Latest News From Industry

Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends
Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends

The Meat Institute and FMI-The Food Industry Association released the 19th annual Power of Meat report.

Cattle Imports from Mexico
Cattle Imports from Mexico

Mexico has become one of the major beef import sources for the U.S. as beef trade evolved from simply supplementing deficit beef production in Mexico to bilateral, product specific trade between the two countries.

Montana Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Develop Giant Hybrid Sheep for Captive Hunting
Montana Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Develop Giant Hybrid Sheep for Captive Hunting

In a near decade-long effort to create giant sheep hybrids in the U.S. with the goal of selling the trophy species to captive hunting ranches, the defendant violated federal wildlife trafficking regulations.

Replacing Thousands of Miles of Burned Fences in the Texas Panhandle
Replacing Thousands of Miles of Burned Fences in the Texas Panhandle

Ranchers in the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma region face the overwhelming task of rebuilding or repairing thousands of miles of fence.

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

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

Space Weather: Start Planning Today for Tomorrow’s GPS Outage
Space Weather: Start Planning Today for Tomorrow’s GPS Outage

Minor space weather events have temporarily knocked out corrections signals over Canada and The Dakotas in the past. Would your farm be ready for a more severe outage?

Anova Biosciences Unveils Revolutionary Promogen™ Diagnostic Test
Anova Biosciences Unveils Revolutionary Promogen™ Diagnostic Test

New diagnostic test enables the identification of cows with superior genetics that lead to enhanced feed efficiency, disease resistance and overall productivity.

Helping Hands from the AgriLife Extension Network
Helping Hands from the AgriLife Extension Network

Texas A&M AgriLife extension agents have been on the ground since the wildfires helping communities and ranchers recover from the devastation.

From Flames to Finances: Steps to Wildfire Recovery
From Flames to Finances: Steps to Wildfire Recovery

Multiple resources are available to aid rebuilding for ranchers who suffered losses to wildfires in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle area. Texas A&M AgriLife identifies the multiple resources available.

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

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

Climate Center’s New Tool Provides Wind Data for Six-State Region
Climate Center’s New Tool Provides Wind Data for Six-State Region

The center will update the wind-data tool over time, with the long-term goal of covering seasons, multiple years and multiple months to enable comparisons.

Data Capture Adds Value
Data Capture Adds Value

Blockchain technology captures marketing leverage data on sale day.

BIF Seedstock & Commercial Applications Due March 15
BIF Seedstock & Commercial Applications Due March 15

Deadline for Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) award applications are this Friday, March 15.

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

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

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

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

TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund Opens Applications for Cattle Raisers Impacted by Wildfires
TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund Opens Applications for Cattle Raisers Impacted by Wildfires

Cattle raisers impacted by wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma can apply for financial aid through the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund.

American Royal To Host New Spring Youth Livestock Show
American Royal To Host New Spring Youth Livestock Show

The new American Royal Spring Youth Livestock Show will take place March 27-30 at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Mo.

Images From the Smokehouse Creek Fire
Images From the Smokehouse Creek Fire

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photographer Sam Craft was in the Texas Panhandle documenting the aftermath of the largest wildfire in Texas history, and the aid and support for fire victims.

Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award to Marty Williams
Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award to Marty Williams

The Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award recipients are Marty and Crystal Williams from Noble County.

U.S. Corn and Soy Key to Success of Red Meat Exports, Spronk Says
U.S. Corn and Soy Key to Success of Red Meat Exports, Spronk Says

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

Wildfire Relief and Recovery Resources
Wildfire Relief and Recovery Resources

A list of resources and links for farmers and ranchers impacted by the wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma.

Vytelle Opens 17th Global IVF Laboratory
Vytelle Opens 17th Global IVF Laboratory

Vytelle, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) company, announces the opening of its 8th US-based and 17th global laboratory, strategically located in the heart of Nebraska.

Wildfire Burns 71,000 Acres in Central Nebraska
Wildfire Burns 71,000 Acres in Central Nebraska

Nebraska officials say a mower ignited a wildfire that burned roughly 110 square miles of central Nebraska grasslands.

Galen and Lori Fink Named Kansas 2024 Stockman of the Year
Galen and Lori Fink Named Kansas 2024 Stockman of the Year

Galen and Lori Fink were recognized as Kansas Stockman of the Year by the Livestock & Meat Industry Council at Kansas State University.

Smokehouse Creek Fire is Officially the Largest in Texas History
Smokehouse Creek Fire is Officially the Largest in Texas History

While the Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly became the state's largest in history, four other wildfires are burning in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle area. (Additional images contained in story.)

