Latest News From Hogs - General

White House, 26 Attorneys General Urge SCOTUS to Overturn Prop 12
White House, 26 Attorneys General Urge SCOTUS to Overturn Prop 12

The U.S. Solicitor General and the attorneys general from 26 states are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision that upheld California’s novel Proposition 12.

Kellogg's Faux Meat Spin-Off Faces 'Tough Environment'
Kellogg's Faux Meat Spin-Off Faces 'Tough Environment'

Kellogg Co's plan to spin off and potentially sell its profitable MorningStar Farms vegetarian patties and plant-based meat business could shake up the frozen aisle in grocery stores.

John Phipps: Is There Really a Tick That Can Cause You to Lose Your Appetite for Red Meat?
John Phipps: Is There Really a Tick That Can Cause You to Lose Your Appetite for Red Meat?

One big emerging threat is alpha-gal which is short for galactose-alpha – a carbohydrate deposited by the tick that triggers a severe allergic reaction in the digestive system after eating red meat.

John Phipps: Why a Startling New Trend with Chicken Wings is Worth Watching
John Phipps: Why a Startling New Trend with Chicken Wings is Worth Watching

Chicken wings have been a hot commodity the past decade, but as the trend changes post-pandemic, red meat producers may want to take note. John Phipps explains why.

Beef Exports Top $1 Billion Again, Pork Exports Below Year Ago
Beef Exports Top $1 Billion Again, Pork Exports Below Year Ago

U.S. beef exports maintained a remarkable pace in April, topping $1 billion for the third time this year. April pork exports were well below the large totals posted a year ago.

Easier Said ... But It Must Be Done
Easier Said ... But It Must Be Done

If we, who believe animal-derived proteins are good for people, do not share animal agriculture’s story, those who wish to diminish or eliminate animal agriculture from the food system will lead the conversation.

Gas Prices Crush Another Record, Prices Now On Track to Top $5 Soon
Gas Prices Crush Another Record, Prices Now On Track to Top $5 Soon

Gas prices crushed another record to start June, and experts say there's no sign of a slowdown yet with $5 gas a strong possibility as the summer driving season pushes into high gear.

Becker, Beyer Receive Larry Corah KSU Graduate Student Awards
Becker, Beyer Receive Larry Corah KSU Graduate Student Awards

Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry graduate students Larissa Becker and Erin Beyer were recognized as 2022 recipients of the Larry Corah Graduate Student Award.

Good News: Millennials Still Love to Eat Meat
Good News: Millennials Still Love to Eat Meat

Memorial Day weekend is known as the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. Even with the push to more plant-based proteins, meat is still in high demand. Millennials are one of the largest groups of meat eaters.

Beat the Summer Heat
Beat the Summer Heat

As outdoor temperatures increase, so does the possibility of heat stress or even heat stroke. But there are ways to avoid getting “overheated” this summer, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

From Combat Boots to Agriculture Roots: Veterans Become ‘Armed to Farm’
From Combat Boots to Agriculture Roots: Veterans Become ‘Armed to Farm’

Serving military veterans across the country, NCAT's Armed to Farm training provides resources and education for veterans to start and operate their own agricultural business.

Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Team Up to Help Animal Ag Share Its Story
Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Team Up to Help Animal Ag Share Its Story

Consumers are interested in how animal agriculture affects health and wellness, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and worker safety. Now is the time for a more robust and meaningful conversation.

Public-Private Partnerships Build Global Markets for U.S. Farm Goods, Adding $9.6 Billion In Export Value
Public-Private Partnerships Build Global Markets for U.S. Farm Goods, Adding $9.6 Billion In Export Value

Programs to help U.S. farmers build markets overseas boosted agricultural exports by an average of $9.6 billion annually from 1977 to 2019, representing 13.7 percent of total agricultural export value, says a new study.

North American Meat Institute: Special Investigator Redundant, Wasteful, Costly
North American Meat Institute: Special Investigator Redundant, Wasteful, Costly

The North American Meat Institute says it is disappointed the House Agriculture Committee voted to approve the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act.

Darrell Anderson’s Portrait to be Hung in Saddle & Sirloin Club
Darrell Anderson’s Portrait to be Hung in Saddle & Sirloin Club

The newest inductee of the Saddle & Sirloin Club hopes he will be remembered as someone who treated people fairly, focused on relationships and always kept the good of the organization first.

The Science Behind Texas Barbecue
The Science Behind Texas Barbecue

Texas A&M AgriLife elevates the barbecue industry through meat science teaching, research and outreach.

