Operations


  • German company BASF operates one of its chemical plants in Ludwigshafen.
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    Thomas Lohnes via Getty Images
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    BASF to run agricultural unit as separate business

    The European multinational company is granting more autonomy for select businesses to free up cash flow and improve profitability, but there are no plans to sell them.

    By Dec. 8, 2023
  • A truck bearing a Darigold logo leaves a manufacturing plant.
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    Courtesy of Darigold
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    Darigold CEO steps down

    Board Chairman Allan Huttema will take over as interim chief executive as the dairy co-op is in the midst of a company-wide transformation to become a global ingredients provider.

    By Dec. 5, 2023
  • insect protein
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    Sean Gallup via Getty Images
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    Tyson’s insect bet will spur further adoption in the space, IFT member says

    Protein producers adopting bugs for use in animal feed provides a lower barrier for entry, potentially making it easier to introduce insects into consumer diets, experts say.

    By Chris Casey • Dec. 5, 2023
  • Two multi-story, wide tanks next to a thinner apparatus on an industrial site.
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    Retrieved from Generate Upcycle on December 01, 2023
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    Generate Upcycle threatens to close anaerobic digester over Michigan permitting changes

    The company may shutter its 150,000-ton-per-year Fremont Regional Digester this month if it’s required to obtain a groundwater permit for its liquid digestate, which has been marketed as a fertilizer.

    By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 4, 2023
  • A tractor moves across a field of soybeans
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Farm income to fall 17% from last year’s record highs

    With commodity prices declining and expenses rising, the USDA expects the agriculture sector to see significant profit declines in 2023. 

    By Dec. 1, 2023
  • dairy cow cattle
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    Getty via Getty Images
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    Danone partners on $200M+ accelerator to reduce methane

    The yogurt producer is the first corporate sponsor of the Global Methane Hub’s program, which will fund research for solutions that address livestock's effect on emissions.

    By Chris Casey • Dec. 1, 2023
  • hormel jennieo turkey
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    Courtesy of Hormel
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    Turkey drags down Hormel earnings amid inflation, bird flu headwinds

    In the company’s earnings call, CEO Jim Snee signaled caution ahead of the new year, projecting a decline in sales as consumers cut back on spending.

    By Chris Casey • Nov. 30, 2023
  • Hogs
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    USDA extends trial for increased line speeds at pork plants

    The agency’s “time-limited trial” will continue to give experts enough time to design a study to evaluate the impact of faster operations on worker safety.

    By Nov. 30, 2023
  • Robotic arms pack cases of Tyson products.
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    Courtesy of Tyson Foods
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    Tyson debuts $300M highly automated chicken plant

    The Virginia facility is one of the food giant's most technologically advanced, and is expected to churn out 4 million pounds of protein a week.

    By Nov. 30, 2023
  • Horizon Organic, Danone
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    Retrieved from Danone.
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    Danone’s Horizon Organic suspends use of milk from Texas farm at center of PETA report

    The animal rights group released images showing animal suffering and deaths at the operation near Dallas. It urged the USDA to open an investigation.

    By Christopher Doering • Nov. 22, 2023
  • An aerial view of a pineapple plantation nested inside forested area
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    Permission granted by Fresh Del Monte
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    How Fresh Del Monte uses its farms to test regenerative agriculture efforts

    The produce giant is stepping up to address gaps in sustainability for tropical fruits by experimenting with conservation efforts on company-owned farms.

    By Nov. 22, 2023
  • Pork processing
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    Maksymenko Nataliia via Getty Images
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    USDA to update industry on pork line speed trial ahead of looming deadline

    The food inspection agency is facing pressure to create a more permanent solution or file an extension.

