Meat

From Defense to Offense: A New Rulebook for Livestock Emissions

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:40:31 GMT

For years, livestock producers have been characterized by global emission averages that often fail to account for the efficiencies of modern U.S. production. A new report released by The Meat Institute entitled, “Greenhouse Gas Accounting: Emissions Factors Brief,” provides the “rulebook” for producers to prove their actual footprint rather than being defined by generic estimates.

The report offers a closer and comprehensive look at how companies across the animal agriculture supply chain are measuring and reporting upstream greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a core component of the industry’s commitment to the Protein PACT, aiming for transparent and continuous improvement in sustainability.

“This report is intended as a practical resource for companies throughout the meat and poultry supply chain to better understand how emissions data are developed, to ask clearer questions of data providers, and to build strategies that reflect their operational realities,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “The report also outlines current knowledge gaps and points to where practical guidance and coordination could help improve alignment throughout the supply chain.”

The brief focuses on the Scope 3 emission factors (indirect emissions occurring in the supply chain) used for beef, pork and poultry, and highlights areas where approaches differ across data sources, system boundaries and calculation methods.

Key Takeaways

• Standardization of Metrics

Using uniform emission factors across the sector is needed in animal agriculture. This ensures that sustainability data is consistent, comparable and credible for stakeholders and consumers. Reported emission factor values span a wide range across proteins, often due to differences in functional units, geographic assumptions, and whether impacts such as land use change are included or reported separately.

• Transition to Primary Data

The Meat Institute encourages moving away from generic global averages in favor of high-quality, peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data that reflects specific regional and production practices.

• Alignment with Global Standards

Global statistics often penalize U.S. producers by grouping them with less efficient international systems. The industry is asking for more clarity and consistency—so reporting is easier to understand and supports better decisionmaking. The guidelines are designed to help member companies align their reporting with international frameworks, including the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This allows producers to use specific data to showcase how high-quality genetics, nutrition and management result in lower emissions per pound of meat produced.

• Closing the Data Gap

By providing clear methodology, The Meat Institute aims to help companies of all sizes overcome technical barriers to reporting, facilitating an industry-wide move toward “net zero” targets.

The Meat Institute is creating a new resource hub to help the industry—and everyone in its supply chains—tackle greenhouse gas reporting in a clearer, more practical way. This will allow the industry to move away from reacting to external criticism to setting the benchmark for what sustainable protein production looks like using peer-reviewed science.

Read the full report here: https://www.meatinstitute.org/sites/default/files/documents/Meat_Institute_Emissions_Factors_Brief.pdf

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

Global Protein Demand Surges 2% Annually as Producers Navigate Volatile Markets

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:27:59 GMT

While global protein demand is growing at roughly 2% annually, livestock producers must navigate a complex landscape of regional shifts, disease risks and policy battles that will define the next decade of production.

“The Global Protein Outlook: Demand, Trade and the Supply Picture” panel discussion during this year’s Top Producer Summit brought together experts from the beef, dairy and pork industries to explore demand, trade dynamics and risks facing the livestock industry today.

Beef, dairy and pork experts explain how foreign animal disease and climate extremes threaten herds and what risk-management strategies producers can use to stay profitable.

(Farm Journal)

On the panel were:

Kenny Burdine, University of Kentucky agricultural economist
Stephen Cain, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)
Renee Strickland, Strickland Ranch & Exports, Inc.
Scott Hays, Missouri Pork Association

Five key takeaways from the discussion include:

1. Global protein demand is structurally strong, driven by population growth, rising incomes and a broad cultural focus on protein.

“Globally, we are seeing an increase in protein demand broadly across the board,” Cain summarizes.

He describes a few demand patterns:

Regions like sub-Saharan Africa and India: demand mainly from more mouths to feed, not big per-capita jumps.
Regions like Southeast Asia and China: both population and per-capita protein consumption have risen sharply.
Developed regions like the U.S. and Europe are in a fortified-protein trend: “We are cramming protein into everything,” Cain describes. “We have protein water on the market now … it’s across the world.”

Plant-based and alternative proteins seem to be a niche.

Burdine explains: “They’ve not taken any market share. It’s still kind of staying in that niche and not impacting the major protein categories.”

Cain adds the dairy alternatives are seeing category declines, with more consumers realizing milk is a whole food compared to the ingredient in an almond beverage.

2. Supply and trade are shifting toward more regionalized production and stronger competitors, but U.S. strengths in productivity and quality remain critical.

On the supply side, Cain explains rising demand does not always translate into equally increasing exports.

“We’ve seen that slow down,” he says. “More of that protein demand is being filled by domestic production, more regionalized players.”

He links this to some pushback against globalism and more inward-looking, domestic strategies. The U.S. remains a key exporter but faces growing regional competition.

Burdine adds while the U.S. has the smallest cow herd since 1961 , productivity gains mean more output per animal. He points out Brazil passed the U.S. as the largest beef producer.

“It’s not that there’s not competition out there, but we absolutely [have] a great advantage here in the states,” he says.

From pork’s perspective, Hays says the U.S. pork supply should stay steady into 2026, while global pork supply is shrinking. He predicts China may decrease 1.4 million sows, Spain is cutting numbers due to African Swine Fever, yet Brazil is continuing to grow its numbers.

3. Risk and resilience — disease, climate extremes and feed quality — are central concerns, making biosecurity, preparedness and careful storage essential.

Hays highlights herd health is the biggest concern for all livestock producers.

“What keeps every producer up is herd health,” he stresses.

He points out to these concerns today:

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): PRRS causes “very, very significant losses” and takes a multiyear recovery
Foreign animal diseases – African Swine Fever, foot-and-mouth disease and New World screwworm .

“Foot and mouth should scare everybody at this conference,” he stresses. “We would lose all of those exports on all of those products, from dairy to beef to pork.”

From the cattle perspective, Strickland adds climate extremes are a concern for ranchers today.

“I also fear the climate change extremes that we’re all experiencing,” she says. “Extreme drought, extreme rains… that’s really challenging for me as a producer.”

More information about disease challenges facing the livestock producers today:

PRRS ‘Still Sucks’: New Strain Plagues Pork Producers in Ohio

Strategies to Help Raise PRRS-Positive Pigs

Is a World Without PRRS Possible? Two Veterinarians Say ‘Yes’

Help Protect the U.S. from African Swine Fever

African Swine Fever: What it means for America if it were to get into the country

What Do Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Europe Mean for the U.S.?

The Smell You’ll Never Forget: A Calf Infested with New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm: An Infestation, Not Infection

4. Consumer behavior shows both opportunity and caution: strong protein demand despite high prices, but some trade-down, weaker foodservice and ongoing debates over “ultra-processed” foods.

Burdine compares today’s protein enthusiasm to past diet waves like Atkins and South Beach, but emphasizes: “Consumer trends are always challenging, but it’s the most encouraging in my career.”

Two features about the demand craze he points out are:

How widespread it is across species and products, including eggs.
Price behavior — despite very high retail prices, demand remains strong.

Burdines explains this suggests a deeper, more durable shift for increased protein demand, not just a short-lived fad.

Cain adds in the protein world trade-down due to inflation and increasing costs is real, especially in foodservice.

He notes lower-income consumers pull back on fast food and quick service, which hurts cheese and dairy demand. Cheese consumption, which usually increases about 2% per year, fell 2% last year, which he says is largely due to weaker foodservice traffic.

Burdine adds that trade-down happens across and within species.

Hays emphasizes the new dietary guidelines are a big win for protein and specifically animal protein.

