Heart, Study Says

A new study debunks plant-based meat analogue product claims to be healthier for your diet than real meat.

Meat Institute Honors 2023 Environmental Achievement Award Winners
Meat Institute Honors 2023 Environmental Achievement Award Winners

More than 200 meat and poultry plants were recognized by The Meat Institute at the 2024 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference in New Orleans for their positive environmental impact efforts.

Profit Tracker: Major Shift in Feed Costs Boosts Livestock Margins
Profit Tracker: Major Shift in Feed Costs Boosts Livestock Margins

Cattle and hog feeders are benefitting from dramatically lower grain and feed costs this year while live animal sale prices are higher. Profit margins for both species have doubled in the past month.

Wild Pigs Kill More People Than Sharks, Shocking New Research Reveals
Wild Pigs Kill More People Than Sharks, Shocking New Research Reveals

It’s not sharks, wolves, or bears that kill the most people—it’s wild pigs, and the numbers are trending up.

North Carolina Reports First Case of HPAI in Dairy Herd
North Carolina Reports First Case of HPAI in Dairy Herd

Steve Troxle, state commissioner of agriculture, said he is waiting for more diagnostic information from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory and will work collaboratively with North Carolina dairy farmers.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Exceeds $400
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Exceeds $400

The margin spread between packer losses and feedyard profits expands as wholesale beef prices continue their retreat. Pork producer profits continue increasing.

AABP Decides to Reference Cattle Disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)
AABP Decides to Reference Cattle Disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is making the name change, as it more accurately reflects the issue.

Texas-Sized Problems Hit the Lone Star State, but Ag Commissioner says ‘Things are Getting Better’ 
Texas-Sized Problems Hit the Lone Star State, but Ag Commissioner says ‘Things are Getting Better’ 

Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, says the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza impacting beef cattle in the state's panhandle – where dairy cows have been infected – is minimal.

Brazilian Cattle Industry Forges Unique Relationship with U.S. Experts
Brazilian Cattle Industry Forges Unique Relationship with U.S. Experts

Some say he’s single-handedly changed the Brazilian beef industry. Others say he’s changed their life. No matter how you look at it, Professor Zequinha is a game-changer.

Profit Tracker: Packer Losses Increase
Profit Tracker: Packer Losses Increase

Packer and feeder margins continue trending in opposite directions as declining wholesale beef prices erase any improvement packers may have seen from lower cash cattle prices. Pork producer profits steady.

Activists Fight for a Seat in the Boardroom
Activists Fight for a Seat in the Boardroom

Animal rights groups like the Humane Society of the United States and The Accountability Board are taking their plight to public-facing companies. Brands need to prepare for attacks, says Animal Agriculture Alliance.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Vibrant Market Opportunities for U.S. Red Meat in Korea
Vibrant Market Opportunities for U.S. Red Meat in Korea

In Seoul, South Korea, an agribusiness trade mission organized by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is underway. Here's what's going on across the world right now.

Meat Institute: Properly Prepared Beef is Safe to Eat; HPAI is not a Food Safety Threat
Meat Institute: Properly Prepared Beef is Safe to Eat; HPAI is not a Food Safety Threat

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA food safety experts, properly prepared beef is safe to eat and is not a food safety risk to humans.

BREAKING: Mystery Illness Impacting Texas, Kansas Dairy Cattle is Confirmed as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strain
BREAKING: Mystery Illness Impacting Texas, Kansas Dairy Cattle is Confirmed as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strain

USDA says genetic sequencing revealed the mystery illness impacting Texas dairies is the same strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that's been in the U.S. The virus is carried by wild waterfowl.

Minnesota Goat Confirmed to Have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Minnesota Goat Confirmed to Have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

While HPAI has been detected in predatory mammals that prey on infected birds, this is the first identified case of HPAI in domestic livestock in the U.S.

Profit Tracker: Beef Packer Losses Continue; Pork Producer Margins Improve
Profit Tracker: Beef Packer Losses Continue; Pork Producer Margins Improve

Cattle feeding margins show improvement with higher prices. Beef packer losses remain in triple digits as market-ready supplies remain tight. Pork producer margins gain on higher prices.

John Nalivka
Nalivka: Other Important Factors at Play in Cattle, Hog Markets

The economic environment of both the beef and pork industries has changed. Capacity utilization for both beef and pork has a significant impact on margins and the market impact goes beyond supply and demand.

Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Improve; Beef Packer Losses Remain Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Improve; Beef Packer Losses Remain Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins improved as prices advanced. Beef packer margins improved but losses remain in triple digits as market-ready supplies remain tight. Pork producer margins gain on higher prices.

Hundreds Gather to Dedicate Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena at Illinois
Hundreds Gather to Dedicate Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena at Illinois

Over 300 people gathered March 8 to dedicate the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” in the historic Stock Pavilion at the University of Illinois honoring the 49-year career of beef production professor and judging coach.

