Smithfield ends grower contracts with 26 hog farms in Utah

The action builds on the pork company’s cost-cutting efforts during one of the worst market environments for hog farmers on record.

By Nathan Owens • Dec. 12, 2023

Here’s the UN’s roadmap for agriculture to reach net-zero emissions

A landmark report released at COP28 says wholesale changes to production practices and diets will be needed to keep temperatures in check while ensuring food security needs are met.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 11, 2023

Why Hormel is investing $200M in its supply chain

The three-year strategy to modernize operations includes a plan to overhaul the CPG's Barron, Wisconsin plant to better support brands.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 11, 2023

The biggest food sustainability pledges at COP28, from Bezos to JBS

Food companies commit millions of dollars to tackle methane and advance regenerative agriculture, while governments prioritize farming in climate action plans. Here are the highlights from the U.N. climate summit in Dubai.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Dec. 7, 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

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

Nestlé, Kraft prevail in egg producer price-fixing case

An Illinois federal jury found Cal-Maine and other producers liable for limiting supply between 2004 and 2008 in an effort to drive up costs.

By Chris Casey • Nov. 29, 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

Devising a just transition for sustainable livestock agriculture

As national leaders and industry stakeholders prepare to convene on climate change at COP28, frameworks to ensure neither farmers nor ranchers are left behind should be top of mind.

By Danielle Nierenberg, Dr. Lee Recht, Dr. Harpinder Sandhu and Didier Toubia • 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

Lower turkey costs drive down price of Thanksgiving dinner

The American Farm Bureau Federation said while the average cost declined 4.5% from last year’s record, high supply costs and inflation continue to weigh on food prices.

By Christopher Doering • Nov. 17, 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

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

Koch Foods agrees to end ‘unfair’ exit fees for poultry farmers in DOJ settlement

Penalties often costing tens of thousands of dollars were used to prevent chicken growers from working with competitors, according to the Justice Department. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • 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

Bird flu spreads to major poultry producing states Arkansas and Alabama

More than 1 million birds have been affected by the disease since its reemergence in the U.S. was confirmed in October.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 6, 2023

California poultry processors face preliminary injunction for violating child labor laws

Children were found working long hours on production lines at Exclusive Poultry and two other companies.

By Nathan Owens • Oct. 31, 2023

Sanderson Farms cleared in blockbuster price-fixing case

A unanimous jury decision exonerated the chicken company in one of the largest antitrust cases involving the poultry industry.

By Nathan Owens • Oct. 27, 2023

Unfavorable US pork market weighs on Smithfield owner

Meatpacking giant WH Group is coping with profit declines as it consolidates operations and looks for cost cuts. 

By Nathan Owens • Oct. 26, 2023

USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label

Livestock must have improved access to the outdoors in new rules aimed at creating consistent standards and aligning with consumer expectations.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 26, 2023