Ag in the News

02/21/2008

National and International

Hallmark recall a topic of conversation, worry in school cafeterias
One of the potentially damaging effects the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. recall could have on the U.S. meat industry is its association with schools. Across the country, schools have been pulling beef off their cafeteria menus and children are questioning the safety of processed beef. MORE!

Food and agriculture groups pen letter against USDA user fees
Twenty-eight food and agriculture groups including the American Meat Institute, the National Pork Producers Council, the National Turkey Federation, the National Chicken Council and others signed a letter to all members of Congress in opposition to "user fees" proposed by USDA to pay for meat, poultry and egg products inspection. MORE!

Ark. researcher looks to probiotics to battle salmonella
A University of Arkansas researcher is looking to probiotics, instead of antibiotics, to battle salmonella in poultry, the university has announced. MORE!

Minnesota prepares for status downgrade after more bovine TB found
A beef cattle herd in Beltrami County, Minn., has become the fourth herd to test positive for bovine tuberculosis since October 2007, which will likely result in a downgrade in the state's bovine TB status, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced. MORE!

Subway expands its line of custom pizzas
Milford, Conn.-based Subway announced that it has expanded its line of pizza items to the Pittsburgh area, launching another milestone in the national rollout of the product. MORE!

Wrap Up

USDA Outlook Forum today. USDA's Annual Outlook Forum kicks off today near Washington, DC, with attention focused on what USDA's top economist has to say about prospects for U.S. agriculture in 2008. Joe Glauber is in the role that had been held for years by Keith Collins and his presentations at the Outlook Forum always had potential to be market sensitive. USDA Sec. Ed Schafer delivers the keynote speech and Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner's speech tonight at the dinner will update things on the farm bill.

New export forecast. USDA will release an updated projections on U.S. ag exports for fiscal year 2008 today. In November, USDA forecast a record $91 billion in U.S. ag exports against $75.5 billion in imports for a trade surplus of $15.5 billion.

China sees falling pork prices. Chinese government figures show pork prices increased over 58 percent in January. The wholesale pork price reached its peak on February 7th, but reports out of China say government officials are signaling slaughter-ready hog numbers will increase in the next couple months, so lower prices are expected to be on their way.

Beef recall impact. The recall of 143 million lbs. of beef has heightened focus on the U.S. meat inspection system, with several lawmakers keeping up their push for a single food safety agency in the wake of the recall. Hearings are on tap in both the House and Senate as lawmakers seek to address the situation..