Farm income to fall far less than expected in revised USDA forecast

The department is no longer expecting a record profit drop in 2024 as production expenses decline and rising meat and egg prices boost the livestock sector.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 6, 2024

Farmers are getting less for their crops. Here’s the full breakdown.

While prices in July were sharply lower compared to a year ago for most commodities, meat and dairy producers benefited from lower supply.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 5, 2024

Hormel challenged by weak whole turkey prices

Despite headwinds in the commodity market, the food processor saw higher demand for ground turkey and other branded products as more consumers make  meals at home.

By Nathan Owens • Sept. 5, 2024

USDA tightens guidance for use of ‘antibiotic free’ and other meat labels

The updates are meant to signal the department “will take enforcement action” against producers who make false or misleading claims around how animals are raised.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 4, 2024

Drought takes hold of the US following a hot summer. How will crops be affected?

A significant increase in dry conditions across the country is increasing the risk of damage to winter wheat, cotton and other commodities. 

By Nathan Owens • Sept. 4, 2024

How a former agriculture industry exec became CEO of cultivated meat company Meatable

Jeff “Trip” Tripician is looking to work with the meat industry rather than pitting the two against each other.

By Elizabeth Flood • Sept. 4, 2024

Why eggs are becoming expensive again

Surging consumer demand and continued bird flu challenges across U.S. poultry farms are translating to higher prices at the grocery store.

By Nathan Owens • Sept. 3, 2024

Tyson Foods appoints new CFO, replacing company heir

John R. Tyson, who was suspended earlier this summer following a drunk driving incident, is on health leave.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 30, 2024

Are shoppers’ concerns around food inflation starting to ease?

While consumers feel they have “more or less control” over their grocery finances, they are still worried about rising food costs, new FMI research found.

By Peyton Bigora • Aug. 30, 2024

Bird flu vaccine for US dairy cattle is one step closer to reality

The USDA approved the first safety trial for a vaccine and is working to address potential trade complications that could come with an immunization rollout.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 29, 2024

Smithfield spins off Europe business ahead of potential US listing

The nation’s largest pork producer said the decision further accelerates “unique growth opportunities for both businesses.”

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 27, 2024

Western Valley cleared to buy Cargill’s Fresno beef plant, but must provide job protections

California is requiring the meat producer to operate the facility for at least one year, saying a closure would limit dairy farmer options on where to send their cows.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 27, 2024

Oxtail was once considered undesirable. Now prices are soaring.

The bony cut of meat is becoming the latest culinary fad, providing a new potential revenue source for ranchers.

By David Silverberg • Aug. 26, 2024

Hormel taps former Applegate president to lead retail division

The appointment of John Ghingo comes as the company plans to double down on its snacking business amid volatility in the turkey sector.

By Chris Casey • Aug. 22, 2024

Pilgrim’s Pride to pay chicken farmers $100M in record price-fixing settlement

The poultry processor, along with rivals Tyson and Perdue Farms, was accused of conspiring to suppress broiler grower compensation nationwide.

By Chris Casey • Aug. 21, 2024

Rebuilding the US cattle herd could take years, analyst says

Strong cattle prices are encouraging ranchers to sell rather than retain their animals despite feed cost and pasture improvements.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 20, 2024

JBS stock-listing plans ‘out of our control,’ CFO says

The world's largest meat company reported soaring profits in the second quarter, but hinted it may need more time to secure its ticker on the New York Stock Exchange.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 15, 2024

Upside Foods sues Florida over cultivated meat ban

The alternative protein company says in a lawsuit that restrictions on lab-grown meat are unconstitutional and only serve to protect cattle ranchers.

By Elizabeth Flood • Aug. 15, 2024

Tyson cuts more jobs at North Carolina chicken plant

The meat processing giant is initiating another round of layoffs at its Wilkesboro facility to support demand for fully-cooked products.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 14, 2024

Agtech seedlings: Plant communication technology gets big funding boost

Also in this week’s farm technology news: Tanzanian espresso farmers team with researchers on precision tech, and a new insect plant in Canada showcases the future of protein production. 

By Leah Borts-Kuperman • Aug. 9, 2024

Rocket fuel chemical detected in fruits, dairy and meat: Consumer Reports

The group said while perchlorate was detected in two-thirds of nearly 200 food samples, it was not “acutely dangerous” and didn’t exceed EPA guidelines.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 9, 2024

Tyson taps new president of international sales

Devin Cole, who recently rejoined the company to lead its global McDonald’s business, is taking over responsibilities from Amy Tu, who is retiring.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 8, 2024

USDA makes another $300M available to boost ag trade

The department is releasing more money in the absence of a new farm bill, which farmers were hoping would help address a record trade deficit. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 6, 2024

Tyson profits soar after ‘remarkable turnaround’ in chicken

Operational efficiencies following a string of cost-cutting pushed third quarter earnings for the nation’s largest meat company higher than executives expected.

By Nathan Owens • Aug. 5, 2024

Pilgrim’s eyes acquisitions as chicken profits soar

The JBS-owned poultry giant is seeing rising demand from fast-food restaurants and grocery stores with consumers viewing chicken as an affordable option.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 2, 2024