“We’re excited,” he says. “Pork is at the top on the left-hand side, but it’s more about shifting the conversation. We’re moving away from ‘animal fat makes you fat.’ Meat provides hard-to-replace vitamins and minerals, including in the fat portion.”

He did share concern about how ultra-processed concepts are being used.

“We’ve taken this word ‘ultra-processed’, and now it’s a household word. It is the single unit of measure [for] whether or not we should or should not eat something,” Hays says. “And we don’t even know what the definition of it is.”

He explains if ultra-processed is the only metric, a sausage patty and a honey bun look identical, which is misleading for real nutrition decisions.

Cain adds allowing whole milk in schools is a big win, but schools are facing a higher cost than skim and calorie caps that make menu-balancing harder.

5. Strategic actions for producers: robust risk management, efficiency and quality focus, diversification and a commitment to mentoring the next generation.

Cain encourages producers to use risk management and pricing strategies to help make them viable at today’s prices.

“If you’re not economically viable today, you’re not going to be economically viable tomorrow,” he says.

Burdine adds to think about risk management broadly considering price tools and protection from acts of God. This includes biosecurity strategies and insurance.

“Focus on efficiency and quality to stay competitive in good and bad markets,” he stresses.

Hays asks grain producers to protect feed quality. Poorly stored corn or DDGs (dry distillers grains) can create toxin issues that hurt animal performance and reduce demand.

“Your consumer really needs it to be high quality,” he stresses. “And we’ll buy more of it.”

Strickland encourages producers to diversify their income and not put all their eggs in one basket. Her business includes a ranch, export company and a non-ag title search company.

“When one of them is not doing so well, something else bails me out,” she summarizes. “If you’re in a position that you can diversify just a little bit, it can get you through the hard times.”

The final message was a question: Who are you mentoring and investing in? All producers need to consider how they are going to pass information on to the next generation and help them be successful and thrive.

Your Next Reads:
U.S. Cattle Inventory Hits 75-Year Low at 86.2 Million Head
What Do Consumers Buy in the Meat Aisle When Money is Tight?
New Dietary Guidelines Move Food Pyramid Closer to the Farm

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.

FSIS Releases Updated Guidelines for Verification of U.S.-Origin Label Claims

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:40:11 GMT

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a directive for inspection program personnel (IPP) Dec. 10 that provides instructions for label verification of voluntary U.S.-origin claims.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, establishments that use a U.S.-origin claim on FSIS-regulated products will need to maintain and provide the agency access to documentation that demonstrates how the product meets the regulatory criteria for use of the claim.

FSIS published the final rule, “Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products with U.S.-Origin Claims,” in March 2024, amending the regulations to define the conditions under which the labeling of meat and poultry products may bear voluntary label claims indicating that the product is of U.S. origin.

The final rule also clarified requirements for voluntary state-origin claims. FSIS said it will initially focus verification efforts on “Product of USA” and “Made in the USA” claims beginning in January. FSIS may issue further instructions for state-origin claims in a future revision of the directive.

In addition to the directive, FSIS provided an updated guideline for label approval designed to prevent the introduction of adulterated or misbranded products into commerce. Labeling and Program Delivery Staff (LPDS) will implement a prior label approval system for labels intended to be used on federally inspected meat, poultry and egg products, including imported products. Without approved labels, meat, poultry and egg products may not be sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in commerce.

Changes from the Previous Version

This guideline, dated December 2025, replaces the previous version dated March 2024. FSIS says it will update this guideline as necessary when new information becomes available.

This version incorporates the following changes:

Adds clarification to the section “Geographic Claims on Labels.”
Adds information and examples to the section “‘Product of USA,’ ‘Made in the USA’ and Other Voluntary U.S.-Origin Claims” that provides clarification on the requirements for the voluntary U.S.-origin label claims, “Product of USA” and “Made in the USA.”
Adds information and examples to the section “Factual Claims Other than ‘Product of USA’ and ‘Made in the USA.’”
Adds an example to the section “Required Documentation to Support U.S.-Origin Claims.”
Updates Appendix 9 to provide clarification about the impact of the final rule “Voluntary Labeling of FSIS-Regulated Products with U.S.-Origin Claims” on different types of state endorsement program logos.

The guidelines also confirmed that the meaning of “raised” is from birth to slaughter, and the term “harvested” may be used to mean slaughtered. In addition, FSIS says the U.S. origin requirements do not apply to sub-ingredients.

Upcoming Webinars on the Voluntary “Product of USA” Labeling Claim

To assist industry and state partners in understanding the new requirements, FSIS plans to host two informational webinars: one for industry stakeholders and the other for state government officials.

Visit the Voluntary “Product of USA” Labeling Claim Webinars 2025 event page on the FSIS website for event details. FSIS encourages all interested establishments, state inspection program officials, and trade associations to attend the appropriate session.

Industry stakeholder webinar: Dec. 15, 1-2 p.m. ET
State government official webinar: Dec. 16, 1-2 p.m. ET

The webinars will cover updated guidance and offer an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions. An updated guidance document will be available in the Federal Register and additional background information on the webinars will be posted to the FSIS events page next week. These materials will provide additional clarity on eligibility, documentation and compliance expectations for establishments choosing to use the revised claim.

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.

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.

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.

MAHA Strategy Elevates Role of Meat in Science-Based Nutrition

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:53:22 GMT

The Department of Health and Human Services released its strategy to address children’s health from its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission on Tuesday.

This is the second installment of the MAHA report – a highly anticipated follow-up to the report released by the Commission in May. Many farm organizations had said the original document was filled with “fear-based rather than science-based information.”

The latest report offers more than 120 initiatives that will serve as a road map to help address and resolve what Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described as “America’s escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood chronic diseases.”

Meat is Essential
Meat Institute president and CEO Julie Anna Potts says it’s a good first step toward recognizing the nutritional value of meat and poultry after years of misguided policies attacking meat consumption.

“Science proves what American parents have known all along — nutrient-dense meat and poultry products are essential to a balanced diet,” Potts says. “For years, previous administrations have tried to discourage consumption of meat, primarily for reasons unrelated to nutrition, and as a result our most vulnerable populations – children, adolescent girls, nursing mothers and seniors – no longer consume enough protein and critical nutrients like iron and zinc.”

Chaired by Kennedy Jr., the Commission is tasked with investigating and addressing the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood chronic diseases. The strategy targets actions to advance gold-standard science, realign incentives, increase public awareness, and strengthen private-sector collaboration.

“The bold leadership of Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins will finally give Americans not only permission, but the encouragement to eat meat because it is a good, accessible source of nutrition for their families,” Potts says.

Animal Protein Industry Responds
The Meat Institute, which includes meat packer and processor members of all sizes, large and small, were especially pleased to see the strategy seeks to support adoption of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety protocols.

“It is great to see the coordination between Health and Human Services and the USDA on food safety,” Potts says. “The support for HACCP in the strategy is in addition to the significant food safety investment made by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in July. We are so glad the Trump Administration continues to encourage greater adoption of this successful science-based program to enable the industry to better protect consumers.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president and cattle producer Buck Wehrbein says American beef is the perfect fit for the MAHA Commission’s goals.

“Our farmers and ranchers raise the best beef in the world, providing a healthy, fresh protein option to millions of families every day,” Wehrbein says. “We responsibly steward millions of acres of land, water and wildlife habitat, including some of America’s most cherished landscapes and species. We pump lifeblood into the local economies of tens of thousands of communities across the rural American heartland.”

