BEEF

DOJ Plans to Settle Agri Stats Case, White House Official Says

Mon, 04 May 2026 20:01:34 GMT

The U.S. Department of Justice plans to settle its case against data company Agri Stats with an agreement officials hope will help drive down food costs, White House adviser Peter Navarro said on Monday.

The DOJ alleges Agri Stats’ weekly reports on meat pricing and sales enabled anti-competitive practices in the chicken, pork and turkey industries. The case is scheduled to go to trial this month.

Agri Stats has called the claims baseless and said its services result in lower prices. A company representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Trump administration has been increasingly focused on affordability as Americans sour on how President Donald Trump has handled the rising cost of living.

MEAT-PACKING INDUSTRY PROBE

Speaking at the same press conference, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ will use every law enforcement tool available to address rising food prices.

Prosecutors have reviewed more than 3 million documents and conducted interviews in their ongoing probe of the meat-packing industry, Blanche said. He urged whistleblowers to come forward and potentially claim financial awards for information.

“Multiple plant closures across the country, the current market structure, and high concentration in the industry indicate anti-competitive activity,” Blanche said without naming the companies involved.

Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS USA and National Beef Packing Company slaughter about 85% of U.S. grain-fattened cattle that become steaks, beef roasts and other cuts of meat in supermarkets.

The companies have been accused in private lawsuits of conspiring to inflate U.S. beef prices by restricting supply. They have denied wrongdoing. Tyson, Cargill and JBS have agreed to pay tens of millions of dollars to settle some claims.

Spokespeople for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Nick Zieminski, Joe Bavier and Nia Williams)

U.S. Pork Exports Rise in 2026 as Beef Trends Lower in February

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:29:44 GMT

Pork exports are off to a good start in 2026. The February export data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), shows U.S. pork is slightly higher year-over-year. Meanwhile, beef exports trended lower, due in large part to continued lack of access to China.

“While leading market Mexico posted another excellent performance in February, shipments to Japan increased significantly from last year’s low total and exports also trended higher year-over-year to South Korea, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Taiwan,” USMEF reports.

Pork is above pace

In February, the contribution value per head of pork exports was $67 a head, the highest level in quite a while, USMEF adds. The total pork export value came in at $678.8 million.

For January through February, U.S. pork exports were 2% above last year’s pace in both volume at 493,372 metric tons and value at $1.37 billion. Export value is slightly ahead of the record pace established in 2024, USMEF notes.

Pork exports build momentum in Latin America and Japan

“Volume was up slightly from a year ago at 242,511 metric tons, up 1% and the value is also up 1%,” says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom.

Two things stood out to Halstrom in the pork report.

Latin America continues to perform.
Mexico had a $221-million month with continued growth off of last year’s record, up 4% for the month on volume and up 9% on value. Central America was up, too, he points out.
Japan experiences renewed momentum.
The U.S. exported 28,000 metric tons of pork to Japan in February, which was up 20% from last year. Although Halstrom says this was a bit low, it is still an increase from 2025. U.S. pork export value was up 14%.

It’s time to demonstrate U.S. pork’s advantages in Japan

“It is gratifying to see demand for U.S. pork continue to expand in our Western Hemisphere markets,” Halstrom points out. “But the rebound in Japan really stands out to me, given the strong economic headwinds and intense competition in this important market. To build on this recent momentum in Japan, it is critical that we continue to differentiate U.S. pork and demonstrate its advantages to Japanese importers and consumers.”

U.S. beef variety meats shine bright

February beef exports totaled 85,066 metric tons, down 13% from last year, while value fell 10% to $722.7 million. USMEF says much of this gap was due to China’s lockout of U.S. beef, though February shipments were also below last year to Korea, Japan and Canada. Exports increased year-over-year to Mexico, Taiwan, the Caribbean and South America, while demand was steady in the Middle East and Central America. Excluding China, February exports were 4% higher in value and just 1% below last year’s volume.

The February totals included 24,081 metric tons of beef variety meat, up 12% from a year ago, while the value of these shipments soared 40% to $106 million.

Through the first two months of 2026, beef and beef variety meat exports were 12% below last year’s pace in volume at 177,624 metric tons and 6% lower in value at $1.5 billion. Excluding China from these results, exports increased 2% to 175,915 metric tons, while value was 10% higher at $1.49 billion.

January-February exports of beef variety meat increased 9% from a year ago to 51,592 metric tons, while export value climbed 43% to $232 million.

The Next Guatemala? USMEF Sees Massive Upside for U.S. Beef and Pork in Ecuador

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:22:32 GMT

Ecuador recently became the ninth country to sign an agreement on reciprocal trade with the U.S. And while it will take some time to implement, once in place, the deal will greatly expand opportunities for U.S. beef and pork in Ecuador, according to U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President for Economic Analysis Erin Borror.

Tariffs of 20% on beef and 45% on pork are mostly phased out, although there are exceptions on pork.
A 30% tariff on processed pork products which will remain in place.
The agreement recognizes all USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspected facilities as eligible for export to Ecuador, removing the need for individual facility approvals.

“The tariff on beef is basically 20% and that’s phased to zero in the agreement over three years,” Borror explains. “For pork, tariffs of 45% are mostly phased out. There are some exceptions on further processed products and sausages that will see tariffs remain at 30%.”

Borror says one of the key wins in these reciprocal trade agreements is getting countries to recognize FSIS, the U.S. food safety authority, as the competent authority.

“They will recognize all FSIS-inspected facilities as eligible to export, rather than going through onerous questionnaires, plant-by-plant audits and maintaining plant lists which have gotten to be unmanageable,” she says.

Borror expects export growth to be similar to what was seen in Guatemala after passage of the Central America Free Trade Agreement.

“Both of those countries have a population of close to 18 million people,” she says. “Their GDP per capita is somewhere close to $7,000, so very similar. And if we take Guatemala, U.S. beef export growth from 2006 to 2025, saw growth from $3 million to $105 million. For pork, the market went from $10 million to $148 million.”

In 2025, the U.S. exported virtually no pork to Ecuador and only $3 million in beef. She says there is great potential in Ecuador.

Florida Successfully Defends Lab-Grown Meat Ban in Court

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:24:11 GMT

A federal appeals court ruled that Florida, the first state to ban lab-grown meat, can continue to enforce state law SB 1084, keeping the state’s restrictions fully in place.

The March 23 ruling from a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the ban does not conflict with federal regulations.

Upside Foods, a California company that was approved to make cultivated chicken for U.S. sale in 2022, brought the case forward. The company argued that federal oversight should override Florida’s restrictions, but the court disagreed.

“Because Florida’s ban on lab-grown meat does not regulate Upside’s ingredients, premises, facilities, or operations, federal law does not preempt SB 1084,” wrote Circuit Judge Andrew Brasher, as reported by the Florida Phoenix .

SB 1084, which took effect in July 2024, bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of cultivated meat. Six other states — Alabama, Indiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska and Texas — have enacted similar bans since Florida took action.

Florida leaders who backed the ban celebrated the ruling. CBS 12 reports that Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said it protects traditional farmers and argued that lab-grown meat isn’t proven safe. Gov. Ron DeSantis also praised the decision, saying lab-grown meat won’t be allowed in Florida.

Cultivated meat supporters say these bans block a growing industry, eliminate future jobs, and shut down marketplace competition before the products can gain a foothold, CBS 12 reports.

Signed by DeSantis in 2024 to support traditional agriculture, the state law makes violations punishable by up to 60 days in jail.

“Take your fake lab-grown meat elsewhere,” DeSantis said in Food Safety News in 2024. “We are not doing that in the State of Florida.”

98% of U.S. Households Are Buying Meat: New Report Shows Record Sales

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:02:02 GMT

Meat sales hit a record high of $112 billion in 2025, with a pound increase of 2%. Millennials and Gen Z were a driving force behind the growth, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released today at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI — The Food Industry Association .

According to Circana, more than 98% of American households purchase meat, and 45% of shoppers are actively trying to prepare more meals containing meat or poultry. According to 210 Analytics, of the five dinners shoppers prepare at home per week on average, 90% already contain a portion of meat or poultry.

“The meat department is outperforming because it delivers what shoppers want right now: protein, flexibility, value and taste,” says Rick Stein, FMI vice president of fresh foods. “Retailers that balance convenient ground options with premium, indulgent cuts will be best positioned to capture both budget-conscious and experience-driven shoppers.”

Which Generations Are Driving Meat Sales Growth?

Millennials and Gen Z shoppers accounted for 67% of unit growth. They are more likely than other shoppers to be actively trying to prepare more meals containing meat or poultry — Gen Z 50% and Millennials 57%. In 81% of households with children, kids have some level of influence on meat and poultry purchase decisions. Seventy-two percent of shoppers with teens at home say their teens request meat and poultry, far ahead of requests for protein bars, shakes and powders.

How is AI Changing How Consumers Buy Meat?

Younger generations also lead the way in using social media and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms for meal inspiration. Twenty-four percent of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers use AI tools, compared to 10% of Gen X and 4% of Boomers. Overall, 15% of shoppers use AI tools, a 650% increase compared to just two years ago.

Is Meat Still Considered Part of a Healthy Diet?

Meat and poultry continue to feature positively in shoppers’ health and nutrition perceptions, with 77% of shoppers agreeing that meat and poultry are part of a healthy diet, up more than 20% since 2020. GLP-1 users over-index versus non-users for eating somewhat or a lot more meat than last year (161) and for frequently including meat and poultry in snacking occasions (171).

“Americans are more focused on making smart food choices than ever before, and this latest Power of Meat report reinforces meat’s clear and irreplaceable role at the center of healthy, convenient, affordable meals today and for generations to come,” summarizes Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute president.

