Trump scraps three meat-packer regulations

The Trump administration is scrapping three meat-packer industry regulations intended to help chicken producers.

 

• The March 6, 2024, final rule “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act,” which would have empowered USDA to “prohibit undue prejudice and unjust discrimination and certain retaliatory and deceptive practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act.”

• A proposed rule from Nov. 28, 2023, — “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments” — which would have amended Packers/Stockyards powers to “add disclosures and information that live poultry dealers engaged in the production of broilers must furnish to poultry growers with whom dealers make poultry growing arrangements.” The rescind notice adds, “The rule also established additional disclosure requirements for live poultry dealers engaged in the production of broilers who use poultry ranking systems to determine settlement payments for broiler growers.”

• USDA intends to rescind the Jan. 16, 2025, regulation that would have addressed “certain problematic practices related to poultry grower payment systems and capital improvement programs such as: payment disparities and reductions that are unconnected to commoditized flock performance, and transparency concerns related to additional capital investments in poultry production facilities and equipment.” The rule was previously delayed from a July 1, 2026, implementation to Dec. 31, 2027.

So how much do you think the top three chicken-processing companies donated to Trump and the Republicans? 

To bad, chicken growers!

China, U.S. to drop tariffs

 

China has agreed to drop its 10 per cent tariff on United States soybeans and grains in a deal that has the U.S. dropping its 10 per cent tariff on fentanyl from China.

China made the deal public, but not yet the United States.

There are reports that China’s tariffs will be dropped on soybeans, grains and some other agriculture commodities for shipments arriving after Oct. 1.

Beef, pork levies extended

 

Levies for beef and hog producers will remain as they are for another year.

The National Farm Products Council recently approved the extensions for the national levies which fund promotion and research programs.

Egg levies adjusted

 

Four provinces have adjusted the levies they charge their egg-producer members.

The National Farm Products Council has approved the changes which put the new total levies at:

Ontario 44.55 cents per dozen

Quebec 48.05

New Brunswick 51.55

Alberta 51.05

Hog grading a Canadian success story

Dr. Stuart Smith has found that the national hog grading system is a success for the industry.

The professor from thee University of Saskatchewan said it is helping Canadian processors better understand consumer preferences while delivering the products and eating experience shoppers increasingly expect. to new research highlighted by the University of Saskatchewan.

Staff from the Lacombe Research Centre worked directly with pork processors to assess existing grading systems and determine whether a harmonized national approach could be developed and their work led to industry-wide adoption. The federal government has since said it plans to close the Lacombe Research Centre.

Beyond improving processor efficiency, the research also identified the pork cuts and product characteristics consumers value most, enabling processors to better align production with purchasing preferences.

Dr. Smyth said harmonized grading benefits the entire value chain by allowing processors to better monitor consumer trends, strengthen product consistency, and provide the cuts and quality consumers are seeking. The improved alignment between production and market demand ultimately enhances the competitiveness of Canada’s pork sector both domestically and internationally.

Conestoga Meat Packers of Breslau, Ont., has worked since it was founded by producers to provide feedback on the carcass quality and value of the hogs they produce. It has grown to the second-largest hog-packing plant in Ontario.

Fourteen rabid bats found in Ontario

 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recorded 14 cases of bats infected with rabies in June bringing the total this year to 23.

Nationally there have been 137 cases this year. Ninety-three of them were racoons in Quebec.

Survey finds farmers are worried

 

Farmers are worried about high input costs and their finances, according to the Ag Economy Barometer published by Purdue University and sponsored by the CME Group.

The barometer for current conditions is down to its lowest level in 18 months.

For the first time the survey included questions about artificial intelligence and 52 per cent see no benefit for their farm. Increasing yields and reducing labour costs were cited as the main potential benefits.

About 85 per cent indicated they favour free trade and 43 per cent said they expect exports to increase over the next five years.