NCBA adds that years of peer-reviewed research, including clinical trials, have proven that beef plays a key role in a healthy, balanced diet for Americans of all ages. A single 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides half of Americans’ daily protein needs with 10 essential nutrients, in fewer than 170 calories.

“To receive the same amount of protein from most plant sources, you would have to eat at least twice as many calories,” NCBA explains. “The nutrients in beef, including protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, are critical for strengthening muscle, fueling a healthy metabolism, supporting cognitive development, and ensuring healthy living.”

While a balanced diet is essential, numerous studies have shown the quality of protein from animal-based sources far exceeds that found in plant-based foods, Ashley Johnson, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) director of food policy, explained in July . Lean pork is a heart-healthy protein choice that is versatile, flavorful, affordable, and is protein-packed with essential nutrients.

“Science demonstrates that animal protein provides a complete amino acid profile, including readily absorbable forms of iron and B12, key nutrients that plant-based alternatives lack,” Johnson wrote. “Removing animal proteins from our diet would result in a nutritional gap that plant-based foods cannot fill.”

More Work to Do
NPPC president Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, agrees this report shows signs of progress from the initial “Make America Healthy Again” report released in May.

“While agriculture’s voice was widely unheard in the initial MAHA report, we thank the administration for listening to our concerns before releasing the ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again’ strategy. We all want to help our children be healthy, yet there is still more work and understanding for this goal to best be accomplished,” Stateler says.

The strategy incorporates a range of initiatives that risk stigmatizing modern farming while deviating from President Trump’s directives related to food security, safety and affordability, NPPC explains in a release. The regulatory expansion outlined in the report could lead to increased litigation against American businesses, including food and agriculture.

“America’s pork producers need the administration’s continued partnership and receptiveness to agriculture and food industry education,” Stateler says.

NPPC’s recommendations to the MAHA Commission leading up to the strategy’s release included:

A fair and workable definition for “ultra-processed food”
Protection of the use of food additives that enhance food safety, shelf life, and nutritional availability
Exclusion of animal feed from reforms to the “generally recognized as safe” standard, to protect animal health
Adoption of a risk-based approach – versus hazard-based – for determining the safety of technologies used in food production

When the initial MAHA Commission report was released in May, NPPC warned against the dangerous language used to describe the work of farmers feeding our nation, and NPPC has offered to partner in transparent, risk-based research to further public health.

Consumers Confirm Protein is In: Meat Continues to Have Its Moment on the Plate

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 19:21:04 GMT

Key findings from the July Meat Demand Monitor report show an increase in consumers’ willingness to pay for meat compared to June. Both retail and food service demand demonstrated strength, with food service experiencing a particularly notable improvement.

Glynn Tonsor, Kansas State University professor of agricultural economics, describes this as “meat having a moment,” highlighting the continued popularity of protein consumption.

Tonsor shared results of the July report providing insights into the current state of meat demand across beef, pork and chicken on a recent AgriTalk with Chip Flory.

Taste Trumps Other Considerations

The conversation focused on the dynamics of meat purchasing. Tonsor says that taste and freshness are the primary drivers of consumer choices, outranking price as the most important factors. While environmental concerns, origin traceability and animal welfare claims matter to a niche market (10-20% of consumers), the majority of Americans prioritize eating experience over other considerations.

“For the typical American … taste and freshness carry the day, and importantly, those factors are more important than price,” he says. “So, price matters. No economist can tell your price doesn’t matter, but it’s actually outranked by taste and freshness.”

Taste and freshness regularly are identified in the Meat Demand Monitor as the most common factors on deciding whether or not to buy a meat protein item.

Glynn Tonsor

Price Sensitivity Varies

“We have not found new consumer resistance to price,” Tonsor says.

He emphasizes that ground beef price trends are more critical to monitor as an economic indicator compared to premium steak prices. High-end cuts like ribeye steaks are less affected by price fluctuations, primarily purchased by higher-income consumers who are less concerned about incremental price increases. In contrast, ground beef remains more sensitive to pricing, which is a key concern for many consumers and producers.

“The folks buying a ribeye steak... are much more likely to be higher income and a little bit less sensitive,” he explains.

Economic Uncertainty Hasn’t Dampened Protein Consumption

The current economic landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Despite macroeconomic challenges like inflation and limited consumer financial improvement meat demand has held up well. Consumers are still prioritizing protein purchases, particularly in retail channels.

Tonsor says only 19% of consumers reported improved financial conditions in July, with 81% indicating stable or worsening financial situations. According to Tonsor this metric is crucial because consumers who feel financially secure are more likely to purchase multiple meat protein meals and spend more on food service.

He highlights several macro-economic concerns or challenges that loom on the horizon:

Ongoing tariff uncertainties
Recent upticks in inflation
Growing unemployment concerns, particularly among younger workers

Trends in Pork

Tonsor portrays pork as a competitive protein with potential for growth, actively working to improve its market position through marketing efforts and maintaining strong consumer appeal.

“The pork industry is trying to keep up with the beef demand story that we’ve had for a few years,” Tonsor says.

The pork industry recently launched a new marketing campaign: “Taste What Pork Can Do.” He points out pork owns the breakfast market with bacon and sausage.

Protein Purchasing Outlets

Tonsor explains consumption varies by meal type. Consumers continue to rely primarily on traditional grocery stores for at-home protein purchases, with different protein types dominating various meal occasions.

For more details on channel specific consumption data, maps and state summaries, check out the Meat Demand Monitor.

Ongoing Market Monitoring is Crucial

The Meat Demand Monitor serves as a critical tool for understanding consumer behavior, providing insights for producers, retailers, and industry stakeholders. By tracking willingness to pay across different market segments, it offers a comprehensive view of protein consumption trends.

Tonsor’s analysis suggests that while caution is warranted, the meat industry continues to demonstrate robust consumer interest and potential for growth.

Meat demand shows resilience despite economic uncertainties. Tonsor notes that while he has maintained a pessimistic outlook throughout the year, the market has consistently performed well.

“It’s very clear beef demand has been good, and it’s mixed or good for the other proteins,” Tonsor summarizes. “But it’s not clear to me that there’s a challenge in any of them.”

Ag Groups Applaud Nomination of Julie Callahan as USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:02:09 GMT

President Donald Trump nominated Julie Callahan on July 17 to be the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), a move celebrated by many agricultural organizations.

The USTR chief agricultural negotiator plays a critical role, representing the interests of America’s farmers and ranchers and the U.S. government in trade talks with foreign nations, working to reduce trade barriers, opening new markets, and eliminating unfair trade practices.

“America’s pork producers congratulate and look forward to continuing to engage with U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator nominee Julie Callahan,” says National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) CEO Bryan Humphreys. “Exceptionally familiar with agriculture and science-based standards, Julie has also been actively engaged with trade negotiations in the Trump administration and is in a unique position to advocate for U.S. agriculture on the world’s stage.”

Callahan has experience working in the trenches at USTR negotiating on behalf of U.S. agriculture. She currently serves as the assistant U.S. trade representative for agricultural affairs and commodity policy.

“At this especially critical time for agricultural trade, President Trump has tapped a proven leader who is a tireless advocate for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and all of U.S. agriculture,” says Dan Halstrom, U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO.”

He highlights her knowledge, experience and dedication to this position.

“She will explore creative solutions to expand market access for meat and poultry and we also look forward to working with her in removing non-tariff barriers to trade,” says Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute. “We urge her swift confirmation in the Senate.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says Callahan understands how important international partnerships are to agriculture and the critical role of strong export markets to strengthen the U.S. farm economy.