Read more about how the food pyramid puts protein back on top:

New Dietary Guidelines Move Food Pyramid Closer to the Farm

The New Food Pyramid Flips the Script

The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics on behalf of FMI and the Meat Foundation and sponsored by Cryovac Brand Food Packaging. Sales and purchase dynamics data are provided by Circana for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 28, 2025.

Your Next Read:
Consumer Craze for Protein Drives Beef Demand
Why Aren’t High Beef Prices Causing Sticker Shock With Consumers?
What Do Consumers Buy in the Meat Aisle When Money is Tight?
Global Protein Demand Surges 2% Annually as Producers Navigate Volatile Markets

A Trade Win for Beef and Pork: U.S. and Taiwan Sign Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:31:21 GMT

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the signing of an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Taiwan that includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat.

“The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Taiwan will eliminate tariff and nontariff barriers facing U.S. exports to Taiwan, furthering opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, fishermen, workers, small businesses and manufacturers,” Ambassador Jamieson Greer said . “This agreement also builds on our longstanding economic and trade relationship with Taiwan and will significantly enhance the resilience of our supply chains, particularly in high-technology sectors.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the agreement on X, saying this will open up real markets and boost opportunities for rural communities.

New trade deal with our partner, Taiwan!
🇺🇸🤝🇹🇼

THANK YOU @POTUS and @USTradeRep. Under the new U.S.–Taiwan Reciprocal Trade Agreement, Taiwan is cutting or eliminating tariffs on nearly all U.S. agricultural exports — from animal protein like beef, pork, and dairy to corn,… https://t.co/44xmlzP04o
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) February 13, 2026

U.S. Beef’s Potential to Grow Export Opportunities
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says this will strengthen one of the most important and fastest-growing markets for U.S. beef. Taiwan is the fifth largest market for U.S. beef, with exports valued at about $650 million, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan.

“There is still potential for further growth with the increased access for all U.S. beef products, including those in high demand for yakiniku barbecue and trendy burger concepts,” U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) said. “The elimination of tariffs on U.S. beef will definitely improve our competitiveness.”

Foreign markets play a critical role in producer profitability with beef exports accounting for more than $415 per fed cattle processed in 2024, NCBA President Gene Copenhaver explained.

“Strong, science-based trade agreements are essential to adding value for U.S. cattle producers, and Taiwan has emerged as one of the strongest international markets for U.S. beef,” Copenhaver said. “Duty-free access improves competitiveness and provides long-term certainty for producers who depend on export markets to maximize the value of every animal. American cattle producers look forward to this expanded market access for years to come thanks to the work of President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.”

Securing Greater Market Access for U.S. Pork
It’s also a step forward for the U.S. pork industry as U.S. pork has been “widely disadvantaged in Taiwan,” USMEF said. The EU and Canada currently dominate Taiwan’s pork imports.

“USMEF is optimistic that reducing both tariffs and nontariff barriers will help enable larger U.S. pork exports to Taiwan, as USMEF remains focused on regaining Taiwanese consumer trust in U.S. pork,” USMEF said.

Organizations say this trade deal reinforces science-based standards consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health and Codex Alimentarius.

“I would like to thank President Trump and Ambassadors Greer and Callahan for their hard work,” said Lori Stevermer, a Minnesota pig farmer. “This agreement stands to boost U.S. pork exports by cutting tariffs in half. It also requires Taiwan to follow maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by Codex for ractopamine in pork fat, kidney, liver and muscle. While not always as obvious as a tariff reduction, by accepting USDA FSIS inspections, audits and export certificates, this agreement reduces the nontariff barriers we face and allows opportunities for more plants to export pork. Overall, U.S. pig farmers will have greater market access to a country that loves pork and that’s good for our farms and businesses.”

Additionally, within six months Taiwan must recognize the African swine fever protection zone established by the U.S.

“Our 15-plus year endeavor to break down trade barriers in the high-value market of Taiwan has paid off,” said NPPC president Duane Stateler, an Ohio pork producer. “This means more U.S. pork on international tables and more opportunities and prosperity for American producers.”

Read the Fact Sheet on U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Pork Exports Hold Strong While China Lockout Drags Down Beef Volume

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:01:24 GMT

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China.

Broad-Based Strength Continues for U.S. Pork Exports

“For the month of November, we saw over $70 per head value in pork exports,” says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Latin America continues to shine, led by Mexico. It’s on a definite record pace, and has been all year, and we saw another big month in November.”

Central America has already set a record, Halstrom adds. Pork exports to Guatemala were a “record large” in November and the Dominican Republic saw the largest export month in more than a year. All in all, these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia. He says most of this decline was due to lower variety meat shipments to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory duties.

“Over the last several months, Korea has had a comeback from earlier in the year,” he reports. “I think all in all, continued broad-based strength on pork exports, continues to be the theme. We’re going to finish out the year when we get to December data with, maybe not a record, but it will be one of the top two or three years ever for pork exports.”

Key U.S. Pork Export Highlights in November

Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025.
Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down 8% year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025.
For January through November, pork exports totaled 2.68 million mt, down 3% from the record pace of 2024, while value also fell 3% to $7.65 billion.
January-November exports of pork muscle cuts were just 1% below 2024’s record pace in both volume (2.19 million mt) and value ($6.57 billion).
While down slightly from a year ago, November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26.
The January-November average was $65.54, down less than 1% from the record pace of 2024.

Beef Exports Take a Step Back in November

“Following an encouraging rebound the previous month, November beef exports took a step back, falling 19% from a year ago to 88,139 mt,” Halstrom says. “The decline was driven primarily by China, where exports remain minimal due to China’s failure to renew registrations for U.S. beef plants and other market-closing factors, but beef exports also trended lower year-over-year to Korea, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan.”

Halstrom says exports were steady to Japan.

“Japan’s had several months in a row with very good results, once again, led by the variety meat side - tongue business, outside skirts, hanging tenders as well saw volumes that were up significantly,” he notes. “But outside of Asia, there’s some other bright spots as well.”

He just returned from Gulfood in Dubai, where U.S. beef exports had a big month into the United Arab Emirates.

“A year ago, we basically were delisted as a country due to some protocols around the import procedures with halal. And that’s all been worked out, and we’re seeing some really good momentum back into, not only the UAE, but the business is booming in food service, especially into regions such as Egypt,” he reports.

Notable U.S. Beef Export Takeaways in November

Export value was down 16% to $736.7 million.
November exports increased year-over-year to Indonesia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Colombia, and were fairly steady to Japan.
For January through November, beef exports totaled 1.04 million mt, down 12% from the same period in 2024.
Export value was $8.52 billion, down 11%. But when excluding China from these results, exports were down 3% year-over-year in volume and were just 1% lower in value.

A detailed summary of the January-November export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb is available here.

October Pork Exports Largest Since March; Encouraging Rebound for Beef

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:50:19 GMT

U.S. pork exports continued to build momentum in October, led by a record performance in leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While beef exports remained lower year-over-year, shipments rebounded to some degree in October, posting the largest totals since June.

Record-large shipments to Mexico fuel strong October pork exports

Pork exports totaled 264,657 metric tons (mt) in October, up 5% from a year ago, valued at $762.1 million (up 7%). Both volume and value were the largest since March, led by substantial growth in Mexico and year-over-year increases to Central America, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. In addition to Mexico, October shipments were also record-large to Honduras and Guatemala.

January-October pork exports reached 2.43 million mt, just 2% below the record pace of 2024. Export value was also down 2% to $6.93 billion. The year-over-year difference is mostly due to a 20% decline in exports to China (which are mainly variety meats), where U.S. pork is subject to burdensome retaliatory duties.

Bright spots for October beef exports include Japan, Taiwan, Caribbean, Colombia

Beef exports totaled 93,448 mt in October, down 11% year-over-year but the largest since June and 16% above the low volume posted in September. Export value was also the highest since June at $759.5 million, down 12% from a year ago but 15% above September. October beef exports increased year-over-year to Japan, Taiwan, Canada, the ASEAN region and the Dominican Republic, while also jumping sharply to Colombia. But these gains were more than offset by lack of access to China, which has reduced exports to minimal volumes for the past several months. For markets other than China, October beef exports were up 5% year-over-year in volume and up 7% in value.

January-October beef exports totaled 949,471 mt, down 11% from the 2024 pace, while value was down 10% to $7.79 billion. When excluding China from these results, exports were down 3% in volume and just 1% in value compared to the first 10 months of 2024.

“The latest export data confirm what I consistently hear from customers across the world and from our international staff – that global demand for U.S. red meat remains robust, despite tight supplies and formidable market access barriers,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Obviously, regaining access for U.S. beef in China is our most urgent priority, as industry losses from this lockout are enormous. But we are also hopeful that ongoing trade negotiations will remove barriers in other destinations where consumers have a growing appetite for high-quality red meat.”

October lamb exports trend lower

Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 161 mt in October, down 12% year-over-year, while value fell 6% to $971,000. October shipments declined to the Caribbean but increased to Mexico and Central America. January-October exports were still up 40% year-over-year in volume (2,340 mt) and 27% higher in value ($12.65 million), led by growth in Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Panama.

A detailed summary of the January-October export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available here .

New Dietary Guidelines Move Food Pyramid Closer to the Farm

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:43:24 GMT

The White House delivered a simple but clear message to Americans today: Eat real food.

“We are finally putting real food back at the center of the American diet. Real food that nourishes the body, restores health, fuels energy and builds strength,” says Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “This pivot also leans into the abundant, affordable and healthy food supply already available from America’s incredible farmers and ranchers. By making milk, raising cattle and growing wholesome fruits, vegetables and grains, they hold the key to solving our national health crisis.”

