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 Nathan Owens • Dec. 8, 2023

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 Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 5, 2023

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

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

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 Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 1, 2023

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

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

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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 30, 2023

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 Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 30, 2023

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

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 Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 22, 2023

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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 21, 2023

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 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

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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 17, 2023

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 Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 17, 2023

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

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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 15, 2023

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

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 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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 14, 2023

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

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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 13, 2023

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 Nathan Owens • Nov. 10, 2023

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 Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 9, 2023