Tyson Foods to Close Perry Pork Plant in Iowa
Tyson Foods to Close Perry Pork Plant in Iowa

Tyson Foods will permanently close a pork plant in Perry, Iowa, the meatpacker said on Monday, eliminating jobs for about 1,200 workers.

USDA Issues Meat Labeling Final Rule
USDA Issues Meat Labeling Final Rule

Ag Secretary Vilsack hails voluntary “Product of U.S.A.” label as a vital step towards consumer protection and builds on efforts to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace.

Livestock Industry Mourns Loss of Dr. Angela Baysinger
Livestock Industry Mourns Loss of Dr. Angela Baysinger

Dr. Angela Baysinger, DVM, passed away on March 8. Baysinger was well known throughout the pork industry for her contributions to veterinary medicine and empowering those around her every day.

Exports: Pork Off to Rapid Start; Beef Trends Mixed
Exports: Pork Off to Rapid Start; Beef Trends Mixed

Pork exports begin the year on a torrid pace while beef export values jump 9%. Lamb exports put up highest value in more than four years.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Near Breakeven, Packer Margins Remain Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Near Breakeven, Packer Margins Remain Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins inched lower last week with rising costs. Packer margins improved but remain in triple digits as market-ready supplies remain tight. Pork producers turn a profit for the first time in 14 months.

Trade Groups Criticize USDA’s Final P&SA Rule
Trade Groups Criticize USDA’s Final P&SA Rule

Meat and poultry industry trade groups were quick to criticize USDA's announcement of changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act claiming the changes add unnecessary regulations and costs.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins In Black, Packer Margins Remain Red
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins In Black, Packer Margins Remain Red

Cattle feeding margins improved significantly the past month, crossing into positive territory last week. Beef packers continue to struggle with tight supplies. Pork producers reach breakeven.

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Poultry Line Speed Lawsuit Dismissed Against USDA

A U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, dismissed a lawsuit filed four years ago against the USDA regarding its decision to increase line speeds at poultry plants.

Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago
Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago

Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it's largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that's now seen phenomenal growth.

Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production
Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production

Denmark's farmers on Wednesday voiced concerns that plans to levy a carbon emission tax on farming as part of efforts to meet Denmark's ambitious climate goals would force them to reduce production and close farms.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Improve, Packer Margins Near Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Improve, Packer Margins Near Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins have improved significantly the past month, yet losses remain the norm. Beef packers continue to struggle with tight supplies and range-bound wholesale beef prices. Pork inches toward breakeven.

NAFTA flags
Meat Institute Joins Canadian, Mexican Groups to Improve Trade, Reduce Regulatory Barriers

The three groups reveal a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes their ongoing work to improve trade, reduce regulatory barriers and enhance information exchange within North America.

Profit Tracker: Packer Margins Erode as Feeders Tread Water
Profit Tracker: Packer Margins Erode as Feeders Tread Water

Improving prices for live cattle helped boost cattle feeding margins to near breakeven, but higher bids pushed beef packer margins deeper into the red. Pork producers also found improved margins but remain in the red.

NASDA Urges Federal Support for State Meat Inspection Programs
NASDA Urges Federal Support for State Meat Inspection Programs

NASDA members urge Congress to require USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service to provide at least 50% funding match to state departments of agriculture to ensure the viability of state meat and poultry inspection.

NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies
NASDA Supports Access to Approved Vaccine Technologies

NASDA supports farmers and ranchers’ ability to safeguard animal health through the responsible use of vaccines.

Profit Tracker: Packers Join Feeders in the Red
Profit Tracker: Packers Join Feeders in the Red

Improving prices for live cattle helped boost cattle feeding margins but the higher bids and lower wholesale beef prices turned packer margins negative. Pork producers also found improved margins but remain in the red.

Pork Export Value Sets Record; Strong Finish for Beef Exports
Pork Export Value Sets Record; Strong Finish for Beef Exports

December pork exports climbed nearly 10% from a year ago while December beef exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year.

US Justice Department Probing ADM Accounting Practices
US Justice Department Probing ADM Accounting Practices

According to two sources, in recent days the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has interviewed former ADM employees, ramping up pressure on the global commodities giant.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Improve, Packers in Black
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Improve, Packers in Black

Improving prices for live cattle and wholesale beef lifted margins for both feeders and packers. Pork producers also found improved margins but remain in the red.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Erode, Packers See Improvement
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Erode, Packers See Improvement

Weather continues disrupting shipping and harvest operations for livestock producers across the Corn Belt and Central Plains as both cattle and hog feeding losses continue to mount.

Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois
Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois

Despite nearly 24 inches of snow, below-zero temperatures and raging winds that some people are affectionately calling “Death Storm #2,” Illinois livestock producers are finding ways to overcome the horrific conditions.

Profit Tracker: Margins Improve as Weather Tanks
Profit Tracker: Margins Improve as Weather Tanks

Winter weather dominated livestock markets the second full week of the year with slowing harvest and transportation. Cattle and hog prices were steady and margins improved modestly, yet losses remain significant.