In the “most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades,” the White House released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 . The updated pyramid inverts the 1992 USDA version by prioritizing:

Protein (1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, an increase from 0.8 grams)
Dairy and healthy fats as the foundation
Vegetables (3 servings per day)
Fruits (2 servings per day)

Unlike the old pyramid’s grain-heavy base and processed carbs, new recommendations limit whole grains to 2 to 4 servings per day and added sugars and highly processed oils should be avoided entirely.

Eat More Protein

Rollins says the previous dietary guidelines demonized protein in favor of carbohydrates.

“These guidelines reflect gold standard science by prioritizing high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods in every meal,” Rollins says. “This includes a variety of animal sources, including eggs, poultry, seafood, and red meat, in addition to plant-sourced protein foods such as beans, peas, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds and soy.”

To put the new protein recommendations into perspective, Sigrid Johannes, executive director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, says for folks who should be consuming 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight that’s a 100% increase in recommended daily protein intake.

Dairy’s Seat at the Table

Dairy emerged in a strong position under the new dietary guidelines, with federal nutrition guidance supporting dairy at all fat levels for the first time.

“One of the key messages they’re telling consumers is eat dairy and eat dairy at all fat levels — that’s whole milk, cheese and butter,” says Matt Herrick of the International Dairy Foods Association. He calls it “a significant watershed moment,” reflecting how many families currently eat and shop today.

Echoing Herrick’s perspective, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud adds by better recognizing both fat and protein, the guidelines give a fuller picture of dairy’s nutritional value.

“Not all fats are created equal, and because the guidelines acknowledge this, dairy’s benefits are better reflected in this iteration of the guidelines,” Doud says.

When it comes to protein, consumer demand is reshaping the category, with cottage cheese at its highest level since the 1980s because of the high-protein trend, Herrick notes.

“Consumers are looking at labels more than ever and trying to find cleaner, less processed foods. Dairy fits that bill. Most products have just a handful of ingredients, and they’re all high in protein. People are turning to protein for growth, energy and overall health, and we’re going to continue to see consumers look to dairy to fulfill their protein and healthy fats needs,” Herrick says.

The processing sector has grown alongside the rising demand for dairy, reflecting both increased production and changing consumer preferences. Roughly $8 billion has been invested in new processing facilities from 2022 to 2025, with another $11 billion expected through 2028.

“We’re going to continue to see investments in processing facilities — new plants, updated lines and more capacity — to meet growing consumer demand for dairy protein and healthy fats,” Herrick notes.

Eat More Meat and Poultry

When it comes to meat and poultry, Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO, says Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership have simplified the dietary guidelines making it clear meat is a protein powerhouse.

“Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan,” Potts says.

Kansas beef producer Marisa Kleysteuber describes the new “commonsense” dietary guidelines as “exciting and refreshing.”

“As beef producers we are blessed to work with a ruminant animal that can utilize Mother Nature’s production of cellulose from rain and sunshine and then convert it to one of the most nutrient rich proteins there is,” she says. “Whether the consumer is desiring an organic, grass fed or corn fed beef product, there are cattlemen and women all over the U.S. who put their heart into raising these cattle to produce a nutritious and delicious product that we have always believed in and now our leaders are standing behind the ranchers and farmers of America.”

Quintessentially American foods such as burgers, steaks, pork chops and Easter hams can remain a staple of American households, and the guidelines go so far as to recommend parents introduce nutrient-dense foods, including meat, early and continue focusing on “nutrient-dense foods such as protein foods” throughout childhood.

“America’s pork producers appreciate the 2025 dietary guidelines putting pork front and center on the plate. They took note of producer concerns and rightly gave pork and other high-protein, nutrient-dense and delicious meats their due when it comes to Americans’ health and dietary habits,” says Rob Brenneman , National Pork Producers Council president-elect and pork producer from Washington, Iowa.

Maddie Hokanson , a Minnesota pork producer and mother of two, says the new dietary guidelines’ strong emphasis on protein is a positive for the pork industry. She believes the new guidelines, paired with pork’s quality nutrition and versatility, bring together the perfect opportunity to increase pork consumption and demand in the U.S.

“As pig farmers, we are proud to produce a meat product that is packed with high-quality protein, while also being nutrient-dense with many essential vitamins and minerals,” Hokanson says. “As a parent to young children, I see both the physical and cognitive benefits of prioritizing protein in the diet at all ages, and I’m excited to see what the short- and long-term effects of this recommendation will be.”

Three Servings of Veggies and Two Servings of Fruit

Dairy and meat weren’t the only items at the top of the new dietary pyramid. Fresh fruits and vegetables were also given top billing.

“Diets rich in vegetables and fruits reduce disease risk more effectively than many drugs,” says Robert F Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health.

The new dietary guidelines recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. Like past editions of the dietary guidelines , the new guidelines recommend Americans eat “a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits” and advises whole produce items be eaten “in their original form.” Though not explicitly stated, the updated guidelines also call out “frozen, dried, or canned vegetables or fruits with no or very limited added sugars” as good options.

“Today’s dietary guidelines reinforce the critical role fruits and vegetables play in overall health,” says Mollie Van Lieu, International Fresh Produce Association vice president of nutrition and health, in the group’s response. “Scientific evidence consistently shows that fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of what people eat. The Administration’s focus on whole foods is an opportunity to increase fruit and vegetable intake, as they are the most nutrient-dense foods available.”

Rollins Teases Plan to Expand Real Food Retail Accessibility

There was more than the new dietary guidelines announced at the press event. Rollins mentioned upcoming changes at retail she says would increase the accessibility of whole, healthy foods to those in food deserts.

“Soon, USDA will finalize our stocking standards,” she says, explaining retailers that take SNAP benefits are bound by the stocking standards. “Very soon we will be finalizing that rule that will mandate all 250,000 retailers in America to double the type of staple foods they provide for America’s SNAP households. This means healthier options will be in reach for all American families, regardless of circumstance, at levels never seen before in our country.”

Grains and Oilseed Industry Focuses on Positives

In terms of grains, in its guidance USDA recommends Americans “focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates.” The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) shared mixed reactions to the changes.

“We appreciate the continued recognition of whole grains as an essential part of Americans’ diets,” said a spokesperson with NAWG in a statement to Farm Journal. “However, we are concerned that some portions of the new guidelines around grains and wheat are unintentionally confusing. Wheat, wheat flour, and foods made from wheat have been nutrient-rich, life-sustaining staples for tens of thousands of years and deserve clear, continued support as a central part of our nation’s diet.”

The American Soybean Association (ASA) focuses on the positives saying it highlights the importance of increased protein consumption, including plant-based proteins, such as soy-based foods. They also emphasize prioritizing healthy fats, including oils rich in essential fatty acids like soybean oil.

ASA says an addendum continues to call into question the process of soybean oil extraction, which it says is scientifically proven to be safe for human health.

“Soybean oil and soy protein play a critical role in the health and nutrition of Americans,” says Scott Metzger, ASA president and Ohio farmer, in a press release. “We remain deeply concerned by the rhetoric and selectively cited studies regarding the health and safety of soybean oil in DGA supporting material.”

Metzger says soybean growers will continue to work with the administration and educate MAHA commission leadership on the health benefits of soy-based foods and soybean oil.

The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) echoed those concern: “Vegetable oils, or “seed oils” as they’re sometimes referred to, are a significant provider of essential fatty acids and remain a safe and cost-effective source of dietary fats in the American diet, as they are globally,” said a NOPA press release. “However, some appendices rely on a narrow evidence base with limited citations, which is concerning given the administration’s rhetoric questioning the safety of certain vegetable oils despite an established scientific consensus.”

NOPA also argues oilseeds support the production of affordable meat, dairy and eggs as meal produced from oilseeds are a key component of livestock diets.

Total Meat Supplies End Year on High Note

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:05:30 GMT

Total meat production surged in December, with production of all major meat species higher than the year before. It was a sharp contrast to the rest of the year, in which less beef and pork were produced than in 2024, reports David Anderson, Texas A&M Extension economist in a recent Southern Ag Today e-newsletter .

Red meat production, led by beef and pork, normally increases seasonally, from summer to fall.

(USDA-AMS & USDA-NASS, Livestock Marketing Information Center )

This year was no exception as both increased seasonally over that period. Beef and pork production in December were 0.5% and 3.9% larger than in December 2024, respectively. Larger December beef production may surprise some, given the talk all year of tighter beef supplies, but steer dressed weights surged to new record highs, over 980 lb. per head, leading to larger beef production. Heavier barrow and gilt dressed weights than a year ago helped boost pork production, as well.

For the year, red meat production was 1.9% less, about 1 billion lb., than in 2024. Beef production was down about 3.3%, and pork production was almost 0.5% smaller. About 1% more lamb was produced in 2025.

For the third consecutive year, more pork than beef was produced.

Poultry Production

(USDA-AMS & USDA-NASS, Livestock Marketing Information Center )

While red meat production declined, young chickens (broilers) expanded its share of total meat production. Broiler and turkey production increased 4.0% and 8.4%, respectively, in December compared to last December. Less expensive feed and higher wholesale broiler meat prices earlier in the year contributed profits to fuel increased production.

The late increase in turkey production might be considered “too little, too late” for the whole bird market since it was after Thanksgiving, and it followed on the heels of increasing production in the second half of the year.

For the year, 3.5% (1.9 billion lb.) more broiler meat was produced than in 2024. Turkey production was down about 122 million lb. On balance, increasing poultry production offset declining red meat production, leading to an increase in total meat production of about 800 million lb.

(USDA-AMS & USDA-NASS, Livestock Marketing Information Center )

The new year should bring more poultry production from both broilers and turkeys. Beef production will continue to decline, and pork may see a little increase in production.