    By Nov. 21, 2023
  • A sign on a drinks case door that reads "We accept SNAP/EBT."
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    Catherine Douglas Moran/Agriculture Dive
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    Farm bill extension continues prohibition on EBT processing fees for SNAP purchases

    The National Grocers Association praised the continued pause on the fees even as it advocates for a permanent end to them.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 20, 2023
  • perdue snacks chix mix
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    Courtesy of Perdue Farms
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    Perdue drives awareness of antibiotic-free claim with first snack product

    Chix Mix is its latest salvo in the messaging war against competitor Tyson, which announced it would remove the label from its poultry products this year.

    By Chris Casey • Nov. 20, 2023
  • A CR11 combine manufactured by CNH Industries works the field.
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    Courtesy of CNH Industries
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    CNH Industrial begins job cuts as weak market factors loom

    The agricultural machinery company is trimming workforce costs after a “disappointing quarter” affected by low demand for tractors and combines, the CEO said.

    By Nov. 17, 2023
  • A fertilizer manufacturing facility is seen
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    Courtesy of Nutrien
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    Nutrien partners with agtech startup on a more sustainable fertilizer

    CoteX and the manufacturing giant will explore market opportunities for a controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer that minimizes environmental impact, yet is suitable for large acreage crops.

    By Nov. 17, 2023
  • Purple and white half-pint cartons of milk in a cooler with ice.
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    "Milk Cartons" by Eric Chan is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Schumer calls for USDA investigation into nationwide milk carton shortage

    The New York senator is calling for help “to find packaging alternatives” and resolve the issue. Dairies point to Pactiv Evergreen as the source of the supply chain snarl, although no origin point has been positively confirmed.

    By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 16, 2023
  • A JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado.
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    Matthew Stockman/Getty via Getty Images
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    JBS delays plan for US listing after request for investor vote

    The world’s largest meat company agreed to redo paperwork to comply with a shareholder request as it faces market challenges in North America.

    By Nov. 15, 2023
  • A table set for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
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    GMVozd via Getty Images
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    Shoppers aren’t changing their Thanksgiving plans, but are seeking more savings

    The cost of a holiday feast has come down from last year’s historic high, though prices for festive foods remains above pre-pandemic levels.

    By Sam Silverstein • Nov. 15, 2023
  • A close up of a field
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    Permission granted by Locus AG
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    Deep Dive

    The food industry is all in on regenerative agriculture. Can farmers be convinced?

    Companies are racing to capitalize on a burgeoning industry focused on reducing emissions in agriculture. But first, they'll have to prove it's profitable to go green.

    By Miranda Lipton • Nov. 15, 2023
  • Tyson Foods is laying off workers at its processing plant in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Tyson leaving ‘no stone unturned’ in plans to cut costs, improve business

    The nation’s largest meat packer reported its third consecutive loss as it trudges through a period of margin compression driven by tighter supplies, lower pricing and soft demand.

    By Nov. 14, 2023
  • Fresh food in pallets in cold storage.
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    Baloncici via Getty Images
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    Tight cold storage supply gives food suppliers frostbite

    Construction is booming, but it may not be enough to meet rapidly rising demand for warehouse space.

    By Erin X. Wong • Nov. 14, 2023
  • Nitrogen products are processed at Nutrien's operations in Lima, Ohio.
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    Courtesy of Nutrien
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    Fertilizer companies optimistic for demand rebound as profit slumps continue

    CF Industries, Mosaic and Nutrien improved sales volumes during the third quarter, a bright spot for executives as low prices continue to muck up their earnings.

    By Nov. 13, 2023
  • Header image for "Tyson CFO Arrested, Reviving Critics’ Concerns Over Inexperience, Conflict of Interest"
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    CFO Editorial Staff
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    Tyson to shutter 2 more processing plants as earnings woes mount

    Closures in Columbia, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida, add to the growing number of cost cuts this year in response to unfavorable market conditions.

    By Nov. 10, 2023
  • antitrust law
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    Triloks via Getty Images
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    USDA takes action to ‘level playing field’ for poultry farmers

    The agency is strengthening contract disclosure requirements for growers, among other steps, to mitigate abusive practices across the agriculture industry.

    By Nov. 9, 2023