“As someone who has come through the ranks and worked directly on trade agreements, including reducing both technical barriers and tariffs, Julie will hit the ground running,” Duvall says. “Her previous experience in the Foreign Ag Service at USDA and also at FDA provide important perspective to inform her work to help resolve challenging issues on the trade front.”

The nomination comes about a week after 42 agricultural organizations sent a letter to President Trump encouraging him to move quickly on nominating someone for the role.

“Corn grower leaders have been very vocal in recent weeks about the need to fill this important position, as the chief ag negotiator plays a critical role in prioritizing agriculture issues in ongoing trade negotiations,” says Illinois corn grower and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We are thrilled to see the president listened and chose someone of this caliber to represent the interests of America’s farmers.”

With nearly 20 years of experience working on international issues and trade at a variety of agencies, including USTR, the Food and Drug Administration and the USDA, Callahan’s experience will help American agriculture given ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations, NPPC shared.

Updated Meat Processing Guide Released by Meat Institute & Meat Foundation

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:39:26 GMT

The Meat Institute and the Meat Foundation has released an updated “Guide to Meat Processing” to increase understanding of meat production and the unique nature of the ingredients and processes used to make nutrient dense meat and poultry, according to a release.

“Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals that are support human health throughout the lifespan,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute.

The guides are meant to help the public better understand nutrition, processing definitions, labeling practices and ingredient functions. The guide defines processed meats and provides more transparency on meat and poultry’s nutritional importance and safety.

All meat is processed and falls into two categories:

Minimally Processed Meats (MPM): Raw, uncooked meat products that have not been significantly transformed compositionally and contain no added ingredients. Products may be reduced in size by fabrication, mincing, grinding, and/or a meat recovery system. Products include: steaks, chops, roasts, grinds and more.

Further Processed Meats (FPM): Products that undergo an alteration, beyond minimal processing. Products may contain approved ingredients and/or be subjected to preservation through salting, curing, drying, or fermentation; thermal processing; batter/ breading; or other processes to enhance sensory, quality, and safety attributes. Products may include ready-to-cook or not ready-to-eat and ready-to-eat products. Examples include: deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, hams, bacon, jerky and more.

The Guide also contains easy-to-read tables explaining ingredients uses and processing methods:

Table 1. Processes Applied to Meat to Create Minimally or Further Processed Meat Items.

Table 2. Common Further Processed Meat Products.

Table 3. Ingredients Commonly Used in Further Processing.

Meat and poultry products are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Any meat product with two or more ingredients must comply with strict FSIS ingredient labeling regulations. All ingredients must be included on the product label in descending order of predominance.

The Guide also references the best nutritional science available to underscore the importance of nutrient dense processed meats to the healthy dietary patterns of children and vulnerable populations like adolescent girls and the elderly.

KatieRose McCullough, Ph.D., MPH Chief Scientist of the Meat Foundation and Senior Director of Science and Public Health at the Meat Institute, authored the guide, which also addresses public health concerns regarding cancer, heart health and obesity. An earlier version of the guide was submitted for use in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans process.

USDA Charts New Course to Provide Consumers Confidence in U.S. Meat, Poultry and Egg Products

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:18:38 GMT

When it comes to food safety, USDA is charting a bold new course to provide consumers confidence that their meat, poultry and egg products meet best-in-class food safety standards, explained U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins at the opening of the USDA’s new, modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory.

On July 15, Rollins launched a comprehensive plan to bolster USDA’s efforts to combat foodborne illness. She says this plan better positions USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to protect the nation’s food supply.

“President Trump is committed to ensuring American consumers have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world,” Secretary Rollins said in a release. “I look forward to continued collaboration across the Trump administration, with states, and with food producers from farm to table, to reduce foodborne illness and protect public health.”

FSIS will continue to work in close collaboration with partners like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the safety of the entire food supply chain.

USDA’s 5-Point Plan to Bolster Food Safety
1. Enhance Microbiological Testing and Inspection Oversight
USDA is making continued enhancements to its Listeria testing method to provide quicker results to industry and to detect a broader set of Listeria species. These additional results highlight conditions where Listeria monocytogenes can thrive in facilities producing ready-to-eat (RTE) products and help industry and FSIS identify potential sanitation problems. In 2025, FSIS has tested over 23,000 samples for Listeria, a more than 200 percent increase in samples from 2024.

To support these enhanced testing efforts, FSIS opened its new, modernized Midwestern Laboratory in Normandy, Mo. During President Trump’s first term, FSIS collaborated across the Trump administration and with Congressional leaders to secure funding for a 70,000 square foot, state-of-the-art laboratory to replace the current outdated laboratory in St. Louis. This new facility will play a critical role in analyzing verification samples for foodborne pathogens and chemical residues and will also support efforts to streamline the FSIS laboratory system.

FSIS is also mobilizing its resources to perform more robust, in-person Food Safety Assessments (FSAs), prioritizing RTE meat and poultry establishments. In 2025, the agency completed 440 FSAs, a 52% increase from the same time period in 2024. These reviews proactively identify and address potential food safety concerns.  

2. Equip FSIS Inspectors with Updated Training and Tools
This year, FSIS implemented a new weekly questionnaire for frontline inspectors to collect data on specific Listeria monocytogenes-related risk factors at all RTE establishments. This new tool collects data to identify developing food safety concerns, allowing FSIS inspectors and their supervisors to take timely action to protect consumers.

FSIS is also enhancing its instructions and related training for inspectors to help them recognize and elevate problems with an establishment’s food safety system. New instructions aid inspectors in recognizing how to look beyond individual noncompliances and determine when an establishment has systemic problems that should be elevated and addressed. Since January, the agency also updated its Listeria-specific training and administered it to over 5,200 frontline inspection personnel.

3. Charge Ahead to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses
Rollins has charged FSIS to find a more effective and achievable approach to address Salmonella in poultry products. FSIS withdrew President Biden’s proposed Salmonella Framework in April in light of significant concerns raised by stakeholders about the regulatory burden and costly impacts it would have had on small poultry growers and processors. The Trump administration is pursuing a new, common-sense strategy on Salmonella to protect public health while preventing unnecessary regulatory overreach, which will begin by convening listening sessions with key stakeholders to collaborate on best approaches moving forward.

4. Strengthen State Partnerships
States are crucial partners in ensuring a safe and strong food supply and provide a vital service in bringing nutritious, affordable American food products to dinner tables across the country. In May, Rollins announced an additional $14.5 million in funding to reimburse states for their meat and poultry inspection programs and called on Congress to more sustainably fund these critical programs moving forward. This funding is needed to support more than 1,500 American businesses that rely on state inspection, including small and very small meat and poultry processors. She also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in May to improve collaboration between USDA and states moving forward.

Additionally, this year, FSIS signed updated, comprehensive cooperative agreements with all 29 states that operate state meat and poultry programs. These agreements clarify expectations for oversight and enforcement of food safety laws, provide comprehensive training for inspectors, and ensure regular coordination with FSIS. As part of its enhanced oversight of Talmadge-Aiken (TA) state cooperative programs, FSIS has completed in-person reviews at 77% (320 of 414) of TA establishments in the first six months of 2025.