I was asked recently if we are “running out of meat” during a discussion of declining beef production and high prices. The quick and correct answer is “no!” But, production market shares are changing.

A note on data: this article uses weekly meat and poultry production. In much of our agricultural data, weeks don’t equal months. The first day of a month may fall mid-week and end mid-week so that data for a week’s production will include some in one month and some in another. But, the monthly data released by USDA won’t dramatically affect the discussion above.

How Much is the Meat and Poultry Industry Worth to the U.S. Economy?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:39:53 GMT

A new economic study shows the meat and poultry processing industry contributes $57.3 billion to the U.S. economy and provides 584,000 jobs. The entire meat and poultry industry, including livestock production, animal feed, equipment manufacturing, transportation and more contributes $347.7 billion in value to the nation, supporting 3.2 million jobs.

“The meat and poultry industry is a critical and growing part of the U.S. economy, and one that has outsized importance to rural economies,” Meat Institute president and CEO Julie Anna Potts said in a release. “Our member companies are often the biggest employers in their rural communities, and their impact goes beyond jobs. In addition to the taxes they pay, they invest in their communities with generous donations of food and make financial and other irreplaceable contributions to local infrastructure like housing, community spaces, schools, and childcare.”

The Meat Institute commissioned Decision Innovation Solutions to conduct the economic contribution study .

Through indirect and induced effects, the meat and poultry processing industry generates significant economic activity in other industries, such as livestock and poultry production, animal feed manufacturing, grain and oilseed production, truck and rail transportation, equipment manufacturing, and many more, the study notes. After accounting for these indirect and induced effects, the total economic contribution of the U.S. meat and poultry processing industry is:

More than 3.2 million jobs
$347.7 billion in value added
$205.3 billion in labor income
$911.7 billion in total sales (output)
$77.0 billion in local, state, and federal taxes

A State by State Breakdown

The economic contribution of the meat and poultry processing industry was also estimated for each state and federal congressional district as a part of the study.

“While the meat and poultry processing industry drives some economic activity in every state and nearly every district, some regions of the U.S. consistently rank at or near the top of the reported economic measures,” the report says. “Texas, Nebraska, Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, California, and Arkansas are among the top-ranking states. Nebraska-3, Iowa-4, Texas-13, Kansas-1, Minnesota-1, and Arkansas-3 are among the congressional districts with the greatest amount of economic activity resulting from the meat and poultry processing industry.”

Meat slaughter and processing occurs in every state. The map above contains a state-by-state breakdown of cattle, hog and poultry slaughter and processing facilities. Note that the count of facilities by state includes those that process and/or slaughter single or multiple species; however, each facility is counted only once, ensuring no duplication. Minnesota ranks as the top state with slaughter and processing facilities at 293 and Nevada has the fewest number of facilities at three. Many of these facilities are small or very small and are considered to slaughter and process multiple species, the study says. Larger facilities often only slaughter and/or process a single species and account for approximately 3% of facilities.

Meat processing facilities for pork, beef and poultry are located all throughout the U.S., positioning themselves in areas that can supply steady flows of livestock and poultry for slaughter and/or processing. Midwestern states like Iowa and Minnesota that slaughter large volumes of livestock and poultry annually have more facilities relative to other states, like Nevada, that slaughter significantly smaller volumes of livestock and poultry annually, and similarly, have very few facilities.

“America’s meat and poultry processing industry is an important driver of economic activity throughout the nation,” the study says. “Through sales to and purchases from a wide variety of industries, livestock and poultry processors contribute greatly to both their local economies as well as the national economy. Given the increasing national and worldwide demand for food broadly and protein specifically, it is expected that the meat and poultry processing industry will continue to contribute to the economic growth and wellbeing of the U.S.”

Read the full study here.

Pork Exports Remain Strong in August; Beef Decline Continues

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:21:39 GMT

USDA has released August red meat export data, which was delayed due to the lengthy government shutdown. As compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), August data showed a relatively strong performance for U.S. pork exports. But beef exports were sharply lower than a year ago, impacted heavily by an impasse with China that has effectively locked U.S. beef out of the world’s largest import market.

August pork exports totaled 236,311 metric tons (mt), down 1% from a year ago, valued at $685.9 million (down 2%). August exports were bolstered by another remarkable performance by leading market Mexico, where shipments climbed 8% from a year ago to 102,790 mt, the fifth largest volume on record. Export value reached $252.3 million, up 9% and the second highest on record, trailing only December 2024.

For January through August, pork exports were 3% below last year’s record pace in both volume (1.93 million mt) and value ($5.48 billion). This gap is mostly attributable to lower exports to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory tariffs. This situation was especially disruptive in the spring months, when tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China temporarily escalated and there was growing uncertainty about the continued eligibility of U.S. plants. While this situation has since stabilized, China’s total tariff on U.S. pork and most pork variety meat had been 57% until Nov. 10, when it was reduced to 47%.

August beef exports totaled 83,388 mt, down 19% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value fell 18% to $695.5 million, the lowest since February 2021. While exports to China plummeted, shipments were fairly steady to leading market South Korea and trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean and Central and South America.

For January through August, beef exports were 9.5% below last year at 775,188 mt, while value declined 9% to $6.37 billion.

Mexico and Central America continue to shine for U.S. pork

Pork exports to Mexico continue to reach new heights in 2025, with January-August shipments climbing 3% above last year’s record pace in volume (781,605 mt) and 6% higher in value ($1.78 billion). The leading destination for U.S. pork is increasingly competitive, with Brazil’s pork shipments to Mexico (through October) increasing 64% from a year ago to nearly 64,000 mt. However, Brazil still captured less than 5% market share, while U.S. market share is about 80%.

August pork exports to Central America also trended higher, keeping shipments to the region on a record pace. Through August, pork exports to Central America totaled 118,257 mt, up 22% from last year’s record. Value soared 25% to $377.5 million, led by robust growth in Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Pork exports to Colombia took a step back in August, falling 29% from last year’s very robust totals in both volume (9,418 mt) and value ($28 million). But January-August shipments to Colombia were still on a record pace, increasing 9% to 85,707 mt, valued at $245.4 million (up 11%).

Among other markets, August pork exports trended higher than a year ago to Korea, the Caribbean, Australia and the Philippines. Shipments were below last year to China, Japan, Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Pork export value equated to $67.74 per head slaughtered in August, up 5% from a year ago, while the January-August average was $65.55 per head, down 1%. Exports accounted for 31% of total August pork production, up two full percentage points from a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the ratio exported was about one percentage point higher at 26.3%. For January through August, exports accounted for just under 30% of total production, down slightly from a year ago. The ratio of muscle cuts exported was steady at 26.1%.

Some bright spots for beef, but impasse with China weighs heavily on exports

With U.S. beef facing a multi-layered lockout in China, export results have worsened throughout 2025 as supplies of eligible product were depleted and more plants were suspended in June and August. Exports sank to just 862 mt in August, down 94% from a year ago. For January through August, exports to China were 52% below last year in volume (56,494 mt) and 53% lower in value ($484.2 million). The accumulated decline in exports for January through October is estimated at $832 million, as September and October exports are also certain to be minimal. As USMEF has previously reported, China has failed to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities. But renewing these registrations is just one of the steps necessary to restore access for U.S. beef in China, where 16 U.S. plants have been suspended since June and 30 facilities have been suspended since 2022. For China to return to its commitments under the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement, it must address all of the barriers obstructing access for U.S. beef.

August beef exports to leading market Korea were slightly below last year in volume, falling 1.5% to 16,823 mt. But export value still increased 3% to $168 million. For January through August, exports to Korea increased 8% from a year ago in volume (162,907 mt) and 9% in value ($1.55 billion).

Beef exports to Central America posted another strong performance in August, climbing 5% from a year ago to 1,512 mt, while value soared 50% to $17 million. Led by robust growth in Guatemala and Costa Rica, January-August beef exports to the region are on a record pace, reaching 14,520 mt, up 6% from a year ago, while value climbed 34% to $134.2 million.

Among other markets, August beef exports trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean region, led by growth in the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica, and to South America, led by growth in Chile (where exports have been above year-ago levels in each of the past six months) and a rebound in Colombia. Exports were also higher to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, Europe and Morocco, but trended lower to Japan, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan and the Middle East.

Beef export value equated to $372.10 per head of fed slaughter in August, down 5% from a year ago. The January-August average was $400.16 per head, down 3.5% from the same period last year. Exports accounted for 12.1% of total August beef production and 9.8% for muscle cuts only – each down about one percentage point from a year ago. The January-August ratios were 13.1% of total production and 11% for muscle cuts, down from 13.9% and 11.6%, respectively, during the same period last year.

Full January-August export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb are available from USMEF’s statistics web page .

It's Time to Tackle Technical Market Access Barriers to Trade

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:08:58 GMT

What could emerge as a result of reciprocal trade agreements and frameworks announced by the Trump administration? Experts said they are optimistic about additional export opportunities in Europe and Southeast Asia (ASEAN) if trade barriers ‒ tariff and non-tariff ‒ are addressed.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror moderated a panel during the recent USMEF Strategic Planning Conference on Nov. 14 with Jihae Yang, vice president of Asia Pacific, Director of Export and Technical Services Courtney Heller, and Jim Remcheck, director of export services. Borror and the panelists agreed there’s an array of trade barriers that continue to prevent the red meat industry from reaching its trade potential in specific markets within those regions.

“In the EU, we’re still working on all of the trade issues that fall outside of the hormone ban that really shut things down back in 1989,” Heller said. “As we began working with the Trump administration, we detailed all the extra requirements that need removed to ease the process inside the packing plant, through labeling and putting product in containers to ship to the EU. And this is product that is raised specifically for the EU or the UK. It’s highly specialized and costs at least $100 extra per head, or if we’re talking about pork, about $60 more. So it’s very difficult to send it anywhere else and get the same return on that investment.”

