Small cuts to beef production in wealthier nations could remove years of carbon emissions, study shows

Eliminating as little as 13% of total production could remove the same amount of total greenhouse gasses emitted over the past three years.

4 employment actions to expect under a second Trump presidency

Employers are likely to see immigration raids, agency chair replacements and a slowing in regulatory activity, experts at Littler predicted.

ADM reports more accounting errors, cancels earnings call

The grain trading giant said it will issue financial restatements as it struggles to move past an accounting scandal that led to the resignation of its CFO.

EPA urged to ban weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s disease

U.S. lawmakers are calling for the agency to prohibit the toxic herbicide, which has grown in use over the past few years.

Food and beverage M&A activity appears to be picking up, CoBank says

Better-for-you snacking and plant-based meat alternatives could be attractive for dealmaking, the bank cooperative noted.

Pilgrim’s Pride reports $8M in Helene losses

Along with production setbacks, CEO Fabio Sandri said farm communities were “severely impacted,” citing electrical issues and significant housing damages.

Campbell’s and Kind receive USDA support to advance regenerative agriculture for key ingredients

The soup giant secured $3.4 million in funding for tomato growers in California and Kind Snacks announced milestones for sustainable almond farming.

Bird flu detected in pig for first time in US, raising concerns from experts

The recent development is worrisome as swine promote virus mutations that could more easily infect humans, an epidemiologist said.

Agtech seedlings: Indigo Ag taps former Alibaba executive as CFO

Also in this week's farm technology news: Ohalo launches a self-pollinating almond variety and USAID commits $57.4 million to advance agtech research.

McDonald’s E. coli outbreak now tied to 90 illnesses

The CDC said that slivered onions from Taylor Farms used on Quarter Pounders were the likely culprit.

Farm loans above $1M soar as ag economy deteriorates

Weakened crop profit margins are pushing producers to take out bigger loans at a faster pace than in previous years.

How food companies can accelerate the regenerative agriculture transition

Major CPGs and ingredients companies will need to act now if they want to meet their 2030 targets, says HowGood CEO Alexander Gillett.

Lactalis USA spending $55M to expand feta cheese production

The 38,000-square-foot manufacturing line, which will be operational in 2027, comes as the cheese variety grows in popularity with American consumers.

US dietary guidelines could recommend Americans eat less meat and potatoes. Expect a food fight.

Beef groups slammed recommendations for consumers to increase their protein intake via beans, peas and lentils, calling the proposal “unhinged.”

Happy Egg merges with regenerative producer to scale sustainable farming practices

The merger with Egg Innovations further enhances the company’s ability to meet growing consumer demand for climate-friendly and humanely-raised offerings.

Meat sales surge, led by fresh beef

Pork and turkey also saw growth as more consumers dined at home.

EPA approves alternative to banned weedkiller dicamba

The registration of glufosinate-P marks the first herbicide to be reviewed under the agency's strategy to protect endangered species, which has received considerable pushback from growers. 

Pilgrim’s Pride reports slow progress on sustainability

The poultry giant acknowledged it may not be able to achieve its net-zero goals as parent company JBS faces pressure to improve its climate record.

Milton strains citrus ingredient production

The hurricane tore through Florida’s orange groves as citrus flavors and fibers become more popular among consumers. 

Iowa kills 1.3M chickens after sudden closure of processor Pure Prairie Poultry

The state had for weeks struggled to find a market for the birds, with prospective buyer Tyson Foods backing out at the last minute.

Farmers more willing to try new technologies that boost productivity: report

A McKinsey survey found producers are interested in products and practices that improve crop yields, although cost challenges and skepticism remain barriers to adoption.

Big Ag is spending big on lobbying and the 2024 election

Political spending from the food and agriculture sector has increased, with a record $178 million spent on lobbying alone in 2023. Experts saying rising polarization may play a role.

McDonald’s rules out beef as source of E. coli outbreak

The fast food chain will stop buying onions from a facility operated by supplier Taylor Farms after the ingredient was identified as the likely source of contamination. 

Corn farmers could have their worst year since 2007, ag economist says

While unprofitable prices are hurting row croppers, livestock producers are benefiting from lower feed costs.

Agtech seedlings: Agtonomy raises nearly $33M for self-driving tractors

Also in this week’s farm technology news: USDA changes acreage reports to handle indoor farms, and Verdant Robotics unveils an AI weedkiller that ‘aims before it shoots.’