5. Empower FSIS Inspectors to Take Action to Drive Compliance
FSIS is exercising its enforcement authorities and issuing notices of intended enforcement or suspending operations at establishments to address recurring noncompliance and ensure safe food production. The agency has taken 103 enforcement actions in 2025 to protect consumers, an increase of 36% over the same period in 2024. Additionally, FSIS has instructed its field supervisors to conduct in-person, follow-up visits when systemic issues are identified during a Food Safety Assessment. Follow-up visits by FSIS field supervisors bolster oversight to ensure an establishment fully addresses issues identified during a Food Safety Assessment and could inform enforcement action by FSIS.

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) CEO Ted McKinney praised USDA’s commitment to better equip USDA Food Safety Inspection Service inspectors and strengthen state partnerships.

“NASDA commends Secretary Rollins for including states as key partners in USDA’s Plan to Bolster Food Safety,” McKinney said in a release. “State meat and poultry inspection programs have been and continue to be essential to protecting consumers and supporting small and mid-sized producers and processors. This collaboration strengthens our food system and delivers clear benefits to farmers, processors and consumers nationwide.”

Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said the Meat Institute appreciates Secretary Rollins’ bold investment and prioritization of tools to combat foodborne illness.

“At the same time, our members are leading an effort to ensure food safety remains a critical focus of the top executives of each company,” Potts said in a release. “The goal is to prioritize food safety in all operations from the C-suite to the consumer. We appreciate USDA’s partnership in reducing foodborne illness and we are eager to work with USDA on this shared priority.”

U.S. Immigration Officials Raid Meat Production Plant in Omaha, Dozens Detained

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:07:01 GMT

An immigration raid on Tuesday at a meat production plant in Omaha, Nebraska was the “largest worksite enforcement operation” in the state during the Trump presidency, the Homeland Security Department said.

U.S. Congressman Don Bacon told local media 75-80 people were detained.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid happened at a plant of Glenn Valley Foods. The food packaging company said it was surprised by the raid and had followed the rules regarding immigration status.

Chad Hartmann, president of Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha, said the plant that was raided used E-Verify, a federal database used for checking employees’ immigration status. He told Reuters that when he said this to a federal agent, the agent responded “the system is broken” and urged him to contact his local congressional representative.

ICE officers have been intensifying efforts in recent weeks to deliver on U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise of record-level deportations. The White House has demanded the agency sharply increase arrests of migrants in the U.S. illegally, sources have told Reuters.

Tensions boiled over in Los Angeles over the weekend when protesters took to the streets after ICE arrested migrants at Home Depot stores, a garment factory and a warehouse, according to migrant advocates.

Local police in Omaha said they were informed by immigration officials about the raid in advance while the company said it got no notice about the operation ahead of time.

Hartmann said federal agents had a warrant that said they had identified 107 people who they believed were using fraudulent documents.

“This was the largest worksite enforcement operation in Nebraska under the Trump Administration,” the Homeland Security Department said on X, adding no law enforcement official was hurt.

While carrying out an enforcement operation in Omaha, Nebraska an illegal alien from Honduras threated federal officers and agents with a box cutter.

These are the type of threats and assaults our brave law enforcement face every day as they put their lives on the line to… https://t.co/K6427agqlS
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 11, 2025

ICE said a criminal investigation was ongoing into what immigration officials called a large-scale employment of immigrants who are present in the U.S. illegally.

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and federal law enforcement partners, executed a federal search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods, today, based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States,” an ICE spokesperson told an ABC News affiliate.

More than half of all meatpacking workers in the U.S. are immigrants, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a think tank.

Rights advocates, including the ACLU of Nebraska, condemned the raid.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington and Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Editing by Michael Perry)

Johnsonville Closes Illinois Facility: Momence Packing

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:45:44 GMT

The Momence Packing Company was shuttered as of Monday, a spokesperson for Johnsonville, the Wisconsin-based sausage manufacturer, has confirmed.

The Momence facility was built in 1962 and began producing Johnsonville products in 1995. According to Johnsonville, the closing impacts 274 employees, who were notified Monday and will receive continued pay and benefits for 60 days. The company added it would work through additional terms of a separation package over the next couple of weeks.

“We made the difficult decision after evaluating how best to optimize our operations network to address current and future growth,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “The work from this facility will transition to three other production facilities in Wisconsin and Kansas.”

Johnsonville expects to create about 100 new jobs by the end of the third quarter between its Sheboygan Falls, Wis. (20 to 25 new jobs) and Watertown, Wis. (70 to 75 new jobs) facilities.

Johnsonville will transfer equipment and other assets from the Momence facility to different locations. The company plans to demolish the building by the end of 2025.

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Creating Alternative Export Markets During Trade Turmoil

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:20:01 GMT

Being nimble and adjusting to the unknowns in the global marketplace remains on the minds of staff of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, says Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO.

“When you see something like China happen, where we’re pivoting on the demand side, this is what our membership expects of us,” he says. “They’re all well aware of the of the problems. You know, 150% tariff on beef into China is a big problem, but we try to come with solutions, or at least partial solutions, to help them out on the demand side, and that’s our role.”

With offices all over the world and 105 employees in 20 regions, the organization’s ability to adjust and pivot was highlighted during the spring conference, May 21-23 in Fort Worth.

“USMEF’s focus is on bringing solutions to the table,” Halstrom says.

During the event several speakers shared about the new markets being targeted to continue to move U.S. red meat.

Southeast Asia
Jihae Yang, USMEF vice president for the Asia Pacific, notes the organization has been aiming at alternative markets due to high tariffs and other barriers limiting pork and beef exports to China.

For example, USMEF partnered with a major retailer in South Korea for a promotion of U.S. beef short plate, after uncertainty over plant eligibility and higher tariffs made the product more difficult to move in China. She said if the trade impasse continues, she sees more U.S. short plate being available to importers in Southeast Asia.

Another avenue for U.S. red meat is working with a Korean meal kit manufacturer and a Japanese distributor to develop and promote items featuring U.S. pork bung. U.S. pork tongue trimmings are also being promoted in popular dishes in Japan’s casual dining sector, Yang added.

Mexico
Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF director for Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, explains that while Mexico has been developed into the largest destination for U.S. red meat, the U.S. industry now faces unprecedented levels of competition in the Mexican market. He noted that it is more important than ever to differentiate U.S. red meat from other suppliers’ products and educate consumers about its unique attributes.

“Right now a major focus for USMEF is to establish loyalty in the next generation of consumers, developing several programs for the future customer,” Rodriguez says. “With Mexico being a trading partner for so long, it can be easy to think of it as a mature market. But there are always new markets within the market that we can expand, and new tactics we can employ. Our mobile grill academy is a good example, where we highlight the unique attributes of U.S. red meat all across the country.”

Latin America
USMEF Latin America Representative Homero Recio explains the efforts to overcome Columbia’s restrictions on beef, which were imposed after highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in dairy cows last year. The ban, which eventually extended to beef from 14 U.S. states, was lifted in September 2024, but the impact has persisted. When U.S. beef was unavailable, Columbia turned to importing Canadian beef.

“This really gave us the resolve to say, ‘we’re going to get this back, we’re going to fight back,’” Recio says about reclaiming market share. “In the past, we often talked about ‘our importers.’ Well, you know what? ‘Our importers’ went and bought Canadian beef. So we have to go to the next level, whether it’s with a supermarket chain or a foodservice chain, and develop a further, stronger relationship with them and really tie them to a brand.”

John Newton of Terrain also spoke to attendees about his trade outlook. He believes the U.S. will get to a Phase Two deal with China.

“I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but I think it’s going to happen,” Newton says. “I think what President Trump has to do is, by March of next year, he’s got to show real progress on the Big Beautiful Bill, real progress on trade deals, real progress on the economy. Because what happens in March next year? Right into the midterms.”

