Ag in the News

01/28/2008

National and International

Tyson ends Emporia facility beef slaughter, eliminates 1,500 jobs
Tyson Foods announced it will cease beef slaughter operations at its Emporia, Kansas, facility within the next few weeks, citing continued overcapacity in the industry and a view that the U.S. cattle supply will not expand any time soon. MORE!

Undeclared allergen concerns prompt chicken recall
Perdue Farms in Accomac, Va., is recalling approximately 24,710 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast products because they may contain an undeclared allergen. The products contain an Italian seasoning which includes milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label. MORE!

Brazilian rain forest protection could impact cattle industry
For the first time, Brazil's efforts to curb deforestation in the Amazon region will now target farmers as well as loggers. MORE!

Federal rangers seize cattle in Nevada; first time in five years
Rangers of the federal Bureau of Land Management last week seized 107 cattle and jailed a 66-year-old woman in Nevada for trespassing on public land while taking the livestock to graze, according to Associated Press reports. It's the first such U.S. criminal or civil enforcement action in five years in Nevada. MORE!

Michigan farmer finally snags renegade hog
After several attempts at escaping the slaughterhouse, a 900-pound Michigan hog finally met his fate. MORE!

Wrap Up

Final week of 2008. The first month of 2008 comes to a close this week and grain markets opened the week with weaker prices for corn and soybeans, while wheat managed to post gains. Corn futures were mostly 4 to 5 cents lower, while soybeans dropped 9 to 11 cents in overnight trade. Chicago wheat closed mostly 4 to 6 cents higher, but that was well off session highs.

State of the Union message tonight. President Bush delivers his final State of the Union message to a joint session of Congress this evening. Trade is expected to be a key part of his speech. Specifically, Bush will urge Congress to approve a trade deal with Colombia. And, Iraq and the economy will also no doubt be a key part of the speech.

Tyson Foods in the news. Tyson Foods said Friday it would end beef slaughter operations at its Emporia, KS, plant, eliminating some 1,500 jobs. The plant will still be used for cold storage, distribution and ground beef processing. On another front, a judge Friday did not grant a temporary restraining order which would have forced Tyson to immediately drop its "raised without antibiotics" chicken marketing program. The firm is in negotiations with USDA on how to change its marketing campaign.

Farm bill situation. Talk continues to swirl around the potential that permanent farm law could kick in if Congress does not get a new farm bill in place. Jim Wiesemeyer takes a look at this issue and some other key farm bill developments in his Inside Washington Today column found on the Pro Farmer page.