Hay, Feed, Fencing Supplies Needed to Support Panhandle Wildfire Victims
Hay, Feed, Fencing Supplies Needed to Support Panhandle Wildfire Victims

Donations of hay, feed, fence supplies, cow feed and milk replacer are needed to support livestock owners impacted by the wildfires that have scorched ranchland across a large portion of the Texas Panhandle.

Wildfires Raging in Texas, Oklahoma Panhandle Region Threaten Residents and Livestock
Wildfires Raging in Texas, Oklahoma Panhandle Region Threaten Residents and Livestock

Devastating wildfires are burning in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle region and the Smokehouse Creek Fire has already become the second largest in Texas history, consuming at least three-quarters of a million acres.

APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations
APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

Tree Rustlers Steal Timber, Damage Graves At Historic Slave Cemetery
Tree Rustlers Steal Timber, Damage Graves At Historic Slave Cemetery

Sold: Integrity for the price of 12 cedars and a single oak in farm country.

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

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

FTC Challenges Kroger’s Acquisition of Albertsons
FTC Challenges Kroger’s Acquisition of Albertsons

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said on Monday it was suing to block Kroger's near $25 billion purchase of rival grocer Albertsons as it would eliminate "fierce competition."

How Corporations Partner with Ranchers to Improve Sustainability
How Corporations Partner with Ranchers to Improve Sustainability

A panel discussion at the NCBA convention focused on new profit opportunities for livestock producers created by corporate sustainability programs.

RaboResearch Publishes North American Agribusiness Review
RaboResearch Publishes North American Agribusiness Review

Rabobank forecasts market trends and economic conditions driving agriculture in Q1 2024.

Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs
Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

HerdDogg: Technology Designed to Give Ranchers Their Time Back
HerdDogg: Technology Designed to Give Ranchers Their Time Back

Andrew Uden discusses the labor challenges that many cattle producers face and how technology can be a tool that frees up time for cattle producers.

Six Elite Undergraduates Awarded Henry C. Gardiner Scholarships
Six Elite Undergraduates Awarded Henry C. Gardiner Scholarships

Henry C. Gardiner scholarships have been awarded to elite undergraduates since 2012. This year, 33 applicants competed for six scholarships.

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

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

Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever
Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever

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

Civil War Sacrifice: Forgotten Farm Boy Was First Soldier Buried At Arlington
Civil War Sacrifice: Forgotten Farm Boy Was First Soldier Buried At Arlington

William Christman, 19, saved his family’s farm and paid with his life.

New Weekend Dates for Noble Grazing Essentials in Waller, Texas
New Weekend Dates for Noble Grazing Essentials in Waller, Texas

Noble is offering a one-time-only discount in honor of the launch of its 2024 educational series, Noble Grazing Essentials course.

From Adversity to Helping Farmers and Ranchers
From Adversity to Helping Farmers and Ranchers

Crop Disaster Recovery specialists help livestock producers and farmers apply for and receive federal and state disaster payments they deserve.

Dan Kniffen: Beef Quality Audit Continues to Pay Dividends for the Entire Industry
Dan Kniffen: Beef Quality Audit Continues to Pay Dividends for the Entire Industry

The beef industry has significantly improved efficiency across the entire supply chain, and that’s helped control our production costs, which benefits all consumers.

John Deere Expands W200 Windrower Series Lineup
John Deere Expands W200 Windrower Series Lineup

Joh Deere's new high-horsepower windrower model helps improve productivity and efficiency.

Breedr App Launches in the U.S.
Breedr App Launches in the U.S.

Combining individual animal data with AI insights generated from millions of cattle, the company provides tailored feedback to help each partner in the chain optimize their own production.

Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies
Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies

In recent years, agricultural employers consistently emphasized talent acquisition, but there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing retention as the primary focus in 2024.

Top 5 Takeaways From the Latest Census of Agriculture
Top 5 Takeaways From the Latest Census of Agriculture

USDA NASS has released the 2022 Census of Agriculture data, which revealed important information about the current state of agriculture.

Antler Madness: Deer Shed Thieves Poach Farmland, Private Property
Antler Madness: Deer Shed Thieves Poach Farmland, Private Property

Lust or greed, trespassers are drawn to farmland by deer sheds. Private property is no barrier to a shed thief.

New Methane Digester Complete at Tri-Cross Dairy, Begins Supplying RNG
New Methane Digester Complete at Tri-Cross Dairy, Begins Supplying RNG

Tri-Cross Dairy has recently completed a new renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility with Clean Energy and is expected to supply 1 million gallons of negative carbon-intensity RNG annually.

BVDV-Resistant Calf Created Through Gene Editing
BVDV-Resistant Calf Created Through Gene Editing

Gene editing has been used experimentally to produce polled calves and calves with lighter-colored haircoats. Now, USDA researchers, have produced a calf with reduced susceptibility to bovine viral diarrhea virus.

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

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