U.S. beef faces tariff disadvantages in the ASEAN region because Australia and New Zealand, along with some other suppliers, have free trade agreements throughout the region. The U.S. also faces a host of non-tariff barriers.

“We have to chip away and tackle some of these technical market access barriers to trade that are really hindering our opportunities,” Remcheck said. “The single greatest barrier we face is the facility-by-facility approval and registration process. That’s sort of an overarching, cross-cutting issue that we see throughout the region, and the primary thing keeping us from reaching our market potential.”

Protectionism Roadblock in the ASEAN Region
Protectionism is a serious problem in the ASEAN, Yang explained. One example is how import permit processes can be abused to help protect local producers. Two other aspects that hinder market development efforts in the region are cold chain infrastructure and limited financial capacities of importers.

U.S. red meat opportunities and several promotional initiatives are contributing to the industry’s market development progress in the ASEAN region, Yang added.

“You may remember that we had only two people on staff 25 years ago, and now we have 12 people in the region,” Yang said. “That demonstrates how much we are penetrating into the market and developing our own programs to address market needs. Our strategy is supply chain development, not just in the foodservice sector, but also including distributors, retailers and further processors. The demand is there and our staff is there, working to build close working relationships with key trade partners.”

Jay Theiler Elected Chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:07:38 GMT

Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Company, was elected chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) during the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference on Nov. 14. Theiler, based in Boise, Idaho, will serve as chairman for the 2025-26 term.

During the conference, Theiler recalled his early days with Agri Beef, when the company came to realize that it could not maximize the value of each head of livestock processed by selling product only in the Pacific Northwest, or even in the entire U.S.

“To get maximum value, we had to go to the international markets and include them in our sales,” Theiler said. “I did a lot of overseas trips in the early 2000s and many subsequent trips that laid the foundation for our success. When we traveled to Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, we would meet with USMEF staff, who would paint a landscape of the distributors in the market and help us set up appointments and meetings. USMEF was really an integral part of our company story and our brand story. And I tell you this today because it may serve as an inspiration for others on how to grow your business and how USMEF can help.”

Looking forward, Theiler said differentiating the quality of U.S. red meat is essential to continued expansion of the global customer base.

“The world doesn’t just buy U.S. meat because it’s available – they buy it because it’s exceptional,” he said. “Our U.S. red meat brand means something – it is the gold standard for quality, taste, safety, sustainability and reliability. Our beef, pork and lamb is sought out as incomes around the world grow. But we can’t take this for granted and we must continue to invest in international marketing, especially as our global competitors increase their quality and aim to compete with us.”

While emphasizing the need to diversify export destinations, Theiler also noted the importance of defending hard-earned market share with established trading partners.

“We cannot take our long-standing partners for granted,” Theiler said. “Markets like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Mexico are vital and have been reliable trading partners for decades. We must continue to protect and strengthen those relationships, and we must keep earning their confidence and trust.”

Theiler succeeds Steve Hanson, a rancher and cattle feeder from southwestern Nebraska, as USMEF chair. The USMEF chair-elect for the coming year is Dave Bruntz, who raises corn and soybeans and feeds cattle in southeastern Nebraska. Bruntz is a past president of the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Cattlemen. The USMEF vice chair is Darin Parker, director of Salt Lake City-based exporter/distributor PMI Foods. The newest USMEF officer is Secretary-Treasurer Ross Havens, a cattle producer who serves as marketing coordinator for Nichols Farms in Bridgewater, Iowa.

Optimism Reigns Despite Volatility in U.S. Red Meat Industry

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:39:12 GMT

Demand for U.S. red meat remains robust in key destinations where customers crave the quality and consistency of U.S. pork, beef and lamb, despite significant obstacles in the international marketplace, explained U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO Dan Halstrom at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis.

Pork exports are modestly below last year’s record pace, but he says the gap stems mostly from a period early in 2025 when China’s retaliatory tariffs increased and the U.S. industry faced uncertainty about plant eligibility.

“Although export data is only available through July due to the government shutdown, pork shipments are on record pace to leading market Mexico, as well as to Central America and Colombia,” USMEF reports.

Halstrom says beef exports have been hit harder by barriers in China, where U.S. beef not only faces retaliatory tariffs, but also unwarranted plant delistings and China’s failure to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities. Fully reopening the world’s largest beef import market to U.S. beef will require several actions on China’s part, and the lockout could extend into 2026.

“This is obviously a political card that’s being held by the China side,” Halstrom says. “One thing I’m very confident in is that [the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative] is well aware of our position, well aware of what’s involved, and very well-informed. I do think they’ll get it worked out eventually, I just can’t tell you when – no one can.”

Free Trade Agreements are Key
Protecting and defending existing free trade agreements is an urgent priority, Halstrom says. He is optimistic that ongoing negotiations with several trading partners may lead to new opportunities for U.S. red meat, especially in Southeast Asia.

Over the past decade, red meat exports to free trade agreement partner countries have expanded by more than 30%, and exports to these destinations now account for 76% of total shipments, he says.

Invoking the Paul Harvey quote, “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these,” Halstrom reminds USMEF members that the industry has endured tremendous trade setbacks in the past, including widespread market closures due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and plunging consumer confidence and buying power in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

“Remember that we overcame all those obstacles,” Halstrom says. “I believe that with the knowledge in this room, and with continued cooperation and collaboration, we can overcome anything.”

A Complicated Relationship
Keynote speaker Jan Lambregts, head of RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets, discussed the complexities of the U.S.-China trade relationship.

“I’m not quite sure if you will like this news, but I don’t think there will be a comprehensive deal coming soon between China and the U.S.,” Lambregts shares. “What the U.S. is demanding is access to Chinese markets. What China will never give is access to the Chinese market because that’s not how they’ve been winning in trade during the past 30 to 40 years.”

Both countries are playing for time, he says. China has been cut off from high-end semiconductors and needs time to develop its own semiconductor sector. Similarly, the U.S. needs time to build its rare earths capacity, including development of extraction and processing capabilities.

“In the meantime, the U.S. is basically sending all its allies the same message: What was previously free defense now must be paid for, because we (the U.S.) need to be compensated. And by the way, if you want to trade with China, there are conditions now,” Lambregts says.

Cantinas Campaign Adds a Little Spice to Mexico Meat Promotions

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:32:17 GMT

Variety meats are popular in cantinas, or casual dining restaurants, in the central part of Mexico. That’s why the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is finding creative ways to promote pork and beef variety meat items to bars and casual restaurants in Mexico as an affordable appetizer and snack option that will appeal to their customers.

“Variety meat exports provide critical returns for U.S. pork and beef producers, and Mexico is a leading destination for these products,” USMEF says.

USMEF’s marketing campaign, known as Cantina Vibes, has expanded to the northern part of the country because of the success in central Mexico. In northern Mexico, consumers are less familiar with variety meat dishes, but are attracted to the lower cost, high quality, U.S. pork and beef.

“When we talk about variety meats in pork, we talk about jowl, ears, brains, snout, stomach, etc. In beef, we are promoting small intestine, also liver and sweetbread,” says Rigoberto Treviño, trade manager for USMEF Mexico. “For example, with the pork snout, we are doing tacos, sopes, tostadas. So, it’s different cantina dishes with variety meat.”

Sweebread Taco

(USMEF)

Mexico is the leading volume destination for U.S. beef variety meat exports, totaling 124,000 metric tons last year. It is second only to China for pork variety meat exports, with shipments in 2024 topping 160,000 metric tons.

Treviño says U.S. pork and beef offer “really good quality” and amazing consistency. Plus, it is very affordable for the cantinas.

“Not all variety meats are affordable,” he points out. “I know that sweetbreads are a little bit more expensive. But the small intestine or pork stomach and pork snout are very affordable. You can have a pork jowl taco or a pork jowl sope with guacamole for about, a dollar. It’s very affordable, and it’s very important for those kinds of restaurants and casual dining.”

Smithfield Foods' Quarterly Sales, Profit Rise on Steady Demand for Meat

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:24:29 GMT

Smithfield Foods, the biggest U.S. pork processor, reported increased quarterly revenue and profits on Tuesday as sales prices climbed.

The company, a majority-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based WH Group 0288.HK, raised the midpoint of its annual profit forecast range, sending its shares up 2.7% in early trading.

Smithfield said average sales prices for its packaged meat, including bacon, sausage and hot dogs, climbed 9.2%, while prices for its fresh pork products jumped 12% due to lower U.S. production and strong demand from consumers. Sales volumes were steady, according to the company.

The company, which owns some hogs and buys others to process, has seen higher hog prices, CEO Shane Smith told analysts on a conference call.

TOTAL SALES UP 12.4%

The U.S. hog herd was 1% smaller at the start of September, compared with a year earlier, according to U.S. government data.

“The increase in average sales price was primarily due to higher raw material costs,” Smithfield said in a regulatory filing.

Smithfield’s total sales increased 12.4% to $3.75 billion in the quarter ended September 28, compared with a year earlier. It earned quarterly profit of 58 cents per share on an adjusted basis from continuing operations, compared with 53 cents a year earlier.

The meatpacker raised its outlook for annual adjusted operating profit between $1.23 billion and $1.33 billion, compared with its prior forecast of $1.15 billion to $1.35 billion.

OPERATING PROFIT DOWN 5.7%

Smithfield has sought to rein in expenses amid rising raw material costs and cautious consumer spending. It closed a U.S. sausage plant and eliminated jobs this year.

Operating profit in its largest packaged meats segment fell 5.7% in the quarter, while profits in the fresh pork division dropped about 64%.