Meatpackers Pushed "Baseless" Claims To Influence White House, Report Alleges
Meatpackers Pushed "Baseless" Claims To Influence White House, Report Alleges

The House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis alleges meat packers pressed “baseless” claims of beef and pork shortages early in the pandemic to persuade the Trump Administration to keep operations running.

Beef, Pork and Lamb See Strong Export Totals in Q1
Beef, Pork and Lamb See Strong Export Totals in Q1

U.S. red meat exports see strong to record-pacing Q1 totals. U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO, Dan Halstrom shares the details.

Beef Export Value Sets Another Record; Pork Exports Improve
Beef Export Value Sets Another Record; Pork Exports Improve

Demand for U.S. beef continues on a record-setting pace in March while pork exports were the largest of the year, yet well below last year's record set in March.

Merck Animal Health Donates $250,000 to Iowa State University for New Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Merck Animal Health Donates $250,000 to Iowa State University for New Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Merck Animal Health announced a $250,000 donation to Iowa State University to support the new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

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Are Diets Based on Plants or Meats Better for Kids?

Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada recently published a study showing kids who eat a vegetarian diet had similar growth and nutrition compared to children who consume meat.

NASS Says 2021 Cattle and Hog Producer Incomes Up Double Digits
NASS Says 2021 Cattle and Hog Producer Incomes Up Double Digits

Gross incomes for both cattle and hog producers were up double digits from 2020 to 2021, according to a recent report from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Invasive Jumping Worm Thrashes Into 14 Midwest States
Invasive Jumping Worm Thrashes Into 14 Midwest States

The invasive, jumping worm makes its way through 14 states in the Midwest, disturbing native soil and plant species and causing an infestation with only one worm.

Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Near Steady
Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Near Steady

Both cattle and hog finishing estimated margins were positive last week despite rising feed costs across both enterprises. Cattle slaughter totals increased while hog processing numbers were near steady.

Study Aims to Facilitate Traceability During Foodborne Outbreak Investigations
Study Aims to Facilitate Traceability During Foodborne Outbreak Investigations

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) aims to enhance tracing of E. coli O157:H7 back to its source during a foodborne outbreak by studying how the DNA of this bacterium gradually evolves within its natural environment. 

Beef Export Demand Soars, Pork Exports Decline
Beef Export Demand Soars, Pork Exports Decline

Global demand for high-quality U.S. beef, pork and lamb has proven resilient, and USMEF sees opportunities for further growth in both established and emerging markets.

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European Union Considers Applying EU Standards On All Agricultural Imports

The European Union considers applying their health and environmental standards to all imported agricultural and food products. USMEF’s Cheyenne McEndaffer expresses her opposition of the idea.

Impact of Increased Use of Non-GM Feed on Animal Feed Industry
Impact of Increased Use of Non-GM Feed on Animal Feed Industry

Continued demand for non-GMO feed for livestock will increase greenhouse gas emissions on farms, and raise consumer prices for meat, milk and eggs, according to a study by Iowa State University.

Peel: Meat Production and Consumption Decreasing
Peel: Meat Production and Consumption Decreasing

Declining beef and pork production may offset increased broiler production and lead to a decrease in total meat production in 2022. This would be the first decrease in total meat production since 2014.

EU Drafts Tougher Pollution Rules for Industry, Livestock Farms
EU Drafts Tougher Pollution Rules for Industry, Livestock Farms

The European Commission wants to tighten EU rules on pollution from industry, taking aim at intensive livestock farming and the extraction of minerals including lithium, according to a draft document seen by Reuters.

Proposed Stimulus Check Could Help Soften the Blow at the Pump
Proposed Stimulus Check Could Help Soften the Blow at the Pump

Lawmakers introduce a bill to send an energy rebate any month the national average gas price exceeds $4 per gallon for the remainder of 2022.

Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community
Texas Tornado Destroys Ag Shop, But Doesn’t Stop FFA Members From Helping Community

A line of storms snaked through Texas, resulting in several tornadoes on March 21. An F3 tornado touched down outside of Jacksboro, ripping buildings to shreds, including the local high school and ag shop.

“Net Negative” Overall Meat Consumption and Imports to Hong Kong
“Net Negative” Overall Meat Consumption and Imports to Hong Kong

Approximately 90 million continue living under a form of lockdown orders in Hong Kong and surrounding areas, resulting in decreased meat consumption and import issues.

“Targeted” Law in Iowa Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Judge
“Targeted” Law in Iowa Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Judge

Iowa’s second ‘ag-gag’ law, creating criminal charges for those who gain access to an agricultural facility using deception to cause physical or economic harm, has been ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge.