Newton also explains the process the Big Beautiful Bill will go through in the Senate. He foresees it having modifications. They goal is to have it passed by July 4.

An increase in funding for USDA’s export market development programs are critical support for America’s farmers and ranchers, Newton says.

“The world becomes more competitive each year, so, it’s really important for us to get out and find those new deals to help the farm economy,” Newton explains.

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USDA to Reimburse States $14.5 Million in Funding for Food Safety Inspections

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:49:28 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins plans to exercise the USDA’s authority to provide a much-needed funding increase of $14.5 million in reimbursements to states for meat and poultry inspection programs. Without this funding, states may not have the resources to continue their own inspection programs which ensure products are safe, she said in a release on May 27.

“Today I exercised my authority to robustly fund state meat and poultry inspection programs to ensure states can continue to partner with USDA to deliver effective and efficient food safety inspection,” Rollins said in a release. “While the Biden Administration let this funding decline in recent years, the Trump Administration recognizes the importance of our federal-state partnerships and will ensure services that our meat and poultry processors and producers rely on will continue to operate on a normal basis.”

President Trump’s commitment to ensuring Americans have access to a safe, affordable food supply is reflected in the President’s 2026 budget proposal, Rollins said. It calls on Congress to address this funding shortfall moving forward.

This is not a sustainable path forward, USDA points out. Policymakers across the federal government are encouraged to come together to think through ways to continue these critical state meat and poultry inspection programs.

“The continued partnership between USDA and states to provide inspection services for meat and poultry processors of all sizes means food safety, food security and economic growth in rural communities across Oklahoma and the nation,” said Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts said, “State meat inspection programs play a critical role in ensuring the safety, quality, and availability of our nation’s meat supply and we’ve worked hard to expand market access for our producers through expanded capacity and the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program.”

In Iowa, state-inspected meat lockers expand market access, boost processing capacity, and provide consumers with more locally-raised protein options, adds Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

“In my tenure as Commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), I have advocated for our federal partners to fully fund the agreements with states,” said West Virginia Commissioner Kent Leonhardt.

West Virginia has been a participant in the USDA State-Federal Cooperative Inspection Agreement for the last 54 years.

“The efforts of WVDA Meat and Poultry Inspection staff benefit both consumers as well as local producers looking to start or expand processing facilities,” Leonhardt said. “To properly support these efforts, funding must be a priority to maintain the 50/50 state-federal cost share. Therefore, we welcome and appreciate the additional funding to help support our local food system to shorten the distance food travels to our dinner plates.”

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Continued Focus on Demand Long-Term Goal For U.S. Red Meat

Thu, 22 May 2025 18:54:50 GMT

As the U.S. Meat Export Federation, (USMEF) convenes in Fort Worth for its Spring Conference May 21-23 , talks of cattle herd size and rebuilding have come to mind. As keynote speaker, Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, addressed the topic noting that the industry is still in tight fed cattle supplies and there are more hooks than cattle to fill them when it comes to processing capacity.

“Non-fed slaughter, non-fed cow and bull slaughter has declined significantly, as you would expect,” Blach says. “We’re stabilizing the herd from a lack of harvest of the cows. We’re seeing very gradual, slow, slow, slow expansion, but it does look like when we look back, January of 2025 will be the low in the beef cow herd.”

He says it’s important people recognize the per capita beef supplies are pretty flat.

“This price increase that we’re experiencing in the industry is demand driven,” Blach adds. “Beef demand’s at a 37-year high. And I think when people think about demand, obviously quality has been the key to that. We’ve seen the quality of the animals being produced has increased substantially.”

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says with all the tariff disruption in the first quarter of 2025, the red meat industry needs to focus on the long term, which is demand.

“This is just the nature of the market that we’re in,” Halstrom says. “The reality is that demand continues. Demand is record-breaking on both beef and pork in a variety of markets. We have the ability to adjust as needed. A good example being China currently, but I think the message is that we’ve got to keep our eye on the ball. In the end, I really think all this noise around what may or may not happen will be superseded by demand.”

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Study Shows High Praise for Pairing Pork With Plants in Diets for Older Adults

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:48:30 GMT

Lean pork can play a central role in plant-forward diets for aging adults, according to a recently published study out of South Dakota State University. The research suggests offering the high-quality protein has broad acceptability and alignment with current dietary guidance.

The PRODMED study, which was funded by the National Pork Board (NPB), compared diets centered on lean pork with those using plant proteins, such as lentils and chickpeas, for older adults living on their own. The two diets matched for total protein, fiber and macronutrient content — but the study revealed striking differences in both protein quality and food acceptability, according to a release .

Pork Meals Had Higher Protein Quality and Meal Acceptability
Despite containing similar grams of protein, the pork-centered diet delivered a significantly higher protein quality score compared to the meals with protein from pulses, the study concluded. Pork had a Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) of 122.7 compared to a score of 82 in the plant-based protein source underscoring important differences in essential amino acid content and digestibility for older adults.
Study participants ranked the pork diet higher for satisfaction, satiety and willingness to adopt after the trial.

“We found that meals that combined pork and plants were highly acceptable to participants,” says lead study author Moul Dey, Ph.D. “In fact, twice as many participants expressed interest in following meals that combined pork and plants long-term.”

A World of Flavor in Pork and Plants
With these findings, researchers believe that pork does not have to compete with plants, but rather complements them and adds a familiar, well-accepted flavor to meals that resonate with older adults.

“Pork was paired with vegetables, grains and familiar global flavors, from pork fajita bowls to chipotle-maple roasted pork with butternut squash, creating a menu that balanced taste, nutrition and simplicity,” explains Dey.

A recent sensory analysis of pork demonstrates more than 110 unique flavor nuances that illustrate why it embraced cross-cultural tastes and brought more plants to the plate in this recent study.

Taste What Pork Can Do™
The National Pork Board (NPB) recently launched a campaign to ensure pork remains on the plate. This recent study provides additional evidence that pork works in modern meals with a focus on flavor, versatility and scientific rigor.

“The PRODMED study brings clinical weight to what our new campaign is all about — meeting consumers where they are with real, flavorful, nutritious pork-based meals that fit today’s plant-forward lifestyles,” says David Newman, Ph.D., senior vice president of market growth at NPB.

A unique element of the study was its real-world approach as all the meals were pre-portioned, ready-to-eat and developed by chefs in collaboration with clinical researchers. The pork-based meals featured lean cuts and familiar flavors, helping participants stick to the protocol and enabling a scalable model for future dietary interventions.

“This research isn’t just academic. It’s practical,” adds Kristen Hicks-Roof, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, FAND, FNAP, director of human nutrition at NPB.

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Exclusive Op-Ed: American Farmers and Ranchers Win With U.K. Trade Deal

Fri, 09 May 2025 18:06:30 GMT

By Brooke L. Rollins, 33rd Secretary of Agriculture

President Trump has done it again. Yesterday’s historic trade deal with the United Kingdom, announced on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day for World War II, is a major victory for American producers, consumers, and, above all, American farmers and ranchers.

What became an imbalanced trade relationship between us and the U.K. did not develop by accident. Before yesterday’s deal, the weakened position of American farmers emerged through a combination of three factors:

The average tariff imposed on American agricultural producers by the U.K. has been 9.2% while our average tariff has been 5%.
The U.K. imposed other non-tariff barriers that limited American access to British markets such as limited quota limits, geographical indicators, irregular inspections, and arbitrary health, animal welfare, or environmental concerns not backed by science or data.
The previous administration did our farmers and ranchers no favors by refusing to institute a new deal with any country, including the U.K.