Reduced U.S. exports of certain byproducts to China limited gains in Smithfield’s average sales prices for fresh pork, according to the company.

Most products that Smithfield ships to China, the world’s biggest pork consumer, were subject to 57% tariff rates in the quarter, according to the company.

“Fresh pork has been navigating a challenging tariff environment,” Smith said.

Investors expect U.S. President Donald Trump to reach a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday to cool their trade conflict.

Smithfield previously said it does not export material amounts of meat to China, but ships offal products, such as pig stomachs, hearts and heads, which U.S. consumers generally do not buy.

(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru and Tom Polansek in Chicago; Editing by Shreya Biswas and David Holmes)

Historic Trade Deals with Southeast Asia Open New Markets for U.S. Pork, Beef

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:27:22 GMT

President Donald Trump has secured historic trade deals to lower tariffs on U.S. exports and eliminate trade barriers, strengthening America’s economic and national security interests, said ambassador Jamieson Greer on Oct. 26.

Trump secured agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and reached frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.

Ambassador Greer believes these landmark deals demonstrate how America can maintain tariffs to shrink the goods trade deficit while opening new markets for American farmers, ranchers, workers and manufacturers.

ASEAN Region is Critical
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO Dan Halstrom appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region.

“With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide competing bids for beef cuts that are popular in Asia, but not demanded by American consumers,” Halstrom says. “Exports of short plate, chuck short rib, rib fingers, omasum and other such items are critical to maximizing the value of every animal and stimulating the U.S. herd rebuild.”

Exports have been an important driver of U.S. pork industry growth, enabling American consumers access to the bacon and ribs they love, while maximizing whole animal value through exports of feet, stomachs, picnics, brisket bones and bone-in hams, Halstrom says.

“The ASEAN region is more critical than ever as an alternative market to China, especially for pork variety meats,” he says.

U.S. beef and pork hold only minor import shares in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia due to the combination of tariff and non-tariff barriers. USMEF believes growth potential is significant when these barriers are addressed through President Trump’s agreements.

“USMEF looks forward to swift implementation of the agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, and hopes for further progress and implementation of agreements with Thailand and Vietnam, as well as follow through on the joint statement with Indonesia announced in July,” Halstrom says.

Malaysia is Key for U.S. Pork
U.S. pork exports to Malaysia hit record levels of over $24.5 million in 2024, a significant amount considering only eight U.S. plants are currently eligible for export, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) noted in a release. Exports to Malaysia have increased over 1,700% in the last five years.

“The deal with Malaysia will open access to all U.S. facilities included in the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory; will not impose additional product or facility registration requirements; and will ensure acceptance of the standard FSIS export certificate,” NPPC wrote. “In a separate deal, Cambodia agreed to the same terms.”

Malaysia also agreed to recognize the U.S. protection zone for African swine fever within 15 months of signing the deal and complete a regionalization deal.

“America’s pork producers are grateful to President Trump for increasing market access for U.S. pork to Malaysia, a country that has been importing pork despite limited plants being eligible for export,” said NPPC president Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “More than 25% of U.S. pork production is exported, so producers count on exports to help keep their farms afloat, especially in times of uncertainty.”

In fact, exports account for more than $66 in value from each hog marketed, NPPC explained. Meanwhile, pork production supports rural communities, and exports support over 140,000 American jobs.

“American pork producers need certainty and stability – now as much as ever – and NPPC will continue to engage with the administration and international partners to maintain and open new market access for U.S. pork,” NPPC said.

Brazil Sets Monthly Records for Pork and Beef Exports in September

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:43:47 GMT

Brazil posted record monthly shipments of pork and beef in September, driven by strong global demand and market diversification, according to industry and government data released this week.

Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter and among the largest pork exporters, is increasing business with China and Mexico after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on shipments of several Brazilian goods, including beef, in August.

The U.S. used to be the second biggest market for Brazilian beef, but is not a significant destination for pork.

Pork exports totaled 151,600 tonnes, up 25.9% from a year earlier, with revenue reaching a record $368.4 million, a 29.9% increase, data from pork and chicken lobby ABPA showed.

ABPA expects the trend to continue, projecting pork exports will reach up to 1.45 million tonnes in 2025, up from 1.35 million tonnes in 2024.

Brazil also exported a record 314,700 tonnes of fresh beef in September, up 25.1% year-on-year, according to government trade data.

Exports surged despite steep tariffs imposed by the United States in August, as increased shipments to China, Brazil’s top beef importer, and to Mexico, helped offset lower U.S. demand, according to beef industry group Abiec.

Chicken exports showed signs of recovery after bird flu disruptions earlier this year, with September volumes reaching 482,300 tonnes, the highest monthly figure in 11 months, trade data showed.

Industry leaders expect continued momentum for Brazilian meat exports through year-end, supported by resilient demand and expanding access to strategic markets.

(Reporting by Roberto Samora and editing by Ana Mano; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Richard Chang)

Merits of H-2B Visa Program for the Meatpacking Industry in Question

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:25:03 GMT

Conflicting reports over the H-2B visa program are raising questions. A new report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) claims the H-2B visa program has ‘ballooned without being fixed and expanding it to year-round jobs like meatpacking would lower wages and revenue.’

The H-2B program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. to fill temporary nonagricultural jobs. Read more about the H-2B visa program here. Agricultural work falls under the H-2A visa program , which is specifically for temporary and seasonal agricultural labor, while the H-2B program is for temporary, non-agricultural jobs in sectors like landscaping, meat processing, and construction.

According to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), in 2024, there were nearly 170,000 H-2B workers employed in the U.S. – a record high. This is more than 2.5 times the size of the original limit of 66,000 set by law.

Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), which represents over 15,000 poultry workers at facilities across the southern U.S., as well as meatpacking and processing workers in other parts of the country, says, “The RWDSU strongly opposes expansion of the H-2B visa program into poultry processing and meatpacking. As the recent EPI report makes clear, this program fuels wage suppression and exploitation, putting workers in precarious, insecure jobs.”

The UFCW represents 1.2 million essential workers in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, retail and other essential industries, says the report demonstrates that the H-2B system has become ‘deeply flawed’ and has resulted in depressed wages and other workforce issues.

“As the union representing thousands of meatpacking workers across the country, the findings in EPI’s report are alarming,” says Mark Lauritsen, director of the UFCW’s Food Processing, Packing and Manufacturing Division. “Expanding the use of the H-2B program in the meatpacking industry would drive down wages and working conditions in a sector that provides good, solid jobs in communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.”

The Federation of Employers and Workers of America (FEWA) says the landscaping industry accounts for almost 40% of certified H-2B seasonal workers, on average. The industries that account for the second, third, and fourth most certified H-2B are hotels and motels (8.67%), support activities for forestry (6.3%), and seafood product preparation and packaging (5.65%).

The H-2B Workforce Coalition, an effort aimed at protecting American workers through a stable and reliable seasonal workforce, released a comprehensive economic analysis that explores the impacts of the H-2B Visa Program.

Completed by Edgewater Economics, this study argues the H-2B program has not had a detrimental effect on jobs and the salaries of U.S. workers — it has increased wages and supported the labor force.

“Traditionally, the H-2B program has allowed businesses to hire foreign national guest workers for seasonal jobs when they are unable to identify and hire domestic workers for these positions,” FEWA wrote. “Through this new study, the program has found no evidence of the increase of H-2B Visas issues and a negative impact on the U.S. workforce’s employment and wages.”

Meat Packers Respond
Because of the temporary nature of the H-2B visa, Sarah Little, vice president of communications for the Meat Institute, says H-2B visas are often not used by meatpacking workers.

“The meat and poultry industry, like many others, needs a long-term, stable and legal workforce,” Little says. “Programs of a temporary nature do not meet the needs of our members and are not widely used.”

The Meat Institute is a trade association representing companies that process and supply meat and poultry products in North America, including packers, processors and their suppliers.

“We will continue to work with the Trump Administration and Congress on solutions to ensure our members can produce the food Americans need and that keeps our farmers and ranchers in business,” Little says.

JBS Sees European Acquisition Opportunities

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 12:44:46 GMT

JBS, the world’s largest meat company, sees the European meat market as “fragmented” and therefore full of acquisition opportunities, Wesley Batista, controlling shareholder of the company now listed in New York, said on Tuesday during an event broadcast live.

Speaking alongside Marcos Molina, controlling shareholder of rival companies Marfrig and BRF, Batista and Molina answered questions from the event’s host regarding the dominant role of certain Brazilian companies in the global meat trade.

“No doubt,” said Batista when asked about the prospect of pursuing acquisitions worldwide. “There are lots of opportunities in Europe and in other countries,” he added.

JBS’s listing in New York earlier this year gives the company access to a wider pool of investors, helping it lower the cost of capital and compete against peers like Tyson in the U.S. and large listed rivals in Brazil, including Minerva.

But while in Europe the company can still expand via takeovers, in the United States and Brazil that would not be the case, given competition concerns that would be raised by antitrust authorities.

“I can’t acquire any more beef, pork, and chicken (processors) because we have around 20% to 25% of the North American market for these three proteins.”

Wesley Batista

He noted the situation is similar in Brazil, making it unlikely for JBS to pursue acquisitions in the local processed foods segment, for example.

Batista also said during the panel discussion that the use of drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic is boosting demand for protein around the world, which is positive for food companies in general.

Batista said 15 million Americans make frequent use of such weight-loss drugs, adding that no data is yet available to quantify the rise in meat demand tied to the use of these drugs.

