Poultry
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding discusses the recent surge in bird flu cases, the state’s expanded biosecurity response and efforts to support poultry producers.
Heightened Chinese inspections increase trade volatility for U.S. livestock exporters.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
The USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum highlights modest price support from tighter supplies across cotton, grains, dairy, livestock, and sugar into 2026.
Investigations are now ongoing following a massive explosion and fire at the Koch Foods poultry plant in Fairfield, Ohio, which claimed one life and injured at least three other workers at the plant.
The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain
Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.