Yesterday’s announcement reverses course and gives American farmers a fair shot at competing in British markets, creating a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. stakeholders, including U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers.

While our team finalizes the trade deal, we are working hard to eliminate U.K. tariffs from all agricultural products. The deal secures a decrease from 19% to 0% in the U.K.’s ethanol tariff, offering an opportunity for corn farmers in states such as Iowa and Nebraska to further expand this important, second-largest market for U.S. ethanol. British energy users will likewise benefit from additional homegrown biofuel produced here in the U.S. This week’s trade deal offers our corn and ethanol producers the opportunity to export $700 million in product to a market that was previously closed to them.

Cattle ranchers also have cause for celebration. Beef produced by American ranchers in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas is the best in the world, and British consumers will now have access to a product that is the envy of the world. This trade deal creates the opportunity for our cattle ranchers to export millions more, which will end up in the pockets of American ranchers who saw a global trade surplus in beef during President Trump’s first term crash to a deficit under the previous administration.

Our rice farmers in states such as Arkansas and Louisiana will also see increased production because of this deal. Consumers in the U.K., which does not grow rice, will now have access to nutritious rice grown in American fields, creating a market potential of $100 million with free access.

We at USDA will not let this moment pass without energetic promotion of our products to British markets. My team and I are traveling to the U.K. next week to share the bounty of American agriculture to a market that is now open to our products. The trade deal announced yesterday commits our two countries to work together to enhance agricultural market access, closes loopholes, and fast-tracks customs procedures for U.S. exports.

The U.K. is the sixth-largest economy in the world and the fourth-largest to which we export. This week’s trade deal is a momentous step forward in our relationship with the U.K. and for the American agricultural industry. During my trip next week, I will stand ready to collaborate with our counterparts in the U.K. and ensure British consumers know American farmers and ranchers are open for business.

Red Meat Exports Trend Higher in March; Beef Export Value Highest in Nine Months

Thu, 08 May 2025 16:39:20 GMT

Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export value was the highest since June, while Latin American markets again fueled pork export growth. March exports of lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than five years.

“Despite a great deal of uncertainty, global demand for U.S. beef remains robust and resilient,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, in a release. “The March export results confirm this, with demand trending higher in Taiwan and Mexico, reaching record levels in Central America and holding up well in Japan and Korea. Although we anticipate that China’s retaliatory tariffs and expired plant registrations will have a more drastic impact on April and May exports, the U.S. industry’s efforts to diversify markets and broaden U.S. beef’s global footprint are definitely paying dividends.”

March beef exports totaled 109,330 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while export value reached $922 million – up 4% and the highest since June. Export value per head of fed slaughter was the seventh highest on record at $466.77.

First-quarter beef exports were slightly below last year’s pace at 310,368 mt, but increased 2% in value to $2.53 billion.

Pork exports trending up
“March was another spectacular month for U.S. pork demand in Mexico and Central America, but exports also rebounded nicely to Colombia and Korea,” Halstrom says. “Duty-free access has helped fuel pork exports to these key markets, where we continue to see heightened competition.”

The numbers showed an increase of 3% year-over-year to 269,344 mt, valued at $769.7 million (up 4%). Export value per head slaughtered was outstanding in March, reaching the second highest figure on record at $73.91, according to the report.

Mexico and Central America led the March export growth, while shipments to Colombia were the second largest on record. Exports to Korea, which had slowed significantly in recent months, were the largest in nearly a year, while shipments trended higher year-over-year to the Philippines and Cuba but slowed to Japan.

First-quarter pork exports were slightly above last year’s record value pace at $2.11 billion, but slightly lower in volume (754,488 mt).

Plant eligibility for China is less of an issue for U.S. pork than for U.S. beef, as China renewed most pork establishments in mid-March. Halstrom cautions that both pork and beef exports to China have since hit a wall due to China’s prohibitive duties, which now total 172% for U.S. pork and 147% for U.S. beef.

“Shipments already in the pipeline can still clear without the extra 125% tariff, provided they shipped before April 10 and arrive in China by May 13,” Halstrom explains. “But new business has been effectively halted until there is a de-escalation of the U.S.-China trade impasse.”

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

SDSU's Meat Counter Adds Updated Smoker

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:20:12 GMT

The Meat Counter at South Dakota State University has acquired an updated piece of equipment that provides students with real-world learning opportunities while offering local consumers a variety of popular meat products.

The smoker is a 2014 Enviro-Pak Mini CVU-200. With a 200-pound capacity, it is used to smoke ham, bacon, smoked sausage, snack sticks, summer sausage, dried beef, pulled pork and shredded beef.

“The smokehouse we replaced was bought in the mid-1980s, and it replaced one that was already here,” says Adam Rhody, agricultural research manager/specialist and manager of the Meat Counter. “It was necessary to replace the smokehouse to keep up with current technology, and we were running into issues with repairing the older machine.”

The smoker provides an opportunity for students’ experiential learning.

“The smokehouse is very important to the Meat Counter because it provides more learning opportunities for the students and expands the number of products we are able to produce in class as well as provide for the public,” Rhody says.

During the school year, the Meat Counter employs between eight to 12 student workers, who directly contribute to producing the product used in the smokehouse. Products like smoked sausages and hot dogs are smoked and cooked within three to four hours, while products like pulled pork or shredded beef can take more than 20 hours in the smokehouse.

The Meat Counter is a public retail outlet that operates as an outreach of SDSU’s Department of Animal Science meat science degree program. In addition to the smoked products, the Meat Counter offers a wide variety of roasts, chops, ground meat and specialty cuts. It is open Thursdays and Fridays from 1-5 p.m. and is located at the corner of North Campus Drive and Medary Avenue in the Animal Science Complex.

In addition to providing for the consumer, the new piece of equipment directly benefits students. John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science, noted the educational impact of the new smoker.

“The meat smoker is important to both the educational and research activities of the meat science program at South Dakota State University,” Jaeger says. “By using a meat smoker, students gain experience in the art and science of meat smoking, which is essential for understanding meat preservation, flavor development, texture enhancement and the production of value-added products.”

“This practical knowledge is invaluable for students who are pursuing careers in the meat industry,” Jaeger adds.

The Meat Counter, formerly the Meat Lab, is celebrating 100 years in 2025, and the public is invited to view the display “A Cut Above the Rest: A Meat Lab Centennial” at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum East Gallery. The display is open through April 2026.

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Industry Reacts to Changes In USTR Port Service Fee Plan

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:40:32 GMT

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) published revisions to proposed port service fees intended to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry after hearing concerns from the industry. A year-long Section 301 investigation included a public hearing and nearly 600 public comments, including some from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) on behalf of the red meat industry.

“Ships and shipping are vital to American economic security and the free flow of commerce,” Ambassador Greer said in a USTR release. “The Trump administration’s actions will begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the U.S. supply chain and send a demand signal for U.S.-built ships.”

USTR remarked the changes reflected the need for action and the importance of limiting disruption for U.S. exporters.

One of the significant changes important to U.S. red meat exporters is that fees will not be charged on every port call – only per voyage. This will reduce the likelihood that carriers will eliminate port calls, which had been a major concern for U.S. exporters.

“One of those key ports being Oakland, which just so happens to be one of the highest volume ports for our high-quality chilled U.S. beef import going into the Asian markets,” says Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO.

The revised service fee structure is based much more on vessel capacity rather than flat fees, making it less burdensome for smaller ships used on shorter routes such as to Central America and Colombia.