(Reporting by Ana Mano in Sao PauloEditing by Matthew Lewis)

Late-Night Bacon Runs: Why South Korea is a Country to Watch

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:41:22 GMT

It’s 10 p.m. You open the refrigerator to find you are out of milk and bacon. How can you have breakfast without that pair? Now imagine the fastest “Amazon fulfillment center” processing your order overnight and delivering a carton of milk and pound of bacon to your doorstop by 6 a.m. the next morning.

“That may seem unachievable in the U.S., but that’s happening in South Korea with fresh products, in addition to chilled and frozen pork and beef,” says Josh Maschhoff, Illinois Pork Producers Association president and sixth-generation pork farmer. Maschhoff was part of the 21-member delegation made up of U.S. corn, soybean, beef and pork farmers visiting South Korea with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) advocating about U.S. agriculture and trade.

(USMEF)

Maschhoff says it’s time to open our eyes as a country to the possibility of these conveniences.

Full of Opportunity
South Korea is comparable to the size of state of Indiana, Maschhoff describes. Just picture that size of a region with 43 million more people in it.

“It’s dense,” he says. “It’s a lot of high-rise buildings, urban populations, and not a lot of opportunity to travel. Convenience is really important in their lives.”

In addition to convenience, Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, says flavor is just as important priority for the consumers in South Korea.

“Flavor profile is huge,” Tauer says. “Pork brings the flavor to the table already, but then they add a little bit of Korean spice to it once it gets here. There is a lot of opportunity for further development of some additional U.S. pork products here in this marketplace.”

The aging population of the South Korean consumer was eye opening to Maschhoff.

“We have to figure out how to adapt our product and work with the retailers and the brokers here to market to those specific demographics,” Maschhoff says. “A common trend in Korea is the uptick of home meal replacement, where they can get a prepackaged product that contains meat and vegetables and could even be seasoned or precooked.”

Home meal replacement is popular in South Korean grocery stores.

(USMEF)

He says that is one example of matching convenience and the need to create products that South Korean customers value.

Jay Theiler, executive vice president for corporate affairs at Agri-Beef and USMEF chair elect, says he appreciates the value USMEF brings in trying to figure out how to market beef in new ways that can bring more value to producers.

“One example is really thin slicing of products for things like shabu-shabu,” Theiler says. “The trip also opened my eyes to markets for cuts we don’t use in the states, like tendons in soup. It’s so diverse the way the products are consumed here. That’s where the whole puzzle works. When you could get the different pieces and parts going to the right markets and create more value for us as producers.”

Sparse Shelves
It’s not as easy as “ship it and they will buy,” but Maschhoff says the shelves were a little sparse when it came time to find U.S. pork in the stores.

“The good side about that is it’s sparse because two weeks ago, the shelves were stacked and it flew off the shelves,” he says. “The U.S. is challenged in the current market, with Canada and a few others being able to come in here with a little cheaper price, and they’re filling more of the case right now, but that’s a small hurdle.”

Another challenge is connecting South Korean customers with packers and distributors to get them the product that they need in the specifics that they’d like to see it.

Cattlemen’s Beef Board Chair Ryan Moorhouse (left) and Nebraska beef producer Keith Kreikemeier check out the beef selection in Costco in Seoul.

(USMEF)

“Belly is the No. 1 pork product they import, and if we think about how popular bacon is in our domestic market, we’re limited in our opportunity,” Tauer points out. “But to their credit, they’re making bacon out of Boston Butt and some picnic bacon. They’re finding opportunities to continue to utilize that that U.S. pork product to deliver what the consumers are demanding here in South Korea.”

Ryan Moorhouse, Cattlemen’s Beef Board chair, expects beef demand in Korea to continue to grow.

“If you look at the amount of American beef that Korea has taken, it’s kind of straight up for the last 10 years,” Moorhouse says. “They like our product. They like American products in general. It’s a very competitive market, but it’s also a market where they eat a ton of protein. I think they’ll continue to eat more and more protein with the population that they have.”

Culture Connection
In addition to better understanding market opportunities, Tauer says these trips help U.S. farmers better understand international customers. They are a great way to form valuable relationships that could open doors in Asian markets.

(l to r) Josh Maschhoff and Andy Tauer listen to a presentation at Highland Foods, one of the South Korea’s largest importers of U.S. beef and pork, during their trip to learn about opportunities for U.S. red meat.

(USMEF)

“Being able to bring our U.S. producers over here so they can meet processors, retailers and give that story firsthand is key,” Tauer says. “For example, Josh gave a presentation to about 100 or so buyers in Korea about the sustainability efforts that not only he and his family are doing on their farm, but across the entire pork spectrum. As we’ve traveled around South Korea, we’ve seen a lot of sustainable labeling and animal welfare labeling. Being able to put that personal connection to their priorities is really important and helps continue to build that confidence and preference for U.S. pork.”

Maschhoff’s first trip to Asia, he was impressed with the politeness of the Korean culture.

“They have really aligned with the U.S. and depend on us to supply them with products they can’t supply on their own,” he says. “It makes you feel grateful that you can do that for them, and it’s something we take great pride in, being able to provide food for other people.”

It also reminded him of the importance of farmers telling their story and thinking more deeply about what the consumer (domestic and international) wants to buy.

“Dollar for dollar, as a pork producer or a beef producer, our checkoff dollars are well spent when investing in promotion with USMEF because we get that match with USDA funding. It goes a long way with helping to bridge the cultural gap and trying to innovate and think about different ways we can put our product on an international plate in a way that makes those consumers really appreciate it,” Maschhoff says. “Rather than us trying to push product to them, it’s letting them pull it from us in a way that they’d like to see it.”

Tauer hopes producers see the value that the international component brings to the overall pork cutout.

U.S. pork sampling sponsored by USMEF at Costco in Seoul.

(USMEF)

“As we think about some of these markets and the different products they want and desire from the U.S., these aren’t products that our domestic consumers are going to eat on a daily basis, or ever, quite frankly,” Tauer says. “Don’t forget that $64 to $66 is what the international market adds to the overall pork (carcass) value.”

Future Food Fulfillment
Maschhoff is the first to admit he “geeked out” a little at the technology in that fulfillment center in South Korea – that’s his engineering background coming through. But he says it’s more than that.

“Tasting what pork can do is not just about the quality or the versatility, but it’s about us trying to figure out how to make that convenient,” he says. “The fulfillment center concepts just make me hungry for why we need to go try to execute that same sort of a model in the domestic market. I think there’s a wealth of opportunity that we have not tapped yet. It’s easy to say, ‘Ah well, American consumers wouldn’t see that as something.’ But I think we need to keep an open mind and learn from other countries.”

Listen to more about the trip on AgriTalk with Chip Flory.

Stock Show Kids Share What They Learned This Summer

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:55:50 GMT

Youth stock show exhibitors say there are a lot of things they love about showing livestock, but one of the answers heard time and time again is that they love the opportunity it provides to spend time with family and friends.

“In sports, your family’s all split up,” says Trevor Rhoads, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Barrow at the 2025 Illinois State Fair. “But with livestock shows, you’re always with your family. They’re always there and always helping you. It’s just good to be together as a family at these shows.”

Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb, agrees. He thinks it’s also fun to try to win.

“You don’t just show up on show day and show your animal,” Rhoads adds. “It takes a lot of hard work and effort at home. The banners, ribbons and checks are a result of that. What you put into it is what you get out of it.”

For Lily Grobosky, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Goat, that’s her favorite part. She enjoys working with them at home and getting them ready to go into the ring.

Exhibitors from the 2025 Illinois State Fair share reflections and perspectives on their summer showing livestock.

What do you think is the most important lesson that you’ve learned at the State Fair this year?

“Hard work will pay off.” – Cash Kinsella, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog

“I’ve learned to be patient and kind to people when they ask questions, but also to take your time and talk to people and not be rushed in your responses.” – Kaolin Lewis, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer

“Keep grinding at what you do. Regardless of what you’ve achieved or what you haven’t achieved, keep trying and keep trying for more. I like building a connection with an animal, having that responsibility of taking care of them day-in and day-out, and learning from others along the way.” – Hunter Shike, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow

“To be humble and be kind.” – Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb

What do you wish people knew about showing livestock?

“All the hours that are spent in the barns during the week – whether it’s after practice, after school or all day in the summer. It’s a building process – you don’t just show up and win.” – Maddox Horner, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Market Goat

“It’s a lot of hard work. We put in countless hours waking up really early to walk in the morning, then you’re out there all day, tanning, skin care, and then out late at night. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, which can sometimes go unnoticed if you’re not in the livestock industry.” – Ashley Wiegand, exhibitor of the Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow

“Sometimes it’s difficult to get them to do what you want so it takes a lot of long hours.” – Kaolin Lewis, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Steer

“Every single day you’ve got to work with them make sure they’re right.” – Kastin Campbell, exhibitor of Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Lamb

“I wish people knew just how much time and effort and how often we think about our animals. It’s not like we just go out to the barn for a couple hours a day and then forget about them. When we’re inside, out at our practices, or gone for something else, we’re still always thinking about our livestock projects and how they are doing.” – Hunter Shike, exhibitor of the Reserve Grand Champion Land of Lincoln Market Barrow

A Mixed Bag for Red Meat Exports: Strong July for Pork, Challenges for Beef

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:41:11 GMT

It’s been a solid month again for pork, says U.S. Meat Export Federation President (USMEF) and CEO Dan Halstrom. Although numbers were down slightly from last year at 238,922 metric tons, July exports accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the USMEF.

“It’s really the same theme that we’ve heard for a while,” Halstrom says. “Broad-based results from a lot of different countries are contributing to it. The leader continues to be Mexico.”

He points out that Central America in particular was at 14,500 tons, 35% above a year ago.

“Central America continues to be amazing on pork,” he says. “You’ve got regions like the Caribbean, they continue to perform, up again this month.”

Another highlight for pork is recent news about increased quotas into the European Union.

