The Environmental Protection Service (EPA) is withdrawing plans to reduce wastewater discharge at meat and poultry plants, citing concerns that many operations couldn’t afford to make the upgrades.
Mike Formica with the National Pork Producers Council joined us on Thursday on Market Day Report to share his reaction to the news.
The effort to reduce wastewater discharges came from the Biden Administration. However, a previous study by the EPA shows that as many as 16 meat manufacturing plants would be forced to close if the rules went into effect.
Related Stories
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
