Latest News From Meat

Pork and beef exports of $18.1 billion in 2023 had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by The Juday Group and released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

The story of American corn and soybean production is a key tool in marketing U.S. red meat overseas. U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Randy Spronk explained why at the Commodity Classic last week.

U.S. red meat made a statement at the Supermarket Trade Show in Japan. USMEF showcased U.S. pork and beef products for key buyers from Japan’s retail sector during one of the country's biggest food events of the year.

A new act aims to boost transparency and clarify labeling requirements for plant-protein and cell-cultured protein products so consumers know what they are buying. Here's what you need to know.

Winter storms across the country have resulted in significant pork and beef supply disruptions in terms of livestock moving to processing plants as well as beef and pork moving to population centers. 

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service announces more than $203 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets via the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program. 

Both dynamic and resilient, the animal protein sector is likely heading into another challenging year. However, it’s important to identify potential opportunities that could help your operation survive or even thrive.

A new television commercial is out to educate the public about the technology behind lab-grown meat, which was recently approved for sale in the U.S. is the latest in a six-figure effort to address consumer concerns.

With support from the USDA, the National Pork Board and the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has embarked on a mission to enhance the merchandising of U.S. red meat in Colombia.

U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October. Beef exports remained well below last year’s large totals but improved from September.

In a positive development for the U.S. meat industry, China recently granted approval for 18 U.S. beef establishments and 12 U.S. pork establishments to export to China, the U.S. Meat Export Federation reports.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) successfully concluded its Strategic Planning Conference with the election of a new dynamic officer team, including Randy Spronk, Steve Hanson, Jay Theiler and David Bruntz.

The USDA recently announced it will make funds available through the Commodity Credit Corporation, aiming to expand opportunities for U.S. ag products in international markets, USMEF reports.

The World Meat Congress recently convened in Maastricht, Netherlands, for the first time in five years, with a host of thought leaders and organizations focused on the global meat consumer in attendence.

According to results of a recent survey funded by the United Soybean Board, the old saying, “You are what you eat,” is not only about consumers. It's about what animals eat, too.

Highlighting convenient, high-quality meats that require little preparation, the U.S. Meat Export Federation recently hosted a trade seminar in Shanghai, China, showcasing U.S. meat options to fit these needs.

Consumer trends change, and your livestock operation can benefit from understanding how the meat case choices connect back to your operation. 

USDA is making more funding available for meat and poultry processors to expand operations, transform the food supply chain and create new and better markets for producers.

OSU with Osage Nation recently concluded its inaugural Meat Mastery Program, a hands-on experience aimed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge on multi-species meat harvesting and value-added processing.

Meat processing plants in the U.S. have garnered considerable public attention recently. A new study looks to identify characteristics associated with plant survival and provide crucial information for legislators.

While a backlog of ships may not be grabbing headlines compared to 2020, the labor uncertainty is impacting U.S. red meat exports, says Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO.

Meat demand peaked last year, but economists say domestic demand is still stronger than pre-pandemic levels, and with more grilling this Memorial Day weekend, it could help boost domestic meat demand.

A majority of Americans regularly eat meat and believe that it's a healthy choice, according to a recent poll that has some critics up in arms.

The Butcher Shop Program is helping Colombian butcher shops improve sales of U.S. red meat is expanding into the foodservice sector to work directly with Colombian restaurants.

USMEF Spring Conference guest speaker Kenneth Smith Ramos, a former chief NAFTA negotiator for Mexico, says ag trade has thrived under NAFTA and its successor pact, USMCA, bolstering food security across the continent.

The rise in dollar stores across rural America is no secret, but how are consumers using them to fulfill their food needs?

When it comes to meat, what is your state most hungry for? Data shows meat eaters across the nation are looking for variety and tend to have a geographic component to recent consumer preferences.

JBS USA's Chief Executive Officer Tim Schellpeper is retiring from his role effective May 1. Wesley Batista Filho will assume the role of CEO of JBS USA.

With the youngest demographic in the world, the U.S. Meat Export Federation sees Africa as a promising destination for U.S. red meat exports, but not without a number of supply chain challenges.

While everyone looks forward to the main course, there’s an entire industry focused on the “leftovers.” On April 21, celebrate the "invisible industry" through National Rendering Day!

In an essential area for U.S. red meat exports, USMEF announces a leadership change in the Asia-Pacific region, as Joel Haggard transitions into a consultant role and Jihae Yang, former Korea director, steps in.

U.S. pork and beef exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 15% per bushel to the value of corn and 13% per bushel to soybeans in 2022, study results find, released by USMEF.

A semi-trailer carrying $275,000 worth of beef from the JBS USA processing plant in Grand Island, Neb. did not make it to its destination, with the company reporting the incident of theft to the police earlier this week.

U.S. Meat Export Federation leaders share the importance of supporting fellow producers and other key partners and release impact numbers of red meat exports on corn and soybean values in the U.S.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) announced the speaker lineup and registration details for its 2023 Spring Conference, which is set for May 24-26 in Minneapolis. 

U.S. pork exports finished 2022 strong and continued momentum into January, while U.S. beef exports slow in 2023, with shipments well below the large totals from a year ago, according to USDA data compiled by USMEF.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a $25-million Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program grant award to Wholestone Farms for a major plant expansion in Fremont, Neb.

Americans are buying more fresh meat than before the COVID-19 pandemic and are seeking value in terms of price, convenience and better-for attributes in meat purchases.

A team of 15 U.S. industry leaders participated in a local food show, visited a processing facility and saw the broad range of food retail offered in Monterrey, says Gerardo Rodriquez of USMEF.

Market participants seem to be more focused on the day-to-day trading in the spot meat/livestock markets, and the short-term impact from weather events, Steiner Consulting says.

After seeing a controversial Facebook post with two photos of ground beef that differed in appearance for many reasons, Dr. Chad Carr speaks up about why it's great to have your own opinion, but not your own facts.

An Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, owned by The Kraft Heinz Company, recently fell victim to thieves in Las Vegas who stole the iconic, 27-foot-long hot dog on wheels’ catalytic converter—then PETA steps in.

Marking 2022 as the busiest fiscal year ever, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted a total of 1.2 million lbs. of prohibited products at America’s largest seaport complex.

Conagra Brands, Inc., of Fort Madison, Iowa, is recalling approximately 2.6 million pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect that may cause products to become contaminated.

Two-thirds of consumers say transparency in animal protein is extremely or very important, says Merck Animal Health, as part of the company’s results in its first consumer transparency research study.

Learn more about USDA's Value Added Producer Grant during a free webinar hosted by ChopLocal and Stewards Unlimited. Learn more about grant requirements and discover tips on writing applications.

The Biden administration is awarding an additional $9.6 million in grants and loans to expand meat processing across the country, it announced on Thursday as the government tries to diversify the industry.

U.S. pork and beef export markets may have unique opportunties in 2023, capitalizing on the competetive opportunity for U.S. pork exports in key markets and diversifying the portfolio of U.S. beef products.

Families facing hunger receive 200,000 meals through Feeding America, as part of a donation by the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), the Protein PACT and its sponsors.

With trade opportunities and negotiations soon to begin, two key trade representative positions sit empty awaiting Senate approval for the nominations.