“We’ve been saying all along that in these negotiations, pork is sort of the quiet potential winner here in terms of incremental access,” Halstrom says. “And Europe is not generally thought of as a destination for pork exports, but there has been some history in the past with significant tonnages going there, and this might allow us to rekindle that demand, especially on items like ham meat.”

Pork variety meat demand was strong in July, with exports posting the second largest volume this year, Halstrom says. He notes pork value fell 4% to $680.9 million, largely reflecting the 10% decline in pork variety meat prices due to China’s tariffs.

Through the first seven months of 2025, pork exports were 4% below last year’s record pace in both volume (1.69 million mt) and value ($4.8 billion).

A Major Thorn in the Side for U.S. Beef

U.S. beef performed very well in July in leading market South Korea, as well as in the Caribbean, Central America, Chile, the Philippines and Africa. But with shipments to China nearly halted due to a lack of eligible plants, July beef exports were down 19% from a year ago to 89,579 mt, the lowest in five years. Export value declined 17% to $752.5 million, the lowest since January 2023.

“We were down about 19% at just about 90,000 metric tons. The vast majority of that decrease is attributable to China, which we fully expected,” Halstrom adds. “China continues to be a major thorn in our side in terms of lack of access, with the vast majority of the beef plants and cold storages not listed for China.”

Halstrom says this continues to be a very high profile priority for USTR and USDA, and USMEF is pushing strongly in that area.

“Outside of China, demand continues to be pretty resilient. Korea had a very good month in the month of July. We saw growth in excess of 10% there. While down slightly, Japan had a fairly good month as well,” he says.

From January through July, beef exports were 8% below last year in volume (691,800 mt) and down 7.5% in value ($5.67 billion).

Tyson Names New COO as Supply Chain Chief Departs Over Conduct Violation

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:28:26 GMT

Tyson Foods, Inc., announced the appointment of Devin Cole as chief operating officer (COO) overseeing the company’s business segments, including poultry, beef, pork, prepared foods and international.

Devin Cole

(Beth Hall/Tyson Foods)

“We have strong momentum as we head into our new fiscal year, and we remain committed to executing our long-term strategy and operating the company guided by our culture and Core Values. I am confident that under Devin’s leadership our business will continue to thrive,” Donnie King, Tyson Foods president and chief executive officer, said in a release. Cole will report to King.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Cole’s appointment reflects Tyson Foods’ commitment to robust succession planning and operational excellence, the company said. Most recently, Cole served as group president of poultry and international, where he delivered the company’s third consecutive quarter of volume growth in poultry and improved profitability to Tyson’s international business by driving efficiencies and cost controls.

Stewart Departs Tyson Effective Immediately
Meanwhile, chief supply chain officer Brady Stewart has left the company after violating internal rules. This marks the second senior executive departure for improper behavior in just over a year.

According to the company, certain actions taken by Stewart violated the Tyson Foods Code of Conduct.

The Supply Chain, Food Safety, Health and Safety, Environmental and Transportation functions will now report directly to King.

The company said it will share further leadership and organizational updates prior to Sept. 28 – the start of its 2026 fiscal year – consistent with its established succession planning and governance processes.

Emphasizing Nutrition in Medical Education is Welcome and Overdue, Meat Institute Says

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:54:30 GMT

The Meat Institute applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement urging leading medical education organizations to provide more comprehensive nutrition education and training.

“Americans trust their doctors for advice, including advice on nutrition,” Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said in a release. “This initiative should make nutrition and medical advice synonymous for the well-being of the patient and the consumer.”

Potts believes this initiative can help counter confusing and misleading information about nutrition, including the vital role of meat and poultry in health dietary patterns.

“Meat and poultry products provide consumers with a convenient, direct and balanced dietary source of all essential amino acids,” the Meat Institute said earlier this year. “Per serving, meat, poultry and fish provide more protein than dairy, eggs, legumes, cereals, vegetables or nuts. Protein is critical for developing, maintaining and repairing strong muscles; is vital for growth and brain development in children; and is essential to prevent muscle loss during aging.”

In February, Meat Institute President Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Susan Backus said a modified Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern risks the potential for unintended consequences for nutrient and energy intakes.

“Americans need to improve their eating patterns to promote health,” Backus pointed out. “Considering dietary choices based on taste and cultural preferences, health and economic status, and food availability will be key to improving the dietary habits of Americans. A recommendation to reduce, limit or avoid nutrient dense products like meat and poultry will have significant unintended nutritional consequences across all life stages.”

Potts said improving nutrition education for medical professionals is “welcome, commonsense and overdue.”

How Much Meat Will the U.S. Eat in 2025 and 2026?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:48:45 GMT

Domestic availability of red meat, poultry and eggs is projected to increase in 2025, driven by gains in chicken and pork availability, and is expected to rise further in 2026, reports the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS). This increase stems from USDA’s forecast of per capita supply available for use on the domestic market.

How are these numbers determined? ERS says availability, also known as disappearance, serves as a proxy for consumption and includes fresh and processed meat and eggs sold through grocery stores and used in restaurants.

“The latest USDA data indicate 226 lb. of red meat and poultry and about 22 dozen eggs are available per U.S. consumer in 2025. By 2026, per capita availability is forecast to increase to 227 lb. for red meat and poultry and to 23 dozen eggs,” ERS reports.

Data for 2025 and 2026 are forecasts. Per capita meat availability serves as a proxy for consumption and does not reflect indirect uses, such as pet food or food waste.

(Data: USDA)

Chicken Projected to Be Most Consumed Animal Product
For chicken, per capita availability of broiler meat has been growing for many years and is projected to reach 102.7 lb. in 2025 and 102.8 lb. in 2026, ERS says. This will make it the most consumed animal product in the U.S.

However, availability of turkey has been falling in recent years and is projected to reach a low of 13.0 lb.per person in 2025 but increase to 13.6 lb. in 2026.

Per capita table egg availability for 2025 is projected at 21.5 dozen and is projected to increase to 22.9 dozen per person in 2026.

Pork and Beef Projections
ERS reports that pork availability per capita is projected at 49.7 lb. in 2025 and 50.9 lb. in 2026, up from 49.9 lb. in 2024.

Meanwhile, per capita beef availability for 2025 is projected to be slightly lower than 2024 at 58.5 lb., but is projected to decrease further to 56.9 lb. per person in 2026.

BEEF

DOJ Plans to Settle Agri Stats Case, White House Official Says

MEAT-PACKING INDUSTRY PROBE

U.S. Pork Exports Rise in 2026 as Beef Trends Lower in February

Pork is above pace

Pork exports build momentum in Latin America and Japan

Latin America continues to perform.

Japan experiences renewed momentum.

It’s time to demonstrate U.S. pork’s advantages in Japan

U.S. beef variety meats shine bright

The Next Guatemala? USMEF Sees Massive Upside for U.S. Beef and Pork in Ecuador

Florida Successfully Defends Lab-Grown Meat Ban in Court

98% of U.S. Households Are Buying Meat: New Report Shows Record Sales

Which Generations Are Driving Meat Sales Growth?

How is AI Changing How Consumers Buy Meat?

Is Meat Still Considered Part of a Healthy Diet?

A Trade Win for Beef and Pork: U.S. and Taiwan Sign Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Pork Exports Hold Strong While China Lockout Drags Down Beef Volume

Broad-Based Strength Continues for U.S. Pork Exports

Key U.S. Pork Export Highlights in November

Beef Exports Take a Step Back in November

Notable U.S. Beef Export Takeaways in November

October Pork Exports Largest Since March; Encouraging Rebound for Beef

Record-large shipments to Mexico fuel strong October pork exports

Bright spots for October beef exports include Japan, Taiwan, Caribbean, Colombia

October lamb exports trend lower

New Dietary Guidelines Move Food Pyramid Closer to the Farm

Eat More Protein

Dairy’s Seat at the Table

Eat More Meat and Poultry

Three Servings of Veggies and Two Servings of Fruit

Rollins Teases Plan to Expand Real Food Retail Accessibility

Grains and Oilseed Industry Focuses on Positives

Total Meat Supplies End Year on High Note

Poultry Production

How Much is the Meat and Poultry Industry Worth to the U.S. Economy?

A State by State Breakdown

Pork Exports Remain Strong in August; Beef Decline Continues

Mexico and Central America continue to shine for U.S. pork

Some bright spots for beef, but impasse with China weighs heavily on exports

It's Time to Tackle Technical Market Access Barriers to Trade

Jay Theiler Elected Chairman of the U.S. Meat Export Federation

Optimism Reigns Despite Volatility in U.S. Red Meat Industry

Cantinas Campaign Adds a Little Spice to Mexico Meat Promotions

Smithfield Foods' Quarterly Sales, Profit Rise on Steady Demand for Meat

TOTAL SALES UP 12.4%

OPERATING PROFIT DOWN 5.7%

Historic Trade Deals with Southeast Asia Open New Markets for U.S. Pork, Beef

Brazil Sets Monthly Records for Pork and Beef Exports in September

Merits of H-2B Visa Program for the Meatpacking Industry in Question

JBS Sees European Acquisition Opportunities

Late-Night Bacon Runs: Why South Korea is a Country to Watch

Stock Show Kids Share What They Learned This Summer

What do you think is the most important lesson that you’ve learned at the State Fair this year?

What do you wish people knew about showing livestock?

A Mixed Bag for Red Meat Exports: Strong July for Pork, Challenges for Beef

A Major Thorn in the Side for U.S. Beef

Tyson Names New COO as Supply Chain Chief Departs Over Conduct Violation

Emphasizing Nutrition in Medical Education is Welcome and Overdue, Meat Institute Says

How Much Meat Will the U.S. Eat in 2025 and 2026?