USDA-NIFA Invests $13M in Treating,  Eradicating Livestock Diseases
USDA-NIFA Invests $13M in Treating, Eradicating Livestock Diseases

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced an investment of $13 million in research to explore novel therapies and prevention strategies for animal diseases that cost the agricultural industry billions.

Beef Exports Continue ‘Remarkable Run,’ Pork Exports Lower
Beef Exports Continue ‘Remarkable Run,’ Pork Exports Lower

U.S. beef exports remained red-hot during January, a continuation of last year’s record-breaking performance. Pork exports continued to trend lower in January despite another outstanding month for exports to Mexico.

USMEF Says Value of Exports Significant to Farmers and Ranchers
USMEF Says Value of Exports Significant to Farmers and Ranchers

USMEF Chairman-elect Dean Meyer, who raises cattle, corn and soybeans in northwest Iowa, shared why it's so important for USMEF to be at an event like Commodity Classic.

Seaboard Triumph Foods Faces Over $331,000 in Employee Back Wages
Seaboard Triumph Foods Faces Over $331,000 in Employee Back Wages

Over 400 employees of Seaboard Triumph Foods will receive $331,807 in back wages due to violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Meat A Primary Objective of Shoppers: 2022 Power of Meat Report
Meat A Primary Objective of Shoppers: 2022 Power of Meat Report

The 2022 Power of Meat report found nearly all households purchase meat, even as more meat consumers shopped online. Nearly half of those shoppers (46%) purchase meat online regularly.

Red Meat Exports Play Waiting Game at Ports as Ships Return Empty
Red Meat Exports Play Waiting Game at Ports as Ships Return Empty

Current shipping bottlenecks and the importance of a “just-in-time” market loom over red meat exports in 2022. USMEF Economist Erin Borror commented on the industry’s supply chain challenges.

China to Buy 40,000T of Pork for State Reserves in Bid to Support Poor Pork Prices

China will buy 40,000 tonnes of pork for its central state reserves this week, in the first round of such stockpiling this year, China Merchandise Reserve Management Center said on Monday.

How Will Post-Pandemic Consumers Influence the Future Food Chain?
How Will Post-Pandemic Consumers Influence the Future Food Chain?

The post-pandemic consumer will continue to drive changes to the industry. Find trends, storytelling strategy and actionable insights with experts Maeve Webster and Danette Amstein at the upcoming Stakeholders Summit.

4 Ways FFA Shaped My Life for the Better
4 Ways FFA Shaped My Life for the Better

My daughter reached into the crate and picked up a piglet. As she handed the pig over to her little sister, I felt my eyes leak a little. FFA has been life-changing for our family. Here are a few reasons why.

Record-Breaking Year for Red Meat Exports Spurred on by Trade Agreements
Record-Breaking Year for Red Meat Exports Spurred on by Trade Agreements

Multiple trade agreements aided in reaching unprecedented levels of red meat exports for 2021. USMEF Economist Erin Borror weighed in on the recent report during the Weekly USMEF Audio Report.

How the Consumer Dollar Drives Changes in the Industry
How the Consumer Dollar Drives Changes in the Industry

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., consumers faced unknown territory in the meat industry that raised questions of resiliency. Since then, consumers have helped drive changes to the pork industry with their dollar.

Global Farmer Survey Highlights Profitability, Innovation, and Technology Adoption
Global Farmer Survey Highlights Profitability, Innovation, and Technology Adoption

Report reveals a shift to technology to support existing farming practices as globally producers look to innovate in the face of changing market pressures.

Beef Exports Exceed $10 Billion, Pork Tops $8 Billion
Beef Exports Exceed $10 Billion, Pork Tops $8 Billion

U.S. beef exports exceeded $10 billion in sales, shattering the previous record by 27%. Pork exports finished slightly below the record volume reached in 2020 but set a new value record, topping $8 billion.

Iowa State Forms Strategic Alliance with Merck Animal Health to Drive New Innovation
Iowa State Forms Strategic Alliance with Merck Animal Health to Drive New Innovation

A new strategic alliance will bring together industry and academia to speed up the exchange of ideas and to booster innovative solutions to animal health challenges in the U.S. and around the world.

Fort Worth Stock Show Shatters Records, Raises $6.1M for Youth
Fort Worth Stock Show Shatters Records, Raises $6.1M for Youth

Steve, a 1,389-pound steer that brought home top honors at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, made history on Saturday when he sold for $310,000. More than $6.1 million was raised in the legendary auction.

USDA, DOJ Launch Online Tool to Prevent Anticompetitive Practices
USDA, DOJ Launch Online Tool to Prevent Anticompetitive Practices

Producers may now report unfair or anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry industries using a new online tool.