Halstrom said that’s definitely improvement from where we were, and he believes USTR did listen to the concerns the industry had.

“For U.S. beef and pork, the schedule is much more attractive in terms of fees and a lower per pound basis impact,” he adds. “Anything that adds cost to the process is always a concern. But compared to the original proposal, we are very encouraged by these improvements that USTR has made.”

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Despite Activism, the “Power of Meat” Prevails

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:43:09 GMT

At the Animal Agriculture Alliance, we strive to monitor and flag trends in animal rights activism for you so that you can focus on the most important part of your business – getting safe, affordable and delicious animal protein out to the consumer. While we know the vast majority of the public enjoys eating meat, poultry, dairy, eggs and seafood, there are those individuals and organizations that are working to eliminate choice from consumers, with the goal of taking meat off the menu.

The Alliance reported from seven animal rights-related conferences over the last few months, including the Humane Society of the United States’ (now Humane World for Animals’) Taking Action for Animals (TAFA) Conference, Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Law Conference, and the Animal and Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit. Major themes from the conferences included:

• Positioning large companies (processors, integrators, restaurant/retail) as “villains” that benefit from the current food system at the expense of farmers and ranchers

• Legislative “wins” and pathways to get more “animal protection” legislation passed, beginning at the local level

• Calls for collaboration and creative ways to gain funding by aligning with other movements – specifically environment and climate-related movements

• Animal ag and meat’s alleged negative impacts on public health and nutrition

From what we have learned based on discussions at these events, the animal agriculture community should be prepared for potential litigation targeting large companies (especially around sustainability claims), increased shareholder activism, legislative and regulatory efforts, and campaigns around nutrition, public health, and climate.

Most recently, we have witnessed an uptick in direct actions from animal rights groups, with an emphasis on in-person protests. These events have included demonstrations at corporate headquarters, at restaurants and retail stores, and even at the personal homes of company leadership. There have also been recent reports of activists putting up billboards targeting animal agriculture and food brands, trying to sway the public away from meat consumption.

Despite these trends and tactics meant to “disrupt” animal agriculture, I am pleased to report that consumers continue to choose meat at the store. Just a few weeks ago, at the Annual Meat Conference, the 2025 Power of Meat report was released. This report provides an annual update of shopper habits regarding meat and poultry pre-trip, in-store, and at home. This research, validated with data from Circana, helps the food industry identify how meat purchasing habits are changing to inform business strategy and better meet consumer needs.

Highlights include:
• A new record of retail meat sales reached in 2024, with an all-time high of $104.6 billion.
• Nearly all (98%) of American households are purchasing meat.
• The average American shops for meat 54 times in a year, spending $16.12 on meat per trip.

Though consumers, in this case 9 out of 10 consumers surveyed, remain concerned about the increasingly high prices they are seeing at the grocery store, they are still finding ways to keep meat on their table. In fact, 74% agreed that they consider meat to be “a nutrient powerhouse.” Interviews from the study show that consumers are finding new ways to keep food spending manageable while still meeting their protein goals, like shopping deals and promotions or cooking at home, as opposed to dining out.

It’s great to see that despite activist pressure, consumers are staying true to their core values and buying products they feel good about. At the Alliance, it is our main objective to safeguard the future of animal agriculture. A big part of that is making sure that consumers are given choice when it comes to shopping for themselves and their families, and as the purchasing data shows, meat continues to be a top choice!

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Boosting Exports: U.S. Red Meat Builds Markets In Africa

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:38:29 GMT

In an effort to focus on U.S. exports to Africa, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) hosted a trade seminar in Accra, Ghana. Twelve African countries and 30 exporters were represented at the first-time event. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says Africa is critical to the U.S. industry’s efforts to expand and diversify global markets for U.S. red meat.

“One of our core missions is to bring buyers and sellers together, especially in these emerging markets that are still not developed today,” Halstrom says. “It’s time to take the next step and get aggressive and really tell our story in these countries.

Importers and exporters hosted direct meetings, heard presentations from USMEF and USDA leaders as well as representatives of the U.S. cattle industry and successful African meat businesses. They also toured retail stores and cold storage facilities. The focus on face-to-face meetings helps build relationships in most markets in the world.

“We wanted to make sure I could put the best possible delegates from the USA into the best possible buying room we could facilitate,” says Matt Copeland, USMEF Africa Representative.

Copeland says 51 companies and 76 buyers came together with total values more than 140,000 tons of protein purchased a month.

“We have this emerging middle class, and those guys, one of the first things they do as they emerge is they want to spend money on a better experience,” he adds. “We’re going to take advantage of that wave.”

Robert Preska of trading company Lamex Foods has been working in Africa for 15 years and says he had the opportunity to meet new African buyers who have established businesses in the Ivory Coast, which gives new opportunities to the industry.

“At these meetings, we have several people in high-end restaurants who are interested in high-quality beef to put on the plate, and we’re really trying to work to get some air samples over, because it’s going to be very difficult to sell them a full container, right off the bat,” Preska says. “If we can get some samples into them, somehow it becomes feasible that in a few months, we could be talking about moving some containers of primal cuts over here.”

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More Meat, Less Money: What Does This Mean for Future Demand?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:34:38 GMT

The March Meat Demand Monitor shows there’s a slow upward tick in people who are self-declaring that they regularly consume animal products, Glynn Tonsor told AgriTalk host Chip Flory.

The Meat Demand Monitor is an ongoing survey of over 3,000 U.S. residents every month since February 2020.

“We ask folks every month, are you a flexitarian, a vegan, a vegetarian? Do you regularly consume meat?” says Tonsor, professor in the Department of Ag Economics at Kansas State University. “That’s real important because it’s consistent across different reports (like the Power of Meat study ) that the public wants meat. They’re declaring they’re a meat consumer, and that’s great for all species.”

Specific to the March report, Tonsor says the gray cloud on the macroeconomic front is weighing heavy on consumers.

There’s no question the U.S. public in general likes meat, he says. That’s critical to purchasing decisions. But the reality is that consumers must have the financial ability to pay for it.

“Simply having the ability isn’t sufficient,” Tonsor adds. “You’ve got to have the financial sentiment, or the comfort, to let that dollar go. So being employed and having good jobs that keep up with the cost of living is a necessary part of this, but it’s not sufficient on its own. You’ve also got to have the comfort to let those dollars go.”

With more and more discussion centering on tariffs and inflation rising back up in the economy, he points out that the willingness to let that dollar go might turn into an inability to actually do it.

Consumer Finances Are Getting Worse
Although he’s not seeing any pullback in demand, yet, Tonsor says he has concerns about what’s ahead.

“We are seeing self-reported financial sentiment. I ask folks every month, are your finances better? The same or worse than last year? In March, I actually see more people telling me their finances have deteriorated than I did just in February,” Tonsor says.

He notes the big differences between this group and those who say demand is getting better because of what they spend on food, both at home and away from home.

“To be clear here, we don’t see that demand pull back yet, but we do see the canary in the coal mine barking that it might be coming,” Tonsor says.

To keep attracting the younger consumers, he recommends the pork and beef industry stay focused on taste.

“Working backwards from the consumer, there’s this clear signal that taste and freshness are paramount,” Tonsor says. “I would argue that all three major protein species have made headways, and I suspect we’ll continue to do so in helping the U.S. public have access to those tasty, fresh, convenient products.”

Editor’s Note: The Meat Demand Monitor is supported by the Beef and Pork Checkoff.

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